Vietnam is a country renowned for its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and most notably, its cuisine. Traditional Vietnamese food is a harmonious blend of five fundamental tastes: sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and spicy. This balance of flavors is achieved through the use of fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices, making Vietnamese dishes not only delicious but also healthy. This article will introduce you to over 15 must-try traditional Vietnamese dishes, ensuring you experience the very best of what Vietnamese cuisine has to offer.

TOP 15+ TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE DISHES YOU NEED TO TRY

Vietnamese cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each region offering unique dishes and flavors. Here are the top 15+ traditional Vietnamese dishes you need to try:

Vietnamese Noodles

1. Pho

Pho is Vietnam’s most iconic dish, known for its fragrant and flavorful broth that forms the foundation of this culinary masterpiece. This soup consists of silky rice noodles and a choice of tender beef or succulent chicken. It is garnished with a medley of fresh herbs such as cilantro, basil, and mint, along with crunchy bean sprouts, a squeeze of lime for acidity, and a touch of chili for heat. Typically enjoyed as a staple breakfast dish in Vietnam, Pho is a quintessential example of traditional Vietnamese food in Hanoi, where it originated. The careful balance of flavors and textures in Pho reflects the heart of Vietnamese cuisine, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the country.

Vietnamese Noodles

Savor the flavors of Vietnam’s most iconic noodle soup, Pho

2. Bun bo Hue

Bun bo Hue, a renowned spicy noodle soup originating from Hue, Vietnam, tantalizes taste buds with its robust flavors of beef, lemongrass, and thick rice noodles. This aromatic dish is complemented by fresh herbs and a refreshing squeeze of lime, creating a harmonious blend that embodies the essence of central Vietnamese cuisine.

3. Bun cha

Bun Cha, a beloved Hanoi specialty, showcases grilled pork patties infused with fragrant herbs and spices, accompanied by delicate vermicelli noodles. Served alongside a flavorsome dipping sauce and fresh herbs, this dish epitomizes the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam's capital city, offering a delicious and authentic taste of traditional Hanoi cuisine.

4. Cao lau

This signature dish from Hội An tantalizes with its blend of thick rice noodles, succulent pork, and a medley of fresh herbs, all crowned with crispy rice crackers. The contrasting textures of tender meat and crunchy crackers, combined with the aromatic herbs, create a symphony of flavors that embodies the culinary richness of this historic Vietnamese town.

Vietnamese Rice

1. Vietnamese broken rice (Com tam)

Com Tam, affectionately known as broken rice, is a beloved Saigon staple renowned for its simplicity and satisfying flavors. This dish features tender grilled pork, a perfectly fried egg, and an array of fresh vegetables like sliced cucumbers and pickled carrots. Garnished with scallions and a drizzle of fish sauce, it offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, capturing the essence of Southern Vietnamese cuisine.

2. Hoi An chicken rice

Com ga Hoi An is a delightful dish of shredded chicken and fragrant rice, often garnished with fresh herbs like coriander and mint, and served with a side of savory chicken broth. The chicken is typically marinated in turmeric and garlic, adding a rich flavor that perfectly complements the aromatic rice, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.

Vietnamese Rice

Delight in Com ga Hoi An, a flavorful dish of shredded chicken and rice from Hoi An

3. Vietnamese sticky rice (Xoi)

Xoi, or sticky rice, is a versatile and beloved dish in Vietnamese cuisine that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory forms. Made with glutinous rice, savory Xôi is often topped with mung beans, peanuts, or shredded chicken, while sweet variations may include coconut and sesame seeds. Xôi is a significant part of Vietnamese Tet traditional food, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune during Lunar New Year celebrations. Whether as a simple breakfast or festive delicacy, Xôi exemplifies the richness of traditional Vietnamese food.

Vietnamese Cake

1. Vietnamese sticky rice cake (Banh Chung)

Banh Chung is a cherished traditional rice cake in Vietnamese cuisine, made from glutinous rice, mung beans, and seasoned pork, all wrapped in green banana leaves. Most prominently enjoyed during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, Banh Chung symbolizes the earth, prosperity, and abundance for the coming year. Its preparation is often a communal activity, bringing families together to cook, wrap, and share stories, reinforcing bonds and traditions. As one of the most iconic traditional Vietnamese New Year foods, Banh Chung embodies the spirit of unity, celebration, and cultural pride.

Vietnamese Cake

Celebrate with Banh Chung, a traditional rice cake enjoyed during Tet

2. Vietnamese round sticky rice cake (Banh Giay)

Banh Giay, a traditional round glutinous rice cake, is cherished for its soft, chewy texture and often contains a sweet mung bean paste filling. This delightful delicacy holds a special place in Vietnamese culinary culture, symbolizing gratitude and filial piety. Commonly enjoyed during festive occasions and celebrations such as Tết and other significant cultural events, Banh Giay represents the harmonious blend of taste and tradition. The cake's delicious taste and symbolic significance make it a beloved treat that connects generations through shared culinary heritage.

3. Vietnamese pyramid rice dumpling (Banh Gio)

Banh Gio, a traditional Vietnamese dish, consists of a pyramid-shaped rice flour dumpling filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and sometimes quail egg, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. It's often served with crispy shallots, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that showcases the richness of Vietnamese culinary heritage. Banh Gio is cherished as a hearty breakfast or a satisfying snack enjoyed throughout the day.

Vietnamese Bread

A beloved fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions, Bánh Mì is a delectable baguette sandwich filled with a medley of flavors and textures. It typically features layers of savory pate, succulent pork or other meats, tangy pickled vegetables for crunch, and a generous garnish of fresh herbs like cilantro and Vietnamese mint. This iconic street food captures the essence of Vietnam's cultural blend, offering a delightful harmony of French baking finesse and the bold, fresh flavors characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine.

Vietnamese Bread

Bite into a Banh Mi, the iconic Vietnamese baguette sandwich with a variety of fillings

Vietnamese Pancake

1. Vietnamese pancake (Banh Xeo)

A beloved Vietnamese dish, Banh Xeo is a crispy, savory pancake crafted from a batter of rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, generously filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It's traditionally served with fresh lettuce and herbs for wrapping, allowing diners to create delightful bundles bursting with contrasting textures and flavors. Accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce, Banh Xeo offers a satisfying and aromatic culinary experience.

Vietnamese Pancake

Enjoy the crispy and savory Banh Xeo, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts

2. Vietnamese mini savory pancake (Banh Khot)

Miniature pancakes made from a batter of rice flour, adorned with succulent shrimp and garnished with finely chopped green onions, offer a delightful blend of crispy texture and savory flavors. These bite-sized treats are beloved for their addictive crunch and are often enjoyed as appetizers or snacks, showcasing the intricate balance of ingredients that typify Vietnamese culinary ingenuity.

Vietnamese Rolls

1. Fresh spring roll (Goi Cuon)

Also known as fresh spring rolls, Goi Cuon are delicate Vietnamese delights filled with shrimp, tender pork, fragrant fresh herbs, and vermicelli noodles, all neatly wrapped in translucent rice paper. These refreshing rolls are accompanied by a luscious peanut dipping sauce, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that make them a favorite choice for appetizers or light meals.

2. Spring roll (Cha Gio)

These fried spring rolls, known as Cha Gio in Vietnamese cuisine, feature a savory filling of minced pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles. Encased in a crispy, golden-brown shell, they offer a delightful contrast of textures - crunchy on the outside and savory within. Often served with fresh herbs and a tangy dipping sauce, Cha Gio is a popular appetizer or snack, beloved for its satisfying flavors and crispy bite.

3. Vietnamese popiah (Bo Bia)

A unique twist on traditional spring rolls, these are filled with savory Chinese sausage, crunchy jicama, carrots, and aromatic fresh herbs, all snugly wrapped in delicate rice paper. Served alongside a sweet and creamy peanut sauce for dipping, they offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making them a delightful choice for appetizers or light meals in Vietnamese cuisine.

4. Grilled pork sausage (Nem Nuong)

Grilled pork sausage rolls, a beloved dish in southern Vietnam, are served with rice paper, an array of fresh herbs, and a flavorful dipping sauce. This combination allows diners to wrap the smoky sausage in the rice paper along with herbs, creating a burst of flavors and textures in each bite. Ideal for sharing and enjoyed as a tasty snack or part of a larger meal, it embodies the region's culinary tradition beautifully.

5. Steamed rolled rice pancake (Banh Cuon)

Steamed rice rolls, delicacies in Vietnamese cuisine, are filled with a savory mixture of ground pork and mushrooms, topped generously with crispy fried shallots. Served alongside a tangy dipping sauce, these rolls offer a delightful contrast of soft textures and savory flavors, making them a popular choice for breakfast or a light snack throughout Vietnam.

VIETNAM TRAVEL TIPS

Traveling to Vietnam is an enriching experience, and to make the most of your trip, consider the following tips:

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Vietnam depends on the region you want to explore. Generally, the dry season from November to April offers pleasant weather across the country. Northern Vietnam is cooler during these months, perfect for exploring Hanoi and Sapa. Central Vietnam boasts beautiful beaches and ideal conditions for island hopping. Southern Vietnam remains warm year-round, with the dry season bringing less humidity.
Getting around: Vietnam offers various transportation options, including buses, trains, and domestic flights. For shorter distances, consider renting a motorbike or using ride-hailing apps like Grab.
Currency and payments: The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While credit cards are widely accepted in cities, it’s advisable to carry cash for small purchases and in rural areas.
Language: Vietnamese serves as the official language, yet English is commonly used in tourist hubs. Acquiring fundamental Vietnamese expressions can enrich your travel journey.
Health and safety: Vietnam is generally a safe destination, but take standard precautions like keeping an eye on your belongings and drinking bottled water. Make sure to have travel insurance and check for any required vaccinations.

Vietnam travel tips

Discover Vietnamese travel tips for pleasant travel

VIETNAM-EVISAGOV.COM: A RELIABLE VIETNAM E-VISA PARTNER

To visit Vietnam, obtaining a visa is essential. Thankfully, the Vietnamese government now offers an e-visa system, enabling travelers to apply conveniently online from home. However, the application process can be cumbersome due to multiple steps and required documents. Recognizing these challenges, Vietnam-evisagov.com offers professional and efficient e-visa services for Vietnam, ensuring a smooth application process. Simply prepare the necessary documents, and our dedicated team will handle the rest.

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Our professional support team is available 24/7 to assist you. If you encounter any issues with your Vietnam electronic visa, please contact us using one of the following communication channels:

Email: support@e-visa-gov.com
Phone: +84 28 3827 0404

Exploring traditional Vietnamese food is an essential part of experiencing the country’s rich culture and heritage. From savory noodle soups to delightful rice cakes, Vietnam’s culinary offerings are as diverse as they are delicious. Whether you are a foodie looking to try every dish or a traveler seeking to understand the local culture through its cuisine, there are endless things to do in Vietnam that will make your visit unforgettable. Make your travel preparations smooth and hassle-free with vietnam-evisagov.com for all your visa needs. Apply for your e-visa today and embark on a culinary adventure through Vietnam, savoring the rich flavors of traditional Vietnamese food.

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Traditional Vietnamese Food: Top 15+ Must-try Traditional Dishes 2024