Vietnam is a country that is mostly on the traveler’s bucket list. Apart from its rich history and diverse culture, traditional Vietnamese dishes are the country’s main attraction. You must be thinking what is so special about Vietnamese dishes? Well, the flavors are truly to die for when it comes to curries, noodle soups, and sandwiches. Fresh flavors and seasonal ingredients are the highlight of the cuisine.
From street food to luxury dining places, Vietnamese dishes are presented differently everywhere. If you are going to try any of these dishes for the first time, you will not regret trying it. Vietnamese cuisine is an incredible blend of Chinese, Thai, Khmer, and French cuisine. This fact makes Vietnamese cuisine even more exciting for food enthusiasts.
So, pack your bags and prepare yourself to dive into the exotic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. In this blog, we have listed the 10 best Vietnamese dishes that will become your forever favorites. Here are all the dishes that will surely excite your palate.
10 Best Vietnamese Dishes You Must Eat
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its unique balance of three different flavors: sweet, sour, and spicy. You will find the best use of herbs in these dishes including cilantro, mint, basil, ginger, lime, and chili. Apart from this, you will find distinctive cooking methods that ensure the dishes are delicate and flavorful.
In recent years, Vietnamese dishes have gained huge popularity. Many food vloggers are visiting Vietnam to specially try local dishes at various food stalls and fine-dining restaurants. Without any wait, let’s discover all the Vietnamese dishes that you must try on your next trip.
1. Pho
Pho is a classic Vietnamese soup that is mostly available at all food stalls. It’s a steaming hot bowl of broth, rice noodles, meats (beef or chicken), vegetables, and herbs. Vietnamese cook the broth for hours until the flavors come to life and everything is cooked well. This is the first dish that every Vietnamese abroad wants to try on the day of arrival.
The soup is light, flavorful, mildly spicy, and quite savory. Moreover, tender meats are perfectly paired with soft noodles. The fresh herbs on the top like basil and cilantro just offer you that extra kick. A warm, heart-warming, and comforting Pho is a must-try dish for an unforgettable dinner experience.
Where to Try – Sofitel Legend Metropole, Vietnam, Pho Bat Dan Hanoi
2. Banh Mi
You will find Banh Mi sandwiches on every corner in Vietnam. Did you know that Banh Mi has an interesting history of bringing French and Vietnamese culinary traditions together? During the French colonization period, they introduced baguettes to the locals. Since then, the locals have turned this into a tasty pack sandwich.
The sandwich is made with a crispy and fresh baguette and inside you will find a mix of tasty meats including grilled chicken and pork, cucumber, fried eggs, pork bologna, canned fish, and shumai. Taste-wise, this sandwich offers sweet, salty, savory, sour, and spicy flavor combinations.
Where to Try – Banh Mi Saigon Hoa Ma, Banh Mi Co Diep, Bahn Mi Thit
3. Goi Cuon
Unlike Sushi, Goi Cuon is a well-known appetizer in Vietnam that is made with fresh ingredients and rice paper. The dish is divided into four different parts: vegetables and herbs, noodles, sauces, rice paper wrap, and shrimp. Rice paper is one of the main ingredients which is delicate. It gets softened in warm water before using it for a wrap.
The cooked rice noodles make the rolls more chewy and tasty. If we are to talk about herbs and vegetables then mint, cilantro, basil, cucumber, lettuce, and sprouts for a crunch are there.
Goi Cuon is suitable with peanut sauce which originates from hoisin sauce. Taste and health in one dish are possible with Goi Cuon. Goi Cuon is not only tasty but also a healthy appetizer.
Where to Try – Va Tra Dao, Tom Nahy, Le Van Sy, Nagon, Nagon to eat Goi Cuon
4. Banh Xeo
This Banh Xeo is proof that you can never go wrong with classics. This is a savory and crispy pancake that is mostly stuffed with pork, shrimp, onions, bean sprouts, and flavored with herbs. A super savory, flavorful, and satisfying bite of Banh Xeo will make your day wonderful.
People around south and central Vietnam are often seen tempting Banh Xeo. In the south, people enjoy it with fresh herbs and greens wrapped inside, whereas in central Vietnam, you will find a spicier version of this dish. Locals and tourists always crave this savory crepe.
Where to Try – Bahn Xeo 46A, An La Ghien
5. Cha Goi
Want to find something similar to Goi Cuon then include this Cha Goi in your bucket list. It’s a famous Vietnamese fried spring roll that is wrapped in fresh uncooked rice paper and stuffed with ground pork, vegetables, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles. The filling is spiced with garlic, shallots, and various spices.
These spring rolls will offer you savory and umami notes. Each bite will give you that satisfying crunch and burst of flavors as you indulge in them. Served with sweet dipping sauce, Cha Goi is the most ordered appetizer by travelers.
Where to Try – Mam Hanoi Restaurant, Lemon Pepper Vietnamese Cuisine
6. Bo Kho
Beef lovers will never regret trying the Bo Kho dish. It is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is made from stewed beef chunks. Spicy flavors and soft beef chunks are something that is a perfect blend that makes the recipe a must-try. Bo Kho dish is divided into 4 different parts: vegetables and spices, beef, broth, and garnishes.
If I talk about Bo Kho then it is more than a beef stew. Tender beef chunks and flavourful stew attract locals and visitors as well. Bo Kho will take you to the streets of Vietnam.
Where to Try – Lien Hoa
7. Cao Lau
Discover the most enticing noodle recipe Cao Lau, originated from the ancient town of Hoi An in central Vietnam. Made with thick rice noodles and topped with pork, rice cracker pieces, and herbs like basil and mint, bean sprouts – when ordering Cao Lau, you get everything in one bowl. Cao Lau is mostly found in the Quang Nam province and is served with lots of vegetables to make it an attractive dish.
If I talk about the flavor, the dish promises you savory and slightly sweet flavors. The earthiness of meat is balanced with spices making it beyond compare.
Where to Try – Cao Lau Ba Be, Quan Ong Hai, Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh
8. Com Tam
Com Tam is another popular dish in the list, known for its unique ingredient addition. It consists of broken rice grains, grilled meat, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. Back in time, Vietnamese farmers were cooking with broken rice and today it has become a staple food for locals in Vietnam.
The dish combines sweet and salty flavors and it’s a hearty dish that is satisfying and delectable. You will enjoy the texture of the dish as it’s chewy and contrasts with tender meats.
Where to Try – Com Tam 352, Com Tam 236, Com Tam Thanth Rau
9. Mi Quang
How about trying the most unique dish in Vietnam? This dish is half soup and half salad and fits your pocket perfectly. Mi Quang is one of the most famous Vietnamese dishes that combines noodles including rice noodles and is topped with shrimp, eggs, pork, and fresh herbs.
The broth is rich and succulent, thanks to the variety of ingredients used in the bowl. Flavored with fish sauce and turmeric powder, the broth brings an earthy taste. You will be fascinated to know that the Mi Quang originated from Quang Nam province in Vietnam, where locals enjoy this dish at Vietnamese restaurants.
10. Cha Ca
Cha Ca is a truly iconic dish from the northern Vietnamese city of Hanoi. This is a simply prepared dish with grilled fish marinated in turmeric, garlic, galangal, and other spices. Served along with shrimp sauce, anito, herbs, and peanuts, this will be your complete go-to meal.
You will be amazed at its contrasting flavors, textures, and colors. Grilled fish infused with aromatic spices delivers a perfect savory punch. The fresh dill just delivers the earthy note that you will relish.
Where to Try – Cha Ca La Vong
Conclusion
Now, we are at the end of the journey of vibrant and inspiring flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. You will agree that combining traditional and modern Vietnamese dishes has something for every plate. Whether it is the famous Pho or Goi Cuon, the fresh and aromatic flavors of Vietnamese dishes will stay on your mind for longer than you can imagine.
By exploring the dishes of Vietnam, you will feel like a native of the country and touch the soul of Vietnam. It’s enough to say that the culture and rich taste of the best Vietnamese dishes is a reason to travel there. Embrace the flavors and texture of the dishes of Vietnam with your friends and family because every dish tells a story.
