Vietnam is a paradise for food lovers, offering an incredible variety of flavors, textures, and aromas. While phở and bánh mì are globally famous, Vietnam’s culinary scene has so much more to offer. From the bustling street food stalls of Hanoi to the coastal delicacies of Hoi An, every region brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re planning a trip or just looking for inspiration, here are 21 must-try Vietnamese dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
1. Phở – Vietnam’s Iconic Noodle Soup
Phở is more than just a dish—it’s a cultural experience. Originating from Hanoi, this aromatic noodle soup is made with flat rice noodles, tender beef or chicken, and a rich, fragrant broth infused with star anise, cinnamon, and clove. Northern-style phở boasts a clear, delicate broth, while its southern counterpart is slightly sweeter and served with fresh herbs like basil and bean sprouts.
Where to try:
- Hanoi: Phở Thìn (13 Lò Đúc, Hai Bà Trưng)
- Ho Chi Minh City: Phở Hòa (260C Pasteur, District 3)
- Da Nang: Pho 75 (91 Ngo Gia Tu)
2. Bánh Mì – The Unique Vietnamese Sandwich
Bánh mì is also called Vietnam’s sandwich, combining a crispy French baguette with flavorful fillings like pate, pickled vegetables, various jambon, ham, omelet, and fresh cilantro. This perfect balance of crunch, savoriness, and spice makes Bánh mì a must-try street food.
Where to try:
- Hoi An: Bánh Mì Phượng (2B Phan Châu Trinh)
- Ha Noi: Banh mi 25 (25 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem lake)
- HCM: My Banh Mi (57 Nguyen Du, Dist. 1)
3. Cơm Tấm – “Broken Rice”, The spirit of Saigon cuisine
Once a meal for farmers, Cơm tấm is now a beloved comfort food. The dish features broken rice served with caramelized grilled pork chops, a fried egg, and tangy fish sauce, topped with pickled vegetables and crispy shallots.
Where to try: Ho Chi Minh City
- Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền (84 Đặng Văn Ngữ, Phú Nhuận),
- Com Tam Moc (Floor B2, Takashimaya building, Dist. 1/ or 85 Ly Tu Trong, Dist. 1),
- Com tam Cali (236 Le Thanh Ton, Dist. 1)
4. Bún Bò Huế – The Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
Hailing from the imperial city of Hue, bún bò Huế is a bold, spicy beef noodle soup infused with lemongrass and chili oil. It’s served with slices of beef shank, crab cakes, and thick vermicelli noodles. Anthony Bourdain once called it “the greatest soup in the world”—a statement hard to argue with.
Where to try:
- Hue: Quán Bún Bò Huế (19 Lý Thường Kiệt), Bun bo Hue Sen (69B Vo Thi Sau, Phu Hoi)
- HCMC: Bun bo Xua (48 Cach Mang Thang 8), Bun bo Hue Nam Giao (189 Bui Vien, Dist 1)
5. Cao Lầu – Hoi An’s Signature Noodles
A specialty of Hoi An, cao lầu consists of thick, chewy noodles with slices of Chinese-style barbecued pork, crunchy rice crackers, and fresh herbs, all soaked in a flavorful broth. The noodles are uniquely made using water from the ancient Ba Le well, giving them their distinctive texture.
Where to try: Hoi An town
- Thanh Cao Lầu (26 Thái Phiên),
- Long Đen restaurant (02 Pham Ngoc Hau),
- Mi Quang Ong Hai (Mr. Hai restaurant, 06A Truong Minh Luong, Hoi An)
6. Cơm Gà – Hoi An Chicken Rice
This dish takes the classic chicken and rice combo to new heights. Fragrant turmeric-infused rice is paired with shredded chicken, fish sauce, and fresh herbs for a perfectly balanced meal.
Where to try: Hoi An: Cơm Gà Hiền (539 Hai Bà Trưng), Hoi An Chicken Rice (47/2 Tran Hung Dao)
7. Mì Quảng – The Quang Nam-Style Noodles
Part soup, part salad, mì quảng is a unique dish from Central Vietnam. The turmeric-infused noodles are served with just a small amount of broth and topped with shrimp, pork, peanuts, and fresh greens. A crispy rice cracker on the side adds the perfect crunch.
Where to try: Da Nang: Quán Mì Quảng Bà Mua (95 Nguyễn Tri Phương), Mi Quang Co Sau (397 Tran Hung Dao)
8. Bánh Xèo – The Crispy Vietnamese Pancake
Bánh xèo is a sizzling, golden pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Wrapped in fresh lettuce and dipped in fish sauce, it’s a crunchy, flavorful delight.
Where to try: Ho Chi Minh City: Bánh Xèo 46A (46A Đinh Công Tráng, District 1), An La Ghien (11A Tu Xuong, dist 3)
9. Bún Chả – Hanoi’s Grilled Pork and Vermicelli Delight
Made famous worldwide after Barack Obama shared a meal of bún chả in Hanoi, this dish features grilled pork patties served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce.
Where to try:
- Hanoi: Bún Chả Hương Liên (24 Lê Văn Hưu), Bún chả Que Tre (242 phố Hàng Bong)
- HCMC: Bun cha 145 (145 Bui Vien, District 1)
10. Xôi – The Vietnamese Sticky Rice
A staple across Vietnam, xôi (sticky rice) can be either savory or sweet. Xôi mặn (savory) includes toppings like shredded chicken, fried shallots, and pork floss, while xôi ngọt (sweet) is often made with coconut milk and mung beans.
Where to try:
- Hanoi: Xôi Yến (35B Nguyễn Hữu Huân)
- HCMC: Xoi Bat (08 Hoang Hoa Tham, Binh Thanh district), Xoi Ga Number One (15 Nguyen Trung Truc, Dist 1)
These are just a few of the amazing dishes you’ll find in Vietnam. Whether looking for street food gems or hidden culinary treasures, the country’s vibrant food scene will never disappoint you.
At 30sjob, we’re passionate about helping foreign professionals experience the best of Vietnam—not just through its incredible cuisine, but also a variety of job opportunities. If you’re looking for a teaching job in Vietnam, do not hesitate to contact us for perfect things!
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