Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and harmonious balance of tastes and textures. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the quiet corners of rural villages, the food of Vietnam tells the story of its culture, history, and people. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, here are some iconic Vietnamese foods that you simply must try.
1. Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
No trip to Vietnam is complete without tasting Pho, the country’s most famous dish. Pho is a flavorful noodle soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, typically beef (Pho Bo) or chicken (Pho Ga). The magic of Pho lies in its broth, which is simmered for hours with bones, star anise, cinnamon, and other spices, resulting in a rich and aromatic base.
Pho is traditionally eaten for breakfast, but it can be enjoyed at any time of day. It’s served with a side of fresh herbs like basil and cilantro, lime wedges, chili peppers, and bean sprouts, allowing you to customize the soup to your liking. Whether enjoyed at a street-side stall or a family-owned restaurant, Pho embodies the essence of Vietnamese comfort food.
2. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)
Banh Mi is another iconic Vietnamese dish that reflects the country’s history and cultural fusion. The sandwich is a perfect blend of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions, featuring a crispy baguette filled with various ingredients. The classic version includes a combination of cold cuts, liver pâté, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili, all drizzled with a savory sauce.
Banh Mi can be found throughout Vietnam, with regional variations adding unique twists to the sandwich. For example, in the south, you might find Banh Mi with grilled pork (Banh Mi Thit Nuong) or even meatballs (Banh Mi Xiu Mai). Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making Banh Mi a must-try street food.
3. Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)
For a lighter option, try Goi Cuon, also known as fresh spring rolls or summer rolls. These translucent rolls are made from rice paper and are typically filled with shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, and lettuce. Goi Cuon is served with a side of hoisin-peanut dipping sauce, which adds a sweet and savory kick to each bite.
The freshness of the ingredients and the simplicity of the preparation make Goi Cuon a popular appetizer or snack. It’s a perfect dish for those looking to enjoy the fresh, healthy side of Vietnamese cuisine. The rolls are often served cold, making them a refreshing treat on a hot day.
4. Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Noodles)
Bun Cha is a quintessential dish from Hanoi that has gained international fame, especially after being featured in a meal shared by former U.S. President Barack Obama and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. This dish consists of grilled pork patties and slices of marinated pork belly served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a side of dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and lime.
The combination of the smoky, savory grilled pork with the fresh, light noodles and herbs creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is uniquely Vietnamese. Bun Cha is often enjoyed as a lunchtime meal and is typically accompanied by a side of crispy spring rolls (Nem Ran or Cha Gio).
5. Cao Lau (Hoi An Noodles)
Cao Lau is a specialty of Hoi An, a historic town in central Vietnam. This dish is distinguished by its thick, chewy noodles, which are made using water from an ancient well in the area, giving them a unique texture and flavor. Cao Lau is typically served with slices of roast pork, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy rice crackers.
What sets Cao Lau apart is the combination of textures—the chewiness of the noodles, the crunch of the rice crackers, and the tenderness of the pork. The dish is lightly dressed with a savory broth, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. Cao Lau is a must-try for anyone visiting Hoi An, offering a taste of the town’s culinary heritage.
6. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepe)
Banh Xeo is a crispy, savory crepe made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with a mixture of shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and green onions. The name “Banh Xeo” translates to “sizzling cake,” referring to the sound the batter makes when it hits the hot pan.
Banh Xeo is typically served with fresh lettuce and herbs, which are used to wrap pieces of the crepe before dipping them into a tangy fish sauce. The contrast between the crispy crepe, the fresh greens, and the flavorful filling makes Banh Xeo a beloved dish throughout Vietnam. It’s often enjoyed as a snack or a light meal, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
7. Cha Ca (Turmeric Fish with Dill)
Hailing from Hanoi, Cha Ca is a unique and flavorful dish featuring fish marinated in turmeric and galangal, then grilled and served with dill and green onions. The fish is typically cooked tableside in a sizzling skillet, allowing diners to enjoy it fresh and hot.
Cha Ca is served with vermicelli noodles, roasted peanuts, and a side of dipping sauce made from shrimp paste, giving the dish a rich and savory taste. The use of dill, an herb not commonly found in Southeast Asian cuisine, adds a distinctive flavor that sets Cha Ca apart from other Vietnamese dishes. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the culinary traditions of northern Vietnam.
Conclusion
Vietnamese cuisine is a delightful journey of flavors, textures, and aromas, reflecting the country’s rich history and cultural diversity. From the comforting warmth of Pho to the crispy goodness of Banh Xeo, each dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the Vietnamese love for fresh, vibrant ingredients. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi or the peaceful towns of central Vietnam, these iconic foods are essential to experiencing the true essence of Vietnamese culinary culture.
