Vietnam’s culinary landscape is diverse, from bustling street food stalls to refined dining experiences. In the south, Ho Chi Minh City and the lush Mekong Delta offer distinctive seafood dishes often seasoned with a hint of sweetness. Central Vietnam embraces spice, while the northern region showcases a cuisine influenced by Chinese flavors. From the morning comfort of pho or congee to hearty family meals, rice plays a central role in Vietnamese dishes, whether in dumplings, sticky forms, or delicate steamed crepes. The cuisine shines through the fresh herbs, complementary textures, and the delicate balance of sweet, sour, and salty tastes.
Green Papaya Salad
One of Vietnam’s most beloved dishes, green papaya salad is available everywhere. This vibrant dish begins with finely shredded green papaya, which is delicately pulled apart to help the flavors absorb. Seasoned with salt, sugar, fresh garlic, and chopped red chilies, it gains a spicy edge. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a handful of basil leaves are added for fragrance, with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts to add crunch.
Pho
Pho, Vietnam’s celebrated national dish, is a nourishing flat-noodle soup with a savory broth. Typically topped with beef or chicken and a choice of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and spicy chilies, pho has regional variations that showcase local flavors. Central Vietnam’s bun bo Hue, for example, offers a richer, spicier broth infused with lemongrass and chili oil.
Cha Cá Lã Vong
A Hanoi classic, Cha Cá Lã Vong offers a memorable dining experience with its signature turmeric-marinated grilled fish, served with fresh herbs and rice noodles. The dish is cooked tableside, allowing diners to savor the aroma and create their perfect bite with the herbaceous, warm flavors.
Where: Cha Cá Lã Vong, Hanoi.
Morning Glory Salad
Made with the nutritious raumuong plant, this salad highlights a simple yet delicious stir-fried version, enhanced with garlic and sometimes complemented by a light broth. The Morning Glory restaurant in Hoi An provides a heartwarming ambiance and authentic flavors.
Where: Morning Glory, Hoi An.
Egg Coffee
For a unique treat, Hanoi’s egg coffee, known as cà phê trung, is rich and frothy, blending egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk with dark Vietnamese coffee. Created as a milk substitute, this beverage offers a creamy, dessert-like coffee experience.
Where: Giang Cafe, Hanoi.
Cao Lau
This Hoi An specialty features thick noodles in a light broth, garnished with marinated pork, crispy croutons, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. Unique to Hoi An, the noodles are traditionally made with water from the region’s ancient Ba Le well, adding a taste of local heritage.
Where: Morning Glory, Hoi An.
Com Ga
Hoi An’s com ga, or chicken rice, is a comforting dish with tender rice cooked in chicken broth, topped with shredded chicken and spiced with soy and chili sauces. The simplicity of com ga highlights its rich flavors, making it a local favorite.
Where: Ba Buoi, Hoi An.
Bún Chả
Known for its pork meatballs and grilled pork in herb-infused broth, Bún Chả is a beloved dish in Ho Chi Minh City. Accompanied by rice vermicelli, vegetables, and sauces, it’s a flavorful, satisfying meal often enjoyed on cooler evenings.
Where: Bún Chả, Ho Chi Minh City.
Bánh Mì
A popular fusion of Vietnamese and French influences, the Bánh Mì sandwich can be found everywhere—from street vendors to upscale eateries. Fresh baguettes are filled with deli meats or chicken, meat pâté, cucumber, cilantro, and pickled vegetables, finished with chili sauce and mayonnaise. Each bite offers a crunchy, flavorful delight that makes Bánh Mì a favorite grab-and-go meal.
Where: Bánh Mì Phuong, Hoi An.
Chao Tôm
Chao Tôm, a Hue region specialty, features marinated shrimp paste on sugarcane skewers, grilled to perfection and served with rice paper and fresh herbs. The sweetness of the sugarcane complements the shrimp, creating a fun hands-on dining experience.
Where: Morning Glory, Hoi An.
Bánh It
Also known as leaf cakes, Bánh It are sweet rice dumplings wrapped in banana leaves, filled with black beans and coconut. Traditionally made at home, they are often enjoyed as snacks or dessert, offering a delightful combination of flavors.
Clam and Rice Cracker (Han Xúc Bánh Tráng)
H?n xúc bánh tráng pairs chewy baby clams with crispy rice crackers. The fun of this dish lies in breaking the rice cracker into pieces to scoop up the spicy, flavorful clams, complemented by fresh herbs and spices.
Where: Ba Gia, Hoi An.
Street Barbecue
Vietnamese street barbecues offer a social dining experience. Choose from skewers of seafood, chicken, or adventurous options like grilled duck tongue. Grilling at the table creates a casual yet flavorful feast.
Where: Thai Dat, Hanoi.
White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Vac)
A beautiful dish, these delicate rice flour dumplings are filled with shrimp or pork and garnished with crispy shallots. Named for their rose-like appearance, they are steamed and served with a dipping sauce that combines shrimp broth, chilies, lemon, and sugar.
Where: Nha Hang Bong Hong Trang, Hoi An.
Goi Cuon
Light and refreshing, Goi Cuon (summer rolls) are filled with rice vermicelli, vegetables, and herbs wrapped in rice paper. Served with a sweet-and-spicy dipping sauce, these rolls are perfect for a midday snack.
Where: Wrap and Roll, Ho Chi Minh City.
These highlights capture just a fraction of Vietnam’s vibrant culinary landscape, each dish an invitation to discover the rich flavors and traditions of this remarkable country.
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12 Day Vietnam Tour of Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue & Ho Chi Minh City
