Vietnam Food Guide
Welcome to Vietnam, a country where food is celebrated with passion and pride. From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, you will find a tantalizing array of dishes that reflect the vibrant flavors and culinary traditions of this Southeast Asian nation.
Food destinations in Vietnam
Food knowledge
Vietnam food culture
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its freshness, simplicity, and balance of flavors. It is heavily influenced by the country's agricultural abundance and diverse regional ingredients. In Vietnam, food is not just sustenance, but also a way of life. Eating is a communal and social activity, with meals often shared between friends and family. The country's rich food culture is deeply ingrained in its history, traditions, and daily life, making it a fascinating culinary destination for travelers.
What are authentic and traditional Vietnamese ingredients?
Explore the essence of Vietnam through its key ingredients. Central to Vietnamese cuisine are Rice, Fish sauce, Fresh herbs, Lemongrass. Each plays a crucial role in defining the country's distinct culinary landscape. Discover the flavors of Vietnam with our city guides.
- Vietnamese cooking styles
- Stir-frying, Boiling, Grilling, Steaming
- Vietnamese specialities
- Pho, Banh mi, Goi cuon, Bun cha
Best food to eat in Vietnam
This is a list of the must have dishes in Vietnam. Ranked on best food score.
Ca Nuong Trui
Ca Nuong Trui, also known as Roasted Live Fish, is a unique and memorable dining experience in Phu Quoc. This dish involves grilling a live fish on a hot charcoal grill, resulting in a smoky and flavorful meal. The fish is typically stuffed with lemongrass, herbs, and spices, giving it a fragrant and aromatic profile. As the fish cooks on the grill, the skin becomes crispy and the flesh becomes tender and juicy. Ca Nuong Trui is often enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces and served with a side of rice or fresh vegetables. If you're a seafood lover and enjoy interactive dining experiences, don't miss out on trying Ca Nuong Trui in Phu Quoc.
Cha Ca
Cha Ca is a specialty in Vung Tau that seafood lovers should not miss. It is a flavorful dish made with grilled fish, usually snakehead fish, marinated in turmeric and galangal. The fish is then served on a sizzling plate with dill, scallions, peanuts, and shrimp paste sauce. The combination of aromatic herbs, spices, and perfectly grilled fish creates a unique and delightful taste. Cha Ca is usually enjoyed with rice vermicelli noodles and various fresh vegetables.
Ca Phe Sua Da
No visit to Mui Ne would be complete without trying the famous Ca Phe Sua Da, a Vietnamese iced coffee drink that is beloved by locals and tourists alike. This strong and aromatic coffee is made by brewing finely ground coffee beans using a French drip filter, and then sweetened with condensed milk. The coffee is then poured over a glass of ice, creating a refreshing and energizing beverage, perfect for the tropical climate of Mui Ne.
Fresh Seafood
Mui Ne is blessed with a coastline abundant in fresh seafood, offering visitors an opportunity to indulge in some of the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes. From grilled fish and prawns to steamed clams and squid, there is something for every seafood lover. The seafood is usually served with a side of rice or noodles, accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces and condiments. Don't miss the chance to savor the flavors of the ocean while enjoying the picturesque views of Mui Ne.
Bún chả cá
For seafood lovers, Bún chả cá is an absolute must-try dish in Nha Trang. This flavorful and hearty soup is made with grilled fish, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a fragrant broth. The grilled fish adds a smoky and charred flavor to the soup, while the vermicelli noodles provide a satisfying texture. Bún chả cá is often served with a side of fish sauce and various condiments, allowing you to customize the taste according to your preference. With its combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, Bún chả cá is a true culinary delight in Nha Trang.
Banh xeo
Banh xeo is a Vietnamese pancake that is loved by locals and visitors alike. This crispy and savory pancake is made from a batter of rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, and water, which is then filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and green onions. Banh xeo is typically served with fresh lettuce, herbs, and a dipping sauce, allowing you to wrap the pancake in a flavorful bundle. The combination of textures and flavors in banh xeo makes it a delightful dish to try in Can Tho. You can find this pancake at local restaurants and street food stalls.
Banh mi
Banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that has gained international fame, and Hoi An is known for its own unique twist on this iconic dish. The Banh mi in Hoi An is typically made with a crusty baguette, stuffed with various fillings such as grilled meat, pate, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. The combination of flavors and textures creates a truly satisfying and delicious sandwich experience. Whether you're grabbing a Banh mi as a quick snack or sitting down for a full meal, you won't be disappointed with Hoi An's take on this classic Vietnamese dish.
Bánh xèo
A popular Vietnamese dish, Bánh xèo is a savory pancake that is both crispy and filled with delicious flavors. The pancake batter is made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, giving it its distinctive yellow color. It is then cooked on a hot griddle with various fillings like pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Bánh xèo is often served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal. In Nha Trang, you can find Bánh xèo at local restaurants and street food stalls, offering a taste of this Vietnamese favorite.
Bo Ke
Bo Ke, also known as Meticulously Stewed Beef, is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is a favorite among locals and tourists alike in Phu Quoc. This hearty and flavorful dish features tender beef slow-cooked in a rich and aromatic broth, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The beef is typically paired with a side of rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a condiment such as fish sauce or soy sauce, enhancing the flavors and textures of the dish. If you're a meat lover and enjoy indulging in comforting and savory dishes, don't miss out on trying Bo Ke in Phu Quoc.
Bun Bo Hue
Bun Bo Hue is a popular noodle dish from Hue, Vietnam. It is a delightful combination of beef, pork, and rice noodles in a flavorful broth. The dish is known for its spicy and tangy flavors, which come from a variety of aromatic herbs and spices. The broth is made by simmering beef bones and shrimp paste for hours, resulting in a rich and savory flavor. The noodles are usually topped with tender slices of beef, pork, and fresh herbs such as Thai basil and bean sprouts. Bun Bo Hue is a must-try dish for any food lover visiting Hue.