10 Traditional Dishes You Must Try in Vietnam 🇻🇳

A Culinary Journey Through the Land of Flavor

Vietnam isn’t just a feast for the eyes — it’s a paradise for your taste buds. From bustling street markets to family-run eateries, every region of Vietnam serves up its own unique dishes that blend freshness, balance, and bold flavors.

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, here are 10 traditional dishes you absolutely must try to experience the true essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

🥢 1. Phở (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

No dish defines Vietnam quite like phở. This fragrant noodle soup — made with slow-simmered beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and fresh herbs — is the country’s national dish.

• Where to try it: Phở Gia Truyền in Hanoi or Phở Hoa Pasteur in Ho Chi Minh City.

🍜 2. Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles)

A Hanoi favorite, bún chả features grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. The smoky flavor of the meat and the balance of sweet, sour, and savory make it unforgettable.

Where to try it: Bún Chả Hương Liên in Hanoi — famously visited by President Obama and Anthony Bourdain.

🌮 3. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)

A legacy of French colonial times, the bánh mì is a crunchy baguette filled with pâté, pickled vegetables, cilantro, chili, and your choice of meat or tofu.

Where to try it: Bánh Mì Phượng in Hoi An — often called the best bánh mì in Vietnam.

🍲 4. Cao Lầu (Hoi An Noodles)

Unique to Hoi An, cao lầu features thick noodles, slices of pork, crunchy rice crackers, and fresh herbs — all soaked in a savory broth. The noodles are made using water drawn from ancient local wells, giving them a distinctive texture.

Where to try it: Cao Lầu Thanh in Hoi An.

🍤 5. Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)

These light and refreshing rice paper rolls are filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and herbs — served with a peanut or hoisin dipping sauce. They’re a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, healthy food.

Where to try it: Street vendors in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang.

🌶️ 6. Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)

Originating from the former imperial city of Hue, bún bò Huế is a flavorful and spicy beef noodle soup. It’s known for its lemongrass aroma and rich broth that’s both tangy and savory.

Where to try it: Bún Bò Mụn Huế in Hue or Saigon.

🍖 7. Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)

Once considered a humble meal for farmers, cơm tấm has become a Vietnamese comfort food classic. It’s typically served with grilled pork chops, fried egg, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce.

Where to try it: Street stalls in Ho Chi Minh City — look for places with smoky grills out front.

🍛 8. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake)

Crispy on the outside and soft inside, bánh xèo is a savory rice flour pancake filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. Wrap it in lettuce, dip it in fish sauce, and enjoy!

Where to try it: Bánh Xèo 46A in Ho Chi Minh City.

🍢 9. Nem Rán / Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)

These golden, crispy rolls are packed with minced pork, mushrooms, and glass noodles — then deep-fried to perfection. Served with dipping sauce and fresh lettuce, they’re a crowd favorite.

Where to try it: Hanoi’s old quarter street food stalls.

🍮 10. Chè (Vietnamese Sweet Dessert Soup)

End your meal with chè, a sweet dessert made from mung beans, coconut milk, fruits, or tapioca. There are countless varieties — some served warm, others with crushed ice.

Where to try it: Chè Liên in Da Nang or Chè 4 Mùa in Hanoi.

🌏 A Taste You’ll Never Forget

Vietnam’s cuisine is more than just food — it’s a reflection of its culture, history, and regional diversity. Each dish tells a story, connecting you to the people and places that make this country so special.

So next time you visit Vietnam, come hungry and ready to explore — every bite is an adventure waiting to happen.

Ready to taste Vietnam for yourself? Let Sacred Trails plan your perfect Vietnam food and culture tour — from Hanoi’s street food alleys to Hoi An’s riverside cafés.

📞 Contact us today at +977-9767478257 to start planning your flavorful journey through Vietnam!