Vietnamese food is a delicious blend of fresh ingredients, intense flavors, and subtlety that is sure to please any palate. The country’s cuisine is reflective of its history and culture, with influences from both China and France. While there are many different dishes to choose from, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 must-try foods when in Vietnam. From the iconic Pho noodle soup to the refreshing Summer Rolls, these dishes are sure to satisfy your hunger and leave you wanting more. So, next time you find yourself in Vietnam, be sure to sample some of these delicious dishes!
1. Pho
photo: RODNAE Productions
No trip to Vietnam would be complete without trying Pho noodle soup, the country’s national dish. This delicious noodle soup is made with rice noodles, beef or chicken, and a fragrant broth. It is often garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges, and can be found all over Vietnam.
2. Banh mi
Banh mi is a popular street food in Vietnam, and for good reason! These sandwiches are made with crusty French bread, fillings such as pork, chicken, or tofu, and topped with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chilies. They are the perfect blend of sweet, sour, and spicy, and make for a filling and satisfying meal.
3. Bun cha
Bun cha is another popular Vietnamese dish, typically served for lunch or dinner. It consists of grilled pork, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce. The pork is cooked over charcoal, giving it a unique and delicious flavor.
4. Nem ran/cha gio
Nem ran, or cha gio in Vietnamese, are fried spring rolls. They are made with a variety of fillings, such as ground pork, shrimp, vegetables, and noodles. The spring rolls are then wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried until crispy. They are usually served with dipping sauce on the side.
5. Goi cuon
photo: FOX
Goi cuon, or Vietnamese spring rolls, are a light and refreshing alternative to the fried spring rolls. They are made with rice paper wrappers, filled with shrimp, pork, vegetables, and herbs, and served with dipping sauce.
6. Banh xeo
Banh xeo is a Vietnamese crepe, made with rice flour, water, and turmeric. The batter is then fried in a hot pan until it is crispy and golden brown. It is typically filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, and served with dipping sauce on the side.
7. Mi Quang
Mi Quang is a type of Vietnamese noodle dish, made with rice noodles, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables. The noodles are typically dyed yellow with turmeric, giving them a unique flavor and color. The dish is often garnished with fresh herbs, peanuts, and chili peppers.
8. Banh canh
photo: JAN N G U Y E N
Banh canh is a Vietnamese soup made with thick rice noodles and chicken broth. It’s served with shrimp, pork, and a variety of vegetables. Banh canh is often eaten on holidays or special occasions because it’s considered an affordable meal that’s easy to make at home.
9. Banh khot
Banh khot is a miniature version of banh xeo, and is just as delicious. These bite-sized crepes are made with the same batter, and usually filled with shrimp and pork. They are served with dipping sauce on the side, and make for a perfect appetizer or snack.
10. Bun Bo Hue
Bun Bo Hue is a hearty noodle soup, originating from the central city of Hue. It is made with rice noodles, beef, pork, and a flavorful broth. The soup is often garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges.
Vietnam is a country with a rich culinary tradition, and there are countless dishes to enjoy. However, if you’re only in Vietnam for a short time, these are 10 dishes that you simply must try. So, whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a traditional feast, be sure to check out these 10 essential dishes when you’re in Vietnam. Bon Appetit!
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Vietnam’s culinary scene is a true delight, and this article beautifully captures the essence of the country’s top 10 dishes, including the iconic Pho, the enticing Bun Cha, and the mouthwatering Banh Mi. The inclusion of Goi Cuon, Com Tam, and Bun Bo Hue further showcases the diverse and flavorful offerings of Vietnamese cuisine.
To someone visiting Vietnam for the first time, the variety of dishes can be overwhelming, but this list of the top 10 dishes you must try is a great starting point. From the iconic Pho noodle soup to the flavorful Bun Cha, Vietnamese cuisine is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Vietnamese cuisine offers such a diverse range of flavors and textures. each dish is a culinary adventure waiting to be savored. Keep exploring and enjoying those delicious flavors!
I can almost taste the deliciousness of these Vietnamese dishes just by reading about them! From the savory pho to the crispy banh xeo, it’s no wonder Vietnam is known for its amazing cuisine. It’s like taking a culinary journey through Vietnam without leaving the comfort of your own home.
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Vietnamese cuisine is a tantalizing experience that will leave your taste buds craving for more, and this article is the perfect guide to indulge in some of the best dishes that Vietnam has to offer; I recommend trying all of them if you have the chance!
The Pho at a Vietnamese restaurant is definitely a must-try dish! The rice dish at a Vietnamese restaurant is also a great option. The seafood dish at a Vietnamese restaurant is also a great option. The Vietnamese dessert at a restaurant is also a great option.
pork and shrimp paste, and a sweet and savory dipping sauce.
The combination of pork and shrimp paste sounds delicious! I’m sure the dipping sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.
This is actually a solid list. You guys have put the top dishes but also kept a good variety in the recommendations so you can really get all the flavors of Vietnam!
Thanks! It’s great to explore new dishes in Vietnam. You should try Bun Bo Hue and Banh Xeo for more authentic flavors. They truly represent Vietnamese cuisine.
Those dishes are fab! Don’t forget to try Ca Kho To and Cha Ca for a yummy Vietnamese food adventure. Cheers! I love exploring new cuisines.
I’m glad you liked the list! It’s awesome to have such a wide range of dishes that capture Vietnam’s flavors. Have you had a chance to try any of these dishes yourself yet?
This is a great list! I love the food in Vietnam, and it’s nice to see some of the lesser-known dishes like banh canh, mi quang and banh khot get some recognition.
You’ve got exceptional taste! It’s always exhilarating to unearth the clandestine treasures in Vietnamese cuisine. 🤩
You’ve got great taste! We’re in for a real treat exploring the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Let’s dig into some fresh herbs and aromatic spices to elevate those dishes! Can’t wait to discover more culinary delights together. Let’s indulge in this flavorful journey!
Sounds like a plan! Let’s spice it up with lemongrass and fish sauce. We’re in for a flavorful adventure ahead. Let’s enjoy exploring Vietnamese cuisine together!
I love all these dishes! The first one is my favorite, but I also love the fresh spring rolls. My friends and I visited a Vietnamese restaurant recently, and we had some of these dishes. It was so much fun!
That banh canh doesn’t look like the ones I usually get here in America. Must be a special kind of banh canh.
That extraordinary banh canh is a remarkable kind you don’t usually find in America. Have you experienced any other exceptional Vietnamese dishes?
Pho in Vietnam is the BEST. I have tried to find Pho around here and other places and nothing compares to it. I can make it myself but it just doesn’t taste as good as what you can get made in Vietnam.
@boo_chan SAME! I have had some pretty good pho but every time I go back to Vietnam, I realize is just is not the same. Authentic pho requires such a huge understanding of the dish.
Oh boy, I feel you on that one! Pho in Vietnam is simply out of this world. There’s something enchanting about the combination of the flavorful broth, succulent meat, and aromatic herbs that’s tough to replicate elsewhere. Have you tried any other Vietnamese dishes that come close to the awesomeness of Pho?
Goi cuon is amazing. I love spring rolls so the first time I tried these, I fell in love. Pho is a given. I don’t know anyone who goes to Vietnam and doesn’t have any pho!