Foodie Bucket List: Must-Try Dishes in Vietnam
What to eat in Vietnam? You don’t have to look hard to find must-try dishes in Vietnam as they are dotted everywhere across the country. The world of Vietnamese culinary culture offers you many ways of devouring many types of different flavors.
For a relatively small country, Vietnamese cuisine, akin to its cultural diversity, varies from place to place. As your travel destinations in Vietnam vary, dishes also change in form and flavor just about every time you cross a provincial border. As a tourist, this is a good checklist of must-try dishes in Vietnam that you should review when you visit this country.
Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Vietnam
Travel around Vietnam and you can see these dishes in the fine-dining restaurants, in the food courts of shopping centers, and in street-side eateries. No matter where you choose to eat, don’t forget to devor the following must-try dishes in Vietnam.
1. Pho
It is never boring to tell foodies about the story of Pho – one of the best traditional Vietnamese dishes that reflect the quintessence of national cuisine. The combination of different tastes in a bowl of Pho pampers your taste buds whether it is your breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is nothing short of soup perfection.
Pho consists of flat rice noodles and meat-based, infused with spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom. Ingredients and styles of Pho vary by region across Vietnam. The most popular variant is Pho bo (with beef and springy meatballs). You can also have Pho ga (with chicken), Pho cuon (steamed rice rolls), Pho kho (dried pho) and many other Pho-related dishes that make your mouth water.
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2. Banh mi – Must-try dishes in Vietnam
Vietnam’s most favored street food of all time is no doubt Banh mi or Vietnamese baguette. Banh mi has been repeatedly recognized by international culinary experts and media. It is called “The king of sandwiches in the world” by CNN and ranked second in the list of the best street food in the world by The Guardian.
Banh mi is an excellent example of fusion food. From the French influences with baguettes, pates, mayonnaise to Vietnamese herbs and vegetables, Banh mi wins the heart of foodies all around the world thanks to its authentic flavor and texture. You can find Banh mi almost anywhere on the street, at any time of a day. It highlights Hoi An traditional dishes, it symbolizes Saigon street food scene, and it brings Vietnamese food to the world.
3. Bun cha
Bun cha is a unique dish originated in Hanoi before quickly spreading to many other regions in Vietnam. It is said that no trip to Vietnam’s capital would be complete without a treat of Bun cha and there must be a good reason for that. Bun cha is served both in simple street vendors and high-end restaurants. Eating Bun cha in Hanoi is one of the must-have experiences in Vietnam you can plan ahead.
A refreshing dish of Bun cha is made of rice noodles, charcoal-grilled pork served with fresh herbs, pickled veggies and sweet chili sauce. You just cannot ‘resist’ the juicy grilled pork and the aromatic smell of dipping sauce that usually includes a piece of everything, carrots, onions, green papayas, chillies, garlic, fish sauce, vinegar and lime juice. Order an extra portion of crunchy sea-crab or pork spring rolls to enjoy the best set of Bun cha.
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4. Goi cuon – Must-try dishes in Vietnam
Found in local markets, roadside eateries or busy restaurants, Vietnamese spring rolls are a wonderful appetizer loaded with a million veggies. A typical roll consists of vermicelli noodles, pork slices, shrimp, basil, cucumber, lettuce that are all wrapped in rice paper. You can see the ingredients inside through the thin transparent rice paper that makes Goi cuon look more appealing.
The spirit of Goi cuon lies in its dipping sauce that is usually made of chillies, hoisin and crushed peanuts. For those who are brave enough to try ‘Mam nem’ (a sauce made of fermented fish), the combination is out-of-this-world. Every bite is just as tasty as it sounds. Goi cuon is a fine option for people who are already fed up with deep-fried dishes, and it is better for your health as well.
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5. Mi Quang
A brilliant representative of Central Vietnam’s cuisine is Quang-style noodles. If you plan for a vintage style tour to Hoi An Ancient Town, Mi Quang will add some more colors and flavors to your trip. The special feature of this must-try dish in Vietnam comes from its yellow turmeric noodles. The extremely small amount of broth also sets Mi Quang apart from the others.
The typical toppings of Mi Quang are pork, shrimp or chicken, duck, crushed peanut and toasted sesame rice crackers. You are also served with a bowl of veggies that usually include mint leaves, cabbage and coriander. Even though you don’t eat it, the setting makes it really tempting. Don’t forget a cup of tea for a Vietnamese food experience in style.
6. Bun bo Hue – Must-try dishes in Vietnam
The spicy beef noodles are always the right choice when you look for something to eat in Hue. As the name suggests, Bun bo Hue is a delicacy originated in Hue, the former capital of Vietnam. This spicy Hue dish is more or less influenced by the elaborate royal cooking style, so you can expect the truly amazing gastronomic experience.
Some describe Bun bo Hue is another version of Pho, but there are so many differences between the two dishes. The key of Bun bo Hue is the balance of spicy, sour, salty and sweet flavors that come from its unique broth with shrimp paste and citronella. The dish features thinly sliced beef and a wide selection of fresh herbs to choose from.
7. Banh xeo
Banh xeo or sizzling pancakes (the sound it makes when the rice batter is poured into the hot pan) are sought after in Southern Vietnam. It is always a special moment when you are served Banh xeo, one of the must-try dishes in Vietnam. The yellow crispy crust keeps the tempting secret fillings inside. Although Banh xeo looks just like omelets, there are no eggs, but pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and green onions. If you travel to Nha Trang, the more popular variant of Banh xeo will consist of squid instead of pork.
One thing to keep in mind before enjoying Banh xeo – Wash your hand carefully! This delicacy is meant to be eaten with your own hands. You will find a plate of fresh vegetables and herbs to go with it. Eating Banh xeo with rice papers is a good option to consider.
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8. Com tam
The imperfect rice grains that were traditionally left over now turns into a signature street food named Com tam (Broken rice). Broken rice tastes like normal rice but the size is smaller. You can always customize your favorite dish with a plethora of ingredients placed on top. The most popular Com tam dish is Com tam suon (broken rice with marinated grilled pork chops).
Com tam is a Saigon street food experience that can serve you in the morning, noon and even late night. And you don’t have to wait long to get your order. It takes no more than a minute to see a mouth-watering broken rice dish right in front of your eyes. Pickled vegetables and colorful dipping sauce will complete a world of exquisite tastes.
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9. Banh cuon
Vietnamese steamed rice rolls or Banh cuon are thin sheets of steamed rice batter. You can also try the extraordinary pinky steamed rice rolls made out of dragon fruit. The fillings are ground pork, minced wood ear mushroom, and minced shallots. This dish is normally served with Vietnamese pork sausage, sliced cucumber, and bean sprouts.
This must-try dish in Vietnam can be found across the country and favored both in hot summer days and freezing winter days. Some famous brand names you must try are Banh cuon Thanh Tri, Banh cuon Ha Noi, and Banh cuon Phu Ly. They are packed with tons of different flavors and textures that enrich your food experiences perfectly.
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10. Che
Vietnamese sweet soup desserts complete an amazing food walking tour in Vietnam. Especially, the sweet treats in Saigon can be found dotted all over the city as people in the South of Vietnam have a sweet tooth. The soup can be served hot or cold and with a variety of different toppings and flavors.
Che is one of the must-try dishes in Vietnam and the perfect antidote to Vietnam’s summertime heat. Order a portion of Che ba mau (Three-color dessert) and have a sweet taste that lasts long in your throat. And even if you are not a fan of sweet desserts, you still find something good to enjoy on the menu of Che. Try Ching bo leung which is not only good to taste but also good for your health. There are also sweet glutinous rice dumplings, sweet corn pudding, lotus seed sweet soup to tempt any foodie.
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Eating is always one of the best parts of traveling. Traveling to Vietnam opens your eyes and your taste buds to a whole new range of authentic foods. That is also a good way to learn about Vietnam’s history, traditions, and societal norms. So, take note of must-try dishes in Vietnam to make the most of your trip.
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Trinh Tran | Maika Tours
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