What to Eat in Vietnam

Vietnam is a beautiful country, a must-visit at least once in a lifetime — not only for its rich culture and stunning landscapes but also for the incredible culinary experiences it offers. Vietnamese cuisine is full of surprises for those looking to try something different and authentic.

Let’s start by saying that no matter where you are, you’ll find small restaurants and street vendors serving delicious Vietnamese food — from flavorful noodles and hot vegetable soups to grilled meat skewers, spring rolls, and much more, all at incredibly low prices. If you’re a fan of street food, you can easily enjoy a tasty meal for just a few euros. A complete meal in a traditional Vietnamese restaurant typically costs around 10 euros. International restaurants are also available, offering Western dishes, although these tend to be more expensive and generally not as well prepared — a common trend throughout Asia. That’s why we highly recommend diving into the local cuisine, which can offer a fantastic street food experience you won’t want to miss.

Below are some highlights of the best dishes we tried during our travels in Vietnam. Keep in mind that there are many variations, as Vietnamese cuisine is incredibly diverse.

Typical Vietnamese Dishes

Vietnamese food varies slightly depending on the region, but throughout the country, you’ll find grilled meats, tasty sandwiches (especially for those who aren’t big fans of soups or noodle dishes), and a variety of beef, chicken, and duck dishes. Grilled fish skewers are a must-try — incredibly delicious. Rice is used in almost every meal, replacing bread and helping balance out the rich and spicy flavors.

In Northern Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi, don’t miss the famous Bún Thang — a combination of chicken, eggs, and ham served with noodles, shrimp, and aromatic spices. Another staple is the Pho, one of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes. In the North, the chicken version is most common, but you’ll also find variations with pork, beef, and eggs. For vegetarians, tofu-based versions are also available — Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine is excellent, offering flavorful alternatives with vegetables, beans, and incredibly soft tofu, which is hard to find in Europe.

Seafood lovers will also be satisfied — it’s fresh and flavorful, though often quite spicy. Vietnamese cuisine heavily uses chili, coriander, and kaffir lime leaves for seasoning. Even though the food is spiced, it’s generally not overly hot, so most people can enjoy it comfortably.

One dish you shouldn’t miss in the North is braised duck with taro roots, often used in soups and stews. For a quick snack, try the famous Banh Mi — a French baguette filled with all kinds of ingredients, from fish and grilled meat to pâté and vegetables. It’s a filling meal that’ll keep you going until dinner. Banh Mi has become popular worldwide, and you’ll find it everywhere in Vietnam. We enjoyed it every single day on our last trip!

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Southern Vietnamese Cuisine

As you move further south, Vietnamese cuisine becomes more influenced by Cambodia. A popular alternative to Banh Mi is Op La, a dish of eggs cooked with ham and onions, served with a baguette. There are many variations, but it’s an affordable and tasty meal — in Saigon, it’s common to see people eating Op La as a quick breakfast, similar to how Americans eat pancakes.

In the beautiful city of Hue, you’ll find incredible savory cakes made with various ingredients. One standout dish is Banh Bot Loc, delicious dumplings filled with shrimp or pork — a local specialty not to be missed.

The famous Goi Cuon are Vietnam’s version of spring rolls, eaten as appetizers in restaurants or as street food throughout the day. You’ll find both fried and steamed versions, made with pork, carrots, spices, eggs, and the signature rice paper. We also tried a vegetarian version made only with vegetables.

The Bun from central Vietnam (especially Hue) uses chicken, shrimp, and crab with slightly thicker noodles than the traditional recipe. Another must-try dish is Mi Quang, noodles in broth made with turmeric, pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs.

In Saigon, one of the most famous dishes is Com Tam — grilled pork chops mixed with eggs, spices, and served with rice and a delicious papaya salad, often enhanced with watermelon — in our opinion, even better than the Thai version.

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Fresh Fruit and Vietnamese Breakfast

Fresh fruit is widely available and very cheap, especially in the South. You’ll find a variety of tropical fruits like jackfruit, coconut, dragon fruit, mango, and bananas — all refreshing options during hot days.

Hotels usually serve an international breakfast, but if you’d like to try a Vietnamese breakfast, they typically eat sticky white rice with roasted peanuts, called Xoi.

Desserts in Vietnam

Vietnam doesn’t disappoint when it comes to desserts. Try yogurt with breadfruit, Tàu Phớ (a tofu dessert with sugar, similar to our ice cream), coconut milk pudding, Banh Chung (a sticky rice cake), and Chè — a sweet treat made with seeds, fruit, and other ingredients. You’ll also find many sweets influenced by French cuisine.