19 Best Vietnamese Foods to Try on Your Trip or Make at Home

Posted on January 20, 2025 | Julie J. |

Vietnamese food is one of my favorite food. The use of spices, fresh herbs, and veggies, make the food amazing and incredibly light. From all the country I’ve visited, Vietnamese food is the one that stands out the most.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Vietnam and are wondering what dishes you can’t miss or want to try cooking them at home, discover below some of the best Vietnamese foods that are worth trying!

Bánh Xèo

This crispy Vietnamese pancake is a must-try street food.

Made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, Bánh Xèo is stuffed with a savory mix of shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. It’s pan-fried to golden perfection and served with fresh lettuce and fragrant herbs for wrapping, along with a tangy dipping sauce known as nước chấm.

The name “Bánh Xèo” translates to “sizzling cake,” reflecting the crackling sound it makes while cooking.

Cà Ri Gà

Vietnamese chicken curry, or Cà Ri Gà, is a rich and aromatic dish that showcases the influence of Indian and French cuisines in Vietnam.

This hearty curry is made with tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, and coconut milk, simmered in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, turmeric, and curry powder. It’s slightly milder and sweeter than Indian curries, making it incredibly comforting and approachable.

Typically served with crusty bánh mì, rice, or rice noodles, this dish is perfect for a satisfying meal.

Bún Chả

A traditional specialty from Hanoi, Bún Chả features grilled pork served with a vibrant combination of rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a flavorful dipping sauce.

The dish consists of two types of pork: juicy meatballs and thinly sliced pork belly, both grilled over charcoal for a smoky aroma. The dipping sauce, made with fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili, ties everything together.

Typically accompanied by a basket of crisp lettuce and herbs like mint and perilla, Bún Chả is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Bánh Bèo

Bánh Bèo are steamed rice cakes originating from central Vietnam, particularly Huế.

These small, round cakes are served in individual dishes and topped with a savory mix of minced shrimp, crispy fried shallots, and crunchy pork cracklings. A drizzle of nước chấm (a tangy fish sauce) adds an extra layer of flavor.

Often garnished with chopped green onions, Bánh Bèo offers a delightful combination of textures and a taste that is light yet deeply satisfying.

Bánh Mì Thịt Nướng

A mouthwatering variation of Vietnam’s iconic baguette sandwich, Bánh Mì Thịt Nướng features tender, smoky grilled pork as its star ingredient.

The pork is marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, lemongrass, soy sauce, and sugar, then grilled to perfection. It’s tucked into a crusty, airy baguette along with pickled carrots, daikon, fresh cucumber, cilantro, and a smear of pâté or mayonnaise.

A dash of chili sauce or soy sauce elevates the flavors, making this sandwich an irresistible mix of savory, tangy, and spicy notes.

Thịt Kho

A classic comfort food in Vietnamese households, Thịt Kho is a savory-sweet braised pork dish that’s perfect with a bowl of steamed rice.

Chunks of pork belly are slow-cooked in a caramelized sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and shallots, often paired with hard-boiled eggs for added richness. The dish has a deep, golden-brown color and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, with a balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors.

It’s especially popular during Lunar New Year celebrations but is enjoyed year-round as a hearty, homey meal.

Gỏi Cuốn

Often called Vietnamese spring rolls or fresh rolls, Gỏi Cuốn is a refreshing appetizer that perfectly showcases the light, vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

These translucent rice paper rolls are filled with a mix of fresh herbs, rice noodles, crisp lettuce, and protein options like shrimp, pork, or tofu. Served with a savory hoisin-peanut dipping sauce or a tangy fish sauce-based dip, Gỏi Cuốn is a delightful balance of textures and flavors—fresh, crunchy, and lightly savory.

Phở

Pho — *See recipe by Oh My Food Recipes*

Vietnam’s most famous dish, Phở is a fragrant noodle soup that has become a global symbol of Vietnamese cuisine.

The dish consists of silky rice noodles submerged in a rich, aromatic broth made by simmering beef or chicken bones with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. It’s traditionally served with thinly sliced beef or chicken, fresh herbs, lime, bean sprouts, and optional chili or hoisin sauce for added flavor.

Whether enjoyed at a bustling street stall or a cozy restaurant, Phở is a comforting, must-try experience for any traveler in Vietnam.

Gỏi Gà

Gỏi Gà, or Vietnamese chicken salad, is a vibrant and refreshing dish that highlights the light and zesty flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

Shredded poached chicken is tossed with thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, onions, and fragrant herbs like mint and coriander. The salad is dressed in a tangy mix of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili, creating a perfect harmony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.

Often topped with crushed peanuts and crispy fried shallots, Gỏi Gà is a light yet satisfying dish perfect as a starter or a main course.

Chè Chuối Chưng

Chè Chuối Chưng is a warm, comforting Vietnamese dessert made with bananas and sticky rice.

Sliced bananas are simmered with coconut milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls, creating a sweet, creamy, and slightly chewy treat. The dish often includes a touch of pandan leaf for an aromatic fragrance.

Typically served warm, this dessert is a favorite in the colder months or during festive occasions, offering a satisfying balance of sweetness and the natural richness of coconut and banana.

Bánh Can

A popular street food from Vietnam’s coastal regions, particularly from Phan Rang and Nha Trang, Bánh Can consists of small, crispy rice flour cakes.

The batter is poured into tiny round molds and cooked over an open flame, creating a golden, crispy exterior while the inside remains soft and tender. Bánh Can is typically served with a variety of toppings, such as grilled shrimp, minced pork, or quail eggs, along with fresh herbs and a flavorful dipping sauce.

Often eaten as a snack or light meal, it’s a savory treat with a delightful mix of textures.

Bánh Cuốn

These delicate, steamed rice rolls are filled with a savory mixture of minced pork, mushrooms, and onions. Served with a side of fresh herbs, fried shallots, and a dipping sauce, Bánh Cuốn is a light and flavorful breakfast or lunch option.

Bún Bò Huế

A spicy and aromatic noodle soup from the central region, Bún Bò Huế features beef shank and pork, served with thick rice noodles in a fragrant broth spiced with lemongrass and chili. It’s a more robust and fiery alternative to Phở.

Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)

Popular in southern Vietnam, Cơm Tấm is a dish of broken rice served with grilled pork (often ribs or shredded pork), pickled vegetables, and a fried egg. It’s typically accompanied by fish sauce for dipping, making it a deliciously savory meal.

Nem Rán (Chả Giò)

These crispy fried spring rolls are filled with a mix of ground pork, mushrooms, glass noodles, and vegetables. Served with fresh herbs and a sweet dipping sauce, they’re a popular appetizer or snack.

Bánh Đa Cua

A specialty from Hải Phòng, this dish consists of thick, chewy noodles in a rich crab broth with crab meat, herbs, and sometimes fried shallots. It’s an absolute delight for seafood lovers.

Bánh Pía

A popular snack from the Mekong Delta, Bánh Pía is a mooncake-like pastry filled with a sweet mung bean paste and durian, sometimes with salted egg yolks. It’s a delicious and slightly exotic treat for those who enjoy durian.

Lẩu (Hot Pot)

Vietnamese hot pot, or lẩu, is a communal dish where fresh ingredients like meats, seafood, vegetables, and tofu are cooked in a boiling pot of broth right at the table. It’s a fun and interactive meal, often enjoyed in a group.

Canh Chua

A tangy, sour soup from the Mekong Delta, Canh Chua is typically made with fish, pineapple, tomatoes, and a variety of fresh herbs, giving it a uniquely refreshing taste. It’s often served with rice and can be made with different types of fish.

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