Through all our years of traveling we can honestly say that traditional Vietnamese food is one of our favorite cuisines! From endless bowls of noodles to specialties you can’t find anywhere else in the world, every meal here is an explosion of unique flavors. Also, we’ve found one of the best parts of exploring Vietnam is that the food is super affordable. If you stick to Vietnamese street food and local markets you won’t spend more than a couple U.S. dollars per meal. So if you’re looking what to eat in Vietnam our ultimate food guide has what you need! Let’s dive into all the best Vietnamese dishes, soups, and so much more.

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Vietnam Food Guide Quick Tips

Eat local and what’s within sight! It’s easy to say that a stall looks dirty, but what’s going on in the back of the kitchens that you can’t see? We try to go with food we can see being cooked in front of us to avoid any mishaps.

Stick to markets and Vietnamese street food. Not only is this the freshest food, but also the best tasting in our opinion.

Keep an eye on the time. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find meals during off hours in mid-afternoon if you aren’t in touristic areas.

Vietnamese street food stalls and vendors often have one specialty which is written on their sign. If they serve more than one item look for the largest word and order that! It will almost always be the best traditional Vietnamese food they make.

Don’t try to do custom orders. Usually the best Vietnamese dishes will come from locals who don’t speak your language. For this reason, don’t try to change it or take out any ingredients because they might not understand. Also, if the chef puts it on the table it’s meant to be eaten. Try all the greens, sauces, and other fixings you are given!

It’s common to throw your napkins (and even plates) on the floor in some parts of Vietnam after using. Despite what others may be doing, if there is a small trash can at the foot of the table try to make use of it.

Simple Vietnamese Words to Know Before Ordering

C ò m: Rice B á nh M ỳ : Bread Pho: Noodle Soup Ga: Chicken Bò: Beef Vịt: Duck Lấy Di: Take Away



Pho

We’re starting off our Vietnam food guide with something everyone should know. Not only is this traditional Vietnamese food popular in Vietnam, but it’s internationally recognized as one of the best soups in the world.

Now before we go too crazy, we have to say we aren’t the biggest fans of Pho. Honestly, after trying all the other delicious Vietnamese street food we’ve found it’s not even close to the best in the country.

In fact, once you try some of the other fantastic soups in Vietnam you might find it a little bland. Make sure to add in all the extra veggies and lots of chili sauce to elevate the flavor!

Where to Eat in Vietnam: Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan, Hanoi

Bun Bo Hue

Like we said, Pho is actually not our go-to soup in Vietnam. That honor actually goes to the amazing Bun bo Hue! Hailing from Central Vietnam, this hearty bowl carries extra spice and touches that you won’t find in other soups.

You’ll find the broth is more flavorful with added meats such as meatballs and blood chunks. You’re also meant to add lots of chili paste making the soup a deep red color, and it’s served with a thicker rice noodle than others.

Where to Eat in Vietnam: Bun Bo Hue, Da Nang

Canh Chua Ca

For seafood lovers, fish soup will easily be one of the best Vietnamese dishes you will try. With Canh Chua Ca you’ll get your typical noodles with a fishy salty broth.

The thin rice noodle, toppings, and amount of fish varies from vendor to vendor. Yet it’s rare to leave this fish soup on an empty stomach.

Bun Thit Nuong

Bun Thit Nuong is a dry noodle dish that’s packed with flavor. Thin rice noodles fill the bottom of the bowl which is topped with veggies, peanuts, charred meats, and an awesomely sweet chili sauce.

The best part about this popular Vietnamese street food is that it’s budget friendly. Bun Thit Nuong is typically no more than 25,000 VND or $1 USD.

Where to Eat in Vietnam: Con Market, Da Nang

Cao Lau

At some point during your travels through Vietnam it’s more than likely you’ll end up in the small charming town of Hoi An. The Hoi An streets are filled with some of the best Vietnamese dishes, but it’s most famous for a noodle bowl called Cao lau.

Interestingly enough, you can only get Cao lau in this one region of Central Vietnam. The unique noodle is made out of water coming from a special well in the area. Once cooked, greens, pork slices, and a thin gravy are added and keep you coming back for more!

→ 22 Must Do Things In and Around Hoi An Vietnam

Banh Beo Hue

We found this dish randomly when walking through the famous Ben Thanh Market in Saigon, and only stopped because the food stall was slammed with people. Similar to a lot of Vietnamese street food stands, this spot cooks one thing and does it right.

Trust us when we say this is the tell tale sign of a good place when looking for what to eat in Vietnam! Small balls made from a mix of rice and tapioca flour are filled with shrimp and pork, making each bite a succulent surprise.

Banh Beo Hue also comes with crispy pork skin, scallion oil, and dipping sauce for you to enjoy.

Where to Eat in Vietnam: Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Min City

Rose Water Dumplings

While dumplings of different kinds can be found throughout Vietnam, these are another speciality from Hoi An. The savory creations are topped with fried shallots, and are best when dipped in a spicy fish sauce. For us they made a great appetizer before moving onto the night market to get some more filling Vietnamese street food.

Where to Eat in Vietnam: White Rose Restaurant, Hoi An

Banana Blossom Salad

It might be difficult to find a traditional salad while traveling in Vietnam, but it’s always easy to find fresh fruit and vegetables. With that said, the banana blossom salad might be one of the most diverse dishes in our Vietnam food guide.

Spiraled veggies are mixed with banana blossoms, and have sweet vinegar dressing drizzled elegantly on top. Typically it’s served with either beef or tofu, then fried onions making for a crazy burst of flavors!

Bun Cha Hanoi

This amazing meat and noodle combo should be one of the first dishes you try when visiting the capital city of Hanoi. It might be confusing seeing all the plates and bowls at first, but it’s actually simple to eat.

Take a piece of lettuce, noodle, and dunk it into the sweet broth that’s filled with vegetables and grilled meat. The taste explodes in your mouth like none other, and it’s sure to be a meal you’ll never forget. Without a doubt, this specialty of the north ranks extremely high with our list of best Vietnamese dishes!

Vietnam Food Guide Tip: There are additional little bowls on the table so you can build your perfect bites before dipping and slurping it back.

→ Get Familiar with Hanoi Vietnam: A Travelers Guide to the City

Banh Xeo

The fact that this is the first thing we want when arriving, and the last meal we get before leaving should tell you all you need to know! Bánh Xèo translates into fried pancake which means you’ll have to work a little putting together this savory dish.

Start by wrapping the pancake in a thin rice paper with greens and meat. Then dip it right in the provided sauce. If you’re lucky that will include a warm liver dip with this unique Vietnamese street food.

The only problem with Banh Xeo is it seems to have the widest range between good and bad of anything in our Vietnam food guide. Sometimes you get a winner and that’s when you’ll feel on top of the foodie world.

Unfortunately, when it’s bad it can be tremendously awful… But that’s the risk we take when looking for the best Vietnamese dishes!

Where to Eat in Vietnam: Quán Bánh Xèo Miền Trung, Da Nang

Banh Mi

We have a joke that even the worst Banh mi you get in Vietnam will be better then anything you can find outside the country. The truth is you can now find them everywhere because this sandwich is a worldwide sensation!

The fresh crunchy bread is packed with liver, mixed meats, sliced veggies, and chili sauce. To this day we still debate if our all time favorite is the Bánh mì we got in Saigon, or the two outstanding ones from Hoi An. Either way, you can’t go wrong with one of these mouthwatering sandwiches.

Century Eggs

Okay, we’re starting to get to the point of our Vietnam food guide where some stuff may not be for everyone. Century eggs are considered rare in China, but at the markets in Ho Chi Minh City you’ll likely find them in abundance.

The name is quite telling, but you’ll be happy to know that these eggs aren’t actually 100 years old! Instead, they’re usually preserved for up to 3 months in a wild mix of salt, lime, and wood ash. If you’re brave enough to try these chicken or duck eggs in a soup then more power to you.

Spring Rolls

Although you might not think of spring rolls as a traditional Vietnamese food, we’d be crazy not including it on this list! Every restaurant you go is likely to have spring rolls, and they’re made in a variety of yummy ways.

The fried ones are a crunchy delight and found in many other asian countries. While the fresh ones are a real treat with veggies, fruits, and sometimes fish or pork. Personally we prefer the fresh spring rolls, especially on a hot day in Vietnam.

Bun Bo Nam Bo

Bun Bo Hue is our favorite soup in Vietnam so when we found it had a delicious dry counterpart we couldn’t wait to try it. For this traditional Vietnamese food, a massive bowl is packed with thick rice noodles, pan fried beef, pickled vegetables, and mixed herbs.

As with any noodle dish we smother it with a massive helping of chili and dove in. The northern city of Hanoi is particularly popular when it comes to Bun Bo Nam Bo, and actually our favorite city to eat our way through in Vietnam.

Where to Eat in Vietnam: Bun Bo Nam Bo, Hanoi

Banh Khot

Onto our next egg dish, and oh it’s a doozy! We’ve most commonly found this Vietnamese street food strolling around the alleyways of Saigon or at the many markets of Da Nang.

The unmistakeable smell and sizzle of the mini-pancakes will draw you in instantly. Quail eggs are very popular here, and can be found in some of the best Vietnamese dishes. So to get them on their own is quite the treat.

Cha Ca La Vong

When searching for what to eat in Vietnam there’s certain meals that stick out, and with Cha Ca La Vong the taste was just as interesting as the history behind it.

In fact, there’s an entire street named after this seafood dish in Hanoi! Cha Ca started as a meal to feed hungry soldiers battling french colonial rule, and the legend still lives on today with this traditional Vietnamese food. The main restaurant in Hanoi is over 130 years old now. We loved it so much we highlighted it on our food lovers day in Hanoi travel guide.

When you get there expect an entire wok brought to the table, where a thick oil fries lightly battered white fish mixed with dill. Once the fish is cooked you scoop it onto Vermicelli noodles, add the clear sauce, and enjoy!

Where to Eat in Vietnam: La Vong Grilled Fish, Hanoi

Hu Tieu

With the origins coming over the border from neighboring Cambodia, you won’t find this soup on every street corner. Yet when you do you’re surely in for a great bowl!

While the best Hu Tieu we’ve ever had was in Siem Reap Cambodia, Vietnam puts its own twist on this flavorful dish. A mix of seafood, meat, thin noodles, and clear broth, make every bite taste better than the last.

Mi Quang

Mi Quang is another great plate from Central Vietnam, and a must try if you’re visiting the up and coming city of Da Nang. Thick noodles are mixed with a light sauce and topped with pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and mixed vegetables.

Honestly, this isn’t our favorite out of all the traditional Vietnamese food in this region. However, the people of Da Nang seem to swear by it so make sure to give it a try.

Where to Eat in Vietnam: Mi Quang 1A, Da Nang

Com Ga

Many asian cultures make a great chicken and rice, but Com Ga is truly one to remember. From the south to the north, you’re guaranteed to see Com Ga signs walking around any Vietnamese city. The popularity of this Vietnamese street food also partly stems from how easy it is to make.

Although beef and noodle dishes are far more common, the abundance of chicken means it’s only natural to find great meals like this. Either way, something about the spices and flavor of the vegetables really stands out to us. It’s good to know when looking for what to eat in Vietnam this won’t be hard to find!

Grilled Goat

When we first arrived in the northern province of Ninh Binh we were on the hunt for local specialties. After speaking with other travelers and our homestay owners grilled goat was the resounding choice! So one day after our epic boat ride in Tam Coc we took a stroll into town for dinner.

The smell of meat immediately pulled us in as we saw goat spinning right out on the grill. The seasonings were extraordinary, and it would go down as one of the best Vietnamese dishes we’ve ever had. So much so, that we went back the next night and got it again!

→ Tam Coc River Boat Ride and Three Cave UNESCO Tour

Banh Hoi

Now that you’ve got a taste of what to eat in Vietnam I’m sure you know how many noodle dishes there are to choose from. Still, the way Banh Hoi is made clearly separates itself from the rest.

The rice is tethered together into small sheets that you can wrap the veggies, meat, and sauce together in. It’s almost like rolling small spring rolls, but with actual rice noodles. This traditional Vietnamese food isn’t as well known to visitors as other dishes, but definitely worth hunting down.

Where to Eat in Vietnam: Bánh Hỏi Thịt Nướng Năm Hiền, Da Nang

Bo La Lot

If you ever walk by a grill and see meat wrapped in green leaf then stop in your tracks and grab a plastic stool! Bo la lot is beef cooked inside a betel leaf and grilled to perfection.

The smoky flavor gives it a unique taste you won’t find with duck or chicken. It’s often served together as part of some of the best Vietnamese dishes like Banh Xeo, or as it’s own snack.

Hot Vit Lon

By now you may be starting to realize that much of traditional Vietnamese food includes a wide array of eggs. With that said, they may not be the right choice for those with a weak stomach! Hot Vit Lin is essentially a fetal duck egg…

Which means it’s more matured than a normal egg you’re used to. It’s quite common to see the small beaks and feathers poking out of the shell so you could imagine they’d be hard for some westerners to eat. You’ll typically only find these at the most local of Vietnamese street food markets.

Bo Luc Lac

Ever heard of shaking beef? Well if you haven’t, this traditional Vietnamese food is just as good as it sounds! The name stems from how it’s prepared, which like most of the things in our Vietnam food guide will be right in front of you.

Beef is cooked in a wok or skillet, and then served still sizzling on a plate. The best Bo luc lac that we’ve had was done over a plate of tomatoes, onions, and other fresh veggies.

Bo Bit Tet

This may not be a dish you immediately think of when looking for what to eat in Vietnam for breakfast. However, you should know Vietnam has its own hearty steak and eggs!

The small flank steak is smothered in a tasty pepper gravy with an egg sunny side up to go with it. If you think this is a wild way to start the day then just wait till you see our next item on the breakfast menu.

Bo Ne

Steak and eggs may have looked good above, but Bo Ne takes it to a whole other level! Firstly, if you’re not a morning person you might miss this traditional Vietnamese food all together. In the early hours shops pop up and sell this till about 11am or noon before shutting down for the day. Like Bo Bit Tet, this hearty plate is served with steak, eggs, and a thick brown sauce.

Yet, what separates it is the addition of meatball, onions, chili, pate, bread, and more goodies on top! It’s also brought out on a sizzling plate so it’s still cooking when it comes to your table. In our opinion, this is one of the best Vietnamese dishes. Just know that a nap is highly recommended after your Bo Ne!

Vietnam Food Guide Tip: If you ever see a sign for “Beef on Fire” at a Bo Ne restaurant order it right away. This is a side of spicy beef that they light on fire for you at the table in addition to the normal Bo Ne serving.

Where to Eat in Vietnam: Bò Né 3 Ngon, Da lat

Endless Seafood

Now that you’ve got a taste of the variety of meats that go into some of the best Vietnamese dishes, it’s time to dive into the ocean! Vietnam has a long coastline which influences its cuisine with plentiful seafood.

There are honestly so many different shellfish available in Vietnam that it would have been too many to list. The cheaper local restaurants offer each plate for about $2-3 USD so it’s awesome to try them all.

Clams: If you like clams you’re in for a treat as they are cooked so many different ways here. Our favorite meals have been when they are doused in a lemongrass and chili sauce.

If you like clams you’re in for a treat as they are cooked so many different ways here. Our favorite meals have been when they are doused in a lemongrass and chili sauce. Prawns: At any seafood stand and restaurant you will be sure to find prawns or shrimp on the menu. Order them grilled or sautéed, and even choose what sauce you want. We urge you to try the tamarind sauce if go sautéed!

At any seafood stand and restaurant you will be sure to find prawns or shrimp on the menu. Order them grilled or sautéed, and even choose what sauce you want. We urge you to try the tamarind sauce if go sautéed! Snails: Haven’t had enough excitement when looking for what to eat in Vietnam? Try some snails! These slimy creatures can be found at the many markets and come in all shapes and sizes.

Haven’t had enough excitement when looking for what to eat in Vietnam? Try some snails! These slimy creatures can be found at the many markets and come in all shapes and sizes. Crabs: Crabs are in abundance along the coast of Vietnam, and makeup some of the very best Vietnamese dishes. Also, real crab lovers should visit the Cambodian town of Kep from Phu Quoc Island if they get the chance.

Crabs are in abundance along the coast of Vietnam, and makeup some of the very best Vietnamese dishes. Also, real crab lovers should visit the Cambodian town of Kep from Phu Quoc Island if they get the chance. Lobster: If you’re lucky enough to try this sea creature of the ocean please indulge. Although we should tell you we’ve never met a lobster we didn’t like!

Coffee and Tea

Cafe Sua Da: Nothing beats an iced coffee on a hot day, especially when it’s made in Vietnam! A mixture of condensed milk with the popular beverage gives it a taste like none other. This has to be our favorite drink in this Vietnam food guide, and our go to morning wakeup.

Egg Coffee: This might be one of the most unique coffees you’ll come across. Egg yokes are beaten and blended with the liquid to make a thick and creamy drink. These are heavy so don’t plan on having a big breakfast with it.

Coconut Coffee: Sweet condensed milk is mixed with coconut cream and coffee to make a sweet and tropical drink. Coconut coffee is often served iced, but it can also be ordered hot.

Trà Đá: This local tea blend is served at nearly every restaurant in Vietnam. It’s usually accompanied for free with all the best Vietnamese dishes, and drank like water by the locals.

Hot Soy Milk: This is another wild treat we had in Da lat, but definitely not for everyone. The name kind of speaks for itself.

Beer

Beer is a great choice to beat the summer heat, and the most common alcohol drank in Vietnam. There are many popular brands such as beer Saigon and Larue that you’re sure to enjoy along your travels.

It’s common to see groups of men with entire crates of beer next to them as they feast on all the best Vietnamese dishes. It’s also typical to drink your beer on ice here as they don’t always keep it refrigerated.

Vietnam Food Guide Tip: If you’re in Hanoi or Hoi An go out of your way to try fresh beer! It’s a quarter of the cost from the already cheap canned/bottled beverage, and has a light taste and refreshing taste.

→ 6 Best Rooftop Cafes & Bars in Hoi An Vietnam

Da Lat Wine

While wine won’t be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Vietnam, there is one small mountain town that makes it! Da Lat Vietnam is known for it’s coffee, strawberries, and delicious red wine. The popular drink here won’t stack up to many other counties in the world, but it can be a nice change from beer. Also, coming it at just a $3-4 USD a bottle it’s very affordable.

→ Destination Da Lat: A Guide to Vietnam’s Most Underrated Town

What to Eat in Vietnam for Dessert

Coconut Ice Cream

Every night market that we went to and many of the restaurants serve creamy coconut ice cream. Made with a mix of condensed milk and coconut cream, this might have been one of the thickest and most delicious ice creams we’ve had! It’s also a fun dessert that’s perfect to grab while looking at all the other Vietnamese street food the markets hold.

Kem Bo

No Vietnam food guide would be complete without one of the most unique and popular desserts in the country. Kem bo is a tasty mix of of ice cream and avocado, with something crunchy sprinkled on top.

Where to Eat in Vietnam: Kem Bo, Nha Trang

Frozen Cream

Just like the coconut ice cream, the night markets have taken over the shaved ice cream game. While this might not be traditional Vietnamese street food, they certainly make it their own with tropical flavors and unique toppings. The best part is watching them shave the cream off and roll it in some incredibly creative ways.

Flan

You might associate this sweet and yummy dessert with Europe, but get ready for a flan overload in Vietnam. In the dessert game Flan is considered one of the best Vietnamese dishes, and is sold everywhere from street carts to restaurants. You can get it traditional as shown below, or even served inside a coconut!

Where to Eat in Vietnam: Dua Ben Tre 190, Da Nang

We hope our complete breakdown of what to eat in Vietnam got your appetite going! Have any questions about our Vietnam food guide, or want to share your own favorite traditional Vietnamese food? Leave us a comment at the bottom of this post!

Safe Travels,

Brigitte & Jake

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Where to Stay in Vietnam

Make sure to check out all our individual posts below for hotel recommendations, and more info on the best Vietnamese dishes we loved from each city. You can see the latest prices here for hotels!

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Explore More of Vietnam with Us

Northern Vietnam

Central Vietnam

Southern Vietnam