Top 10 dishes to taste in Vietnam

Vietnamese is famous for beautiful landscapes; the country is a “culinary paradise” with a variety of flavors and food lovers from around the world. In fact, Vietnam is an incredibly diverse food environment with so many dishes. We see that in each region, there are lots of fresh ingredients as well as different cooking styles. Street cuisine (street food) and elaborate options (vegetarian and fun, tasty ones) and healthy choices are out there. If you are a food lover and you are going to travel to Vietnam, but you are unsure what to try among the countless delicious dishes, don’t miss this list of the top 10 must-try dishes to experience the true taste of this S-shaped country.
Top 10 dishes to taste in Vietnam

1. Phở
2. Bánh Mì
3. Bún Chả
4. Bún Bò Huế
5. Cơm Tấm
6. Bánh Xèo
7. Cao Lầu
8. Bún Thịt Nướng
9. Chả Cá Lã Vọng
10. Cà Phê Trứng

1. Phở - The Story of the "National Soul"

When mentioning Vietnam, the first dish that comes to anyone’s mind is surely Phở. Originally, Phở was sold as street food, which is a part of Vietnamese food as pho is now well known. It’s the same kind of Phở (in chicken Phở form, like rare beef Phở and well-cooked beef Phở) that plays a crucial role in cooking. A common bowl of pho comes in a clear broth with fresh ginger, cinnamon, and different spices, along with soft white rice noodles and slices of beef or chicken. Pho is often served with fresh herbs, lime, and chili. What would happen if everybody did this in another way, and everything got in tune with the ritual? It’d never become forgotten, and no one would want to forget it, but again and again and again can we see it again in life.

2. Bánh Mì - Generosity in a Small Loaf

Besides Phở, Bánh Mì is the second most recognized Vietnamese dish among foreigners. Originating from the French baguette, it has evolved to suit local tastes and is now a popular street food found everywhere in Vietnam. The best Bánh Mì has a crispy crust and heavy fillings of pâté, roasted pork, Vietnamese cold cuts; cucumber in the front, pickled vegetables in the back, fresh herbs with chili in the front, and sauces to taste are provided. The classic Bánh Mì is widespread, but many local versions exist: “Bánh Mì bột lọc” in Central Vietnam, “Bánh Mì xíu mại” in South Vietnam with tomato sauce, and “Bánh Mì chả cá” along the coast with sweet fish sauce. Other great options like Bánh Mì ốp la (with fried eggs) or Bánh Mì served with condensed milk provide memorable flavor experiences. This is all good; Bánh Mì is filling, inexpensive, and a staple of Vietnamese life.

3. Bún Chả - The Aroma of Charcoal Smoke

Bún Chả is a street food dish that encapsulates the unique cultural identity of Hanoi, and it is something you shouldn’t miss when you visit the capital. The image of hand-fanned charcoal grills with smoke rising thickly and the aroma of grilled meat wafting along the sidewalks has become a well-known and unforgettable scene. This dish is not only a simple plate but is made with extreme care and attention to detail. The pork and patties are marinated perfectly and grilled over charcoal until slightly charred. Served with soft white rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce beautifully balanced with fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and chili, the dish offers a harmonious sweet-and-sour experience. You can find Bún Chả in many places throughout Vietnam and even abroad; however, trying it in Hanoi is an “experience” like no other - not only because of the food itself but also because it captures the “soul” of the Old Quarter.

4. Bún Bò Huế - A Passionate Symphony of Central Vietnam

While Hanoi is known for Bún Chả, Central Vietnam has spicy Bún Bò Huế. The reddish-orange color of the broth and the strong lemongrass and chili make its appearance Bún Bò in a bowl. Beef bones are slowly cooked, and the liquid is gradually seasoned with fermented shrimp paste, lemongrass, chili, and many other spices so that it has a meaty and spicy flavor that is different from most Vietnamese noodle soups. The toppings are big too. A huge serving of Bún Bò Huế may also have tender pieces of beef with tough pork knuckles and crunchy crab patties. In contrast to rice noodles, the noodles are thicker and chewier. No noodle dish is complete without fresh herbs; banana blossom, shredded water spinach, bean sprouts, lime, and fresh chili are also available - and all types you want are made for you according to your tastes.

5. Cơm Tấm - The Pride of Saigon

Cơm Tấm is one of the simplest yet most cherished dishes in Southern Vietnam. You might wonder, "Rice is a daily staple for Vietnamese people, so what makes Cơm Tấm so special?" The answer lies in the rice itself. Cơm Tấm is made from broken rice grains, which are fragments left over from the milling process. A typical plate of Cơm Tấm is generously topped with grilled pork ribs, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, a fried egg, scallion oil, crispy pork fat, and pickled vegetables on the side. However, the true soul of the dish is the fish sauce. This sweet-and-sour dipping sauce, mixed with garlic and chili, brings all the components together, enhancing the flavor without being overpowering. Cơm Tấm may not be elaborate, but it perfectly captures the fast-paced rhythm of life in Saigon.

6. Bánh Xèo - Sizzling Melodies by the Hearth

That colorful yellow rice pancake sizzles when it hits the hot pan. The fillings can vary greatly depending on the region, but they commonly include shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and occasionally squid. You will be eating Bánh Xèo specifically, depending on how it is prepared in your region. In Central Vietnam, Bánh Xèo is smaller, less robust, and has a more delicate quality, eaten with fresh herbs and dipped directly into a sauce. In the South, Bánh Xèo is larger and richer with more flavors, including coconut milk. They are usually wrapped in rice paper with plenty of greens and dipped in an irresistible sweet-and-sour fish sauce. No matter how you eat it, the essence of Bánh Xèo remains the same. A crispy outer layer combined with the hot and savory filling, fragrant herbs, and the rich dipping sauce makes for truly great cooking. Bánh Xèo, while a simple dish, is immensely appealing with its cooking style and simple ingredients blended into an amazing dish.

7. Cao Lầu - The Historical Footprint of Hội An

When you visit Hội An, the ancient seaside city, this dish is one you can hardly overlook. This specialty is a reflection of the great historical port town and rich culinary history. Cao Lầu is not a Phở or regular noodle soup. It includes thick (yellowish) noodles that are chewy and slightly crispy, really distinctive. The traditional ingredients served with thin slices of char siu pork, crispy skin made from pork, and a little rich broth made from water sourced from the Ba Le well, a renowned ancient well in Hội An. Cao Lầu is a perfect example of cultural fusion, using Vietnamese ingredients but incorporating a little of foreign-influenced food from Hội An, the bustling trading port. If you think you can, make sure to return for a bowl of Cao Lầu to immerse yourself into the flavors of this incredible town.

8. Bún Thịt Nướng- A tasty Vietnamese classic

Bún Thịt Nướng is often a popular dish in South Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City. It's a Vietnamese favorite, featuring soft rice noodles topped with grilled, marinated pork cooked over charcoal for a smoky aroma and usually eaten with fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, herbs, and bean sprouts. The whole affair complements the meat, but not in too heavy a way. The dipping sauce, often sweet and sour, usually mixed with garlic and chili, helps the flavor. The mix of noodles, pork, vegetables, and sauce is sweet and savory, tangy, and fresh. Bún Thịt Nướng is simple but filling, reflecting the balance and harmony of Vietnamese food, and is a must-try for everyone looking for the most delicious dish, from a street vendor to a restaurant.

9. Chả Cá Lã Vọng - The Culinary Essence of "Tràng An" People

The Culinary Essence of "Tràng An" People Chả Cá Lã Vọng is a unique Hanoi specialty that has been enjoyed for over a century. This dish features fresh fish marinated with turmeric, garlic, fish sauce, and dill, then grilled and served sizzling in a hot pan with herbs. Diners prepare the dish at the table, mixing the fish with rice noodles, roasted peanuts, and shrimp paste or fish sauce for an interactive experience. The combination of smoky fish, fresh herbs, and intense dipping sauce creates a rich flavor. While Chả Cá can be found throughout Vietnam, enjoying it in Hanoi’s traditional restaurants offers a superior experience. If you're looking for something different, Chả Cá Lã Vọng is a must-try.

10. Cà Phê Trứng - A Sweet Finale

Coffee is one of the things the Vietnamese proudly make. From the iconic iced black coffee to milk coffee, egg coffee stands out as a drink that tourists should not shy away from when visiting Vietnam, most of all Hanoi. Black coffee and whipped egg yolks offer coffee lovers a new experience of a whole new kind, even if they are seemingly unrelated. The bitter taste of black coffee with the sweet and creamy flavor of the smooth egg cream topping tastes familiar and surprising.

These ten dishes are just the first crumbs on the sprawling, assorted culinary canvas of the S-shaped land. For those who enjoy elegance, or for those who are a bit more adventurous and desire something bolder, Vietnamese food always has something to please you. Go out; sit down at a roadside stall and make your own adventure!