From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the vibrant markets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is a foodie’s wet dream with so many great dishes to eat. In this blog post, I’ll take you through my favourite foods and beverages and tell you exactly where are the best restaurants, cafes, food stalls and night markets to try them. This guide will walk you through the best places in Vietnam to eat the basics, such as Pho, Bahn Mi and Vietnamese Coffee, but also some hidden gems, such as Com Tam, Banh Trang Nuong and Salt Coffee.
Bahn Mi
Banh Mi is a street food that has become a staple breakfast, lunch, dinner or drunken snack food for backpackers in Vietnam. It’s the ultimate on-the-go meal, perfect for busy days exploring the streets and sights. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, which is music to any backpacker’s ears. This humble baguette sandwich, a delicious legacy of French colonialism blended with Vietnamese flair, packs a flavour punch that’s hard to forget. At its core, Banh Mi is a simple concept: a crispy, airy baguette filled with a vibrant mix of meats, vegetables, and sauces. The filings can vary (with both meat and vegetarian options available) and could include things like slices of pork, pate, a smear of mayonnaise, crisp cucumber, pickled carrots and daikon, a handful of cilantro, and a spicy kick of fresh chilli.
Where to try Bahn Mi in Vietnam
Bahn Mi is literally everywhere in Vietnam, so you can eat it on any street corner, bus station or small shop. However, there are quite a few famous Bahn Mi stalls, which I recommend trying. In Hoi An, Bahn Mi Madame Khanh (also called Bahn Mi Queen) is the most famous spot to try it. In Hanoi, Bahn Mi 25 and Bahn Mi 17 are two of the most famous spots. I highly recommend Bahn Mi 17 after a night out as it is open late and just near the famous Beer Street. For a more low-key but just as delicious option, check out the hidden gem Banh Mi Hoi An in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Pho
Pho is a famous Vietnamese dish that combines rice noodles in a flavorful broth, usually beef (Pho Bo) or chicken (Pho Ga), garnished with fresh herbs like basil and cilantro, lime wedges, and bean sprouts. The magic of Pho lies in its broth, simmered for hours to achieve a deep, complex flavour that’s both aromatic and satisfying. Wandering through Vietnam, you’ll find Pho served everywhere, from street corners to upscale restaurants.
Where to try Pho in Vietnam
Pho is another super famous Vietnamese food that you can find in virtually any restaurant in Vietnam. However, the dish originated in Hanoi, so this is where I recommend you try it. In Hanoi, the most famous Pho is a place called Pho Thin Bo Ho. While it is traditionally a breakfast food, Pho Thin Bo Ho serves Pho all day, so you have the option to grab it for either breakfast or lunch.
Coconut Coffee
Coconut Coffee is a must-try while you’re in Vietnam, and it can be found everywhere! Imagine a strong Vietnamese coffee, with the addition of creamy coconut, served ice-cold or blended into a frappe-like consistency. Enjoying Coconut Coffee is the perfect way to cool down when you’ve had a busy (and sweaty) day exploring Vietnam.
Where to try Coconut Coffee in Vietnam
Coconut Coffee is everywhere in Vietnam and is not historically linked to any one city. Cong Caphe is a coffee shop chain in Vietnam that makes great coconut coffee. Otherwise, in Hanoi, I love Coffee Lam 34, just near Beer Street, for people-watching and enjoying a refreshing coconut coffee.
Bun Cha
Bun Cha is my absolute favourite Vietnamese dish and one I think everyone should try! Traditionally, it’s a pork dish and often served with spring rolls (which you dip in the broth/soup), but you can get many combinations or modern fusions of this dish. It usually features marinated pork served alongside a bowl of golden, fish sauce-based broth/soup, with a heap of rice noodles, some spring rolls and a garden’s worth of fresh herbs and salad greens. One of the best parts of Bun Cha lies in its DIY aspect – you will be served the dish deconstructed, so you add as much greenery, pork, chilli and noodles as you want to the broth and eat it in servings.
Where to try Bun Cha in Vietnam
Bun Cha is a dish that is famous in Hanoi (although you may be able to find it in restaurants in other parts of Vietnam). So, obviously, we’re going to try Bun Cha in the city it is famous for. My favourite Bun Cha Restaurant is in the Old Quarter and is called Bun Cha Ta Hanoi. Another recommended Bun Cha restaurant is Bun Cha Obama, which is famously where Barack Obama tried Bun Cha.
Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is a must-try for coffee drinkers, but be warned, it is strong, and it is sweet! If you order it in a cafe, you’ll be served a cup with a small drip filter (phin) perched atop. In the cup, there’ll be condensed milk and ice (if you ordered it as an iced coffee). The strong coffee will slowly drip out into the cup beneath. Once the cup is nearly full and the dripping has slowed down, you will need to remove the filter, give it a stir and then enjoy!
Where to try Vietnamese Coffee in Vietnam
The answer is literally any coffee shop, restaurant or small street vendor. Vietnamese Coffee is everywhere in Vietnam, and given how simple the recipe is, it’s pretty hard to make a bad one. Cong Caphe is a chain coffee shop around Vietnam where you can try Vietnamese Coffee. Otherwise, in Hanoi, you can try it at Vi Anh Cafe or Coffee Lam 34. In Hanoi, I loved the Vietnamese Coffee at Phin Coffee and Restaurant and Hoi An Coffee Roasters.
Cau Lau
Cau Lau is a famous Hoianese noodle soup dish/ At its core, Cau Lau consists of thick rice noodles, chunks of juicy pork, crisp greens, and crunchy croutons, all brought together by a rich and flavorful broth. Interestingly, the noodles get their distinctive texture and taste from being made with water from an ancient, undisclosed well in Hoi An. Affordable, filling, and utterly unique to Hoi An, Cau Lau is a must-eat for any traveller looking to dive deep into the local food scene in Vietnam.
Where to try Cau Lau in Vietnam
Cau Lao is a famous Hoianese dish from the Lantern city of Hoi An, so this is the best place to try it. In Hoi An, if you want an authentic Cau Lau experience, head to Cau Lau Thanh (a small local restaurant that only does the famous Hoianese dish). If you want to try more of a Cau Lau fusion dish, head to Morning Glory Restaurant, but be warned, it is more of a bougie treat-yourself restaurant.
Egg Coffee
Egg coffee, or ‘Cafe Trung’ as it’s known in Vietnam, is another must-try beverage if you’re a coffee drinker. Originating from Hanoi, this beverage combines Vietnamese coffee with the creaminess and sweetness of whipped egg yolks and condensed milk, creating a drink that’s more dessert than coffee. While the idea of an egg in coffee might seem weird, the creamy texture and sweet, strong flavour profile mix well, so it tastes more like a coffee yoghurt or dessert than a literal egg in your coffee. It is a coffee served hot and best enjoyed when you’re craving something sweet.
Where to try Egg Coffee in Vietnam
Egg coffee is originally from Hanoi, specifically, a cafe in Hanoi called Cà Phê Giảng, which you can still visit today, but it’s busy. For a quieter and more aesthetic spot to try Egg coffee in Hanoi, visit the nearby Vi Anh Cafe.
Mi Quang
Mi Quang is a famous noodle dish from around Hoi An, which you should try! The foundation of the dish is its wide, flat rice noodles, tinted yellow with turmeric, which are topped with slices of pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and lots of fresh herbs like basil and coriander. All of the ingredients are then placed in a flavourful broth and served.
Where to try Mi Quang in Vietnam
Mi Quang is another famous Hoianese dish, so the best place to try it is in Hoi An. You can find Mi Quang at many restaurants around Hoi An, but I strongly recommend Mi Quang Ong Hai, also known as Mr Hai Noodles. This is the OG Mi Quang Restaurant for travellers, so it’s busy but so worth it.
White Rose Dumplings
Specifically, a specialty of Hoi An, these translucent dumplings are crafted to resemble white roses, hence the name. Made from a simple dough of rice flour and water, they’re filled with a savoury mixture of minced shrimp or pork and then gently steamed until they become beautifully translucent. Served with a side of crispy shallots and a dipping sauce, White Rose Dumplings are usually served as an entree, a share plate or even an afternoon snack.
Where to try White Rose Dumplings in Vietnam
White Rose Dumplings is a famous dish from Hoi An and can be found at many restaurants in Hoi An. My personal favourite place to try White Rose Dumplings is Hoi An Street Food Restaurant in the centre of Old Town. If you want a fancier option, Secret Garden restaurant and Morning Glory restaurant also have great White Rose Dumplings.
Salt Coffee
Salt coffee, a unique twist on traditional Vietnamese coffee, is a must-try for any backpacker making their way through the country, especially in Hue, where it originates. At first glance, the idea of adding salt to coffee might sound weird, but the salt actually balances out the sweetness and strength of Vietnamese Coffee. The process involves brewing a strong, dark coffee, then adding a hint of salt and a layer of creamy froth on top, often made from whipped egg, condensed milk, or yogurt.
Where to try Salt Coffee in Vietnam
Salt Coffee originated in Hue, but you can find it at most big coffee shops around Vietnam. If you’re heading to Hue, I strongly recommend trying the Salt Coffee at Clover Coffee in the city centre. If you’re skipping Hue, you can try Salt Coffee at Vi Anh Cafe in Hanoi or Hoi An Coffee Roasters in Hoi An.
Bun Bo Hue
Bun Bo Hue (also called Bun Bo Nam Bo) is a bold, aromatic noodle soup originating from the city of Hue in central Vietnam, which is like a spicy version of Pho. This dish is a blend of lemongrass-flavored beef broth, round rice vermicelli noodles, slices of tender beef, and chunks of oxtail or pork, topped with fresh herbs and sliced onions. The main difference between Bun Bo Hue and Bun Bo Nam Bo is the latter is served with a nutty sauce, whereas Bun Bo Hue is more of a spicier chilli sauce.
Where to try Bun Bo Hue in Vietnam
As the name would suggest, Bun Bo Hue is a dish that originates from the city of Hue, so this is the recommended place to try it. Specifically in Hue, try the Bun Bo Hue from Madame Thu Restaurant (you won’t regret it!). If you’re skipping Hue, Luna’s Hostel and Restaurant in Cat Ba or Rolls and Noodles in Hanoi.
Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo, often called the Vietnamese pancake, is a popular dish to eat in the south and centre of Vietnam. Picture a crispy, golden crepe, its batter infused with coconut milk and turmeric, filled with savoury ingredients like pork, shrimp, diced green onion, and bean sprouts. It is served alongside a platter of fresh lettuce and herbs, with a dipping sauce that is both nutty and spicy. Eating Banh Xeo is an experience in itself as it is served deconstructed. To eat it, you take a piece of pancake, wrap it in lettuce, add herbs to your liking, and then dip it in the sauce before taking a bite. However, other people say you’re supposed to eat it in a taco or roll it up like a burrito, with the fillings inside the pancake. Whatever way you eat it, it will still taste good!
Where to try Banh Xeo in Vietnam
There is a lot of contradictory information about where Banh Xeo originated from, but generally, it is more popular to eat in the south and central of Vietnam. Banh Xeo is a super popular dish you can find at multiple restaurants in multiple cities. If you’re in Phong Nha, you can try Banh Xeo at the Duck Stop. In Hoi An, you could try Ban Xeo at Hoi An Street Food Restaurant or Secret Garden Restaurant. You can find great Ban Xeo in Ho Chi Minh City at the Ben Thanh Street Food Market. If you’re in Hue, Madame Thanh Restaurant is a great go-to to try Vietnamese pancakes!
Rice Paper Rolls (also called Summer Rolls or Fresh Spring Rolls)
Depending on where you are in Vietnam, this dish has a different name. In the south, they are called Summer Rolls, in the north they are called Fresh Spring Rolls and in the centre they are called Rice Paper Rolls. Unlike their fried counterparts, these rolls are served cold with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and often shrimp or pork, all neatly tucked into translucent rice paper. They are usually accompanied by peanut or hoisin dipping sauce. Rice Paper Rolls are the perfect lightweight and fresh lunch option for when you’re on the go and don’t feel like eating something hot in the humidity of Vietnam.
Where to try Rice Paper Rolls in Vietnam
Rice Paper Rolls are eaten everywhere in Vietnam! They’re the perfect meal on the go or entree. My favourites are the fresh spring rolls from Rolls and Noodles in Hanoi. If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, I highly recommend the summer rolls from the Ben Thanh Street Food Market. If you’re in Hue, Madame Thanh Restaurant has great rice paper rolls!
Vietnamese Pizza (banh trang nuong)
Banh Trang Nuong, often called “Vietnamese pizza” by travellers and locals, is a popular street food eaten in the south and central regions of Vietnam. This dish takes simple rice paper, traditionally used for rolls, and uses it instead as a thin pizza base. It is grilled over a BBQ so the rice paper becomes a crunchy crust and then topped with a variety of ingredients that can include minced pork, shrimp, quail eggs, spring onions, and a drizzle of chilli sauce or mayonnaise. Each vendor adds their own twist and has different topping options, so it’s a fairly versatile dish.
Where to try Vietnamese Pizza in Vietnam
Vietnamese Pizza is a popular night market dish eaten in many cities in Vietnam, but it originally came from Dalat. At Dalat you can try it at the Dalat Night Market (you can’t miss it; it’s everywhere). If you’re skipping Dalat, you can also find Vietnamese Pizza at the Ben Thanh Street Food Market in Ho Chi Minh City. You won’t really find this dish on any restaurant menus as it is street food, but you can find it at most food markets and night markets.
Broken Rice (Com Tam)
Broken rice, or ‘Com Tam,’ is a staple dish eaten in Vietnam, particularly famous in Ho Chi Minh City. The grains of broken rice are shorter and slightly firmer than their whole counterparts, offering a unique texture that’s become a favourite among locals of Ho Chi Minh City. A typical plate of Com Tam comes heaped with grilled pork, a crispy fried egg, fresh cucumber slices, and a dollop of pickled vegetables, all drizzled with a sweet and savoury fish sauce.
Where to try Broken Rice in Vietnam
Broken Rice is a famous dish from Ho Chi Minh City and is quite rare to find on menus in restaurants outside of Ho Chi Minh City. There is one place and one place only you should try the dish, and that’s Com Tam Ba Ghien, which is a famous local restaurant specialising in the dish.
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