Vietnam is love at first bite — a land where every region tells its story through flavors, herbs, and smoke rising from a street-side pot.
From Hanoi’s delicate Pho to Saigon’s sizzling Banh Xeo, here’s a delicious guide to the top 10 dishes you must try on your next journey through Vietnam.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning foodie, these classics are your passport to understanding Vietnam’s soul — one bowl, roll, and spoonful at a time.
1️⃣ Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup) – The National Icon
Clear, aromatic broth simmered for hours with beef bones and spices, poured over rice noodles and tender slices of beef or chicken.
Best in: Hanoi (Pho Bat Dan, Pho Thin, Pho Ga Nguyet, Pho Ga Cham)
Try: Pho Bo Tai (beef), Pho Ga (chicken)
Tip: Locals add just lime and chili — not hoisin or sriracha!
Steaming bowl of pho bo with beef slices and herbs on a Hanoi street corner
2️⃣ Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich) – The French Legacy with a Twist
A crispy baguette stuffed with pate, grilled pork, pickled carrots, cucumber, and fresh herbs — pure harmony of East and West.
Best in: Hoi An (Madam Khanh, Banh Mi Phuong)
Try: Banh Mi Thit Nuong (grilled pork), Banh Mi Ga (chicken)
Tip: Order “it nuoc sot” (less sauce) if you want it crispier.
Vietnamese banh mi sandwich with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and cilantro in crispy baguette
3️⃣ Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls) – Vietnam in One Bite
Soft rice paper wraps with shrimp, pork, herbs, and vermicelli noodles — dipped in peanut or fish sauce. Refreshing, healthy, and bursting with texture.
Best in: Hue, Hoi An
Tip: Roll your own at local eateries — it’s part of the fun!
Fresh Vietnamese spring rolls with shrimp, pork, herbs, and peanut dipping sauce
4️⃣ Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Noodles) – Hanoi’s Smoky Secret
Grilled fatty pork served with rice noodles, herbs, and sweet-sour fish sauce. Obama and Anthony Bourdain shared this dish — and for good reason!
Best in: Hanoi (Bun Cha Huong Lien)
Tip: Mix noodles and herbs into the dipping sauce bowl, then dig in.
Grilled pork patties with rice noodles, herbs, and fish sauce dip — classic Hanoi bun cha
5️⃣ Cao Lau (Hoi An Noodle Dish) – The Ancient Town’s Signature
Thick noodles, barbecued pork, and crispy rice crackers — a dish unique to Hoi An, made with local well water and ash from special trees.
Best in: Hoi An only!
Tip: Visit early morning markets to taste authentic home-style versions.
Hoi An cao lau noodles with barbecue pork, crispy crackers, and local herbs
6️⃣ Banh Xeo (Crispy Sizzling Pancake) – The Joy of Crunch
Savory rice flour pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, folded like a crepe and eaten with herbs and rice paper.
Best in: Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Quy Nhon)
Tip: Tear, wrap, dip — that’s the local way!
Crispy Vietnamese banh xeo pancake with shrimp, bean sprouts, and lettuce wraps
7️⃣ Mi Quang (Quang-Style Turmeric Noodles) – Central Comfort Food
Golden turmeric noodles topped with shrimp, pork, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers in a small amount of rich broth.
Best in: Da Nang, Quang Nam
Tip: Often eaten for breakfast; add chili jam and squeeze of lime for balance.
Central Vietnam mi quang noodles with shrimp, peanuts, and turmeric broth
8️⃣ Cơm Tam (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork) – Saigon’s Street Classic
Fragrant broken rice served with grilled pork chop, egg meatloaf, and fish sauce. A humble dish turned beloved comfort meal.
Best in: Ho Chi Minh City (Ba Ghien, Su Su)
Tip: Locals drizzle extra fish sauce after adding the fried egg on top.
Central Vietnam mi quang noodles with shrimp, peanuts, and turmeric broth
9️⃣ Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup) – Hue’s Royal Bowl
A bold, spicy, lemongrass-infused broth with beef shank, pork knuckle, and thick rice noodles. Rich, fiery, and unforgettable.
Best in: Hue
Tip: Authentic versions are slightly spicy, aromatic, and complex — not too salty.
Hue spicy beef noodle soup with lemongrass broth and thick rice noodles
Che (Vietnamese Sweet Dessert Soup) – Sweet Ending to a Flavor Journey
A colorful mix of beans, jelly, fruits, and coconut cream — served hot or cold.
Best in: Hue, Saigon
Tip: Try Che Ba Mau (“Three-color dessert”) or Che Chuoi (banana with coconut milk).
Colorful Vietnamese che dessert with beans, jelly, coconut milk, and crushed ice in glass bowl
Quick Regional Summary
| Region | Signature Dishes | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| North | Pho, Bun Cha | Light, balanced, subtle |
| Central | Mi Quang, Bun Bo Hue, Banh Xeo | Spicy, complex, bold |
| South | Com Tam, Banh Mi, Che | Sweet, colorful, tropical |
Vietnam Street Food
Tonkin Travel Tip
Eat local, eat early, and eat with curiosity!
Vietnam’s food changes every 100 km — so don’t just follow guidebooks. Ask your guide or a street vendor:
Travel through flavor — and let Tonkin Travel plan your culinary journey across Vietnam’s kitchens, markets, and hidden local eateries.
