Top Vietnamese Dishes That International Friends Can’t Stop Praising
Vietnam has captured worldwide attention with its flavorful, fresh, and diverse cuisine. Below are some of the most beloved dishes that visitors often fall in love with:
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Phở
Iconic Vietnamese noodle soup made with fragrant clear broth simmered with beef bones (or chicken), paired with soft rice noodles and fresh herbs. -
Bánh Mì
A crispy baguette filled with a mix of meats (pâté, cold cuts, grilled pork), pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a splash of sauce — a perfect blend of flavors and textures. -
Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Light and healthy rolls made from rice paper, fresh herbs, pork or shrimp, and vermicelli, served with delightful dipping sauce. -
Bún Chả
Grilled pork patties and pork belly served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and a bowl of tangy, sweet‑sour dipping sauce. -
Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee)
A creamy and indulgent treat—thick egg yolk foam paired with strong Vietnamese coffee, often enjoyed in Hanoi cafés. -
Bún Bò Huế
A spicy, aromatic beef and pork noodle soup from Huế, distinguished by its lemongrass aroma, chili, and richness. -
Cao Lầu (Hội An)
Unique texture of chewy noodles, marinated pork, fresh herbs, crackling rice cakes, little broth—flavors native to Hội An. -
Chả Cá Lã Vọng
Grilled fish cooked with dill and turmeric, served with rice noodles and rich fish sauce‑based dips. -
Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang
Rice noodle soup with a sweet, clear broth, shrimp, pork, quail egg, and lots of fresh toppings. -
Nem Rán / Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)
Crispy rolls stuffed with meat, mushrooms, vermicelli, vegetables; golden fried and served with fish sauce / dipping sauce. -
Xôi (Sticky / Glutinous Rice)
Both sweet and savory versions—eaten for breakfast or snacks: xôi gấc, xôi đậu (beans), with meat, or topped with mung bean paste and fried shallots. -
Bánh Xèo
Vietnamese crepe made from rice flour + turmeric, stuffed with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, then wrapped in lettuce & herbs and dipped in fish sauce. -
Mì Quảng
Specialty noodle dish from Quảng Nam with yellow turmeric noodles, shrimp/pork, herbs, peanuts, little broth, served with rice crackers. -
Cơm Tấm
Broken rice served with grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, steamed egg or meat loaf, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. -
Bánh Cuốn
Steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork, mushrooms, topped with fried shallots, served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
