12 of the most famous Vietnamese foods that are definitely worth a try

Welcome to Vietnam, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant culinary scene. When it comes to Vietnam travel, one cannot miss the opportunity to indulge in the exquisite flavors of famous Vietnamese food. Join us on a gastronomic journey as we explore the famous food in Vietnam that will make your trip an unforgettable culinary adventure.

1. Pho – A famous Vietnamese food that has its name added to the dictionary

Pho, undoubtedly one of the most famous Vietnamese foods, has achieved a culinary feat like no other – its name has become a staple in the global gastronomic lexicon. This famous Vietnamese food, consisting of a flavorful broth, rice noodles, tender slices of beef or chicken, and an assortment of fresh herbs, has captivated the taste buds of food enthusiasts around the world. With its origins deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, Pho represents the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and aromas.

Pho, the most famous food in Vietnam, has become an iconic symbol of Vietnamese cuisine (Source: Collected)

2. Bun rieu cua (Vietnamese rice vermicelli with crab)

Bun rieu cua, a lesser-known yet equally delightful famous Vietnamese food, is a dish that deserves a special place in the hearts of culinary enthusiasts. This delectable rice vermicelli soup features a rich and tangy broth made from crab meat, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. The dish is traditionally garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and tofu, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.

3. Banh mi (Vietnamese bread)

Banh mi, the renowned Vietnamese bread, has gained international acclaim for its exceptional taste and versatility. The epitome of a perfect banh mi lies in its crispy yet fluffy baguette, filled with an array of savory ingredients such as grilled meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

While this famous Vietnamese food can be found throughout Vietnam, the variation hailing from the enchanting city of Hoi An holds a special place in Vietnamese culinary lore. The distinct flavors and techniques used in Banh mi Hoi An make it one of the most famous Vietnamese foods, reflecting the essence of Vietnamese bread at its finest.

Banh mi is the epitome of famous street food in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

4. Chuoi nep nuong (Grilled banana wrapped in sticky rice)

Chuoi nep nuong, a delectable Vietnamese dessert, combines the irresistible sweetness of ripe bananas with the comforting chewiness of sticky rice. This famous Vietnamese food is created by grilling the banana, which intensifies its natural flavors, and encasing it in a layer of sticky rice infused with coconut milk. The result is a heavenly treat that boasts a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

5. Bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup) – One of the most famous dishes in Vietnam

Just like banh mi and chuoi nep nuong, Bun bo Hue is another famous Vietnamese food that showcases the culinary diversity of Vietnam. Hailing from the historic city of Hue, this beef noodle soup is a beloved specialty known for its bold and robust flavors. The aromatic broth, infused with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chili, sets the stage for tender slices of beef, vermicelli noodles, and an array of fresh herbs and vegetables.

Bun bo Hue is one of the popular foods in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

6. Che (Vietnamese sweet soup)

Our journey through famous Vietnamese food continues with “che”, a delightful Vietnamese sweet soup that satisfies the cravings of those with a sweet tooth. Che comes in a wide variety of flavors and textures, ranging from silky mung beans to chewy tapioca pearls, from creamy coconut milk to refreshing pandan jelly. This beloved dessert is a colorful medley of ingredients, often topped with crushed ice, coconut milk, and a sprinkling of roasted peanuts.

7. Banh xeo (Vietnamese crispy pancake)

Banh xeo, often known as pancake Vietnam, is made by pan-frying a batter of rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk until it turns golden and crispy. Inside the pancake, you will find a delightful filling of succulent shrimp, tender slices of pork, bean sprouts, and green onions. To savor its full potential, wrap a piece of banh xeo in fresh herbs and dip it into a tangy fish sauce.

Banh xeo is a famous food of Vietnam celebrated for its crispy exterior and savory filling (Source: Collected)

8. Goi cuon (Vietnamese summer rolls) – A famous food in Southern Vietnam

Indulge your taste buds in the vibrant flavors of Southern Vietnam with Goi cuon, popularly known as Vietnamese summer rolls. These fresh and light delicacies are a beloved famous food of Vietnam. Thin, translucent rice paper wraps encase a delightful combination of vermicelli noodles, shrimp or pork, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables.

9. Bun cha (Vietnamese vermicelli with grilled pork)

Elevate your taste buds with Bun cha, a tantalizing dish that showcases the harmonious blend of Vietnamese noodles and grilled pork. This famous Hanoi street food is a culinary delight not to be missed. Juicy and flavorful grilled pork, infused with fragrant herbs and spices, is served alongside a bed of delicate rice vermicelli noodles. Fresh herbs and pickled vegetables add vibrant colors and a refreshing crunch to the dish. To complete the experience, dip each mouthful in an accompanying tangy fish sauce.

Bun cha, one of the popular Vietnamese foods, gained international attention when it was enjoyed by former US President Barack Obama during his visit to Vietnam (Source: Collected)

10. Mi Quang (Quang noodles)

Mi Quang is a beloved dish hailing from Quang Nam Province in Central Vietnam. This famous Vietnamese food showcases Quang noodles, which are flat, wide rice noodles bathed in a rich and aromatic broth. The broth is typically infused with turmeric, giving it a vibrant yellow color and a subtle earthy flavor. Topped with a medley of ingredients such as tender slices of pork, succulent shrimp, aromatic herbs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers, Mi Quang offers a delightful interplay of textures and tastes.

11. Cao lau – The pride of Hoi An’s cuisine

Our exploration of Central Vietnamese cuisine continues with a culinary gem known as Cao lau. With its origins rooted in the region’s rich culinary traditions, Cao lau perfectly complements the vibrant flavors of dishes like Mi Quang. This dish features the signature Cao lau noodles, which are thick and chewy, paired with tender slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy toppings.

Cao lau, a famous food in Vietnam, holds a special place in the hearts of culinary enthusiasts (Source: Collected)

12. Com tam (Broken rice)

Last but not least, our list of famous Vietnamese food concludes with Com tam, or Vietnamese broken rice. This humble yet flavorful dish showcases the art of transforming simple ingredients into a satisfying culinary experience. Com tam, with its fragrant broken rice grains, pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments such as grilled pork chops, shredded pork rinds, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce.

Com tam, a famous Vietnamese food (Source: Collected)Besides the 12 dishes mentioned above, Vietnamese cuisine offers a plethora of other must-try delicacies that will leave you captivated, such as bun dau mam tom, turmeric fish, Vietnamese shrimp cake, Hoi An chicken rice, Vietnamese fish cake, Vietnamese spring rolls, green sticky rice, and more.

After satisfying your taste buds with this delectable array of Vietnamese cuisine, why not embark on a journey to renowned tourist destinations in Vietnam? Explore the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc, immerse yourself in the coastal beauty of Nha Trang, wander through the ancient streets of Hoi An, or indulge in the modern vibe of Da Nang.

Discover the enchantment of VinWonders and embark on an unforgettable journey of excitement and wonderThe world of famous Vietnamese food is a culinary treasure trove that never fails to captivate and delight. Beyond the famous food in Vietnam, there are countless other culinary gems waiting to be explored, each showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of Vietnamese cuisine. Let your taste buds guide you through the rich tapestry of flavors and textures, as you experience the culinary artistry that make Vietnam a true haven for food enthusiasts.