Discover The Top 12 Most Popular Dishes In Vietnam

1. Overview

One of the most attractive topics for every tourist when visiting Vietnam is cuisine. The country is divided into 3 regions: North, Central, and South, and each region offers unique culinary experiences. From vibrant street food to sophisticated feasts, each dish tells a story about a unique local culture. 

Vietnamese food is very different and unforgettable. Spread across street vendors and high-end restaurants, typical Vietnamese dishes are salty, sweet, sour, and hot. Whether you fancy a lunchtime snack in Hanoi or want to explore the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnamese cuisine is some of the best in Southeast Asia. It’s time to enjoy the essence of the most popular dishes in Vietnam with different flavors during your trip to Vietnam.

2. Discover the top 12 most popular dishes in Vietnam

2.1. Pho

Pho, one of the most popular Vietnamese dishes, has a long history dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century. Now, pho is known worldwide and is featured on many websites  different cuisine, such as one of the best Vietnamese dishes to try. This famous Vietnamese dish includes a rich broth, vermicelli noodles, tender slices of beef or chicken, lots of fresh herbs, etc. Pho is a popular Vietnamese dish, and you can easily find it everywhere in the country. Some delicious pho restaurants have been suggested for your reference:

– Pho Ha

• Address: 15 Hang Hom, Hang Gai ward, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi city
• Open: 06:00 a.m – 21::00 p.m
• Reference price: From 2 USD/bowl

– Pho Vietnam

• Address: 14 Pham Hong Thai, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Open: 6:00 a.m – 3:00 a.m (next day)
• Reference price: from 2.16 USD – 3.93 USD/bowl

You can see more instructions on: The Top 10 Best Heirloom Eateries Pho Nam Dinh

2.2. Banh mi

Bread was introduced to Vietnam by the French during their colonial period. It is a baguette modified with many different ingredients to meet local tastes. Today, this is a world-famous street food that you can find anywhere in Vietnam. In each region, there will be a slightly different recipe for making bread, creating many different variations of bread. It’s not difficult to find a shop that sells bread. You can enjoy it in every corner of the city at a very reasonable price. Some suggested places for delicious sandwiches are:

– Lan Ong Bread

• Address: 20 Cha Ca, Hang Dao ward, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi city
• Open: 07:00 a.m – 22:00 p.m
• Reference price: 1 USD – 2 USD/loaf of bread

– Huynh Hoa Bread

• Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Open: 14:00 p.m – 23:00 p.m
• Reference price: from 2 USD/loaf of bread

You can see more instructions on:

Banh Mi Saigon: A Taste of Vietnamese Street Food

Top 10 Best Banh Mi In Hoi An, Viet Nam

2.3. Bun Cha

Bun cha is one of Vietnam’s popular dishes and has become part of Hanoi’s culinary heritage for many generations. In 2016, even US President Barack Obama and chef Anthony Bourdain enjoyed a bun cha dinner in Hanoi, causing this dish to attract international attention. Bun cha is a traditional Vietnamese street food famous around the world. Even Vietnamese people from other provinces find and try this dish when coming to Hanoi. This dish is a combination of sweet and salty broth from grilled pork bones and delicious grilled pork. Suggestions for some delicious spring rolls:

– Bun Cha Dac Kim

• Address: No. 1 Hang Manh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Open: 08:30 am – 09:00 pm
• Price range: From 2 USD

– O Bun Cha

• Address: 46 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Opening hours: 06:20 am – 09:00 pm
• Price range: From 2 USD

You can see more instructions on:

Hanoi Street Food Tour: Top 5 Foods. The Best Experience Ever?

Top 10 Hanoi Best Restaurants You Need To Know

2.4. Broken rice (Com tam)

Broken rice is one of the most popular dishes in Vietnam with rice. Com Tam first appeared during the old regime in Vietnam. People take advantage of broken grains (broken rice grains) during the milling process to cook them into rice. The dish is served with grilled pork, ribs, egg rolls, cucumbers, carrots, green onions, and other vegetables and comes with a small bowl of fish sauce and a bowl of soup. Currently, Com Tam is one of the most typical dishes in Saigon that everyone must try. Com Tam Saigon during a culinary tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Some delicious broken rice restaurants suggested:

– Ba Ghien broken rice

• Address: 84 Dang Van Ngu Street, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Open: 07:00 a.m – 22:00 p.m
• Reference price: from 1.57 USD – 2.59 USD/plate

– Tam Tan Vien Rice

• Address: 20 Phan Phu Tien, Cat Linh ward, Dong Da district, Hanoi city
• Open: 10:00 a.m – 21:00 p.m
• Reference price: from 2 USD/plate.

2.5. Quang noodles (Mi Quang)

Quang noodles are a favorite and popular dish among Vietnamese people, with noodles coming from Quang Nam province, Central Vietnam. This famous Vietnamese dish includes Quang noodles, wide, flat noodles soaked in a rich and aromatic broth. The broth is often mixed with turmeric, creating a vibrant yellow color and a faint earthy flavor. Served with a mixture of ingredients such as tender pork slices, succulent shrimp, herbs, peanuts, crispy rice cakes, etc. Some delicious Quang noodle soup suggestions:

– Muoi Quan

• Address: 80 Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
• Open: 06:00 a.m – 21:00 p.m
• Reference price: From 1 USD

– Quan Hong

• Address: 462C Dien Bien Phu Street, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang City
• Open: 09:00 a.m – 20:30 p.m
• Reference price: From 1.2 USD

2.6. Sticky rice (Xoi)

When it comes to what to eat in Vietnam, the answer is simple: try Vietnamese sticky rice. Xoi is the most popular Vietnamese dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast or any other meal and comes in both savory and sweet options, featuring peanuts, green beans, black beans, and seaweed. Five-color sticky rice is one of the must-try variations of sweet sticky rice, especially for those who are attracted by its vibrant colors. Some suggested places that sell delicious sticky rice are:

– Xoi Xeo Trung Kinh

• Address: 171 Trung Kinh Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi City
• Open: 06:30 a.m – 22:00 p.m
• Reference price: From 0.4 USD

– Binh Tien sticky rice – many branches in Saigon

• Address: 252 Ly Thai To Street, Ward 1, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

• Open: 6:00 a.m – 11:00 p.m
• Reference price: 0.59 USD – 1.18 USD

2.7. Sweet soup (Che)

Vietnamese sweet soup is a dish used as a dessert in Asian cuisine. This is a drink in which the most important ingredient is sugar. Che in Vietnam is very diverse, extremely unique, and attractive. The most common type is a mixture of several types of beans and has a sweet taste. You can also add fruit and jelly for more flavor. Some delicious sweet soup shops suggest:

– Che Bon Mua

• Address: 4 Hang Can Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
• Open: 09:00 a.m – 22:00 p.m
• Reference price: From 1 USD

– Che 24

• Address: 24 Ton That Hiep Street, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
• Open: 14:00 p.m – 22:00 p.m
• Reference price: From 1.5 USD

See more in this video:

2.8. Noodles with tofu and shrimp paste (Bun dau mam tom)

Vermicelli with tofu and shrimp paste is a very popular dish in Vietnam, especially in the North, and is served everywhere, from markets to street stalls and restaurants. This dish has a very unique shrimp paste flavor that many people love, with the perfect combination of vermicelli and crispy fried tofu. For those who are not familiar with the spicy taste of shrimp paste, you can use fish sauce mixed with chili and lemon instead. To enjoy the dish properly, you need to prepare the dipping sauce carefully and try different toppings. Some suggested places for delicious vermicelli with tofu and shrimp paste:

– Bun dau mam tom Ngo Tram

• Address: 1B Ngo Tram Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
• Open: 08:00 a.m – 15:00 p.m
• Reference price: From 2 USD

– Mac Van Khoa shrimp paste noodle soup

• Address : 90 Tran Quang Khai Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Open: 11:00 – 22:00 p.m
• Reference price: About 0.98 USD – 5.86 USD

2.9. Banh beo 

Banh beo is a very popular cake in the Central region and is also available in the South. In the Central region, banh beo is often divided into two types: banh beo from Quang Nam and banh beo from Hue. Quang Nam banh beo is usually a large, thick cake served with a dough filling including meat, minced shrimp, and chives. When eaten, add a little onion and minced chili. Hue banh beo is a little different; the cake is thinner and has dried shrimp powder when eaten with crispy pork skin. Some delicious banh beo shops are suggested:

– Dong Ba market banh beo

• Address: Tran Hung Dao Street, in the middle of Truong Tien Bridge and Gia Hoi Bridge, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.
• Reference price: from 0.79 USD – 1.18 USD

– Banh beo Hue

• Address: Gate 7, Ben Thanh Market, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Open: 06:30 a.m – 17:30 p.m
• Reference price: From 0.93 USD

2.10. Bun rieu

Bun rieu is a traditional Vietnamese dish known to many people domestically and internationally. The broth has the perfect combination of salty and sweet thanks to all the ingredients, sweetened by the pork and dried shrimp and a little salty thanks to the crab paste. After that, the dish is decorated with vegetables and sometimes shrimp paste and served with vermicelli. Some people like to keep the toppings basic, so they just add green onions occasionally. Some delicious noodle soup restaurants suggest:

– Bun rieu Nha Van

• Address: 30 Hoa Hue Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Open: 08:00 a.m – 20:00 p.m
• Reference price: From 1.6 USD

– Bun rieu Hang Luoc

• Address: 14 Hang Luoc Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City
• Open: 06:00 a.m – 21:00 p.m
• Reference price: From 1.21 USD

Vietnam is an enchanting country, famous for its delicious cuisine and equally breathtaking natural beauty. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, be sure to add some of Vietnam’s stunning destinations to your travel plans. From the captivating island of Phu Quoc to the enchanting Ha Long Bay, the captivating town of Hoi An, the stunning coastal city of Nha Trang, and the vibrant city of Da Nang, each destination offers something unique and challenging forget.  You can experience: A Taste Of Vietnam: Vietnam Cooking Tour

3. Conclusion

Above are Discover the top 12 most popular dishes in Vietnam that Metta Voyage shares. I hope you have the most attractive trip when you come to Vietnam. Don’t forget to check out our  blog to see many other exciting travel experiences.

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