At the top of Vietnam’s culinary map is undoubtedly Pho. Whether you're in a city or a rural town, chances are you’ll find a good pho shop. This dish includes a clear, flavorful broth, flat rice noodles, beef or chicken slices, and garnished with green onions and herbs. Though it seems simple, making a great bowl of pho requires finesse. For authentic flavor, try pho in Hanoi, Nam Dinh, or selected shops in Ho Chi Minh City.
Pho is widely considered the national soul food of Vietnam.
This specialty of the Central Highlands region combines dozens of forest leaves with boiled pork belly, river shrimp, and pork skin. It is served with a signature dipping sauce made from fermented glutinous rice—an ethnic Ba Na tradition. Goi La reflects the spirit of the Central Highlands, offering a deep cultural and culinary experience.
Make sure to bookmark the famous “Gỏi lá Yến Vy Kon Tum” Restaurant for your travel checklist!
While pho may be the most famous dish, Bun Cha is the top pick for lunch in Hanoi. Watch the grill smoke rise and savor the aroma of seasoned pork being chargrilled over hot coals. It’s served with rice vermicelli, a sweet-savory fish sauce, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables.
A must-try dish that has captured the hearts of international visitors!
Known as Nem Ran in the North, Ram in Central Vietnam, and Cha Gio in the South, these crispy spring rolls come with regional variations. Northern versions include minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, glass noodles, and carrots. In Central Vietnam, fillings often include shrimp, crab, ground pork, sweet corn, and roasted peanuts. Despite variations, all are savory inside and perfectly crunchy outside.
A staple found all over Vietnam.
These crescent-shaped fried pastries are filled with minced pork, glass noodles, and mushrooms. Best served with sweet fish sauce and herbs. Commonly found in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Northern provinces.
Known as Banh Xep in Southern Vietnam.
A traditional dish of the North, especially popular in Hanoi. Served on a bamboo tray with vermicelli, crispy fried tofu, boiled pork, pork patties, fried spring rolls, and sometimes boiled or fried offal. Eaten with Mam Tom (fermented shrimp paste), mixed with lime, chili, sugar, and MSG.
An addictive and unforgettable dish.
7. Fresh Pho Rolls (Pho Cuon)
A Hanoi-style fresh spring roll using uncut pho sheets to wrap stir-fried beef and herbs like basil, lettuce, or cucumber.
A refreshing version of pho with great texture and flavor.
8. Fresh Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon)
Light and healthy, these rolls include boiled pork, shrimp, fresh herbs, lettuce, chives, bean sprouts, all wrapped in rice paper.
Perfect for digestion after heavier fried dishes.
9. Vietnamese Crispy Pancakes (Banh Xeo)
A Southern and Central Vietnamese favorite. Made with rice flour batter, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and jicama. Northern and Central versions are smaller and crispier; Southern versions are larger and softer.
Often served with lettuce and dipping sauce
10. Cao Lau
A unique noodle dish from Hoi An. Inspired by Japanese udon (noodles), Chinese-style pork toppings, and Vietnamese herbs and broth.
Only authentic in Hoi An—don’t miss it while visiting!
11. Bun Bo Hue (Hue-style Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
A rich beef-based noodle soup with lemongrass aroma, including sliced beef, pork knuckles, congealed blood, and Hue-style pork rolls. The noodles are thicker and chewier than typical vermicelli.
Best enjoyed in Hue, but also widely available across the country.
12. Mini Savory Pancakes (Banh Khot)
A coastal specialty from Vung Tau, also found across Southern Vietnam. Made with rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, filled with shrimp, ground pork, mung beans, or squid. Served with fresh greens and sweet-sour dipping sauce, delivering a flavor bomb of crispy, creamy, spicy, and umami.
Mini Savory Pancake
These dishes represent the best of Vietnam’s three culinary regions, and are must-tries for every traveler exploring the S-shaped land. Save this list for your next adventure with Vietnam Travel Group!
