Foods in Vietnam That You Must Try

From humble street food to intricate imperial buffets, Vietnam offers some of the best culinary experiences. Vietnamese food is packed with fresh vegetables, diverse spices, and wonderful flavors. Many factors, such as immigration, trade, and climate, have influenced Vietnamese cuisine. One of the best examples of a Vietnamese dish that exudes the perfect mix of native cuisine with historical and cultural influences is the bánh mì or bánh mỳ. Another popular dish, Pho, is considered a staple in Vietnam and other countries having a Vietnamese immigrant population. Vietnamese cuisine is considered the best in Southeast Asia, as it incorporates the perfect blend of sweet, sour, and salty. So whether you fancy a lip-smacking dessert or a lunchtime snack, you’ll never be short of options in Vietnam. Let’s take a look at the five best Vietnamese dishes that are an absolute feast for your taste buds.

H2: Must-Try Dishes of Vietnam

Phở – Pho

Pho is one of the best Vietnamese dishes that is primarily eaten during breakfast. It originated in the country’s northern side, but slowly and gradually became Vietnam’s staple dish. This noodle soup consists of fresh rice noodles, salty broth, chicken or beef, and herbs. The southern iteration of this dish is phở Nam, which has a murkier broth and comprises fresh herbs like basil, bean sprouts, and mint. You can enjoy this dish at any local restaurant in Vietnam at a budget-friendly price.

Cơm Tấm

Cơm Tấm is another popular Vietnamese food made with fractured rice grains. It is also known as broken rice, and in earlier times, Vietnamese farmers ate the fractured rice they could not sell in the market. One of the most popular ways to prepare it is by pairing caramelized grilled pork chop with a fried egg and laying it on a heap of broken rice. The dish is also slathered with nước chấm to enhance its flavors.

Mi Quang (noodle soup)

Get ready for a burst of flavors in your mouth as you try Mi Quang (noodle soup). It is the specialty of Hanoi and has been named after Quảng Nam province. The deliciousness of this famous food in Vietnam depends on how the broth has been prepared. It is usually served at dinner and is eaten with sliced banana flowers, toasted sesame rice crackers, and bánh tráng me.

Bánh Khọt 

Bánh Khọt is a savory mini pancake. This popular food in Vietnam is made with a crispy golden batter of rice, cornstarch, coconut milk, turmeric, and green onions. Bánh Khọt is rolled up in herbs and dipped in fish sauce before eating. The topping varies from minced pork to fresh shrimp and fish balls to scallops.

Cá Kho Tộ

Cá Kho Tộ is a classic savory and sweet dish. This popular food in Vietnam is served with flavorful rice and is accompanied by a fish-based Vietnamese soup, canh chua cá. Since it is a very salty and rich dish, veggies are served with it to balance its flavors. It has also been named the comfort food of Vietnam due to its tantalizing flavors and easy cooking method.

Street Food Highlights

Bánh Mì

A famous Vietnamese variety of sandwiches that has the core ingredient known as baguette. It has an airy texture and crisp, thin crust.  It is split lengthwise and filled with savory ingredients such as a submarine sandwich and meat.

Beef Pho

This beef-based variant of pho is made with assorted parts and cuts of beef, and the stock is made from ox tail, neck, beef bones, and shank. It was influenced by Chinese spices and French beef consommé.

Cơm Tấm

This traditional dish is now typically sold by vendors as street food. It comprises imperfect and broken rice grains that, after the milling process, were traditionally chucked away. The main ingredient of this dish remains the same in most cases. This dish is typically enjoyed with a spoon and fork.

Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls

This famous food in Vietnam is called nem rán in northern Vietnam and chả giò in the south. These tasty rolls’ main characteristic is the shrimp and pork filling, wrapped in rice paper. They are deep-fried and served with nước chấm dipping sauce and fresh herbs.

Bun bo Huế

Bun Bo Hue is one of the most loved street foods in Vietnam. Originated from Hue, this dish is considered to have a strong culinary heritage as it is often associated with the former royal court. The main ingredients are deep broth with noodles, frozen blood, pork knuckles, minced pork, and some herbs.

Bánh khoai

This is a traditional pancake that originated from Hue. The batter is made with rice flour, sugar, water, eggs, and salt. Traditionally, it is served with a special dipping sauce that comprises peanuts, pork liver, sesame, and peanut butter. It is mostly eaten when the weather is cold.

Bun Cha

Bun Cha is a specialty of Hanoi. This delicious street food is the most popular lunch choice in the capital for Vietnamese. This dish consists of caramelized pork belly slices and  grilled pork meatballs served in a warm broth with fresh salad, vegetables, rice noodles, herbs and dipping sauce.

Nom Bo Kho

This is a tasty Green Papaya Salad made with a combination of carrot, herbs and fresh grated green papaya. It is served with dried beef and chopped peanuts. The dipping sauce is peanuty and fishy bringing the dish all together.

Com Ga

Com is a classic rice and chicken street food dish. Depending on the region where you try it, this dish has different names. The main ingredients are r turmeric or curry powder and ice cooked in chicken broth. The rice is topped up with fried mint, herbs, shredded chicken, and a sauce on the side.

Banh Xeo

This crispy savory rice pancake is stuffed with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts and other toppings. It is one of the best street foods in Vietnam. It is usually served with mint, lettuce leaves, other vegetables, rice paper and a dipping sauce.

Traditional Vietnamese Drinks

Cà Phê Sữa – Iced Milk Coffee

This is a staple of Vietnamese mornings. It is served with ice, mixed with condensed milk, and brewed with strong beans. It has a caramel-like sweetness and an intense coffee-like aroma. It is served with the coffee dripping slowly through a stainless steel filter, condensed milk on the bottom, and a tall glass of ice.

Cà Phê Trứng – Egg Coffee

This is a unique drink with foam-like yellowish cream on top and intense coffee underneath. It feels very light and has a touch of tiramisu. It’s traditionally enjoyed warm/hot, but for a refreshing drink, you can also enjoy it as an iced coffee drink.

Trà Sữa – Milk Tea 

It is a refreshing drink with a nutty taste. The soft tapioca pearls give it a chewy texture. It typically features a condensed milk-infused green or black tea base. You can choose from various flavor options. A popular variation of this drink includes tapioca pearls.

Trà Đá – Iced Tea

This beverage is made with crushed ice and cold tea and is the perfect thirst quencher. You will find this drink in almost every tea shop. Because of its refreshing taste and affordable price, it is one of the most popular drinks in Vietnam.

Sinh Tố – Tropical Smoothies

Made with lots of ice, fresh fruit, and milk, this drink is considered to be the ultimate summer savior. Made with tropical fruits, it is offered in various flavors, including mango, jackfruit, and pineapple.

Rượu Nếp – Rice Wine

This is a sticky fermented rice wine with a slightly tangy and naturally sweet taste profile. It may be either yellow or deep purplish-red, depending on the rice that has been used to prepare it. Thicker versions can be eaten with a spoon, while you can drink more liquid varieties as a beverage.

Vietnamese Dining Etiquette

Let’s take a look at the things that you need to know about Vietnamese dining etiquette.

• Be mindful of your body language and sit up straight.
• Make eye contact with the host and the guests.
• Don’t point your chopsticks at someone. Use them correctly, the same way you hold a pen.
• Before you start eating, offer food to others.
• Chew your food thoroughly and take small bites.
• Never slurp your soup. Sip your soup quietly and slowly.
• Don’t talk with your mouth full, as it is considered disrespectful and rude.
• Don’t leave food on your plate. If you are full, you can request your host to pack up the leftovers.
• If you are invited for dinner at a Vietnamese home, you should bring a small gift, such as a bottle of wine, flowers, or fruit.
• If you are offered coffee or tea, you should accept it.

Key Food Statistics and Facts

• The Vietnamese cuisine is influenced by the country’s geography. While the major part of the country is mountainous and hilly, along the South China Sea there is a long coast that provides seafood and fish that are considered to be staples in Vietnamese food culture.
• Traditional Vietnamese cooking uses lots of fresh herbs for flavor in their dishes, which makes for fragrant meals.
• Vietnamese cuisine’s two main symbols are rice and fish sauce, called nuoc mam. Sauces are found on nearly every food stall and table, and a typical meal is incomplete without them.
• On the city sidewalks, including casual Vietnamese restaurants, you will find the most delicious and cheapest places to eat.
• When eating in Vietnam, you may not find an extensive list of drinks. The Vietnamese don’t really have the habit of drinking while they eat. They have the habit of drinking after or before a meal.
• Beer is very affordable and popular in Vietnam. You can buy a beer as low as 12,000 VND(Rs 39.65).

Conclusion

If you’re planning to visit Vietnam, then you must try these best Vietnamese dishes that will relieve all your hunger pangs. These dishes are tasty, nutritious, and reflect the local culture. They are prepared using fresh herbs and tasty ingredients, making them a must-try for everyone.

• Suggested Tour: Vietnam Tour Packages