Vietnam is a foodie’s paradise, offering a fusion of bold flavors, fresh ingredients and age-old cooking techniques. Here, we’ll introduce 15 of the best Vietnamese foods—from world-famous Pho to the crispy delight of Banh Xeo.
Whether you’re wandering the bustling streets of Hanoi or enjoying the seaside views of Da Nang, there’s always something to try.
Let’s dive in!
15 Best Vietnamese Foods You’ll Love
Vietnamese cuisine is a balance of sweet, salty, sour, spicy, fresh and rich, light yet satisfying. In this section, we have compiled 15 best Vietnamese foods that are loved by locals and visitors.
Pho
No list of Vietnamese food is complete without Pho! This flavorful noodle soup, dating back to the early 20th century, has become one of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes. Found in street stalls and high-end restaurants alike, Pho is a comforting and aromatic dish that warms both the stomach and the soul.
Ingredients:
- Rice noodles
- Beef or chicken
- Aromatic broth made with star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves
- Cilantro, basil, red onion, green onion, onion
Banh Mi
Banh Mi is an icon of Vietnamese street food, a wonderful fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine. The baguette has been transformed by the Vietnamese into a crispy, spongy bread, perfect for holding a variety of flavorful fillings.
The modern Banh Mi was popularized by Hoa Ma, where Hoa and Tinh first combined meat and pate with baguettes, creating one of the most beloved fast food options in Vietnam. Whether filled with grilled pork, fried eggs or canned fish, Banh Mi is a must-try for any foodie.
Ingredients:
- Vietnamese Banh Mi (Banh Mi)
- Cucumber
- Pate
- Fried egg
- Pork bologna
- Canned fish
- Xiu mai (Vietnamese meatballs)
Bun Cha Ha Noi
Originating in Ha Noi, Bun Cha is a delicious combination of smoked grilled pork, vermicelli noodles and a slightly sweet dipping sauce. It became internationally famous when Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain enjoyed it in Hanoi in 2016.
All you have to do is dip the vermicelli noodles and pork into the dipping sauce before taking a bite.
Ingredients:
- Grilled pork (grilled and sliced pork)
- Vermicelli noodles
- Pickled papaya and carrots
- Dipping sauce (fish sauce, garlic, sugar)
Xoi
If you’re wondering what to eat in Vietnam, Xoi (sticky rice) is a must-try dish that locals enjoy at any time of day. Xoi comes in both savory and sweet varieties, making it one of the most versatile Vietnamese dishes.
If you love colorful food, Xoi Ngu Sac (five-color sticky rice) is a visually stunning option, with natural colors derived from ingredients like burgundy leaves, turmeric, and pandan leaves. Whether topped with shredded chicken, green beans, or crispy shallots, Xoi is a delicious and filling dish.
Ingredients:
- Steamed sticky rice
- Peanuts, green beans, black beans, and sesame seeds
- Pork or chicken
Goi Cuon
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh and vibrant flavors, and Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls) is a perfect example. Stuffed with shrimp, pork, rice noodles and fresh herbs, this best Vietnamese food is a refreshing dish that is perfect for any meal.
Whether dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce or a rich peanut sauce, these rolls offer the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
- Pork
- Shrimp
- Rice noodles
- Fresh herbs
- Sweet and sour fish sauce or soy sauce
Com Tam
Com Tam (broken rice) is made from broken rice grains, traditionally considered low quality and once a humble meal for workers and students. Now, this best Vietnamese food has become one of Saigon’s most beloved dishes.
Often served with grilled pork, fried egg and pickled vegetables, Com Tam offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Although originally eaten with chopsticks, this best Vietnamese food is now often served with a spoon and fork to cater to international diners.
Ingredients:
- Com Tam
- Grilled pork or ribs
- Grilled spring rolls
- Dipping sauce
- Fried egg
Banh Cuon
What do you think of these paper-thin steamed rice rolls stuffed with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, then topped with crispy fried onions for extra flavour? Recently, Australian travel website Traveler named Banh Cuon as one of the world’s 10 most delicious dishes.
Across Vietnam, different regions have their own versions of the dish, with Hanoi’s Thanh Tri Banh Cuon, Ha Nam’s Phu Ly Banh Cuon and Cao Bang’s version all offering unique flavours and combinations. If you’re in Vietnam, Banh Cuon is a must-try.
Ingredients:
- Rice flour
- Minced pork
- Wood ear mushrooms
- Fish sauce
- Crispy fried onions
Bun Dau Mam Tom
Bun Dau Mam Tom is a rich and attractive dish, combining crispy fried tofu, fresh vermicelli and the special ingredient of shrimp paste.
For those who are not used to the strong aroma of shrimp paste, you can use an alternative dipping sauce made from fish sauce, chili and lemon. The secret to fully enjoying Bun Dau Mam Tom lies in the sauce. It is a strange and rich balance between shrimp paste with lime juice, sugar and chili.
Ingredients:
- Fried tofu
- Vermicelli
- Fermented shrimp paste (mixed with lime juice, sugar and sliced chili)
- A variety of herbs and fresh vegetables (mint, perilla leaves, cucumber)
Mi Quang
If you’ve ever been to Da Nang or Quang Nam, chances are you’ve come across Mi Quang, a dish that’s deeply rooted in the region’s culinary heritage. These thick, chewy noodles, made from rice flour and gardenia seeds, have a distinct texture and a light turmeric flavor.
What makes Mi Quang special is the delicious combination of rich pork bone broth, tender shrimp, pork and snakehead fish, all topped with roasted peanuts and herbs. Served with fresh herbs for freshness and spicy green chillies for an extra kick, this dish is often considered the “soul” of central Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredients:
- Turmeric rice noodles
- Pork
- Snakehead fish
- Shrimp
- Pork bone broth
- Roasted peanuts and fresh herbs
Banh Xeo
Named after the sizzling sound the batter makes when it hits the hot pan, Banh Xeo is a crispy, golden Vietnamese pancake filled with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts. You can find this best Vietnamese food all over this country, with regional variations that add their own unique twist.
In central Vietnam, Banh Xeo is typically smaller and bite-sized, while in the south, it is larger and served with fresh herbs and rice paper for wrapping. It is best enjoyed during the rainy season.
Ingredients:
- Crispy Banh Xeo Batter
- Chicken Eggs
- Shrimp
- Pork
- Radish and Carrots
- Shallots
- Chili
- Bean Sprouts
Cao Lau
A unique dish of Hoi An, Cao Lau is a flavourful fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influences, reflecting the town’s rich trading history. The thick, chewy noodles, similar in texture to Japanese udon noodles, are served with slices of Chinese-style barbecued pork, fresh herbs and crispy pork skin.
What makes Cao Lau truly special is its broth, which is light yet aromatic, seasoned with a blend of spices.
Ingredients:
- Thick Cao Lau Noodles
- Chinese BBQ Pork
- Aromatic Spiced Broth
- Fresh Herbs
- Crispy Pork Skin
Com Ga Hoi An
Chicken rice is a Vietnamese favorite, but in Hoi An (Quang Nam), this best Vietnamese food is taken to a whole new level with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Tender strips of shredded chicken are mixed with fragrant fish sauce and onions, then served on a bed of turmeric-infused rice, giving the dish its signature yellow color.
On the side, you’ll find pickled shallots, radishes, and a mix of Vietnamese herbs, which help balance out the spicy marinade. After a long day exploring Hoi An’s Old Town, a plate of this flavorful chicken rice is the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients:
- Shredded chicken
- Turmeric-infused rice
- Fish sauce and onions
- Pickled shallots and radishes
- Vietnamese coriander and spicy mint
Bun Bo Hue
If you’re visiting Hue, then you’ll want to try Bun Bo Hue, a dish that epitomizes Hue’s royal cuisine. The first thing you’ll notice is its vibrant red broth, simmered over beef bones for hours to create a rich, citrusy depth.
Alongside the tender cuts of beef, you’ll often find slices of cha lua—a soft Vietnamese sausage. Served with quick-boiled vegetables and fresh herbs, Bun Bo Hue is a flavorful noodle soup that’s a must-try.
Ingredients:
- Bun
- Beef
- Lemongrass broth
- Vietnamese sausage (cha lua)
- Fresh herbs and vegetables
Banh Beo
A delicious snack from Hue, Banh Beo is a small and flavorful tapas dish from Vietnam. These steamed rice cakes have a soft, chewy texture and are traditionally topped with creamy mung beans, grilled shrimp and crispy toasted bread or fried pork fat for extra crunch.
A well-made Banh Beo should have a distinctive indentation in the middle. Served with dipping sauce, this dish is a quick yet delicious snack.
Ingredients:
- Steamed rice cakes
- Mung bean sprouts
- Grilled shrimp
- Toasted bread or fried pork fat
- Vietnamese dipping sauce
Che
Che is a versatile Vietnamese dessert that can be served hot or cold, as a pudding or as a sweet dessert. With countless variations, you can find everything from jelly and lotus seeds to tropical fruits like bananas, mangoes and longans, all blended with coconut milk.
One of the most visually appealing versions is Che Ba Mau (three-color dessert), often called the “rainbow dessert”. This eye-catching dish is layered with red beans, mashed mung beans and pandan jelly, topped with shaved ice and creamy coconut milk.
Ingredients:
- Tropical fruits (banana, mango, longan)
- Jelly and lotus seeds
- Coconut ice cream
- Ice blended
- Red beans, mung beans, pandan jelly (for Cha Ba Mau)
Final Thoughts
Vietnamese food is a great choice for anyone who enjoys delicious and balanced flavors. Not only do I have the 15 best Vietnamese foods listed above, but there are so many other delicious dishes to try, there is something for everyone. Why not try it today? Whether it is pho, banh mi or bun cha, you are sure to love it.
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