Indulge in Vietnam's Delicious Cuisine: What to Try and Where to Taste It

With a vibrant mix of fresh herbs, bold flavours, and time-honoured cooking techniques, Vietnam is a dream destination for food lovers. From sizzling street food to delicate broths and fragrant rice dishes, Vietnamese cuisine is as captivating as the country itself.

Vietnam’s culinary identity is shaped by its geography and history—a harmonious blend of indigenous traditions, Chinese influence, French colonial legacy, and regional diversity. While you may already know iconic dishes like pho and banh mi, there’s a whole world of flavour waiting to be discovered on your Vietnamese adventure. Here’s everything you need to know about the must-try food in Vietnam and where to experience it.

Pho

No trip to Vietnam is complete without a steaming bowl of pho. This beloved noodle soup is made with a clear, aromatic broth, flat rice noodles, and thinly sliced beef or chicken, topped with fresh herbs like basil, coriander, and spring onions. A squeeze of lime and a dash of chilli or hoisin sauce adds a personal touch.
Pho is a breakfast staple across the country, but you’ll find it served all day in cities and towns. However, it is especially beloved in the north where it originated. Hanoi is considered the birthplace of pho, and the broth here is typically clearer and more subtly spiced than in the south.

Banh Mi

A delicious legacy of French colonialism, banh mi is Vietnam’s answer to the sandwich. A crispy baguette is filled with a mix of savoury ingredients—grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chilli sauce. It’s the perfect on-the-go meal.
You’ll find banh mi stalls on nearly every street corner but for a standout version, head to Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An.

Bun Cha

A Hanoi speciality, bun cha is often eaten for lunch and features grilled pork patties and slices served in a bowl of sweet-savoury fish sauce broth, accompanied by a plate of rice noodles and fresh herbs - a dish that’s both smoky and refreshing.
Try it at street stalls in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the only place to truly experience it in its most authentic form.

Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls)

These translucent rice paper rolls are packed with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and herbs, and served with a rich peanut or hoisin dipping sauce. Light, healthy, and full of flavour, goi cuon is a popular starter or snack.
You can find them in restaurants and street stalls alike— these fresh spring rolls are popular throughout Vietnam, especially in the south where herbs and fresh vegetables are abundant year-round. Visit Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and street food stalls in Can Tho and the Mekong Delta for a taste of Goi Cuon. 

Cao Lau

A Hoi An speciality, Cao Lau is a noodle dish unlike any other in Vietnam. It features thick rice noodles, slices of pork, crunchy croutons, and fresh greens, all bathed in a light, savoury broth. The noodles are traditionally made with water from ancient Cham wells, giving them a unique texture.
Cao lau is a unique noodle dish that can only be found in Hoi An, thanks to the special water used in making the noodles. It’s a must-try when visiting this ancient town.

Com Tam (broken rice)

Originally a humble dish made from fractured rice grains, com tam has become a beloved comfort food. It’s typically served with grilled pork, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. Com tam is a southern Vietnamese dish, especially popular in Ho Chi Minh City, where it’s served in countless variations.

Che (Vietnamese sweet soup)

Che is a broad category of Vietnamese desserts, often served in a glass and eaten with a spoon. Ingredients vary widely—mung beans, coconut milk, jelly, fruit, and sticky rice are common. It’s a refreshing way to end a meal or cool down on a hot day. Che is enjoyed across Vietnam, but Hue is known for its royal-style che with elaborate ingredients, while Hanoi offers a wide variety of street-style versions.

Where to Eat in Vietnam:

• Family-run eateries – are found in every city and village, offering home-style meals.
• Street food stalls – especially in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, and Hoi An’s night market.
• Night markets – great for sampling a variety of dishes in one place.
   

Top Tips for Eating Safely:

• Drink bottled water – avoid tap water and ice unless filtered.
• Eat where locals eat – high turnover means fresher food.
• Be cautious with raw greens – especially in rural areas.
• Carry hand sanitiser – especially before street food meals.