Vietnam Food: 20 Dishes to Try

The quintessential Vietnamese beef noodle soup, often eaten for breakfast, with a clear, fragrant broth simmered with spices and served with fresh herbs.

SerraKnightz (CC BY 4.0)

A Hanoi lunch staple, it consists of grilled pork patties and slices served in a sweet-sour dipping broth with vermicelli noodles and a generous plate of fresh herbs.

stuart_spivack (CC BY 2.0)

Fresh, uncooked spring rolls with translucent rice paper wrappers filled with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, and an abundance of fresh herbs, typically served with a peanut dipping sauce.

CC BY 2.0

A spicy, sour, and savory beef noodle soup with thick vermicelli, beef shank, pork hock, and congealed pig blood, characteristic of Central Vietnamese cuisine.

Kham Tran - www.khamtran.com (CC BY 3.0)

Turmeric-infused flat rice noodles with a small amount of rich, savory broth, served with various proteins like shrimp and pork, peanuts, and a large grilled rice cracker.

Gary Stevens (CC BY 2.0)

Strong, dark roasted Vietnamese coffee brewed with a phin filter, served over ice with sweetened condensed milk for a rich, sweet treat.

Souradeep.Dasgupta (CC BY 4.0)

While ubiquitous, Hanoi's version of crispy fried spring rolls, filled with minced pork, seafood, and vegetables, is a beloved appetizer or side dish.

Jame Healy (CC BY-SA 2.0)

A unique Hanoi dining experience involving turmeric-marinated fish, traditionally cooked sizzling at your table with generous amounts of dill, spring onions, and served with vermicelli.

tuhang (CC BY-SA 4.0)

An elaborate and elegant Hanoi rice vermicelli soup, distinguished by its clear, rich broth and a vibrant array of toppings like shredded chicken, fried egg, and Vietnamese ham.

Nguyễn Thanh Quang (CC BY-SA 3.0)

A refreshing bowl of vermicelli noodles topped with flavorful grilled marinated pork, fresh herbs, crushed peanuts, and a sweet-savory nuoc cham dressing.

Calvin Neonardi (CC BY-SA 3.0)

A French baguette filled with fried eggs, fresh herbs, cucumber, chili, and soy sauce, a simple yet perfect breakfast.

Phương Huy (CC BY-SA 4.0)

A versatile Vietnamese dessert beverage with countless variations, often featuring sweetened beans, jellies, fruits, and creamy coconut milk, served either chilled or warm.

Zxcvasdfqwer888 (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Flavorful grilled pork patties, often served with vermicelli, fresh herbs, rice paper, and a rich dipping sauce for DIY rolling.

Experience the abundance of fresh, tropical fruits like sweet mangoes and juicy pineapples, especially prominent in the Mekong Delta.

Pamputt (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Originating from the West Lake area, these are crispy fritters made with freshwater shrimp and sweet potato. They are served with fresh herbs and a sweet-savory fish sauce dip.

Phương Huy (CC BY-SA 4.0)

This crispy baguette sandwich, a hangover from French colonial days, is filled with pâté, various meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs; 'Breakfast Banh Mi' is a must-try in Hanoi.

nsaum75¡שיחת!‎ (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Broken rice is a Southern Vietnamese staple, typically served with grilled pork chop, a fried egg, pork skin, and a steamed egg meatloaf, all drizzled with fish sauce.

Christopher Crouzet (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sturgeon raised in the cold mountain water of the surrounding highlands. It is often served as a hotpot with fresh local greens, offering a firm, delicate texture distinct from lowland fish.

Photo by Xuân Thống Trần on Pexels

Black-skinned chicken, often served in a herbal soup or grilled, prized for its unique lean texture. This bird is a central part of the diet for various ethnic groups residing in the high mountain villages.