Top Vietnamese Dishes You Must Try

Vietnamese cuisine is a vibrant blend of fresh ingredients, rich flavors, and diverse textures. From street food stalls to fine dining establishments, the food culture in Vietnam offers something for every palate. If you’re planning to explore Vietnamese cuisine, here’s a guide to the top Vietnamese dishes you simply must try. Whether you’re craving a savory noodle soup or a crispy spring roll, these dishes are bound to impress.

1. Pho – The Iconic Vietnamese Noodle Soup

Pho is perhaps the most famous Vietnamese dish worldwide, and for good reason. This aromatic noodle soup consists of a fragrant broth, rice noodles, herbs, and usually beef or chicken. The secret to great pho lies in the broth, which is simmered for hours to extract deep flavors.

Key Ingredients:

• Broth: Typically made from beef or chicken bones, simmered with spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.

• Noodles: Soft, slippery rice noodles.

• Protein: Beef (typically thinly sliced brisket, tendon, or meatballs) or chicken.

• Toppings: Fresh herbs like cilantro and basil, lime wedges, and chili peppers.

This dish is traditionally enjoyed for breakfast but is a beloved comfort food throughout the day.

“Pho is a soul-warming dish that balances the freshness of herbs and the richness of the broth.”

You can find different variations of pho throughout Vietnam. In the north, the broth is clear and less seasoned, while in the south, it’s richer and served with more herbs and vegetables.

2. Banh Mi – The Vietnamese Sandwich

Banh Mi is a fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. The French baguette, filled with Vietnamese ingredients, creates a unique sandwich that’s crunchy, savory, and satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of crispy bread, flavorful meats, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauces.

Key Ingredients:

• Baguette: Light and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.

• Proteins: Grilled pork, chicken, or beef, and sometimes pate or cold cuts.

• Vegetables: Pickled carrots, daikon radish, cucumber, cilantro, and spicy jalapeños.

• Condiments: Mayonnaise, soy sauce, and fish sauce.

Banh Mi is a street food favorite and a great choice for a quick lunch or dinner on the go.

3. Goi Cuon – Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Goi Cuon, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls or summer rolls, are light, fresh, and delicious. They’re often filled with shrimp, pork, or tofu, along with vermicelli noodles, lettuce, herbs, and carrots, all wrapped in translucent rice paper. These rolls are perfect for those who want a refreshing appetizer or snack.

Key Ingredients:

• Rice paper: Thin and translucent.

• Proteins: Shrimp, pork, or tofu.

• Vegetables: Lettuce, mint, cilantro, carrots, and vermicelli noodles.

• Dipping Sauce: Peanut or hoisin sauce, or sometimes fish sauce.

Goi Cuon is served with a rich dipping sauce, and it’s often enjoyed with a side of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of peanuts.

“Goi Cuon is like eating a salad wrapped in a delicate rice paper shell—refreshing and healthy!”

4. Com tam – Broken Rice

Com Tam, also known as broken rice, is a popular dish in southern Vietnam. It’s often served with grilled pork (but can include other meats like chicken or beef) and is accompanied by pickled vegetables, fried egg, and a tangy fish sauce-based dressing.

Key Ingredients:

• Broken rice: A special type of rice with smaller grains.

• Grilled meat: Pork, usually either grilled pork chop or shredded pork.

• Fried egg: Adds a rich, savory flavor.

• Pickled vegetables: Carrots and daikon radish, adding a refreshing crunch.

Com Tam is a perfect dish for those who enjoy savory and tangy flavors in every bite.

5. Banh Xeo – Vietnamese Pancakes

Banh Xeo is a crispy Vietnamese pancake that is typically filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. The pancake is made from a batter of rice flour and coconut milk, giving it a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft fillings.

Key Ingredients:

• Rice flour batter: Creates a thin, crispy pancake.

• Fillings: Shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.

• Herbs: Mint, basil, and cilantro.

• Dipping Sauce: Fish sauce-based with a hint of sugar, garlic, and lime.

This dish is often served with lettuce leaves, which you can use to wrap the pancakes and add a fresh, crunchy texture.

“Banh Xeo is like a Vietnamese version of a savory crepe, with a crispy edge and a juicy, flavorful filling.”

6. Hu Tieu – Vietnamese Noodle Soup

Hu Tieu is a lesser-known but equally delicious noodle soup that originated in southern Vietnam. The broth can be clear or rich, and the noodles are typically a combination of rice and egg noodles. It’s often served with a variety of meats, such as shrimp, pork, or beef, and topped with fresh herbs and crispy shallots.

Key Ingredients:

• Noodles: A combination of rice noodles and egg noodles.

• Broth: Can be a light, clear broth or a more flavorful, meaty one.

• Proteins: Pork, shrimp, or beef.

• Toppings: Fresh herbs, crispy shallots, and lime wedges.

Hu Tieu is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty and comforting noodle soup, similar to Pho but with a unique flavor profile.

7. Bo Kho – Vietnamese Beef Stew

Bo Kho is a flavorful Vietnamese beef stew made with tender beef chunks, carrots, and potatoes, all simmered in a spiced broth. It’s often served with a baguette for dipping or with rice noodles. The deep, savory flavors are balanced with a hint of lemongrass and star anise.

Key Ingredients:

• Beef: Usually beef shank or brisket.

• Carrots and potatoes: Add a natural sweetness and texture.

• Spices: Lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon.

• Baguette or rice noodles: For serving.

Bo Kho is a warm, comforting dish, perfect for cool weather or whenever you crave something hearty.

FAQs About Vietnamese Dishes

1. What is the most famous Vietnamese dish?

Pho is the most famous Vietnamese dish globally. It’s a comforting noodle soup that features a rich broth, noodles, and a choice of protein like beef or chicken.

2. What should I try first when visiting Vietnam?

Start with Pho, Banh Mi, and Goi Cuon. These dishes are staples of Vietnamese cuisine and showcase the fresh flavors and unique textures that define the country’s food culture.

3. Is Vietnamese food spicy?

Vietnamese food is often flavorful with a hint of spice, but it’s not typically overly hot. Many dishes include fresh herbs, chilies, and a mild level of heat that you can adjust based on your preference.

4. Can I make Vietnamese dishes at home?

Yes! Many Vietnamese dishes, such as Pho, Banh Mi, and Goi Cuon, are quite easy to make at home with the right ingredients. Try experimenting with different recipes and adjusting flavors to your taste.

Conclusion

Vietnamese cuisine is rich, diverse, and full of bold flavors that make every meal an adventure. Whether you’re enjoying a bowl of Pho or savoring a Banh Mi, these top Vietnamese dishes offer a glimpse into the heart of Vietnam’s culinary culture. Try them all and experience the best of what Vietnam has to offer!