Cheap Vietnamese Foods: Best Street Foods Under 1 USD

Vietnamese street food scene is legendary, offering an array of mouthwatering dishes that won’t cost you more than a dollar. That’s the magic of cheap Vietnamese foods – a world where flavor doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. From sizzling grills to steaming pots, the streets of Vietnam offer a culinary adventure that’s as kind to your wallet as it is thrilling to your palate. Ready to discover how far your Dong can stretch? Let’s dive into the best cheap Vietnamese foods that’ll satisfy your cravings without emptying your pockets.

Trung vit lon

One of the most infamous cheap Vietnamese foods is trung vit lon, also known as balut. This dish consists of a fertilized duck egg that has been incubated for about 14-18 days before being boiled and served. While it may not be for the faint of heart, trung vit lon is a popular street food snack in Vietnam, especially among those looking for a protein-rich bite.

To eat trung vit lon, crack open the top of the egg and sip the savory broth inside. Then, peel away the shell to reveal the partially developed duck embryo. It’s typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like Vietnamese coriander. Some vendors also offer a chili and lime dipping sauce to add an extra kick.

Banh trang tron – Best cheap Vietnamese foods

Among cheap Vietnamese foods, banh trang tron stands as a popular food for GenZ. Banh trang tron is a colorful and flavorful salad made with shredded rice paper. This dish originated in Ho Chi Minh City but has since spread throughout the country. It’s the ideal illustration of how Vietnamese cuisine can elevate basic ingredients into a flavorful and filling dish.

To prepare banh trang tron, rice paper is cut into thin strips and mixed with a variety of ingredients such as dried shrimp, hard-boiled quail eggs, green mango, dried squid, and peanuts. The salad is then tossed with a tangy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and chili, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s a refreshing and light snack that’s perfect for hot summer days.

Banh trang nuong

Continuing our exploration of cheap Vietnamese foods, we come to banh trang nuong, often referred to as “Vietnamese pizza.” This crispy, grilled rice paper snack is a popular street food item, especially in the central and southern regions of Vietnam.

To make bánh tráng nướng, a sheet of rice paper is placed on a grill and topped with a beaten egg, green onions, and various other ingredients such as dried shrimp, pork floss, or cheese. As it cooks, the rice paper becomes crispy and slightly charred, while the toppings meld together to create a delicious flavor combination.

Banh xeo

Banh xeo, a dish that is well-known on the lists of delicious foods in Vietnam, is of course also included in the list of cheap Vietnamese foods. The name “banh xeo” means “sizzling cake,” referring to the sound the batter makes when it hits the hot pan.

The crispy savory pancake is made from a batter of rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, which gives it its distinctive yellow color and crispy texture. Banh xeo is filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs, then folded in half and served with a side of fresh vegetables and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. To eat it, diners typically wrap pieces of the crispy pancake in lettuce leaves and herbs and dip them in the sauce before eating. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that won’t put a dent in your wallet.

Banh beo

Moving on to another delightful example of cheap Vietnamese foods, we have banh beo. These small, steamed rice cakes are a specialty of central Vietnam, particularly in the city of Hue, but can be found throughout the country.

Banh beo is made from a mixture of rice flour and tapioca starch, which is steamed in small, shallow dishes. The result is a soft, chewy cake with a slightly dimpled surface. They are typically topped with dried shrimp, crispy pork skin, scallion oil, and a dollop of nước chấm (Vietnamese dipping sauce). Because of the small size, banh beo is often served in sets of 8-10 cakes, making them an ideal snack to share or a light meal on their own.

Thit xien nuong

For meat lovers looking for cheap Vietnamese foods, thit xien nuong (grilled meat skewer) is a must-try street food option. Thit xien nuong typically features small pieces of marinated pork or beef threaded onto bamboo skewers and grilled over charcoal. The marinade usually includes a blend of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and other spices, giving the meat a distinctly Vietnamese flavor profile.

Trung chen nuong

Another egg-based dish in our lineup of cheap Vietnamese foods is trung chen nuong, or grilled quail eggs. This simple yet delicious snack is a common sight on the streets of Vietnam, especially in the evenings when people are looking for a quick bite.

To prepare trung chen nuong, small ceramic cups are filled with quail eggs, often mixed with scallions, pork fat, and sometimes small pieces of sausage or pate. These cups are then placed on a grill until the eggs are cooked and slightly charred on top. Eating trung chen nuong is a popular choice for those looking for a protein-packed snack that won’t break the bank.

Xoi

Xoi, or sticky rice, is another versatile and affordable option in the world of cheap Vietnamese foods. Each package of sticky rice only costs from 10,000 to 30,000 VND, making it a popular choice for breakfast in Vietnam culture.

Savory xoi often includes toppings such as fried shallots, peanuts, dried shrimp, or shredded chicken. Sweet versions might be flavored with coconut, green bean puree, or sweet corn. The sticky rice itself is usually colored with natural ingredients like pandan leaves or gac fruit, adding visual appeal to the dish. A small portion of xoi can keep you satisfied for hours, making it an excellent value for budget-conscious travelers or locals alike.

Bot chien

Bot chien is a popular street food snack that showcases the Chinese influence on Vietnamese cuisine. This dish consists of small cubes of rice flour dough that are fried until crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, then stir-fried with eggs and green onions.

The result is a delicious combination of textures and flavors that has made bot chien a beloved choice among cheap Vietnamese foods. It’s typically served with a side of pickled papaya or carrot and a sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Che

No exploration of cheap Vietnamese foods would be complete without mentioning che, a category of sweet dessert soups and puddings that come in a wide variety of flavors and textures. Tourists can find traditional Vietnamese sweet soups made with ingredients like mung beans, red beans, corn, taro, jellies, and tapioca pearls at local markets for very reasonable prices. For only less than 1 USD, you can enjoy these refreshing treats during Vietnam’s hot summer months.

Chuoi nep nuong

Last but not least in our tour of cheap Vietnamese foods is chuoi nep nuong, or grilled banana wrapped in sticky rice. This dessert is a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence, offering a warm, comforting treat that won’t break the bank.

To make chuoi nep nuong, ripe bananas are wrapped in sticky rice that’s been soaked in coconut milk, then grilled until the rice is crispy on the outside and the banana is warm and soft on the inside. It’s often served with a drizzle of coconut cream and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or peanuts. The crispy rice contrasts beautifully with the soft banana, while the coconut milk adds a rich, creamy element. It’s a perfect end to a street food adventure or a comforting snack on a cool evening.

As we wrap up our journey through Vietnam’s street food scene, it’s clear that the cheap Vietnamese foods are anything but ordinary. From the sizzling grills of Hanoi to the bustling markets of Ho Chi Minh City, these affordable dishes tell a story of creativity, resourcefulness, and incredible flavor. What makes these cheap Vietnamese foods truly special isn’t just their pocket-friendly prices. It’s the way they showcase the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine.

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For those itching to dive deeper into Vietnam’s food culture, Asia Encounter can be your guide. Our expertise can help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of street food, ensuring you don’t miss out on any best flavors of Vietnam. Contact us to customize your own Vietnamese culinary journey and hear the phrase “chúc ngon miệng” (enjoy your meal) in Vietnamese!