Vietnamese Food: 34 Traditional Dishes to Try in Vietnam
Vietnamese food is a true culinary treasure. From noodle bowls to grilled meats, Vietnamese cuisine is full of vibrant flavors, colors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time adventurer, Vietnam is the perfect place to experience the wonders of Vietnamese food culture. In this article, we will explore 34 traditional Vietnamese dishes that you absolutely must try during your visit to Vietnam. So, let’s dive in!
1. Pho – The king of Vietnamese dishes, pho is a hearty soup made with rice noodles, beef broth, and an array of herbs and seasonings. It’s a staple food in Vietnam, and you’ll find it on every street corner.
2. Banh mi – A Vietnamese-style sandwich, banh mi is made with crispy baguette, lemongrass-marinated meat, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. It’s a delicious and filling meal, perfect for a quick lunch on the go.
3. Bun Cha – Originating from Hanoi, Bun Cha is a grilled pork patty served with rice noodles, herbs, and a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar.
4. Com Tam – A popular street food, Com Tam is a dish of broken rice topped with grilled pork, egg, and pickled vegetables.
5. Bun Bo Hue – A spicy noodle soup, Bun Bo Hue is made with beef bones and lemongrass. It’s a must-try for any spice lovers out there.
6. Goi Cuon – These fresh spring rolls are filled with shrimp, pork, noodles, and herbs. They are often served with a peanut dipping sauce.
7. Ca Kho To – A fish stew, Ca Kho To is made by cooking fish in a clay pot with caramelized sugar, fish sauce, and spices. It’s a popular comfort food in Vietnam.
8. Banh Xeo – A savory pancake made with rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, and filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
9. Oc Len Xao Dua – Snails cooked in coconut milk, lemongrass, and chili. A popular snack in many parts of Vietnam.
10. Ca Phe Sua Da – Vietnamese iced coffee, the perfect pick-me-up on hot days. It’s made with strong coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and ice.
11. Mi Quang – A noodle dish that originated from central Vietnam, Mi Quang is made with turmeric noodles, pork, shrimp, and vegetables. It’s a hearty and colorful dish.
12. Bo Kho – A beef stew, Bo Kho is made with tender pieces of beef, carrots, and spices. It’s often served with bread to soak up the delicious broth.
13. Cha Ca – A famous dish from Hanoi, Cha Ca is made with white fish that’s been marinated in turmeric and sautéed with dill. It’s served with rice noodles, herbs, and peanuts.
14. Nem Ran – Vietnamese spring rolls, Nem Ran are crispy on the outside and filled with pork, shrimp, and vegetables.
15. Canh Chua – A sour and spicy soup, Canh Chua is made with fish, tomatoes, pineapple, and tamarind. It’s a refreshing soup that’s perfect for hot weather.
16. Bun Rieu – A noodle soup that’s made with a tomato-based broth and filled with crab meat, shrimp, and pork. It’s a popular dish in the Southern part of Vietnam.
17. Banh Cuon – A rolled rice cake filled with pork and mushrooms. It’s served with a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar.
18. Bo Tai Chanh – Beef carpaccio, Bo Tai Chanh is thinly sliced raw beef that’s marinated in lime juice, garlic, and fish sauce.
19. Xoi – A sticky rice dish that’s often served as a snack or breakfast. It’s topped with various toppings such as chicken, pork, or fried egg.
20. Bun Thit Nuong – Grilled pork served with rice noodles, herbs, and a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar.
21. Ca Tim Kho To – A dish of braised eggplant that’s been cooked with a tomato-based sauce and served with rice.
22. Kem Flan – Vietnamese-style flan, Kem Flan is a silky-smooth dessert made with condensed milk, eggs, and caramel syrup.
23. Ga Nuong – A dish of grilled chicken that’s been marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and soy sauce.
24. Che Ba Mau – A sweet dessert soup made with red beans, green jelly, and coconut milk.
25. Chao Long – A hearty soup made with pork offal, rice, and herbs. It’s a popular breakfast food in Vietnam.
26. Mi Vit Tiem – A duck noodle soup that’s flavored with star anise and ginger. It’s a filling and comforting soup.
27. Banh Beo – A small steamed rice cake topped with minced pork, shrimp, and scallions. It’s often served as a snack.
28. Ca Tim Xao Tom – Eggplant stir-fried with shrimp in a garlic and chili sauce. It’s a flavorful side dish that’s perfect with rice.
29. Banh Canh – A thick, chewy noodle soup that’s perfect for colder weather. It’s often served with pork, shrimp, or crab.
30. Ga Xao Gung – Chicken stir-fried with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. It’s a simple and delicious dish.
31. Banh Gio – A pyramid-shaped rice dumpling filled with pork and mushrooms. It’s often served with dipping sauce and herbs.
32. Mi Xao Don – Crispy fried noodles topped with stir-fried meat and vegetables. It’s a popular dish that’s often served at weddings and celebrations.
33. Sup Cua – A seafood soup made with crab meat, shrimp, and vegetables. It’s a light and refreshing soup.
34. Ca Chien Sa Ot – Fried fish with garlic and chili. It’s a popular dish in many seafood restaurants in Vietnam.
In conclusion, Vietnamese food is a delicious and vibrant culinary experience that’s not to be missed. From pho to banh mi, bun cha to banh xeo, Vietnam has something for everyone. So, whether you’re a foodie or a traveler looking to explore the local cuisine, make sure you try as many dishes as possible during your visit to Vietnam. Bon appétit!
