By Stephen Vietnam’s culinary scene is a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and cultural history. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the dynamic food culture of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnamese food offers a variety of tastes, textures, and experiences that every traveler should savor. Whether you’re enjoying a steaming bowl of pho or indulging in a refreshing glass of sinh tố, Vietnam’s food and drink scene is sure to leave you craving more. Here are some of the most popular foods and drinks you must try when visiting Vietnam, along with a few restaurant recommendations to help you get the authentic taste.
1. Pho: The Iconic Vietnamese Soup
No visit to Vietnam would be complete without a steaming bowl of pho. This aromatic soup is Vietnam’s national dish and is beloved by locals and tourists alike. It’s made with savory beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced meats, often topped with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and bean sprouts. The magic of pho lies in its balance of flavors—rich and savory broth with the freshness of herbs, a hint of spice, and the tender noodles.
While you can find pho almost everywhere in Vietnam, the best bowls often come from small, family-run eateries where the broth has been simmering for hours to achieve that deep, comforting flavor. For an authentic experience, head to Pho Gia Truyen in Hanoi or Pho 2000 in Ho Chi Minh City, where both locals and tourists flock for the best pho in town.
2. Bánh Mì: A Fusion of French and Vietnamese Flavors
The bánh mì sandwich is a delicious fusion of French and Vietnamese influences. It’s made with a crispy baguette stuffed with savory ingredients such as grilled meats, pate, pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, and a drizzle of soy sauce or mayonnaise. The crispy baguette and savory fillings create a perfect balance of textures and flavors that are unique to Vietnamese street food.
Bánh mì is a popular snack or light meal and can be found at street vendors or small local shops. Some must-try places for a great bánh mì experience include Bánh Mì Phượng in Hoi An, often hailed as the best bánh mì shop in Vietnam, and Bánh Mì 37 Ngon in Ho Chi Minh City.
3. Gỏi Cuốn: Fresh Spring Rolls
Gỏi cuốn, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls or fresh rolls, are a healthy and refreshing dish made with rice paper wrappers filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, shrimp or pork, and vermicelli noodles. These rolls are typically served with a tangy peanut or hoisin dipping sauce. Unlike the fried spring rolls commonly found in many other countries, gỏi cuốn is fresh, light, and perfect for a hot day.
While gỏi cuốn is widely available throughout Vietnam, you can find some of the best rolls at Pho 10 in Hanoi and Gỏi Cuốn Ngon in Ho Chi Minh City, where fresh ingredients and expert preparation elevate this simple dish into a culinary delight.
4. Cà Phê Sữa Đá: Iced Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnam is famous for its strong coffee, and cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk) is a must-try for coffee lovers. Made with robust cà phê đen (Vietnamese dark coffee) brewed through a traditional phin drip filter, cà phê sữa đá is then sweetened with a generous amount of condensed milk and served over ice. The result is a bold, rich coffee with a velvety sweetness that is both refreshing and energizing.
For an authentic Vietnamese coffee experience, head to Trung Nguyen Legend Café, with locations across Vietnam, or try The Workshop in Ho Chi Minh City, known for its specialty coffee and excellent iced coffee varieties.
5. Bánh Xèo: Vietnamese Pancakes
Bánh xèo, also known as Vietnamese pancakes, are savory, crispy pancakes filled with a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then folded over and served with fresh herbs and lettuce. The name bánh xèo means “sizzling cake,” referring to the sound the batter makes when poured into a hot pan.
These pancakes are often served with nuoc cham, a tangy dipping sauce made of fish sauce, sugar, lime, and garlic. Bánh xèo is a popular dish in southern Vietnam and can be found at local markets or restaurants. For an authentic taste, try Bánh Xèo 46A in Ho Chi Minh City, a local favorite with a reputation for crispy, flavorful pancakes.
6. Sinh Tố: Refreshing Vietnamese Smoothies
Vietnam’s tropical climate makes it an ideal place to indulge in sinh tố, or Vietnamese fruit smoothies. These refreshing beverages are made with a variety of fresh tropical fruits such as mango, avocado, papaya, and dragon fruit, blended with condensed milk or yogurt for added creaminess. They are perfect for cooling off on a hot day or as a light snack after a meal.
You can find sinh tố at nearly every corner in Vietnam, from street vendors to cafes. For a great smoothie experience, try Sinh Tố Ngọc Lan in Hanoi or Sữa Chua Dẻo Thanh Hương in Ho Chi Minh City, where they serve up fresh, delicious fruit smoothies.
7. Hủ Tiếu: Southern Vietnamese Noodle Soup
A southern Vietnamese specialty, hủ tiếu is a flavorful noodle soup that comes in a clear broth with a variety of meat options, such as pork, shrimp, or beef, alongside rice noodles. What makes hủ tiếu unique is the use of both dry and soup-based variations, depending on the region and personal preference.
This soup is often garnished with herbs, lime, and chili, adding a fresh and zesty flavor to the rich broth. For an unforgettable bowl of hủ tiếu, visit Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho in Ho Chi Minh City, where the dish is served with a delicious mix of textures and flavors.