Vietnamese Food: 34 Traditional Dishes to Try in Vietnam

Vietnam is known for its amazing cuisine and it’s no wonder why! With loads of vegetables, herbs, and spices, Vietnamese food is incredibly flavorful, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the country. Whether you’re in search of a comforting bowl of phở or a spicy plate of bánh xèo, here are 34 traditional dishes to try in Vietnam.

1. Phở

Phở is the most iconic dish in Vietnam and can be found on almost all street corners. This noodle soup is typically made with a beef or chicken-based broth and a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices.

2. Bánh mì

Bánh mì is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a variety of meats and vegetables on a freshly baked baguette. This delicious sandwich is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can be found throughout Vietnam.

3. Bún Chả

Bún Chả is a popular dish in Vietnam that consists of grilled pork, white rice noodles, and a variety of herbs and vegetables. It’s usually served with a sticky dipping sauce.

4. Bánh Xèo

Bánh Xèo is a popular dish in the south of Vietnam made with rice flour batter and a variety of vegetables and meat. The batter is then fried until crispy and served with a variety of dipping sauces.

5. Bánh Cuốn

Bánh Cuốn is a dish made with thin steamed rice rolls filled with a variety of fillings such as pork and mushrooms. This light dish is served with a variety of greens and fish sauce.

6. Cánh Gà Nướng

Cánh Gà Nướng is a fragrant dish of grilled chicken wings marinated in a burst of flavors. Served with pickled vegetables and sticky dipping sauce, this dish is a favorite of both locals and visitors alike.

7. Gỏi Cuốn

Gỏi Cuốn is a classic Vietnamese appetizer made with rice paper rolls filled with pork, shrimp, and various vegetables. Served with a tangy fish sauce, this dish is a must-try.

8. Bún Thịt Nướng

Bún Thịt Nướng is a traditional Vietnamese dish made with grilled pork, white vermicelli noodles, herbs, and a variety of vegetables. A tangy fish sauce is served on the side to add even more flavor.

9. Bún Bò Huế

Bún Bò Huế is a spicy soup made with beef and rice noodles. This hearty soup is usually served with a variety of garnishes, such as sliced chili peppers, herbs, and lime.

10. Bánh Bèo

Bánh Bèo is a dish made with steamed rice flour mixture, topped with pork, shrimp, and herbs. This savory dish is a favorite of both locals and visitors.

11. Xôi

Xôi is a popular snack made with sticky-rice and served with a variety of toppings such as pork, dried shrimp, and mushrooms.

And More!

Additional Dishes to Try

Seafood:

Cá Bể Chiên

Tôm Chiên

Tôm Rang Muối

Cá Bồi Chiên

Cá Kho Tộ

Cua Rang Muối

Soups and Salads:

Canh Chua

Bún Thịt Nướng

Gà Xào Bông Cải

Gỏi Sầu Rỗ

Gà Xào Ớt

Rice and Noodles:

Cơm Tấm

Bánh Căn

Bánh Phở

Mì Quảng

Bánh Đa Hấp

Bánh Tráng Trộn

Snacks:

Chạo Tôm

Bánh Trôi Nước

Bánh Bèo

Xôi Bắp

Chè Thái

Bánh Tim

Conclusion:

Vietnamese food is full of flavor and variety, with dishes ranging from noodles soups to steamed yams. With so many delicious dishes to try, it’s no wonder why Vietnamese food is so popular and widely enjoyed. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, be sure to try out some of these 34 traditional dishes for an unforgettable culinary experience. Vietnam is home to a robust culinary tradition. With its fresh and vibrant ingredients, Vietnamese cuisine has something to offer everyone. From seafood to noodle and rice dishes, Vietnam’s array of dishes is sure to tantalize the taste buds of any traveler. Here are 34 traditional dishes to try in Vietnam.

1. Pho: Pho is a classic soup of rice noodles, fresh herbs, and your choice of beef, chicken, or shrimp. It’s a popular breakfast choice in Vietnam.

2. Bun Bo Hue: This is a spicy lemongrass beef noodle soup usually served with pork and slices of beef. It is a great way to start your day.

3. Bun Cha: Grilled pork patties together with pork belly served with vermicelli noodles and a side of herbs, pickles and a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, lime juice, and chili.

4. Banh Mi: This is a type of Vietnamese sandwich that is typically filled with pork belly, pork sausage, egg, and vegetables.

5. Com Tam: Broken rice is the main ingredient for this popular dish. It is usually served with grilled pork, fish sauce and vegetables.

6. Canh Chua Ca: A classic southern Vietnamese soup made with fish, pineapple, tomatoes and okra.

7. Goi Cuon: Fresh spring rolls of pork or shrimp, herbs, and rice vermicelli wrapped in a rice paper.

8. Banh Xeo: A popular Vietnamese pancake-style dish of shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with lettuce, nước chấm (the famous Vietnamese dipping sauce) and herbs.

9. Bo La Lot: Ground beef wrapped in betel leaves. The leaves are usually served as an accompaniment to noodle or rice dishes.

10. Cha Ca La Vong: The traditional Cha Ca La Vong dish is made with turmeric-marinated fish and served on a bed of cold rice-vermicelli noodles.

11. Bun Bo Nam Bo: A spicy dry noodle dish from Central Vietnam that is very popular in Saigon. It is made with beef and pork, noodles, and herbs.

12. Goi Ga: Chicken salad with garlic, lime, chilli and mixed herbs wrapped in a lettuce leaf.

13. Cao Lau: A unique dish that uses thick rice noodles, pork slices, herbs and deep-fried croutons.

14. Mi Quang: A bright turmeric-coloured rice noodle dish served with shrimp, pork, and a mix of herbs.

15. Hoanh Thanh: Wonton dumplings filled with pork and mushrooms, served in a broth.

16. Banh Cuon: Steamed rice pancakes typically filled with mung beans, minced pork and mushrooms, and served with fish sauce.

17. Xoi Ga: Glutinous rice topped with shredded chicken and served with pickled cabbage and onions.

18. Nem Nuong: Grilled pork patties with crispy rice paper and herbs.

19. Banh Tom: A popular street food of deep-fried shrimp cakes served with a side of lettuce for wrapping.

20. Bun Thit Nuong: Grilled pork strips served with cold vermicelli noodles and side of garlic, peanuts, and herbs.

21. Com Chien: Fried rice with shrimp, egg, and vegetables.

22. Cha Ca Lao: A specialty of Northern Vietnam, this dish is made with fish, turmeric, ginger, and dill.

23. Che Bap: Sweet and refreshing dessert or snack of sweet corn, grass jelly, and ice cream.

24. Banh Bot Loc: Tapioca dumplings filled with shrimp and pork, served with a spicy sauce.

25. Bun Rieu: Sour and sweet noodle soup served with pieces of crab, tomatoes, and fried tofu.

26. Cha Gio: Fried spring rolls, filled with pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles.

27. Thit Kho: Caramelized pork belly cooked in coconut juice served with eggs and rice.

28. Ca Kho To: Fish cooked in a clay pot with a caramelized fish sauce.

29. Goi Ngo Sen: A refreshing salad of lotus root, shrimp, pork, and a tangy, spicy dressing.

30. Banh Trang Nuong: Grilled Vietnamese rice paper topped with meats and herbs.

31. Banh Uot Thit Nuong: Rice roll filled with grilled pork, herbs, and vegetables.

32. Gong Bao Ji Ding: A classic Sichuan dish stirfry of cubed chicken, vegetables, chilli, and peanuts.

33. Thit Heo Nuong: Marinated pork skewers served with a side of Vietnamese herbs, lettuce and a dipping sauce.

34. Ga Nuong Xa Ot: Lemongrass-marinated chicken served with garlic and chili pepper.

Vietnamese cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes for travelers to sample. From pho to bun cha, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a full meal, Vietnamese food has something for you. Try one of these traditional dishes in Vietnam and discover the vibrant flavors of this unique cuisine.

Vietnamese Food: 34 Traditional Dishes to Try in Vietnam