Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and minimal use of oil or dairy, making it one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. Staples include fish sauce, soy sauce, rice, noodles, fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables, and a variety of proteins.
To me, it’s the perfect balance of fresh, light dishes that don’t weigh you down but still leave you feeling satisfied.
If you’ve ever had phở (pronounced “fuh”), you know it’s a soup that can work wonders. Similar to chicken noodle soup but, in my opinion, way tastier, it’s bursting with flavor. And while phở is a must-try, there are countless other Vietnamese dishes worth exploring.
Not sure where to start? Here are 10 local foods to try in Vietnam!
Goi Cuon
Many people know about fried spring rolls, but gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls) is the lighter, healthier alternative.
These fresh rolls are made with thin vermicelli noodles, pork, shrimp, lettuce, and mint, all tightly wrapped in delicate, translucent rice paper. Their mild flavor pairs perfectly with a dipping sauce, typically peanut or fish sauce, adding a delicious finishing touch.
Cao Lau
When wandering through Vietnam’s ancient towns, cao lầu is a dish you simply must try. This specialty from Hội An features noodles topped with pork, crispy rice crackers, spices, and a mix of fresh herbs and lettuce.
What makes it stand out is the little bit of broth resting at the bottom of the bowl, along with its unique texture and distinct color, setting it apart from other Vietnamese noodle dishes.
Bún Bò Xào
Bún bò xào is a flavorful noodle salad that’s considered a light meal in Vietnam, not just an appetizer.
This dish is served in layers, featuring rice noodles, fresh vegetables, lemongrass-marinated beef, roasted peanuts, crispy fried shallots, and a generous mix of fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, lemon, and mint. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors!
Com Tam
Cơm tấm, or broken rice, is a traditional Vietnamese dish typically served with a fried egg, grilled pork, prawns, or beef, alongside fresh and pickled vegetables.
It’s especially popular for breakfast or lunch and is incredibly budget-friendly. You can find it at street markets and food stalls for around VND 20,000—less than $1 USD!
Bánh Mì
Bánh mì is a beloved French-Vietnamese sandwich, perfect for a quick and delicious meal on the go.
It’s made with a baguette that looks like traditional French bread but has a slightly sweeter flavor. The baguette itself was introduced to Vietnam in the mid-19th century during French colonial rule in Indochina.
Inside the baguette, you’ll find a mix of pickled vegetables, pâté, butter, soy sauce, cilantro, chilies, and hot peppers. There’s plenty of variety when it comes to bánh mì fillings, but one thing’s for sure—they’re all absolutely delicious!
Pho
Phở is arguably the most famous Vietnamese dish worldwide.
There are two main varieties: chicken (Phở Gà) and beef (Phở Bò). Along with the meat, a typical bowl of phở includes rice noodles (the dish’s namesake), bean sprouts, lime wedges, cilantro, basil, mint, and sliced onion.
For those who like their broth with a little extra kick, adding chili sauce or jalapeños can do the trick. That said, in my experience, the places with truly exceptional broth don’t need any extra seasoning—it’s perfect as is!
Bún Cha
Originating from Hanoi, this noodle dish is one of the capital city’s most beloved specialties!
Small patties of seasoned pork and slices of pork belly are grilled over charcoal, giving them a smoky, savory flavor. The dish comes with an array of sauces, allowing you to customize each bite.
The grilled meat is served alongside fresh herbs, a plate of vermicelli noodles, and chả giò (crispy deep-fried rice paper rolls) for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Bánh Xèo
Bánh Xèo is a delicious savory crepe made from rice flour and turmeric powder, filled with a tasty combination of pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.
To add a refreshing twist and a bit of tanginess, many people wrap the crepe in lettuce leaves and dip it in fish sauce before eating.
Bún Bò Hue
Sometimes called bún bò, this sweet and spicy soup is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly day!
The flavorful beef broth is made with lemongrass, shrimp paste, sugar, and chili oil, creating a rich and aromatic base. It’s then poured over rice noodles and topped with a mix of meats, lime, and fresh herbs. The result? A perfectly balanced dish that’s sweet, salty, and spicy all at once.
Bò Kho
Pronounced “baw-khaw,” bò kho is often referred to as the Vietnamese take on French boeuf bourguignon.
This hearty dish features beef shank and tendon stewed in a flavorful broth infused with lemongrass and five-spice seasoning. Traditionally, it’s enjoyed by dipping crusty bánh mì bread into the rich sauce before savoring the tender meat and vegetables.
You can also enjoy it as a noodle dish, known as mì bò kho, for a comforting and filling meal!
Quick Guide to Ordering for Vegetarians
If you’re in Vietnam and want to let someone know you’re vegetarian, you can say “tôi ăn chay” (I eat vegetarian).
To avoid meat specifically, you can say “không thịt” (no meat), but be aware that doesn’t guarantee a dish will be strictly vegan. Many dishes may still include fish sauce or a meat-based broth, especially at street markets.
Tofu is a staple protein in Vietnamese cuisine and is widely available, so it’s often an option.
You can order Phở Chay for a vegetarian tofu phở, but keep in mind that unless you’re at more tourist-focused locations, the broth may still be meat-based.
A heads-up for Bánh Mì lovers: even if you order it “no meat,” it will likely still include pâté, which is a meat paste.
Bonus: Vietnamese Coffee + Breakfast
Vietnamese coffee is quite different from the typical Western cup of joe.
It’s notably sweeter, often served with sweetened condensed milk, which means there’s no need for fresh milk, sugar, or cream.
A typical Vietnamese breakfast usually features noodles (phở) or sticky rice (xôi). In Saigon, if you’re in the mood for eggs, you can opt for cơm tấm. You might also find bánh bao, a Vietnamese bun similar to dim sum, which makes for a convenient “grab-and-go” breakfast.
Final Thoughts
There are honestly so many delicious Vietnamese dishes to try—it was tough to narrow down this list! What’s your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
