The Ultimate Vietnam Food Guide

Regional Flavours of Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnam's food varies beautifully across the country. Each region offers its own distinct style and flavour combinations.

Northern Vietnam
Subtle, balanced, and herb-rich. Famous dishes include pho and bun cha, both known for their clear broths and delicate flavours.

Central Vietnam
Bold, spicy, and aromatic. Signature dishes such as mi quang and bun bo hue feature rich spices and vibrant presentation.

Southern Vietnam
Sweet, tropical, and abundant in seafood. Specialties include banh xeo, canh chua, and bo la lot, which highlight coconut, tamarind, and fresh herbs.

Each region adds its own twist, creating a diverse and flavourful culinary journey across Vietnam.

Top 10 Vietnamese Dishes to Try

1. Pho

Vietnam's national dish, pho is a fragrant noodle soup made with beef or chicken, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. The northern version is light and subtle, while the southern version is richer and slightly sweeter.

2. Banh Mi

A crisp French-Vietnamese baguette filled with pork, pate, pickled vegetables, coriander, chilli, and cucumber. Found everywhere from cafes to street stalls, it is the perfect on-the-go meal.

3. Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)

Light and refreshing rice-paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and herbs. Usually served with peanut or hoisin sauce, they are a must-try snack on a warm day.

4. Bun Cha (Hanoi Specialty)

Originating in Hanoi, bun cha combines grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. It captures the signature balance of northern Vietnamese flavours.

5. Banh Xeo (Sizzling Pancake)

A southern favourite made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, then filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. The name banh xeo means "sizzling pancake," describing the sound the batter makes as it hits the pan.

6. Cao Lau (Hoi An Classic)

A specialty from Hoi An featuring chewy noodles, five-spice pork, herbs, and crunchy croutons. The noodles are said to be made using water from Hoi An's ancient wells, giving the dish its distinctive texture.

7. Mi Quang (Central Vietnam Noodles)

A bright and flavourful dish made with turmeric noodles, shrimp, pork, peanuts, and herbs. Served with only a small amount of broth, mi quang is bold and satisfying.

8. Canh Chua (Sour Soup)

A tangy soup from the Mekong Delta made with tamarind, pineapple, tomatoes, and fish. It highlights the region's fresh seafood and tropical produce.

9. Bo La Lot (Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves)

Minced beef seasoned with garlic, lemongrass, and fish sauce, wrapped in betel leaves and grilled. The result is smoky, aromatic, and slightly peppery.

10. Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)

A rich and spicy noodle soup from the former imperial city of Hue, made with beef, pork, lemongrass, and chilli oil. It is known for its depth of flavour and warming spice.

Vietnam Street Food Culture

Street food in Vietnam is an essential part of daily life. Family-run stalls and markets serve authentic dishes perfected over generations. Sitting at a roadside table is one of the most memorable ways to experience Vietnamese cuisine.

Top places to explore include:

• Hanoi's Old Quarter
• Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City
• Hoi An's Night Market

With freshly cooked dishes, it's fast and full of flavour.

Vietnamese Drinks & Desserts

Vietnam's drinks and desserts are the perfect way to cool off or end a meal.

• Ca phe sua da: Iced coffee with condensed milk, rich and refreshing.
• Egg coffee: A Hanoi specialty with a creamy, frothy texture.
• Che: A sweet dessert made with beans, fruit, jelly, and coconut milk.
• Sugarcane juice: Pressed fresh and served chilled by the glass.

Food Etiquette & Travel Tips

To make the most of your food experience in Vietnam, keep these tips in mind:

• Use chopsticks carefully and avoid leaving them upright in rice.
• Meals are often shared, with dishes placed in the centre of the table.
• Choose busy stalls for the freshest and safest street food.
• Breakfast is typically early, with pho or banh mi served before mid-morning.

Best Food Experiences in Vietnam

Enhance your culinary journey with these activities:

• Take a Vietnamese cooking class in Hanoi, Hoi An, or Ho Chi Minh City.
• Visit local food markets like Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi or Ben Thanh Market in Saigon.
• Travel during Tet (Lunar New Year) to experience traditional holiday dishes and festive food culture.

Why Travellers Love Vietnamese Food

From delicate spring rolls to rich noodle soups, Vietnamese food reflects the warmth, creativity, and hospitality of its people. Each dish tells a story of family tradition, regional pride, and a deep connection to the land. Whether you are sipping coffee in Hanoi or enjoying banh xeo by the sea, Vietnamese cuisine offers an unforgettable journey through flavour and culture.