What are the traditional dishes and must-try foods in Vietnam?

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its balance of flavors—spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and umami—while emphasizing fresh ingredients and healthy cooking methods. Influenced by Chinese, French, and Southeast Asian culinary traditions, it offers a diverse range of dishes that reflect its regional variety. Here are some of the highlights of Vietnamese cuisine:

1. Phở

Arguably the most famous Vietnamese dish, Phở is a flavorful noodle soup made with either beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà). It consists of a rich broth flavored with ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and other spices, served with rice noodles and garnished with herbs like cilantro, basil, and bean sprouts. Lime, chili, and hoisin sauce are often added for extra flavor.

2. Bánh Mì

Bánh Mì is a Vietnamese sandwich with French colonial roots. A crispy baguette is filled with various ingredients like pate, pork, chicken, or tofu, along with fresh cilantro, cucumber, pickled carrots, daikon, and chili. The fusion of French bread with Vietnamese flavors makes this street food iconic.

3. Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls)

Also known as Fresh Spring Rolls, Gỏi Cuốn are light, healthy rolls made with rice paper and stuffed with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and herbs. They are typically served with a savory peanut dipping sauce. Unlike fried spring rolls, these are enjoyed fresh and cold, offering a refreshing bite.

4. Bún Chả

A Hanoi specialty, Bún Chả consists of grilled pork patties and slices of marinated pork belly served with a bowl of fish sauce, garlic, chili, and pickled vegetables. The pork is paired with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs, creating a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

5. Cao Lầu

A unique dish from the central region, particularly Hoi An, Cao Lầu consists of thick noodles made from rice soaked in well water, topped with slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy wonton crackers. The dish is believed to have Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences.

6. Bánh Xèo

Bánh Xèo is a savory crepe made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. It’s typically stuffed with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and green onions. The crispy pancake is wrapped in lettuce or rice paper and served with a side of herbs and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime, and garlic.

7. Cơm Tấm

A popular dish in southern Vietnam, Cơm Tấm is broken rice served with grilled pork (sườn), fried egg, pickled vegetables, and a side of fish sauce. It’s a hearty and affordable meal commonly eaten for lunch or dinner.

8. Bún Bò Huế

Hailing from the central city of Hue, Bún Bò Huế is a spicy beef noodle soup with lemongrass, chili, and shrimp paste in the broth. It is typically served with tender slices of beef, pork knuckle, and sometimes congealed pig’s blood, along with fresh herbs and lime.

9. Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)

These crispy spring rolls, also known as Nem Rán in the northern region, are made from rice paper filled with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, vegetables, and vermicelli noodles. They are deep-fried and served with lettuce, herbs, and fish sauce for dipping.

10. Hủ Tiếu

A Southern Vietnamese noodle soup, Hủ Tiếu can be served either dry or with a broth. It includes a variety of toppings such as pork, shrimp, squid, and quail eggs. The broth is typically lighter than phở but just as flavorful.

11. Bánh Cuốn

Bánh Cuốn are steamed rice rolls filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, minced mushrooms, and onions. The delicate rolls are served with a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, lime, and chili, and are often topped with fried shallots and fresh herbs.

12. Mi Quang

A specialty from the Quang Nam province, Mi Quang features turmeric-infused noodles served in a small amount of flavorful broth made from pork or chicken, along with shrimp, peanuts, herbs, and rice crackers. It’s a colorful and rich dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

13. Xôi (Sticky Rice)

Xôi is a popular snack or meal made from glutinous (sticky) rice. It can be served with a variety of toppings, such as Xôi Gà (with chicken), Xôi Xá Xíu (with barbecued pork), or even sweet variations with coconut and mung beans.

14. Thịt Kho Tàu

A rich, caramelized pork dish, Thịt Kho Tàu is often served during the Lunar New Year. Pork belly is slow-cooked in coconut water with eggs and flavored with soy sauce, sugar, and fish sauce. It’s typically eaten with rice and pickled vegetables.

15. Chè

A Vietnamese dessert, Chè is a sweet soup or pudding made with ingredients such as beans, sticky rice, fruits, and coconut milk. There are many variations, and it’s often served cold as a refreshing treat.

Regional Variations:

Northern Vietnam: Known for milder flavors, dishes like Phở and Bún Chả focus on balanced flavors and fresh ingredients.

Central Vietnam: Food here is spicier, with bold and complex flavors, as seen in Bún Bò Huế and Mi Quang.

Southern Vietnam: Dishes in the south, like Cơm Tấm and Hủ Tiếu, are often sweeter and use more coconut-based ingredients.

Influences and Cooking Techniques:

Vietnamese cuisine is heavily influenced by its geography and history. The use of fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and mint, along with fish sauce, lime, and chili, creates a harmony of flavors in nearly every dish. French colonialism introduced bread, pate, and coffee, leading to the beloved Bánh Mì and the popularity of strong Vietnamese coffee.

Must-Visit Places for Vietnamese Cuisine:

In Vietnam, street food is ubiquitous and an essential part of the culinary experience. Cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), and Hoi An are renowned for their vibrant food scenes. Markets like the Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City or the Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi offer an incredible variety of traditional dishes.

Vietnamese cuisine is all about balance and freshness, making it one of the most exciting and healthy cuisines in the world. Whether you enjoy street food or fine dining, Vietnamese food is a must-try for any food lover!