Wanna try some seriously tasty Vietnamese food? You’re in the right place!
From pho that’ll knock your socks off to bahn mi that’ll blow your mind, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready to explore a world of Vietnamese flavors that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Let’s cook!
1. Pho Bo (Beef Pho)
Whenever I’m feeling down or under the weather, there’s nothing better than a big bowl of pho bo, the quintessential Vietnamese comfort food.
It’s a savory beef noodle soup made with a broth that comes from simmering beef bones for hours, so it’s packed with flavor.
It’s served with rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, and fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and bean sprouts.
A squeeze of lime and a dash of hoisin or sriracha sauce complete the dish.
2. Pho Ga (Chicken Pho)
Pho Ga is the chicken counterpart to the famous beef pho.
The broth is lighter but just as fragrant, and it is made by simmering chicken bones with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves.
You add tender chicken pieces, rice noodles, and an array of fresh herbs and lime.
3. Banh Mi
Banh Mi is the perfect fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine.
This sandwich is made with a crispy baguette filled with various meats like pork, chicken, or pate.
It is then layered with pickled vegetables, cucumbers, cilantro, and a dash of spicy chili.
It’s an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite, making it an ideal meal on the go.
4. Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Goi Cuon, or fresh spring rolls, are light and refreshing.
They’re made by wrapping shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs in rice paper.
It is usually served with a peanut dipping sauce.
These rolls are perfect as a starter or a healthy snack, plus they’re also fun to make, especially with friends or family.
5. Cha Gio (Fried Spring Rolls)
Cha Gio is a crispy, fried spring roll that is filled with a mixture of pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and glass noodles.
The rolls are deep-fried until golden and served with a tangy nuoc cham dipping sauce.
They’re crunchy on the outside and savory on the inside, making them an irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering.
6. Bun Cha
Bun Cha is a Hanoi specialty that features grilled pork patties and slices served over a bed of vermicelli noodles.
The dish is accompanied by a bowl of sweet and tangy fish sauce, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables.
It’s a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that’s incredibly satisfying and filling.
7. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepe)
Banh Xeo is a savory Vietnamese crepe made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric.
The crepe is filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then it is folded and served with fresh lettuce and herbs.
You wrap pieces of the crepe in the lettuce and dip them in a tangy fish sauce.
8. Bun Thit Nuong
Bun Thit Nuong is a delicious noodle dish that is topped with grilled pork.
The pork is marinated in a mixture of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, then it is grilled to perfection.
It’s served over vermicelli noodles with fresh vegetables and herbs and drizzled with a savory fish sauce dressing.
9. Com Tam (Broken Rice)
Com Tam, or broken rice, is a classic Saigon dish.
It features grilled pork chops that are served over broken rice grains.
The dish is often accompanied by a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and a side of fish sauce.
It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
10. Ca Kho To
Ca Kho To is a rich and flavorful dish made by caramelizing fish in a clay pot with fish sauce, sugar, and spices.
The fish becomes tender and infused with the sweet and savory sauce.
It’s traditionally served with steamed rice and fresh vegetables.
The caramelized flavors are deep and satisfying, making it a comfort food favorite.
11. Canh Chua
Canh Chua is a vibrant and tangy soup that is made with fish, tomatoes, pineapple, and tamarind broth.
It’s often garnished with fresh herbs and bean sprouts, adding a fresh crunch.
The combination of sour, sweet, and savory flavors is refreshing and light, making it a perfect dish for a hot day or as a palate cleanser.
12. Bo Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew)
Bo Kho is a hearty beef stew that’s full of flavor.
The beef is slow-cooked with carrots, star anise, cinnamon, and lemongrass until it’s tender and infused with aromatic spices.
It’s traditionally served with a baguette or rice noodles.
The rich, savory broth and tender beef make this dish a comforting and satisfying meal.
13. Lotus Stem Salad
Lotus stem salad is a refreshing salad that is made with lotus stems, shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs.
It’s dressed with a tangy fish sauce and lime dressing, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
The salad is light and crunchy, making it a great appetizer or side dish.
It’s perfect for hot summer days when you want something light and refreshing.
14. Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)
Banh Cuon are delicate steamed rice rolls that are filled with minced pork and mushrooms.
The rolls are served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a side of fish sauce for dipping.
The soft, silky texture of the rice rolls combined with the savory filling and fresh herbs is a delightful combination that makes it perfect for breakfast or brunch.
15. Thit Kho (Braised Pork with Eggs)
Thit Kho is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is made by braising pork belly and boiled eggs in a sweet and savory caramel sauce.
It’s typically served with steamed rice and pickled vegetables.
This dish is comforting and hearty, perfect for a satisfying meal.
16. Vietnamese Noodle Soup
Hu Tieu is a versatile noodle soup that can be made with a variety of meats, including pork, shrimp, and squid.
The broth is light, and flavorful and is often enhanced with garlic and shallots.
It’s served with rice noodles and an assortment of fresh herbs and vegetables.
17. Bo La Lot
Bo La Lot features ground beef that is seasoned with garlic and lemongrass, wrapped in betel leaves, and grilled to perfection.
The leaves impart a unique, slightly peppery flavor to the beef.
These are often served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce.
They’re a flavorful and unique dish that’s great for appetizers or a light meal.
18. Goi Du Du (Papaya Salad)
Goi Du Du is a vibrant and crunchy salad that is made with shredded green papaya, shrimp, and pork.
It’s dressed with fish sauce and lime dressing, then garnished with fresh herbs and peanuts.
The combination of crunchy papaya and savory shrimp and pork makes this salad refreshing and satisfying.
It’s perfect as a starter or a light meal.
19. Crab Noodle Soup
Bun Rieu or crab noodle soup is a flavorful noodle soup made with crab, tomatoes, and tofu in a rich tomato broth.
It’s often garnished with fresh herbs and lime, adding a burst of freshness.
The combination of crab and tomato creates a unique, savory flavor that’s both comforting and delicious.
This soup is perfect for when you want something hearty and satisfying.
20. Nem Nuong (Grilled Pork Sausage)
Nem Nuong are delicious grilled pork sausages that are seasoned with garlic, fish sauce, and sugar.
They’re often served with rice paper, vermicelli noodles, and fresh vegetables, allowing you to make your own fresh spring rolls.
The sausages are sweet, savory, and smoky, making them a perfect dish for sharing with friends and family.
21. Banh Bot Loc
Banh Bot Loc are translucent dumplings made from tapioca flour, and filled with shrimp and pork.
They’re steamed and served with a sweet and savory fish sauce for dipping.
The chewy texture of the dumpling combined with the flavorful filling is a delightful experience.
These dumplings are a perfect appetizer or snack.
22. Ga Nuong
Ga Nuong is marinated grilled chicken that’s incredibly flavorful and juicy.
The marinade typically includes lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, imparting a delicious aroma and taste.
It’s grilled to perfection and served with steamed rice and fresh vegetables.
This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner.
23. Goi Tom (Shrimp Salad)
Goi Tom is a light and refreshing shrimp salad that is made with fresh herbs, vegetables, and a tangy fish sauce dressing.
The shrimp are poached until tender and then tossed with the fresh ingredients.
It’s perfect as a starter or a light meal on a warm day.
24. Banh Trang Nuong
Banh Trang Nuong is a popular street food often referred to as Vietnamese pizza.
It’s made by grilling rice paper and topping it with ingredients like quail eggs, pork, dried shrimp, and green onions.
The result is a crispy, savory snack that’s perfect for a quick bite.
It’s fun to make and even more fun to eat.
25. Mi Quang
Mi Quang is a noodle dish from the Quang Nam region, that is made with wide rice noodles and a rich, turmeric-flavored broth.
It’s topped with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and fresh herbs.
The dish is usually served with a side of rice crackers for added crunch.
26. Che Ba Mau (Three-Color Dessert)
Che Ba Mau is a colorful and refreshing Vietnamese dessert made with layers of sweet beans, jelly, and coconut milk.
The dessert is served cold, making it perfect for hot days.
The combination of textures and flavors is delightful and satisfying.
It’s a fun and visually appealing treat that’s loved by all ages.
27. Chao Ga (Chicken Congee)
Chao Ga is a comforting rice porridge made with chicken and ginger.
The rice is cooked until it’s soft and creamy and then topped with shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and a dash of pepper.
This dish is perfect for breakfast or when you need something soothing and easy on the stomach.
It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
28. Bun Bo Hue
Bun Bo Hue is a spicy and flavorful beef noodle soup from the Hue region.
The broth is rich and fragrant, made with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chili.
It’s served with thick rice noodles, tender beef, and fresh herbs.
29. Cha Ca La Vong (Hanoi Turmeric Fish)
Cha Ca La Vong is a famous Hanoi dish made with fish marinated in turmeric and dill.
It is then sautéed and served with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs.
The unique flavors of turmeric and dill create a delightful and aromatic dish.
It’s a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic taste of Hanoi.
30. Bo Luc Lac (Shaking Beef)
This savory and flavorful dish features cubed beef stir-fried with garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper.
Bo Luc Lac is typically served with a side of fresh vegetables and a lime-pepper dipping sauce.
The beef is tender and juicy, and the combination of flavors is simply irresistible.
It’s a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal.
