Vietnam’s culinary scene is a global sensation, offering world-class flavors that tantalize taste buds. To truly savor the richness of Vietnamese cuisine, a regional exploration is essential. While iconic dishes are recognized nationwide, each province boasts unique flavors and preparation techniques. Avoid the misconception that a single city visit captures the entirety of Vietnam food. Instead, delve into the distinct regional variations, crafting a personalized food itinerary. For travelers seeking a true Vietnamese food experience, a comprehensive culinary adventure awaits, with a vast array of delectable dishes to discover.
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NORTH | Hanoi
Experience the delicate balance and simplicity of Northern Vietnamese cuisine, renowned for its fresh vegetables and seafood. Unlike the fiery dishes of the south, Northern Vietnamese food emphasizes subtle flavors, using black pepper instead of chilies. While fish sauce is common throughout Vietnam, the north favors soy sauce, prawn sauce, and lime to create tangy notes. The cooler climate limits chili growth, leading to unique culinary adaptations and traditional Northern Vietnamese dishes you won’t want to miss. One such iconic dish is Cha Ca La Vong, a legendarily delicious creation attributed to a home cook named La Vong. This flavorful dish features catfish marinated in a lemony-garlic blend, served with fresh vegetables and a sweet and sour dipping sauce, a must-try for any food tour in Northern Vietnam. Explore the distinct tastes of Hanoi cuisine and beyond, and savor the true essence of this region’s culinary heritage.
1. Bun Rieu
Indulge in the flavorful experience of bun rieu, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup featuring a vibrant tomato-based broth. This popular summer dish offers a refreshing sour taste, complemented by freshwater crab, pork, or beef. Discover authentic bun rieu in Vietnam for a true culinary adventure.
Where to try: CNN Travel recommends the street stall run by Ms. Thu in Tho Xuong Alley, near St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
2. Cha Ca La Vong
Experience the renowned Cha Ca La Vong, a beloved Vietnamese dish with a legendary origin. This popular recipe features succulent catfish marinated in a lemon-garlic infusion, accompanied by fresh vegetables and a mouthwatering sweet and sour dipping sauce. A must-try dish in Hanoi, Cha Ca La Vong delivers a burst of authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Where to try: Cha Ca Thang Long on Duong Thanh in the Old Quarter topped the chart!
3. Bun Cha
Dive into the legendary flavors of bún chả, a traditional Hanoi dish born from local folklore. This iconic meal, featuring grilled pork and noodles, is widely available in the city’s historic Old Quarter. While the pork itself is delectable, the true highlight is the signature dipping sauce, a perfect blend of fish sauce, garlic, and chilies. Discover the best bún chả in Hanoi and savor a taste of true Vietnamese cuisine.
Where to try: Hanoi’s first bun cha restaurant was on Gia Ngu in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and Gia Ngu Restaurant now carries on the tradition.
4. Banh Cuon
Imagine tender, steamed rice noodle sheets encasing a flavorful mix of ground pork, shallots, and wood ear mushrooms – that’s banh cuon. This classic Vietnamese dish is a must-try for any food lover. Enjoy the delectable taste and unique texture of steamed banh cuon.
Where to try: Given 4.7 stars from reviewers, Banh Cuon Nong Kim Thoa is located at 49 Ham Tu Quan, just outside Hanoi’s Old Quarter, on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake.
CENTRAL | Hoi An, Da Nang, My Son
Discover the bold and vibrant flavors of Central Vietnamese cuisine, renowned for its spicy kick. The region’s ideal climate fosters the growth of chili peppers and aromatic spices, inspiring chefs in cities like Da Nang and Hoi An to create intensely flavorful dishes. Reflecting the influence of ancient Vietnamese royalty, this complex cuisine features sophisticated presentations and vibrant colors. Expect smaller portions, artfully garnished with chili peppers and spicy shrimp sauces, offering a truly unforgettable food tour in Central Vietnam.
5. Banh Mi
The iconic Vietnamese banh mi, born from the French baguette, has been transformed into a beloved street food sensation. Indulge in this flavorful sandwich, packed with liver pâté, Vietnamese sausage, fried egg, pickled papaya and carrots, cucumber, and a variety of other delicious fillings found at local food carts. Discover the true taste of Vietnam street food with a bite of banh mi.
Where to try: Nguyen Thi Loc, also known as the Banh Mi Queen in Hoi An, has been spooning her secret sauce over bahn mi toppings for more than 50 years. It’s hard to explain where her street stall is, but any local can give you directions straight there.
6. Cao Lau
Cao Lau, a regional specialty reminiscent of Japanese soba, features distinctive noodles at its core. This dish boasts a delightful mix of textures and flavors, with ingredients like succulent pork, vibrant fresh greens, aromatic scallions, crunchy peanuts, savory fried pork rind, and crispy rice crackers. Explore the unique taste of Vietnamese Cao Lau on your next culinary adventure.
Where to try: Made from the water of an undisclosed ancient Cham well, cao lau can only be found in Hoi An, and one of the best places to try it is at Bale Well, on the outskirts of Hoi An Ancient Town.
7. Banh Beo
Admire the visual appeal and culinary craftsmanship of bánh bèo, tiny steamed rice cakes with a signature dimple. These charming treats are filled with savory delights, including fresh shrimp, crispy shallots, scallions, and mung bean paste, showcasing the best of Vietnamese culinary traditions.
Where to try: Go see Madam Ba Do at Ba Do Restaurant in Hue.
8. Banh Xeo
Often compared to an omelet, Banh Xeo is a unique Vietnamese savory pancake, distinguished by its turmeric-infused batter and crispy texture. This popular Vietnamese street food is filled with flavorful ingredients like pork, shrimp, green onions, and bean sprouts, offering a delicious and satisfying culinary experience.
Where to try: Am Thuc Xeo in Da Nang serves up gourmet-style banh xeo, and locals will tell you, it’s one of their faves.
SOUTH | Ho Chi Minh, Dalat
Southern Vietnam’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, emphasizing sweetness and aromatic spices. Abundant in fresh ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and seafood, dishes are enriched with sugar and coconut milk, creating a uniquely satisfying taste. Discover the diverse culinary influences of Ho Chi Minh City and An Giang Province, where historical fusion and international flavors blend seamlessly.
9. Com Tam
Experience the unique flavors of cơm tấm, a beloved Vietnamese culinary staple featuring broken rice grains. This popular dish, widely enjoyed throughout Vietnam, reaches its pinnacle in cơm tấm. Typically served with succulent grilled pork ribs or shredded pork, fresh greens, and tangy pickled vegetables, cơm tấm offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Enhance your meal with optional toppings like flavorful prawn paste cakes, steamed egg, and grilled prawns for a truly indulgent experience. Your cơm tấm order will also include a comforting bowl of soup broth and a savory egg meatloaf (omelet), completing this quintessential Vietnamese broken rice experience.
Where to try: Possibly the most popular and readily-available food in all of Vietnam, it’s hard to pinpoint just one great place to try it, but Com Tam Thuy in Dalat is a popular choice. Head down to Binh Thanh District in Ho Chi Minh to find this favorite local lunch spot that’s been grilling up pork on the street for more than 20 years.
10. Bun Bo
Originating from Central Vietnam, Bun Bo Hue has become a beloved culinary staple nationwide. This complex and rich noodle soup features tender beef shank, oxtail, or pork knuckle, simmered in a fragrant lemongrass-infused beef broth. The distinctive deep burgundy hue comes from congealed pig’s blood, adding depth to the flavor. A vibrant array of toppings, including lime, cilantro, green onion, chili sauce, sliced banana blossom, red cabbage, mint, and basil, enhances the Bun Bo Hue experience, showcasing the diverse flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Discover the authentic taste of Hue noodle soup, a must-try for any food enthusiast exploring Vietnam.
Where to try: Bun bo Chu Ha in Ho Chi Minh serves bun bo in a clear, glass bowl so you get to see every last tidbit that goes into this scrumptious soup.
11. Thit Bo La Lot
Indulge in the authentic flavors of lolot, a beloved Vietnamese street food snack featuring succulent beef wrapped in aromatic betel leaves. While the leaves emit a distinct peppery fragrance, the resulting bite-sized morsels offer a unique, subtly medicinal taste that captivates locals and adventurous foodies alike. Embark on a culinary journey and experience the distinctive charm of Vietnamese lolot, a true testament to Hanoi’s vibrant street food culture. Don’t miss this opportunity to savor a genuine lólot snack, and perhaps discover your new favorite Hanoi street food.
Where to try: Because Thit bo la lot is traditionally served at barbecues, you’ll find it at any market and in tons of street stalls throughout any city.
12. Goi Cuon
Experience the versatility of goi cuon, or Vietnamese spring rolls, with fillings ranging from seasoned ground pork and prawns to an array of local vegetables. Served with crushed peanuts and diverse sweet and spicy dipping sauces, each vendor offers a unique twist on this classic Vietnamese dish.
Where to try: Goi cuon is easy to find on any street corner in Vietnam. The preparation alone is a sight to behold. Watch in amazement as local cooks pile on toppings and skillfully roll them up tight in the sticky, tricky rice paper.