Looking for the best Vietnam Food Guide? Here are 20 must-try Vietnamese foods and dishes you should try during your trip to Vietnam.
If you are planning your first trip to Vietnam, you may be surprised by how much variety you can find in local food. From simple noodle soups and rice dishes to fresh spring rolls, grilled meat, seafood, and Vietnamese coffee, there is something for almost every type of traveler.
The good thing is that you do not always need to visit an expensive restaurant to enjoy good Vietnamese food. Some of the best meals can be found at small local restaurants, street-food stalls, and busy markets.
But if you are visiting Vietnam for the first time, you may not know what to order.
That is why I have put together this simple Vietnam Food Guide with 20 Vietnamese foods and dishes worth trying during your trip.
Why Vietnamese Food Is So Popular
Vietnamese food is known for its fresh ingredients, herbs, noodles, rice, vegetables, meat, seafood, and balanced flavors.
Many dishes combine salty, sweet, sour, spicy, and fresh flavors without making one taste too strong.
Fresh herbs are also an important part of many meals. Depending on the dish, you may find ingredients such as mint, coriander, basil, lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts, and other fresh vegetables on the side.
Another thing I like about Vietnamese food is that the same dish can taste different depending on the city or region.
A meal you try in Hanoi may be prepared differently from a similar dish in Ho Chi Minh City.
So, if you travel through different parts of Vietnam, try local food instead of eating the same thing every day.
1. Pho
If there is one Vietnamese food most international travelers already know, it is probably Pho.
Pho is a noodle soup usually made with rice noodles, broth, herbs, and meat. Beef and chicken are two common options.
The broth is one of the most important parts of the dish. It can take hours to prepare, depending on the recipe.
When you order pho, you may receive fresh herbs, lime, chili, and other ingredients that you can add according to your taste.
Pho is often eaten for breakfast in Vietnam, but you can find it throughout the day.
If this is your first trip to Vietnam, I would definitely put pho near the top of your food list.
2. Banh Mi
Banh Mi is another Vietnamese food that travelers should try.
It is a Vietnamese-style sandwich made with a crispy baguette and different fillings.
Depending on where you eat, it may contain grilled meat, pork, chicken, pâté, vegetables, herbs, cucumber, chili, and sauces.
One of the best things about banh mi is that it is convenient.
You can grab one for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack while exploring a city.
It is also a good option for budget travelers because you can enjoy a filling meal without spending a lot.
3. Bun Cha
If you are visiting Hanoi, don’t leave without trying Bun Cha.
Bun cha usually includes grilled pork, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a flavorful dipping sauce.
The grilled pork gives the dish a smoky taste, while the herbs and noodles keep it fresh and light.
You usually mix the ingredients together or dip the noodles and meat into the sauce.
Bun cha is especially popular in Hanoi, so it is a great dish to try when exploring the city.
4. Goi Cuon
Goi Cuon is commonly known as Vietnamese fresh spring rolls.
Unlike fried spring rolls, these are made with fresh rice paper and ingredients such as shrimp, noodles, herbs, lettuce, and vegetables.
They are usually served with a dipping sauce.
If you want something lighter than a fried or grilled meal, goi cuon can be a good choice.
They are also easy to share with friends or family.
5. Cha Gio
If you prefer something crispy, try Cha Gio, Vietnamese fried spring rolls.
They are generally filled with a mixture of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and noodles before being wrapped and fried.
The outside becomes crispy while the inside stays flavorful.
They are often served with dipping sauce and fresh vegetables.
Cha gio can work well as an appetizer, side dish, or part of a larger Vietnamese meal.
6. Cao Lau
Cao Lau is one of the dishes I would recommend trying in Hoi An.
It is made with thick noodles, meat, herbs, vegetables, and crispy pieces.
The dish has a different texture from pho because the noodles are thicker and chewier.
Cao Lau is closely associated with Hoi An, so trying it there can be part of the overall travel experience.
If you are already planning to visit Hoi An, add this dish to your list.
7. Mi Quang
Mi Quang is another popular noodle dish from central Vietnam.
It usually contains noodles, meat or seafood, herbs, vegetables, and a small amount of flavorful broth.
Unlike a traditional soup where the noodles are completely covered with broth, Mi Quang is usually served with much less liquid.
The combination of noodles, fresh herbs, crunchy ingredients, and toppings gives the dish a different experience.
If you are traveling through central Vietnam, this is definitely worth trying.
8. Com Tam
Com Tam is often translated as broken rice.
It is a popular rice-based meal that can be served with grilled pork, vegetables, eggs, and other side dishes.
You can find different versions depending on the restaurant.
Com tam is especially common in southern Vietnam and is a good option when you want a more substantial meal.
If you have been eating noodles for several days and want something different, try a rice dish like com tam.
9. Bun Bo Hue
Bun Bo Hue comes from the city of Hue and is known for its rich and flavorful broth.
It is a noodle soup usually served with beef, pork, herbs, and other ingredients.
Compared with pho, the flavor can be stronger and sometimes spicier.
If you enjoy spicy food, you may like bun bo Hue.
Even if you do not normally eat spicy dishes, you can ask about the spice level before ordering.
10. Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo is a crispy Vietnamese pancake.
It is usually made from a batter that creates a thin and crispy outside. It can be filled with ingredients such as shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and vegetables.
You normally eat it with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
The crispy texture makes banh xeo very different from many noodle and rice dishes.
It is also a fun dish to share because you can break pieces off and wrap them with herbs and vegetables.
11. Com Ga
Com Ga means chicken rice and is a simple but satisfying Vietnamese meal.
It usually includes rice, chicken, herbs, vegetables, and sauces.
Different regions have their own versions, so the taste and presentation can vary.
If you want something familiar while still trying local Vietnamese flavors, com ga is a safe option.
It can be especially useful for travelers who do not want to eat soup or noodles at every meal.
12. Banh Cuon
Banh Cuon consists of thin steamed rice rolls filled with ingredients such as minced meat and mushrooms.
They are usually served with herbs, fried onions, and a dipping sauce.
The texture is soft and delicate.
It is not as famous internationally as pho or banh mi, but it is worth trying if you want to explore more traditional Vietnamese dishes.
13. Bun Thit Nuong
Bun Thit Nuong is a noodle bowl usually made with rice noodles, grilled meat, fresh herbs, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce.
The grilled meat adds a smoky flavor, while the herbs and vegetables make the dish feel fresh.
It is a great option for lunch or dinner when you want something filling but not too heavy.
You can find different versions depending on the city and restaurant.
14. Vietnamese Seafood
Vietnam has a long coastline, so seafood is an important part of the local food culture.
In coastal destinations, you can find grilled fish, shrimp, squid, crab, clams, and other seafood.
If you are visiting places such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, or other coastal areas, try a local seafood restaurant.
Fresh seafood can be especially enjoyable after spending a day at the beach.
However, always choose a busy and clean restaurant, especially if you are unsure about food hygiene.
15. Vietnamese Hot Pot
Hot pot is a popular social meal in Vietnam.
Instead of receiving one finished dish, a pot of hot broth is placed in the middle of the table.
You can then add meat, seafood, vegetables, noodles, mushrooms, and other ingredients.
It is a great choice when traveling with friends or family because everyone can share the meal.
There are many different styles of hot pot, so ask the restaurant what type they recommend.
16. Vietnamese Coffee
You cannot really complete a Vietnam Food Guide without talking about Vietnamese coffee.
Vietnam is famous for its strong coffee and traditional preparation style.
One of the most popular versions is coffee served with condensed milk.
The result is strong, sweet, and creamy.
You can also try iced Vietnamese coffee, which is especially refreshing in hot weather.
If you enjoy coffee, visiting a small local café should be part of your Vietnam itinerary.
You may discover that the café experience is just as enjoyable as the drink itself.
17. Egg Coffee
Egg coffee is particularly associated with Hanoi.
It combines coffee with a creamy egg-based topping that gives the drink a rich texture.
The idea may sound unusual if you have never tried it before.
But many travelers enjoy it once they give it a chance.
If you are spending time in Hanoi, look for a reputable café and try a cup.
It can be a memorable part of your food experience in the city.
18. Che
Che is a broad category of Vietnamese sweet desserts.
Different versions can include beans, fruits, coconut milk, jelly, sticky rice, and other ingredients.
Some are served warm, while others are served cold with ice.
Because there are so many variations, you may want to try more than one.
Che can be a nice dessert after a spicy or savory Vietnamese meal.
19. Vietnamese Fresh Fruit
Vietnam has many tropical fruits that travelers may already know as well as some they may not have tried before.
Mango, dragon fruit, watermelon, pineapple, coconut, and other fruits are widely available.
Fresh fruit can be found in markets, restaurants, supermarkets, and street stalls.
If you are visiting Vietnam during hot weather, fresh fruit can be an easy and refreshing snack.
Just make sure the fruit is properly cleaned or peeled before eating.
20. Street Food You Find Locally
One of the best parts of traveling around Vietnam is discovering food that you did not plan to try.
You may walk through a busy street and see a small food stall surrounded by local customers.
Instead of always looking for a famous tourist restaurant, sometimes it can be interesting to see what local people are eating.
Of course, use common sense.
Choose places that look clean and busy, and avoid food that has been sitting uncovered for a long time.
Where Should You Try Vietnamese Food?
You can find Vietnamese food almost everywhere in the country.
Hanoi is an excellent place to explore northern Vietnamese dishes.
Hoi An and Hue are great choices for central Vietnamese food.
Ho Chi Minh City offers a huge variety of southern dishes and street food.
Coastal destinations are also worth exploring if you enjoy seafood.
One simple strategy is to ask your hotel staff or a local guide:
“Where do local people usually eat?”
This can sometimes lead you to smaller restaurants that are less touristy.
Is Vietnamese Food Expensive?
One of the best things about Vietnamese food is that you can find options for different budgets.
Street food and small local restaurants can be very affordable.
Mid-range restaurants will naturally cost more, especially in tourist areas.
Luxury restaurants and international dining can be considerably more expensive.
If you are traveling on a budget, don’t feel that you need to eat at expensive restaurants every day.
Some simple local dishes can be delicious, filling, and affordable.
Tips for Eating Vietnamese Food for the First Time
If you are visiting Vietnam for the first time, don’t worry if you don’t recognize every item on a menu.
You can start with familiar dishes such as pho, banh mi, or chicken rice.
Then slowly try something new.
If you don’t eat spicy food, ask before ordering.
If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, explain them clearly to the restaurant staff.
Vegetarian travelers can also find many meat-free options, but it is important to confirm the ingredients before ordering.
And don’t be afraid to use Google Translate or another translation app if you need help communicating.
How to Stay Safe When Eating Street Food
Street food is a big part of Vietnamese culture, but you should still pay attention to basic food safety.
Look for stalls that are busy with local customers.
Freshly cooked food is generally a better choice than food that has been sitting out for a long time.
Pay attention to cleanliness, especially around cooking areas and utensils.
Drink bottled or otherwise safe drinking water if you are unsure about the local water supply.
These simple habits can help you enjoy Vietnamese food without unnecessary problems.
Final Thoughts
Vietnamese food is one of the things that can make a trip to Vietnam more memorable.
You don’t need to try every dish on your first day.
Start with popular choices such as pho and banh mi, then explore regional dishes as you travel.
Try bun cha when you are in Hanoi, cao lau in Hoi An, bun bo Hue in Hue, and seafood when visiting coastal destinations.
Don’t forget Vietnamese coffee and local desserts either.
The best part is that food can become part of your travel experience. Instead of simply eating to fill your stomach, you can use local dishes to learn more about each city and region.
So, before your trip, save this Vietnam Food Guide and make your own food list.
You may not love every dish you try, and that’s completely normal.
Traveling is about trying something new, discovering what you like, and enjoying the experience.
And who knows? One of these Vietnamese dishes might become the food you remember most after returning home.
