Vietnam is a hotspot for food lovers. It’s a paradise of fresh ingredients, rich flavors, and traditional cooking methods. Whether you’re strolling through the bustling streets of Hanoi or relaxing by the beach in Hoi An, you’re never far from a mouthwatering meal. Here are the best foods to try and top dining spots in Vietnam!
Traditional Vietnamese Dishes You Must Try
Phở
Let’s start with the classic: Phở. This noodle soup, made with thin rice noodles, broth, herbs, and meat (typically beef or chicken), is the face of Vietnamese cuisine. The key to enjoying Phở like a local is in the broth–it’s slow-cooked and always packed with flavor.
You’ll find it everywhere from street corners to high-end restaurants, but for the best tasting bowl, head to the streets. For an authentic slot, check out Phở Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan, Hanoi) or Phở Le (413-415 Nguyen Trai, Ho Chi Minh City). Both places serve bowls designed to make you keep coming back for more.
Bánh Mì
Vietnam’s famous sandwich is the perfect on-the-go snack. It combines a French baguette with Vietnamese ingredients and flavors. You’ll usually find it filled with pork, pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili.
If you’re looking for the best Bánh Mì, Hoi An is the spot. Don’t miss the legendary Bánh Mì Phượng (2B Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An), which is often considered the best in the country. In Ho Chi Minh City, head to Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa (26 Lê Thị Riêng, District 1) for a massive and flavorful sandwich loaded with fillings.
Bún Chả
Bún Chả is a northern Vietnamese specialty made with grilled pork served on a bed of rice noodles and fresh herbs, with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar. You’ll also find some pickled veggies on the side.
Looking for the perfect place to try it? In Hanoi, go straight to Bún Chả Hương Liên (24 Lê Văn Hưu), the spot Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain famously dined at. They’ve been serving up authentic Bún Chả since day one!
Cao Lầu
This one comes from Hoi An. Cao Lầu is a hearty bowl of thick noodles topped with slices of pork, herbs, and crispy rice crackers. What makes it unique is that its noodles are said to be soaked in water from a particular well in Hoi An, which gives them their distinct chewiness.
For the best Cao Lầu, try Thanh Cao Lầu (24 Thai Phien, Hoi An). A small, no-frills spot, it’s one of the most popular places to get a taste of this local dish.
Best Vietnamese Street Foods
Bánh Xèo
Bánh Xèo is a crispy, savory pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It’s fried to a perfect golden crisp and usually wrapped in rice paper or lettuce, dipped in a special fish sauce blend before you take a bite.
In Ho Chi Minh City, head to Bánh Xèo 46A (46A Dinh Cong Trang) for a large plate of sizzling Bánh Xèo. If you’re in Da Nang, Bánh Xèo Ba Dưỡng (K280/23 Hoàng Diệu) is known for having exceptionally crispy versions of this snack.
Chả Cá
Chả Cá Lã Vọng is a dish you have to try if you’re in Hanoi. It’s a sizzling pan of turmeric-marinated fish grilled with dill and scallions. The dish comes with rice noodles, peanuts, and dipping sauce on the side to complete the perfect bite.
For the best Chả Cá, visit Chả Cá Lã Vọng (14 Chả Cá, Hanoi). They’ve been serving it for over a century, and they’ve stayed true to the recipe that’s made it famous.
Bột Chiên
Bột Chiên is a common street food snack in Ho Chi Minh City, made from fried rice flour cakes that are crispy on the outside but chewy in the center. It’s often topped with egg, green onions, and a dash of soy sauce.
If you’re in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), a great place to try Bột Chiên is at a small stall on Võ Văn Tần street in District 3. It might be hard to find, but the locals know where to go for great street eats!
Gỏi Cuốn
Gỏi Cuốn are the perfect light bite. These fresh spring rolls are made with shrimp, pork, herbs, and vermicelli noodles, all wrapped in rice paper. They’re lighter than the fried version, and come with a delicious peanut-hoisin sauce for dipping.
You’ll find them all over the country, but if you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, The Lunch Lady (23 Hoang Sa) is a fantastic place to sample fresh and tasty Gỏi Cuốn while enjoying other local dishes.
Top Local Restaurants You Shouldn’t Miss
Ngon Villa Restaurant (Hanoi)
Ngon Villa (10 Tong Duy Tan) is located in an old French Villa, offering a cozy atmosphere with traditional Vietnamese food. You can eat like royalty here with their “all you can eat” set menu–so you’ll get to try everything from Bún Bò to Bò Lá Lốt (grilled beef in betel leaf).
It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing and taste a little bit of everything Vietnamese cuisine has to offer.
Home Hoi An (Hoi An)
For a truly local dining experience in Hoi An, Home Hoi An (112 Nguyen Thai Hoc) is a beautiful bistro that offers refined versions of Hoi An specialities, including Cao Lầu and Bánh Bao Vac (“White Rose” dumplings).
Try their tasting menu if you can’t decide what to order. The atmosphere is relaxing, and the traditional decor makes it a cozy spot for dinner.
Mountain Retreat (Ho Chi Minh City)
If you want to escape the noise of Ho Chi Minh City, head to Mountain Retreat (36 Le Loi). Tucked away on a rooftop, this restaurant offers traditional dishes like Cơm Tấm (broken rice) and Bò Lá Lốt in a peaceful environment, far from the busy streets below.
The views from the rooftop alone are worth visiting, and the food is top-notch!
Secret Garden (Ho Chi Minh City)
Secret Garden (158 Pasteur) is another excellent rooftop choice in Ho Chi Minh City. This place feels like a hidden oasis, with bamboo decor and fairy lights. It’s a beautiful spot for a romantic dinner or a laid-back meal with friends.
Their menu features a wide variety of classic Vietnamese dishes; try the grilled eggplant or the baby squid with salt and pepper for something special.
Where to Find the Best Coffee
Cà Phê Sữa Đá
Cà Phê Sữa Đá is the iconic Vietnamese iced coffee made with robusta beans, mixed with sweetened condensed milk, and poured over ice. It’s strong, sweet, and highly addictive.
If you’re in Hanoi, visit Café Dinh (13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng). In the heart of the Old Quarter, you’ll access it by going through a backpack shop, which makes finding it a mini adventure in itself. In Ho Chi Minh City, try The Workshop Coffee (27 Ngô Đức Kế) for a great blend of local beans and international vibes.
Egg Coffee
This is another must-try if you’re in Hanoi. Known as Cà Phê Trứng, Egg Coffee combines coffee, egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and cocoa powder to create a creamy treat.
Try it at Giang Café (39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hanoi), the birthplace of Egg Coffee. It’s rich, smooth, and feels like a perfect dessert.
Tips for Eating Local
1. Don’t be afraid of street food! The best meals in Vietnam are often found at local markets and food stalls. Stick to spots where you see a lot of locals eating, which is an easy way to find great, affordable eats.
2. Be mindful of the dipping sauces served with your dishes. Fish sauce is common in Vietnamese cuisine, and it’s incredibly flavorful. Try mixing chili and fresh lime juice into your sauces for an extra burst of flavor!
3. Vietnamese portions are generally small, making it easy to try several dishes in one sitting. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations–many menus offer a variety of items meant to be shared.
Vietnam is a haven for food lovers. With every meal, you get a taste of the country’s rich history, culture, and traditions. Whether you’re sitting down for a bowl of Phở or grabbing a Bánh Mì from a street vendor, you won’t run out of things to try. Just be adventurous, go where the locals eat, and enjoy every bite!
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