Vietnam, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, is also celebrated for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Vietnamese food is a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and intricate culinary techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a culinary novice, exploring the flavors of Vietnam is an experience that promises to delight all your senses. This article presents a curated list of 40 must-try Vietnamese dishes that encapsulate the essence of this vibrant nation’s gastronomy.
1. Pho
Pho is perhaps the most iconic dish of Vietnam, a soul-warming bowl of rice noodles served in a rich, aromatic broth. The broth is made from beef bones, spices, and herbs, and is typically garnished with basil, cilantro, mint, bean sprouts, and chili. Variations include Pho Bo (beef) and Pho Ga (chicken).
2. Bún Bò Huế
Bún Bò Huế is a flavorful beef noodle soup originating from the central city of Huế. It features a tangy, spicy broth made with beef offal, lemongrass, and star anise. The dish is often topped with rice noodles, beef slices, cilantro, and sliced banana blossom.
3. Com Tam
Com Tam is a popular dish in the Mekong Delta, consisting of broken rice served with a variety of toppings, including grilled pork, shrimp paste, and pickled vegetables. It’s a satisfying meal that offers a mix of flavors and textures.
4. Bánh Mì
Bánh Mì is a Vietnamese sandwich that combines a crispy French baguette with a variety of fillings, such as pâté, cold cuts, cucumber, pickled carrots, and daikon. It’s a convenient and delicious meal that’s perfect for a quick bite.
5. Goi Cuon
Goi Cuon is a fresh spring roll filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and vermicelli noodles. The rice paper wrapper is lightly soaked in warm water and then filled with the ingredients, creating a light and refreshing snack or meal.
6. Nem Nuong
Nem Nuong are grilled Vietnamese sausages made from ground pork, lemongrass, and garlic. They are typically grilled on a bamboo stick and served with rice paper, herbs, and a sweet and savory dipping sauce.
7. Cao Lau
Cao Lau is a unique dish from the central city of Hoi An. It features rice noodles served with pork meatballs, tofu skin, pickled vegetables, and a rich, spicy broth.
8. Chả Cá
Chả Cá is a dish of grilled fish cake made from fish meat, tofu, and spices. It’s often served with rice, pickled vegetables, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
9. Bánh Xeo
Bánh Xeo is a crispy, savory pancake made from rice flour, water, and turmeric. It’s filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, and is typically served with lettuce, herbs, and a dipping sauce.
10. Bún Chả
Bún Chả is a popular street food in Vietnam, consisting of grilled pork skewers served with rice noodles, herbs, and a tangy, spicy sauce.
11. Bánh Canh
Bánh Canh is a rice noodle soup from the central coast of Vietnam. It features a thick, jelly-like broth made from rice flour and tamarind, and is served with shrimp, pork, and vegetables.
12. Bánh Ít
Bánh Ít is a type of rice cracker that is often eaten as a snack or served with a variety of dishes, such as grilled meat, fish, or vegetables.
13. Xôi
Xôi is a sticky rice dish that can be served sweet or savory. Sweet xôi is made with coconut milk and sugar, while savory xôi can be filled with meats, vegetables, or seafood.
14. Bánh Khúc
Bánh Khúc is a type of rice cake made from sticky rice, water, and turmeric. It’s often served with shrimp paste, fish sauce, and herbs.
15. Nem Chua
Nem Chua is a type of fermented pork sausage that is typically served raw, with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
16. Bánh Rán
Bánh Rán is a type of fried dough that can be served sweet or savory. Sweet Bánh Rán is filled with mung bean paste, while savory versions can be filled with pork or shrimp.
17. Bánh Hủ
Bánh Hủ is a steamed cake made from rice flour and filled with mung bean paste or sweet red bean paste. It’s often served warm and is a popular breakfast or snack item.
18. Chè
Chè is a popular dessert in Vietnam, consisting of a variety of sweetened milk-based drinks or puddings. Common types include Chè Sua Dau (milk tea), Chè Xoài (mango pudding), and Chè Đào (apricot pudding).
19. Xôi Gà
Xôi Gà is a savory rice dish made with chicken, mushrooms, and vegetables. It’s often served with a side of pickled vegetables and fish sauce.
20. Bánh Tẻ
Bánh Tẻ is a type of rice cracker made from unglazed clay pots, giving it a unique texture and flavor. It’s often served with grilled meat or fish.
21. Bánh Mochi
Bánh Mochi is a sticky rice ball wrapped in a bamboo leaf and filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, such as red bean paste, banana, or grilled pork.
22. Bánh Mì Thơm
Bánh Mì Thơm is a type of Vietnamese sweet bread that is made with banana and coconut milk. It’s a popular breakfast item and can be found at most bakeries in Vietnam.
23. Bánh Tôm
Bánh Tôm is a type of rice cracker made with shrimp and salt, giving it a unique flavor and texture. It’s often served with tea or as a snack.
24. Bánh Bò
Bánh Bò is a type of sweet bread made with coconut milk and sugar. It’s often filled with red bean paste or mung bean paste and is a popular dessert in Vietnam.
25. Bánh Chưng
Bánh Chưng is a traditional Vietnamese dish made from sticky rice and pork, wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed. It’s often served during the Tet New Year celebration.
26. Bánh Ước
Bánh Ước is a type of rice cracker made with fish sauce and rice powder. It’s often served with grilled meat or fish.
27. Bánh Pía
Bánh Pía is a type of Vietnamese pastry made with rice flour, shrimp, and pork. It’s typically served with sweet or savory fillings and is a popular street food in Vietnam.
28. Bánh Mì Tôm
Bánh Mì Tôm is a type of Vietnamese sandwich that combines the flavors of Bánh Mì with shrimp and other fillings.
29. Bánh Tráng
Bánh Tráng is a type of rice paper that is used to make various dishes, such as Bánh Tráng Nem (rice paper with shrimp paste) and Bánh Tráng Bò (rice paper with beef).
30. Bánh Rán Ngon
Bánh Rán Ngon is a type of fried dough that is filled with sweet or savory fillings, such as red bean paste, mung bean paste, or grilled pork.
31. Bánh Bột Lọc
Bánh Bột Lọc is a type of rice cracker made with rice flour and water. It’s often filled with shrimp or pork and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
32. Bánh Ả
Bánh Ả is a type of rice cracker made with rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk. It’s often served with tea or as a snack.
33. Bánh Bột Lọc Nem
Bánh Bột Lọc Nem is a type of rice cracker made with rice flour and water, filled with shrimp or pork, and then fried.
34. Bánh Bột Lọc Chả Cá
Bánh Bột Lọc Chả Cá is a type of rice cracker made with rice flour and water, filled with grilled fish cake, and then fried.
35. Bánh Bột Lọc Tôm
Bánh Bột Lọc Tôm is a type of rice cracker made with rice flour and water, filled with shrimp, and then fried.
36. Bánh Bột Lọc Cá
Bánh Bột Lọc Cá is a type of rice cracker made with rice flour and water, filled with fish, and then fried.
37. Bánh Bột Lọc Thịt
Bánh Bột Lọc Thịt is a type of rice cracker made with rice flour and water, filled with pork, and then fried.
38. Bánh Bột Lọc Tôm Hùm
Bánh Bột Lọc Tôm Hùm is a type of rice cracker made with rice flour and water, filled with tiger prawn, and then fried.
39. Bánh Bột Lọc Tôm Sạch
Bánh Bột Lọc Tôm Sạch is a type of rice cracker made with rice flour and water, filled with fresh shrimp, and then fried.
40. Bánh Bột Lọc Cua
Bánh Bột Lọc Cua is a type of rice cracker made with rice flour and water, filled with crab, and then fried.
Vietnamese cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors and textures, and these 40 must-try dishes are just a glimpse into the rich culinary landscape of this fascinating country. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi or the serene countryside of the Mekong Delta, you’re sure to find a dish that will captivate your taste buds and leave you eager for more.