10 delicious dishes to try when traveling in Vietnam
Pho: This is an iconic dish of Vietnamese cuisine, beloved and renowned worldwide. Pho is a soup consisting of pho noodles (rice noodles) and broth made from beef or chicken bones, seasoned with spices. It is served with beef or chicken, green onions, cilantro, and lime. Pho originated from the North but has become popular across the country with various regional variations.
Banh Mi: This is a type of sandwich made from French baguette with various fillings such as roasted pork, pate, Vietnamese sausage, fried eggs, fresh vegetables, and pickles. Banh Mi is one of the most famous street foods in Vietnam, perfect for any time of the day.
Bun Cha: This is a specialty of Hanoi, consisting of vermicelli (rice noodles) and grilled pork patties, served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, chili, and fresh herbs. Bun Cha is considered one of the best dishes in Hanoi and drew attention from former U.S. President Barack Obama during his visit to Vietnam in 2016.
Banh Xeo: This is a crispy pancake made from rice flour and turmeric, filled with shrimp, minced pork, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. Banh Xeo originated from the Central and Southern regions of Vietnam but is widely available throughout the country. It is wrapped in lettuce or rice paper and dipped in fish sauce.
Goi Cuon: These are fresh spring rolls, consisting of rice paper rolls filled with fresh vegetables, boiled pork, shrimp, vermicelli, and herbs. Goi Cuon has a light, refreshing taste and is rich in nutrients. It is usually served with peanut sauce or hoisin sauce.
Cao Lau: This is a specialty noodle dish from Hoi An, featuring Cao Lau noodles (rice noodles soaked in lye water) and broth made from pork bones. It is served with roasted pork, green vegetables, bean sprouts, and crispy rice crackers. Cao Lau has a flavorful and unique taste.
Cha Ca: This is a traditional dish from Hanoi, consisting of marinated fish fillets that are fried and then sautéed with green onions and dill. Cha Ca is served with vermicelli, fresh vegetables, and shrimp paste. It was recommended by The New York Times as a must-try dish in Hanoi.
Bun Bo Hue: This is a spicy beef noodle soup, with broth made from beef and pork bones, flavored with lemongrass, chili, shrimp paste, and fish sauce. Bun Bo Hue features round, thick noodles, and is served with various beef cuts, including rare beef, well-cooked beef, tendon, pork hock, crab sausage, and fresh herbs.
Banh Khot: These are small, crispy pancakes, similar to mini Banh Xeo, made from rice flour and filled with shrimp. Banh Khot originated from the Southern region, particularly Vung Tau. It is served with fresh vegetables and dipped in fish sauce.
Banh Cuon: These are thin rice paper rolls filled with ground pork and wood ear mushrooms. Banh Cuon originated from the North of Vietnam but is loved in various regions. It is typically served with Vietnamese pork sausage, fried shallots, and dipped in fish sauce.
These are 10 delicious dishes to try when traveling in Vietnam. However, there are many more dishes worth exploring and savoring in this country. Feel free to share your thoughts on the dishes you have tried or would like to try when visiting Vietnam!