Vietnam is renowned for its delicious cuisine, with a plethora of flavors, textures, and ingredients that make every meal a unique experience. From the spicy soups of the north to the sweet delicacies of the south, there’s something to satisfy any craving. But with so many dishes to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down which ones to try. To help you out, here are the 10 best dishes to eat in Vietnam.
10- Pho
Photo Credit: Inspired Taste
Vietnam is home to some of the most delicious dishes in the world. Pho is a signature Vietnamese dish that is loved by locals and visitors alike. It is a fragrant and flavorful noodle soup that is served with herbs and spices. The broth is made with a combination of beef or chicken stock, fish sauce, and spices like star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. The noodles are usually made of rice noodles and are added to the broth along with bean sprouts, basil, lime, and other herbs and vegetables. Pho is a simple yet delicious dish that is sure to please any palate.
9- Bun Cha
Bun Cha is a quintessential Vietnamese dish, consisting of grilled pork patties and slices served with a side of rice noodles and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. The pork patties are made of freshly ground minced pork, mixed with various herbs and spices, while the slices are marinated in a mix of garlic, fish sauce and pepper. The rice noodles are cooked in a savory broth, adding a hint of sweetness to the dish. Bun Cha is a truly delicious and unique meal, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting Vietnam, and is sure to be a memorable culinary experience.
8- Cha Ca La Vong
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Cha Ca La Vong is one of the most iconic dishes in Vietnam. The dish consists of turmeric-marinated fish, served sizzling hot on a bed of dill and spring onions, and topped with roasted peanuts and a zesty lime sauce. It’s a delicious mix of textures and flavors, and a must-try for anyone visiting Vietnam. The dish is traditionally cooked in a cast iron pan, which imbues the fish with a unique smoky flavor, and creates a memorable experience as you enjoy it. For the full Cha Ca La Vong experience, pair it with a glass of Hanoi beer, and savor the flavors of this beloved Vietnamese dish.
7- Banh Mi
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Banh Mi is a delicious Vietnamese sandwich made with a crunchy baguette, filled with a mix of savory ingredients. It typically includes pork, pate, pickled carrots, daikon, cucumbers, cilantro, and a special blend of sauces. The bread is lightly toasted and the sandwich is served cold. The flavors of the pork, pate, and pickled vegetables all combine perfectly with the sauces to create a wonderfully balanced sandwich. Banh Mi is a great snack or light meal and can be found on most street corners throughout Vietnam. It’s a perfect way to refuel after a long day of sightseeing or exploring the country. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a delicious meal, Banh Mi is definitely the way to go!
6- Bun Bo Hue
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Bun Bo Hue is a delicious, spicy noodle dish from the central region of Vietnam. A must-try for any foodie, this dish is made from a rich, flavorful broth made from lemongrass, shrimp paste, and beef bones. Slivers of beef, pork, and pork hock are added for an extra protein kick. The noodles are thick and round and are garnished with bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, chopped scallions, and fresh herbs. The finishing touch is a spoonful of chili paste, adding heat and flavor to the dish. For an authentic Bun Bo Hue experience, don’t forget to add a wedge of lime and a side of Vietnamese herbs. Enjoy!
5- Goi Cuon
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Goi Cuon, a Vietnamese specialty, is a fresh and delicious treat. Made using thin rice paper, pork, herbs, and shrimp, the rolls are served with a sweet, tangy dipping sauce. The rolls are wrapped up tight, so all the flavours come together in perfect harmony. The pork lends a savoury note, the herbs add a hint of spice, and the shrimp provides a subtle sweetness. The dipping sauce ties the dish together, providing a delightful contrast to the delicate texture. Goi Cuon is a must-try for anyone looking to sample the culinary delights of Vietnam.
4- Com Tam
Com Tam is a traditional Vietnamese dish, consisting of grilled pork, a broken rice patty, and a side of pickled vegetables. It’s often served with fish sauce or a spicy sauce. The pork is marinated in a mixture of spices, including garlic, pepper, and five-spice powder. The broken rice is cooked until it is soft, yet still chewy. It is then topped with pickled carrots and daikon. The entire dish is finished off with a drizzle of fish sauce or a spicy sauce. Com Tam is a delicious dish that is sure to please any foodie. It is both savory and sweet, with a hint of spiciness. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures that make it one of the best dishes to eat in Vietnam.
3- Cao lau
Cao lau is a unique noodle dish found in Vietnam. It’s made with thick, chewy noodles and is typically served with pork, herbs, and a savory broth. The noodles are usually made from rice flour and ash from the local Hoi An Trees. The broth is made with a pork stock, fish sauce, and other spices. The pork is marinated in a blend of lemongrass, garlic, and shallots. The herbs and vegetables used vary, but commonly include bean sprouts, lettuce, and mint. The end result is a delicious savory dish that’s sure to please. It’s a must-try when visiting Vietnam!
2- Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo is a Vietnamese classic. Its crispy rice flour crepe is filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and onions. The crepe is then folded and served with a side of fresh herbs, sweet and sour fish sauce, and a chili garlic paste. It is perfect for sharing and a great way to experience the flavors of Vietnam. The crepe is pan-fried until it is golden brown and then filled with a savory filling. The pork and shrimp add a wonderful flavor to the dish, while the onions and bean sprouts give it a crunchy texture. The herbs, fish sauce and chili garlic paste round out the flavors for a truly delicious and unique experience. Banh Xeo is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of Vietnamese cuisine.
1- Bun Thit Nuong
Bun Thit Nuong is a must-try Vietnamese dish. The signature dish consists of a bowl of vermicelli noodles, grilled pork, spring rolls, and a variety of herbs. The noodles are tossed in a thick and sweet sauce, adding a delicious flavour to the dish. The pork is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic and fish sauce, making it succulent and juicy. The spring rolls are a crispy and crunchy addition, providing a great textural contrast. The addition of herbs such as mint, cilantro, and basil add a bright and fresh note to the dish. Bun Thit Nuong is a delicious, flavourful, and memorable dish every foodie should try!
