An Introduction to Vietnamese Food

Whether you have a fondness for soups, noodles, or a delectable fusion of both, Vietnam is a culinary haven that beckons. Soup enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of aromatic broths, while adventurous foodies can revel in the diverse and flavorful offerings of Vietnamese cuisine.

Vietnamese cuisine is a delightful fusion of various influences, including Chinese, French, and indigenous flavors. Over centuries, these culinary traditions have melded to create the vibrant tapestry of tastes that define modern Vietnamese food.

After several visits to Vietnam, I remain an eager explorer of its culinary wonders. With each menu, a new gastronomic adventure awaits, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit bewildered at first. Embrace the experience and be open to trying anything that captures your attention. It’s a strategy that has never let me down. For those looking to get a head start, a bit of familiarity with Vietnamese food vocabulary before your trip can be helpful.

If you’re looking to savor the best of Vietnamese food, which includes “Vietnamese dishes” and “traditional Vietnamese food,” you’re in for a treat.

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1. Vietnamese Noodle Soup (Pho)

Pronounced ‘Fu,’ Pho is the quintessential Vietnamese dish, emblematic of the country’s culinary identity. It’s ubiquitous, found everywhere from bustling breakfast tables to curbside vendors. Whether you choose the flavorful beef (Pho Bo) or chicken (Pho Ga) version, this dish features flat rice noodles bathed in a fragrant broth, garnished with herbs, sliced red chilies, lime, bean sprouts, basil, and cilantro. Pho is the heart and soul of countless Vietnamese soups.

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2. Summer Rolls / Fried Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon / Nem Ran)

The delicate Summer Rolls, or fresh spring rolls, are a refreshing delight, bursting with freshness and flavor. Wrapped in thin rice paper, they contain vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a choice of meat, accompanied by a delectable peanut sauce. Fried Spring Rolls offer a crispy alternative, perfect for those occasional indulgent moments. While sauces vary a phenomenal favorite is the peanut sauce (Nuoc Leo). Summer rolls also come meatless/vegetarian. Both are commonly found in most Vietnamese food menus.

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3. Baguettes (Banh Mi)

Obvious colonial French influences? Banh mi is another of Vietnam’s staple street foods generally found sold at small, street-side stalls. As with all baguettes, you can put pretty much anything in them. That being said the Vietnamese Banh Mi that I love is with a filling of pork liver pate, Vietnamese sausage, radish, carrot, cucumber, mayonnaise, and chili. Makes for a hearty feed following days of soup and vegetables.

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4. Grilled Pork (Thit Nuong)

Marinated pork, grilled over charcoal, is a treat for barbecue enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed skewered, within a baguette (Thit Xien Banh Mi), wrapped in spring rolls (Banh Uot Thit Nuong), or as a topping for noodles (Bun Thit Nuong), it’s a flavor explosion. For fellow barbecue lovers, Thit Nuong is the one street food hard to resist. While perfectly eaten skewered as a quick, meaty snack; Thit Nuong is also found in many of my favorite Vietnamese foods. Stuffed in a baguette (Thit Xien Banh Mi), wrapped in spring rolls (Banh Uot Thir Nuong) and the Vietnamese favorite topping noodles (Bun Thit Nuong).

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5. Crepe Wrap (Banh Xeo)

With an unmistakable French influence, Banh Xeo is a savory crepe, often filled with meats, bean sprouts, and herbs. This stuffed crepe is then wrapped again in sheets of lettuce with optional garnishes of basil, mint, and mustard leaves. It’s a culinary experience that demands to be savored. Don’t forget the sweet, sour, salty, and hot side dip (Nuoc Cham) for added flair. Banh Xeo tends to come with a sweet, sour, salty, and hot side dip (Nuoc Cham).

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6. Beef on Rice Noodles (Bun Bo Nam Bo)

Thailand is severely lacking in Beef dishes meaning arrivals to Vietnam have my hankering for Bun Bo Nam Bo. If you’re a beef enthusiast, Bun Bo Nam Bo will surely delight your taste buds. It features tender slivers of grilled, sliced beef on a bed of fresh vermicelli noodles, topped with peanuts and fresh Vietnamese herbs. The dish is served with a side of Nuoc Cham, a popular Vietnamese sweet, sour, salty, and hot dipping (or pouring) sauce, complete with carrot, unripe papaya, and chilies. It’s a refreshing departure from soups. Refreshingly soupless.

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7. Pork on Thick Noodles (Cao Lau)

I think Cao Lau is the perfect example of diversity in Vietnamese food. Originating from the old trading port of Hoi An, it could easily find a place in the Ramen Restaurants of Japan. Thick wheat noodles are topped with juicy slabs of pork, drenched in a thin pork and herb-infused broth. The dish is generously garnished with Vietnamese greens, bean sprouts, and peanuts, and often served with a side of light prawn crackers. It’s a superb culinary creation. Superb!

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8. Chicken on Sticky Rice (Xoi Ga)

While sticky rice is common throughout Asia, in Vietnam, it’s elevated to a main course. Xoi Ga, or Chicken Rice, is one of the more common treats, featuring a hearty serving of sticky rice topped with tender strips of chicken, a handful of fresh Vietnamese herbs, and, more often than not, crispy shallots. A dash of soy and sesame adds the finishing touches to this delectable dish.

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9. Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung)

In Vietnam, I get excited for morning coffee. Not sure why but in Vietnam coffee is better – possibly due to extra lashings of condensed milk. In Vietnam, there is a streetside cafe culture (possibly French influence) selling all sorts of tasty bean strains. An interesting bean to look for is the Weasel Coffee a synthetic replication of the famous civet coffee. A coffee best found in tourist areas e.g. Ben Thanh Market (HCM). If you prefer something more local and authentic Ca Phe Trung or Egg Coffee is worth a try; a whipped egg served over hot coffee.

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10. Cheap Beer (Bia Hoi)

Bia Hoi, the possibly cheapest beer in Southeast Asia, if not the world, comes at just 5,000 Dong (approximately $0.24). It might not be the tastiest beer, but it offers an experience like no other. Pull up a tiny chair, join the local cool kids, and savor beers at a fraction of the cost. If $0.24 is too budget-friendly for you, consider upgrading to some of Vietnam’s premium beers like Beer Hanoi in Hanoi or Beer Saigon in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). It’s a tradition worth toasting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the 5 best restaurants in Hanoi for Vietnamese Food?

Hanoi boasts numerous exceptional restaurants for Vietnamese cuisine. Some popular choices include “Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su,” “Bun Cha Huong Lien,” “Banh Mi 25,” “Bun Bo Nam Bo 67 Hang Dieu,” and “Quan An Ngon.” Each of these dining establishments offers a unique culinary experience, allowing you to savor the best of Vietnamese flavors.

Q2: What are the 5 Best Restaurants in HCMC?

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, offers a diverse dining scene. For the best Vietnamese food, consider visiting “Pho Phuong,” “Banh Xeo An La Ghien,” “Cuc Gach Quan,” “Banh Mi Huynh Hoa,” and “Quan Com Pho.” These establishments showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Q3: How can I find vegetarian Vietnamese food?

Finding vegetarian Vietnamese food is relatively easy, as many local dishes can be customized to suit a vegetarian diet. When dining in Vietnam, simply inform the restaurant staff of your dietary preference, and they will often accommodate your request. Additionally, you can look for restaurants that specifically offer vegetarian options. Some popular choices include “Com Chay Nang Tam,” “An Lac Vegetarian Restaurant,” and “Hum Vegetarian Cafe & Restaurant,” known for their delicious meat-free Vietnamese dishes.