Top 10+ Best Local Food in Vietnam that you must try for a lifetime

The local food in Vietnam is a delightful fusion of fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and complex flavors that reflect the country’s history and regional diversity. From bustling street markets to high-end restaurants, the local food in Vietnam offers a culinary adventure that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression on visitors. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 13 local foods in Vietnam that you simply must try during your visit. Let’s begin!

Top 13 local food in Vietnam you must try

1. Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

• Location for savoring: Street-side stalls and local restaurants across Vietnam
• Suitable for: Breakfast or lunch

Pho is arguably the most famous local food in Vietnam. This hearty noodle soup consists of a flavorful broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat (usually beef or chicken). The key to a great pho lies in its broth, which is simmered for hours with bones and aromatic spices. We highly recommend trying pho in Hanoi, where it originated, for the most authentic experience.

2. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)

• Location for savoring: Street food carts and bakeries in urban areas
• Suitable for: Quick meals or snacks

Banh mi is a perfect example of French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine. This crispy baguette is filled with a variety of ingredients such as pâté, meats, pickled vegetables, and herbs. The combination of flavors and textures makes banh mi a beloved local food in Vietnam. Don’t miss the chance to try different variations across the country.

3. Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)

• Location for savoring: Local restaurants and street food markets
• Suitable for: Appetizers or light meals

Goi cuon, or fresh spring rolls, are a healthy and refreshing option among local foods in Vietnam. These translucent rice paper rolls are filled with shrimp, pork, vegetables, and herbs, served with a peanut dipping sauce. We highly recommend trying them as a starter to your Vietnamese meal or as a light snack on a hot day.

4. Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Noodles)

• Location for savoring: Street-side eateries in Hanoi
• Suitable for: Lunch

Bun cha is a Hanoi specialty that has gained popularity as a must-try local food in Vietnam. It consists of grilled pork served with rice noodles, herbs, and a dipping sauce. The smoky flavor of the meat combined with the fresh herbs and tangy sauce creates a perfect balance. We highly recommend trying it at a local eatery in Hanoi for the most authentic experience.

5. Cao Lau (Hoi An Noodles)

• Location for savoring: Local restaurants in Hoi An
• Suitable for: Lunch or dinner

Cao lau is a unique noodle dish that’s specific to Hoi An. This local food in Vietnam features thick rice noodles, sliced pork, crispy crackers, and fresh herbs. What makes cao lau special is that the noodles are said to be made using water from a specific well in Hoi An. We highly recommend trying this dish during your visit to Hoi An for a taste of the region’s culinary heritage.

6. Banh Xeo (Crispy Pancake)

• Location for savoring: Street food stalls and local restaurants across Vietnam
• Suitable for: Lunch or dinner

Banh xeo is a crispy, savory pancake filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. This local food in Vietnam is typically wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and dipped in nuoc cham (a sweet and sour fish sauce). The contrast between the crispy pancake and fresh herbs makes for a delightful eating experience.

7. Com Tam (Broken Rice)

• Location for savoring: Local eateries in Ho Chi Minh City
• Suitable for: Lunch or dinner

Com tam, or broken rice, is a popular local food in Vietnam, especially in the south. It’s typically served with grilled pork, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. The “broken” rice gives the dish a unique texture that pairs perfectly with the flavorful toppings. We highly recommend trying com tam in Ho Chi Minh City for an authentic southern Vietnamese experience.

8. Cha Ca (Turmeric Fish with Dill)

• Location for savoring: Specialty restaurants in Hanoi
• Suitable for: Lunch or dinner

Cha ca is a Hanoi specialty that has become a beloved local food in Vietnam. This dish features white fish marinated in turmeric and other spices, then fried tableside with plenty of dill and green onions. It’s typically served with rice noodles, peanuts, and fish sauce. The unique combination of flavors makes cha ca a must-try dish during your visit to Hanoi.

9. Bun Bo Hue (Hue-Style Beef Noodle Soup)

• Location for savoring: Local restaurants in Hue and across Vietnam
• Suitable for: Breakfast or lunch

Bun bo Hue is a spicy beef noodle soup that originates from the central city of Hue. This local food in Vietnam is known for its complex broth, which is both spicy and lemongrass-scented. The soup typically contains thick rice noodles, beef, and sometimes cubes of congealed pig blood. We highly recommend trying this dish for a taste of central Vietnamese cuisine.

10. Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)

• Location for savoring: Street food stalls and local markets
• Suitable for: Breakfast or snacks

Banh cuon is delicately steamed rice rolls filled with ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and shallots. This local food in Vietnam is typically served with fried shallots, fresh herbs, and fish sauce. The light and subtle flavors of banh cuon make it a perfect breakfast option or a light snack.

11. Bun Rieu (Crab Noodle Soup)

• Location for savoring: Street food stalls and local restaurants across Vietnam, especially in the North
• Suitable for: Breakfast or lunch

Bun rieu is a flavorful noodle soup that showcases the delicate taste of crab, a beloved ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. This local food in Vietnam features a tomato-based broth, rice vermicelli noodles, and a crab-based mixture that’s often described as a ‘crab cake’ floating in the soup. The dish is typically garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and sometimes cubes of congealed pig’s blood. We highly recommend trying bun rieu for its unique combination of flavors – the sweetness of crab, the tanginess of tomatoes, and the freshness of herbs create a truly memorable taste experience.

12. Nem Ran/Cha Gio (Fried Spring Rolls)

• Location for savoring: Street food markets, local restaurants, and as part of home-cooked meals
• Suitable for: Appetizers or as part of a larger meal

Nem ran (in the North) or cha gio (in the South) are crispy fried spring rolls that are a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. This popular local food in Vietnam consists of a filling of minced pork, seafood, mushrooms, and vegetables, wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried to golden perfection. They’re typically served with a side of nuoc cham (dipping sauce) and fresh herbs. We highly recommend trying these crispy delights as part of your Vietnamese culinary adventure – the contrast between the crunchy exterior and flavorful filling is irresistible.

13. Ca Kho To (Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot)

• Location for savoring: Local restaurants, especially in the Mekong Delta region
• Suitable for: Lunch or dinner

Ca kho to is a rustic yet flavorful dish that’s a true representation of local food in Vietnam, especially in the southern regions. This dish features fish (often catfish) slowly braised in a clay pot with a caramel-based sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and pepper. The slow cooking process allows the fish to absorb all the rich flavors, resulting in a dish that’s both sweet and savory. We highly recommend trying ca kho to for a taste of home-style Vietnamese cooking – it’s best enjoyed with steamed rice and some stir-fried vegetables on the side.

How to savor local food in Vietnam as Vietnamese?

• Eat with chopsticks: Most local foods in Vietnam are eaten with chopsticks.
• Use fish sauce: Nuoc mam (fish sauce) is a staple condiment in Vietnamese cuisine.
• Embrace street food: Some of the best local food in Vietnam is found at street stalls.
• Try different regional specialties: Each region in Vietnam has its unique dishes.
• Eat family-style: Vietnamese often share dishes, allowing you to try more varieties.
• Use fresh herbs liberally: Fresh herbs are an integral part of many Vietnamese dishes.
• Slurp your noodles: It’s perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) to slurp your noodle soups.
• Pair your meal with local drinks: Try bia hoi (fresh beer) or ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk).

In conclusion, the local food in Vietnam offers a rich tapestry of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions that reflect the country’s diverse culture and history. From the iconic pho to the lesser-known regional specialties, each dish tells a story and provides a unique gastronomic experience. By trying these top 10 local foods in Vietnam, you’ll not only satisfy your taste buds but also gain a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese culture and culinary artistry. So, on your next trip to Vietnam, be sure to venture beyond the tourist spots and dive into the world of local Vietnamese cuisine – your taste buds will thank you for the adventure of a lifetime!

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