5 Must-taste Dishes Only Have in Vietnam

As being a small but colorful country in SouthEast Asia, beside the fascinating history, culture and architecture, Vietnam has a lot to offer travelers. One thing you should not miss out when it comes to Vietnam travel is, certainly, the unique cuisine.

Featured a tropical climate, Vietnam has abundant choices of cooking ingredients: from fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, beans to exceptional pork, chicken and other kind of meats; and food ranges widely from typical street food in small vendors to gourmet dishes in luxury restaurants. Especially, street food has become part of Vietnam’s culinary culture, which, in some way, is the most appealing reasons for tourists to give this beautiful country a visit. Look no further, here are 5 Vietnamese must-taste dishes you should try any time you can!

1. Pho - The Authentic Vietnamese Noodle Soup

The authentic beef noodle soup

Pho is a traditional as well as exceptional dish originated in the North of Vietnam. It is truly an art of flavors: to serve you with a hot and tasty bowl of Pho, they need over 10 different spices for the soup. All about flavor, and full of flavor. Some prefers Pho Bo (beef noodle soup), and some just gets addicted to Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup).

Pho can be served well in both street vendors and some haute restaurants. A good address of your choice might be Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su, nestled on the corner of Ly Quoc Su St. in the Old Quarter. Price ranges around VND 40,000 to VND 60,000 per bowl.

2. Bun Nem - The Wonderful Fried Springroll

Bun Nem in traditional restaurant

When being asked about the most favorite dishes in Vietnam, approximately 60% of foreign visitors admit that it is Nem. As also being one of the most well-known dishes and exclusive in the country, every Vietnamese family has Nem on Tet holiday, and it has become a lifelong custom. The distinctive flavor of chopped meats such as pork, chicken, mushrooms and shredded carrots along with dipping sauce and bun (rice noodle) make an incredible taste.

Best places to get a real Nem for yourselves can be any restaurant in town! But to savor the most, take a look at Quan Ngon, 34 Phan Dinh Phung St. Just less than VND 100,000 for a delicious meal.

3. Bun Cha - King of the Grilled Pork

Grilled pork with bamboo stick

If you once tried Bun Cha - grilled pork with rice noodle and special fish sauce, there could be a glow on your face any later time you talk about it! Much like Bun Nem, Bun Cha is also considered a signature dish of Hanoi. The scrumptious grilled meatballs with special spices mixed will not let you down. They will only grill it when you order, so it is always hot and fresh.

Experience this great dish at Bun Cha Hang Manh on Hang Manh St., they have been the master of Bun Cha for decades. A set of Bun Cha costs you around VND 50,000.

Check out more: 10 things you should do when traveling to Vietnam!

4. Banh Xeo - The Intriguing Vietnamese Pancake

The appealing yellow of Banh Xeo

The idea of sitting down at a corner of the street, watching the bustling pace of life, and enjoying a piece of Banh Xeo is truly perfect. Not like any pancake you’ve ever try: not sweet like French crepe, not crunchy like Mexican-style taco or burritos, not thick and plain like the Indian Nan; Banh Xeo is at the same time smooth and crispy, and compiles all things you need for a nutritious brunch: shrimp, pork, onion, normally served with a worth of herbs and deep sauce. With only one bite, you‘ll quite be deep in that unique taste. 

The favorite local address for Banh Xeo is 16 Hang Bong St. It only opens til 15:00, so run for the flavor! 

5. Xoi - The Ultimate Sticky Rice 

Xoi xeo ga - Green bean sticky rice with chicken

Every Vietnamese family has Xoi in their house’s altar when it comes to a special day like worshiping the ancestors, or Tet holiday. In other words, Xoi is the traditional and authentic dish of Vietnam. It is also served in various types: the white sticky rice (Xoi Trang) with roasted pork/ chicken/ sausage/ fried egg (omelet); the green bean sticky rice (Xoi Xeo) with deep fried slices of onion; the black bean sticky rice with sesame salt, the coconut sticky rice, etc. 

A famous place to try a bowl of Xoi might be Xoi Yen, 35B Nguyen Huu Huan St.