15 Vietnamese Food Dishes That You Just Cannot Miss Out

From street-side stalls to elegant dining spots, Vietnamese food offers an adventure for your taste buds. Get ready to dive into bowls of steaming pho, fresh spring rolls, and more as we explore the delightful variety of Vietnamese food.

Best Vietnamese Food You Need To Try

1. Pho

When you’re exploring places to visit in Vietnam, make sure to stop by Ban Xeo 46A, renowned for its authentic flavors. This simple yet flavourful dish, with its rich broth, tender meat, and fresh herbs, truly represents the heart of Vietnamese cuisine.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Hong Hoai’s Restaurant, Tung’s Kitchen, ESSENCE Restaurant

2. Cha Ca

Imagine tender fish grilled to perfection, seasoned with turmeric and dill, then served over noodles. It’s a flavour experience you won’t forget. For a taste of tradition, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien, where this dish is a menu star. It’s a simple yet unforgettable meal that defines the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Bun Cha Huong Lien, Ca Cha La Vong, Ca Cha Thang Long

3. Cao Lau

While exploring popular Vietnamese food, Cao Lau is a culinary treasure not to be missed. As you list things to do in Ninh Binh, make sure to add tasting this local delight to your itinerary. It’s as satisfying as the famed Bun Cha Huong Lien and truly a highlight of Vietnamese cuisine.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Quan Cao Lau Thanh

4. Banh Xeo

Often enjoyed in the charming streets of Hoi An it’s a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re experiencing Vietnam’s nightlife or a quiet evening, Banh Xeo adds a delicious touch to your Vietnamese journey.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Banh Xeo 46A, Banh Xeo Ba Duong

5. Goi Cuon

They’re light yet flavourful and often served with a zesty dipping sauce. Goi Cuon is especially enjoyed during festivals in Vietnam, bringing a sense of celebration to the table with every bite. Simple, healthy, and delicious they are a true taste of Vietnam.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Mau Pork Roll, Bep Cuon Da Nang

6. Nem Ran

These crispy rolls are packed with a mix of meats and vegetables, all wrapped in a thin, crunchy layer that’s golden after frying. Dipped in a tangy sauce, they’re the perfect snack to munch on while exploring the local cuisine.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Banh Cuon Gia Truyen

7. Ga Tan

Renowned for its simplicity yet profound flavours, Ga Tan warms the soul and delights the palate. Its gentle blend of herbs and spices showcases the culinary artistry of Vietnam, making it a must-try for anyone exploring the country’s diverse and vibrant food scene.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Mandarine Restaurant, Hoang Yen Vietnamese Chinese

8. Bun Bo Nam Bo

It’s a perfect meal for anyone visiting Vietnam in September as it’s hearty yet refreshing. This dish is a simple pleasure echoing the rich culture of Vietnam with every bite. It’s a must-try for food lovers looking to experience authentic local flavours.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Bach Phuong

9. Hoa Qua Dam

It’s a common find in Indian restaurants in Vietnam, where it’s loved for its refreshing taste. Hoa Qua Dam is a testament to the variety and adaptability of Vietnamese food vegetarian choices offering a sweet end to any meal.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Thuy Ta Dam Sen Restaurant

10. Ca Phe Trung

This creates a rich, smooth texture that perfectly balances the bitterness of the coffee. It’s like a dessert and a coffee rolled into one, offering a sweet, indulgent moment that’s both surprising and deeply satisfying a true testament to Vietnam’s innovative culinary spirit.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Giang Cafe

11. Ga Nuong

The chicken is marinated in a mix of local herbs and spices and then grilled to juicy perfection. Served with rice or noodles and a side of fresh vegetables Ga Nuong offers a comforting and satisfying meal. 

Its delightful taste and aroma make it a favorite among both locals and visitors, embodying the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Chan Ga Nuong Hai Coi

12. Ca Tim Kho To

As a vegetarian option in Vietnamese cuisine, it showcases how Vietnamese food vegetarian dishes can be just as satisfying and flavourful as their meat-based counterparts making it a must-try for food lovers.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Dong Hoa Xuan Restaurant

13. Banh Ghoi

It’s usually served with a side of fresh lettuce and herbs, adding a refreshing crunch. Simple, yet full of taste Banh Ghoi is a perfect example of the simple pleasures of Vietnamese cuisine that anyone, no matter where they’re from, can enjoy.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Firefly Hoi An

14. Chao

Often it’s served with chicken, fish, or just plain with a sprinkle of savory seasonings. This humble bowl is a warm hug for your stomach, making it one of the best Vietnamese foods for both breakfast and a light meal. It’s the kind of food that feels like home, filling and satisfying in its plainness.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Chao Ga Ba My

15. Bun Cha

Alongside you’ll find a plate of fresh herbs and a bowl of tangy dipping sauce. This combination of soft noodles, flavourful meat, and fresh greens create a delightful harmony of tastes and textures, making Bun Cha a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

Best Restaurants Serving This: Bun Cha Dac Kim, Bun Cha Hanoi