Explore 34 Must-Try Traditional Vietnamese Dishes

When we visited Vietnam, we often found it difficult when ordering food (besides Pho) as we didn’t really know what the traditional Vietnamese dishes were. So, to help you make the dining experience easier, we put together this list of the best Vietnamese food and traditional Vietnamese cuisine to help you eat well. We’ve also included links to our favorite Vietnamese recipes so you can try to make them at home.

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Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine

Did you know that Vietnamese culture is one of the oldest in all Southeast Asia? This impressive feat has given the Vietnamese people plenty of time to master their cooking art. Today, the best Vietnamese food staples can be found in restaurants in many major cities around the world.

In this article, we’ll be exploring famous Vietnamese dishes, from noodle soups to popular Vietnamese street food. You’ll discover not only the ingredients in each dish but also the history and tastes behind every dish. To start off our discussion, let’s begin with Bun Cha, a flavorful dish that remains a favorite in Vietnam.

1. Bun Cha (Vietnamese Meat Balls)

Bun Cha has roots in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. If you’ve ever visited Hanoi, you may know that you can find bun cha on any street you pass. It is a traditional Vietnamese dish that continues to be a popular Vietnamese street food today.

Bun Cha is essentially a noodle dish filled with meatballs, broth, herbs, and spices. The dish is prepared by making flat patties out of ground pork with a mix of fish sauce, sugar, and spices. The pork is then grilled until caramelized and slightly charred. The meatballs are served with a bowl of rice vermicelli noodles, fresh greens, and sometimes herbs, along with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and vinegar.

What I love about Bun Cha is its delightful taste, balancing sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. It is no wonder that it is considered one of the most delicious traditional Vietnamese dishes.

2. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette)

Banh Mi is another popular food in Vietnam. It could easily be mistaken for a baguette by the untrained eye; however, it is significantly shorter than a traditional French baguette. This similarity is not a coincidence, as it is a product of the French introducing baguettes to the Vietnamese during the 1800s.

Along with the baguettes, the French also brought their love of sandwiches to Vietnam. However, the Vietnamese adapted this culinary influence to incorporate their own flavors into their Vietnamese baguette. The dish originated in Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, and is widely enjoyed in Vietnam and beyond. To make Bánh Mì, a baguette is split open and filled with meats, such as grilled pork or chicken pâté, pickled vegetables like carrots and daikon, and fresh herbs. The sandwich is then toasted for a warm crunch before serving.

3. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepes)

Banh Xeo may look like an omelet, but it’s not the kind of omelet you might know. Instead of a fluffy and sweet dish, it is made from rice flour and turmeric combined with water to create a smooth batter.

This traditional Vietnamese food requires a bit of effort to prepare at home. To make Banh Xeo, mix rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric, and salt for your batter. Pour it into a pan to make a thin crepe, adding pork, shrimp, mung beans, bean sprouts, and green onion in the center. Fold the crepe to seal the filling inside and fry until crispy and golden brown on both sides.

When serving Banh Xeo, include lettuce leaves and herbs used for wrapping, along with dipping sauces like nuoc cham or a sweet chili sauce. To eat it, cut off a piece, wrap it, and dip it into the sauce before savoring the delicious bite.

4. Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef & Pork Rice Noodles Soup)

If you are seeking the best food in Vietnam in soup form, look no further than bun bo hue, hailing from the city of Hue. However, this soup may not suit picky eaters since it often includes pig knuckles and congealed blood. It is known for its spicy and flavorful broth made from a mix of beef and pork bones, lemongrass, and spices such as chili pepper, shrimp paste, and garlic.

To make Bun Bo Hue, the broth is simmered for several hours, extracting deep flavors from bones and spices. Thick, round rice noodles are cooked until soft and tender and served with thinly sliced beef, cooked ham slices, and pig’s blood cubes. The dish is often topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili peppers.

Don’t let the ingredients deter you from trying bun bo hue. This soup offers a fantastic mix of umami flavors with a spicy kick, filled with noodles and a variety of vibrant vegetables.

5. Pho (Noodle Soup)

You’ve likely heard of pho, one of Vietnam’s most popular soups alongside bun bo hue. It is also a great alternative if bun bo hue seems a bit overwhelming.

The secret to Pho’s greatness lies in the broth. To achieve its rich, savory flavor, simmer beef bones with aromatic spices like cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and ginger for several hours. This well-crafted broth forms the foundation of the dish.

Once ready, place the noodles in a bowl, pour the broth over them, and add thin slices of raw beef or cooked chicken. Don’t forget the explosion of flavors from basil, cilantro, mint, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili peppers, which complete this dish. Pho can be tailored to individual preferences, allowing for adjustments in spice or sweetness with ingredients like hoisin sauce or sriracha.

6. Banh Cuon (Rice Rolls)

Banh Cuon is made from fermented rice batter turned into delicate rice paper. This typical Vietnamese food is a must-try, wrapping small balls of pork and minced mushrooms into flavor-packed little packets.

Making Banh Cuon requires finesse, as you work with a very thin batter composed of rice flour, water, and salt. Assemble the batter in a flat steamer basket and steam it until set and translucent. Add the filling of seasoned minced pork, mushrooms, and onions, then fold to seal.

Serve Banh Cuon topped with chopped herbs, bean sprouts, and cucumber slices. It’s best when accompanied by a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, vinegar, and chili peppers.

7. Che (Sweet Pudding)

Have you ever tried dessert soup? Vietnamese Che is just that, a mainly sweet dish with hints of savory flavors. Its primary ingredients include coconut milk and tapioca fruit, while savory elements like mung beans and vegetables add complexity. To experience this sweet corn pudding, consider trying this Che Bap Recipe.

8. Mi Vit Tiem (Braised Duck Noodle Soup)

If loved duck, Mi Vit Tiem should be on your list. This noodle soup, featuring roasted duck’s savory flavors, has its roots in Chinese cuisine but definitely has a Vietnamese twist. Instead of rice noodles, egg noodles are used.

To make Mi Vit Tiem, the duck is marinated in spices and braised in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and other flavorings. The broth is made by simmering chicken or duck bones with spices and herbs. Finally, boiled egg noodles are added, along with the braised duck and vegetables.

This dish is known for its rich, savory flavor and often enjoyed as a main course, frequently served with herbs and dipping sauces on the side.

9. Hu Tieu (Pork and Seafood Noodle Soup)

If you want to experience Vietnamese cuisine that warms you up, try Hu Tieu. The dish varies greatly from place to place, but it typically includes pork and some form of seafood. Hu Tieu is built around a pork bone soup base, but recipes for noodles, vegetables, and herbs can vary significantly. So, feel free to get creative!

10. Goi Cuon (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)

For something cool and refreshing, look for Goi Cuon. These rice paper rolls are like a salad wrapped in a convenient package, filled with seafood, leafy greens, and sometimes pork. They are ideal for a hot summer day, perfect after indulging in too much fried food while traveling in Vietnam. Impress your friends by following this easy recipe.

11. Cao Lau

If you enjoy experimenting with textures, Cao Lau is a perfect Vietnamese food for you. It consists of thick, chewy noodles combined with crispy crackers, succulent pork, and flavorful broth. The dish’s noodles are uniquely soaked in ashes and water from a specific well in Hoi An, stir-fried with pork, greens, and sometimes bean sprouts. It offers a savory, salty, and slightly sweet flavor profile that’s truly a gastronomical adventure.

12. Ga Tan (Poached Chicken Soup)

If you’re searching for Vietnamese food reminiscent of your grandmother’s homemade soup, Ga Tan is what you need. This warm and healthy soup, packed with chicken and herbs, is sure to clear out your sinuses.

13. Ga Nuong (Barbeque Chicken)

Seeking sweet yet savory chicken? Ga Nuong is the answer. Vietnam’s own take on barbeque chicken is seasoned with spices, and you’ll be amazed at how it cooks for a long time while remaining juicy and succulent. It’s a delightful change of pace from all the soups.

14. Bot Chien (Fried Rice Cakes)

Bot Chien is enjoyed any time of day – morning or late at night. This fried rice flour dish, mixed with egg, is our favorite fried food in Vietnam, bringing refreshing flavors of accompanying papaya and vegetables that elevate these cakes into something wonderful.

15. Chao (Vietnamese Rice Porridge)

Chao might not seem impressive, being just porridge, but it’s ideal when you’re not very hungry or dealing with stomach troubles. You can easily add more flavor by mixing in meat and herbs. For an easy-to-follow recipe, explore this Chao recipe.

16. Lau (Hot Pot)

Lau is not meant to be eaten alone. The process of making Lau is a communal experience gathered around a bubbling pot. Expect variety, as one pot might contain tofu while another is packed with fish, showcasing the limitless creativity of Lau.

17. Com Chay (Burnt Rice)

Looking for vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine? Com Chay is a crispy rice delight filled with imitation meat or possibly the real deal. It’s important to know what you’re ordering.

18. Bun Rieu (Crab Noodle Soup)

Craving lunch and fervently in love with seafood? Consider Bun Rieu, a crab and noodle soup that delights your taste buds. The type of noodles may greatly vary, but the taste remains incredible.

19. Dau Phu Sot Ca Chua (Fried Tofu in Tomato Sauce)

If you adore tofu, Dau Phu Sot Ca Chua consists of deep-fried tofu chunks drenched in tomato sauce and sprinkled with aromatic herbs. You can easily see why this tofu dish is popular in Vietnam.

20. Bo Bit Tet (Vietnamese Beef Steak)

Craving something fast and greasy? This steak and egg dish is widely available due to its straightforward preparation. It often comes with eggs, meatballs, and fresh potatoes.

21. Goi Xoai Xanh Tom Hap

Goi Xoai Xanh Tom Hap, or Vietnamese Shrimp and Green Mango Salad, typically combines shredded green mango with boiled shrimp and a dressing of fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili peppers. This irresistible dish delivers a balance of tangy mango, savory shrimp, and spicy chili flavors, enhanced by crunchy textures from the green mango and crushed peanuts.

22. Bánh Khot – Mini Vietnamese Crispy Pancakes

Bánh Khot is a small, round rice flour cake filled with seasoned shrimp and deep-fried until crispy. These delightful cakes are typically served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and chili peppers, garnished with fresh herbs.

23. Banh Ghoi (Vietnamese Fried Dumpling)

Bánh Ghoi is made from thin rice flour cakes filled with seasoned ground pork and deep-fried. Originating from northern Vietnam, they’re a popular snack often served with dipping sauce and garnished with mint and cilantro.

24. Ban Hue

Banh Hue is a Vietnamese rice noodle soup from the central region. Simmering beef or pork broth with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and spices gives rise to a dish that’s hearty with soft, chewy noodles and various toppings like sliced pork and bean sprouts.

25. Mi Xao Mem (Traditional Vietnamese Stir-Fried Noodles)

Mi Xao Mem consists of stir-fried egg noodles combined with a variety of ingredients such as meats, seafood, and vegetables. Originating in southern Vietnam, this popular street food can be prepared at home easily.

26. Bun Dau Mom Tom

Bun Dau Mom Tom features Vietnamese rice vermicelli paired with a spicy shrimp paste sauce. Topped with deep-fried tofu and boiled shrimp, it boasts a delightful combination of chewy noodles and savory sauce.

27. White Rose Dumplings

White Rose Dumplings, featuring ground pork, shrimp, and vermicelli wrapped in translucent dough, are served with a soy sauce dipping sauce. They’re a delightful appetizer to try.

28. Chao Tom

Chao Tom is made from ground prawns mixed with spices, shaped around sugarcane sticks, and grilled to perfection. Enjoyed with a savory sauce, it’s a unique and flavorful dish reflective of Vietnam’s versatile cooking style.

29. Mi Quang

Mi Quang, originating in Quang Nam Province, is a rich noodle dish with various toppings including pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and flavorful broth. This dish balances textures with soft noodles, crunchy peanuts, and vibrant herbs.

30. Banh Beo (Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cake)

Banh Beo is a type of Vietnamese steamed rice cake made with rice flour, and topped with shrimp, pork cracklings, and sauce. This dish boasts a soft texture with savory and sweet flavors, making it a staple in central Vietnam.

31. Goi Cá Mai – Vietnamese Raw Fish Roll

Goi Cá Mai is a salad combining thin raw fish slices, fresh herbs, and green papaya, dressed with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili peppers. Its combination of textures and flavors makes it a delicacy in central Vietnam.

32. Com Tam (Traditional Vietnamese Broken Rice)

Com Tam, also known as broken rice, originated in Ho Chi Minh City. It involves cooking glutinous rice, breaking it into pieces and serving it with grilled pork and pickled vegetables, topped with a tangy sauce.

33. Xoi Vietnamese Sticky Rice

Vietnamese sticky rice, or xôi, is a popular side dish, served with grilled meats and vegetables. Its chewy texture pairs well with a variety of flavors, making it versatile in Vietnamese cuisine.

34. Chè Ba Màu

The vibrant three-colored dessert, chè ba màu, consists of red beans, mung beans, and pandan jelly topped with crushed ice and coconut milk. It is refreshing and showcases a delightful range of flavors and textures across layers.

Finding The Best Food in Vietnam

By the end of this article, you know all about the best Vietnamese food available. If you’re eager to try some exceptional new dishes, look no further than Vietnamese cuisine!