Top 10 Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes

Vietnam is a country known not only for its stunning landscapes and rich history but also for its vibrant, flavorful cuisine. Vietnamese food is all about fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and a blend of textures that create unforgettable meals. Whether you're visiting Vietnam or simply exploring its food culture, here are 10 must-try dishes you shouldn’t miss!

1. Phở (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

Arguably Vietnam’s most famous dish, phở is a fragrant noodle soup made with rice noodles, slow-cooked broth, and either beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà). Topped with herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili, it’s often eaten for breakfast—but delicious any time of day.

2. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)

A symbol of Vietnam’s colonial past, bánh mì blends crispy French baguette with local ingredients like grilled pork, pickled vegetables, pate, mayonnaise, and herbs. It’s the perfect grab-and-go street food.

3. Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)

Also known as Vietnamese fresh spring rolls or summer rolls, these healthy snacks are made with rice paper, shrimp or pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs. They’re typically served with a peanut dipping sauce or fish sauce.

4. Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli Noodles)

A Hanoi specialty, bún chả includes grilled fatty pork served in a sweet-sour broth with cold rice noodles and fresh herbs. Former U.S. President Barack Obama famously enjoyed this dish on his visit to Vietnam.

5. Cao Lầu (Hoi An Noodles)

A unique noodle dish from Hoi An, cao lầu combines thick rice noodles, roast pork, crunchy rice crackers, and fresh greens. Its special flavor comes from water drawn from ancient wells in the region.

6. Bánh Xèo (Crispy Vietnamese Pancake)

These savory, crispy crepes are made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then folded like an omelet. Served with lettuce and herbs for wrapping and dipping.

7. Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)

Unlike the fresh rolls, chả giò are crispy fried rolls filled with minced pork, mushrooms, glass noodles, and vegetables. A popular appetizer or party dish, especially during festivals and celebrations.

8. Hủ Tiếu (Southern Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

A lighter and slightly sweeter alternative to phở, hủ tiếu includes clear or egg noodles in a pork-based broth, often topped with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and green onions. Commonly found in the south, especially Saigon.

9. Xôi (Sticky Rice)

Xôi is Vietnam’s version of sticky rice, often eaten as a filling breakfast or snack. It can be sweet (with mung beans, coconut, or sugar) or savory (with chicken, sausage, or fried shallots).

10. Chè (Vietnamese Sweet Dessert Soup)

Chè is not just one dish, but a wide category of sweet soups and puddings made with ingredients like beans, fruit, jellies, coconut milk, and sticky rice. Served cold or hot, it's a refreshing treat on a hot day.

🌿 Final Thoughts

Vietnamese food is light yet satisfying, simple yet complex. Every region in Vietnam has its own specialties, but these 10 dishes are loved across the country. Whether you’re eating from a street vendor or a fancy restaurant, you’ll experience the true heart of Vietnamese culture through its cuisine.