10 Vietnamese foods you need to try

Vietnamese food is distinct and unforgettable. Spread across street-side vendors and high-end restaurants, typical Vietnamese food tastes salty, sweet, sour and hot. Whether you fancy a lunchtime snack in Hanoi or want to check out the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnamese cuisine is some of the tastiest in all of Southeast Asia, so there's no need to wonder what the best food to eat in Vietnam is – we've got it covered.

Taken from our Rough Guide to Vietnam, we’ve picked ten essential Vietnamese foods everyone should try. And, in good news for foodies travelling on a budget, Vietnam also happens to be one of the cheapest places to travel. It's not short of beauty spots, either — read up on the most beautiful places in Vietnam as voted by you.

Goi Cuon (spring rolls)

Served cold, Goi Cuon are usually served as a starter before a main course at Vietnamese restaurants. If you travel to northern Vietnam then you may find that they're referred to as Nem Cuon. Whatever they're called, they're certainly delicious!

Banh mi (Vietnamese/Saigon sandwich)

The baguette sandwich is filled with greens and a choice of fillings, including paté and usually pork. Other fillings include beef, chicken, liver and tofu. Banh mi is so good that it's gone on to be imitated around the world, from London to New York.

Find out how you can incorporate the food scene into your trip in our guide to eating and drinking in Vietnam.

Banh xeo (sizzling pancakes)

The best city to try Banh xeo (or "sizzling pancake") is Ho Chi Minh City. But it's also one of those snacks that you should stock up on if you're travelling by train or bus – the perfect accompaniment for those long journeys.

Talking of long journeys, if you're looking to experience the real Vietnam, you'll want to venture beyond the tourist trail.

Bun Cha (grilled meatballs)

This type of Vietnamese cuisine is usually eaten at lunchtime. It's been described as somewhat similar to meatballs or hamburgers, but we think that with its intriguing mix of flavours, there's not another taste like it! Discover what other Hanoi street food you should try.

Pho (noodle soup)

Pho in Vietnam can be found on almost every menu; once you’ve got your serving, squeeze a lime over it and add a dash of chilli flakes for an extra kick. Find out more about Vietnamese soup and noodle dishes.

Cao lau (noodle bowl)

Tuck into this typical Vietnamese food with a serving of local salad and green beans. Legend has it that authentic Cao lau is cooked using water drawn from one particular local – which is why Hoi An is the ultimate place to try it. 

If you're considering visiting Vietnam, get in touch with our local experts today. They're on hand to create your customised Vietnam trip.

Cha ca (Turmeric fish)

Da Nang is one of the best places to tuck into Vietnamese seafood dishes. Thanks to its waterfront position, Da Nang’s specialities are fish-based and is the perfect spot to try Cha ca. For a similar eat that’s popular in the local area, try Bun cha ca, a fishcake noodle soup.

Find out why else you should stick around in Da Nang. It also features in our round-up of the best beaches in Vietnam.

Mi Quang (noodle soup)

Hanoi street food doesn’t get much better than Mi Quang, a classic Vietnamese noodle dish. It’s usually eaten as a dinnertime meal; you’ll find yourself counting down the hours until you can tuck into the turmeric-infused bone broth, yellow noodles and fragrant herbs sprinkled on top.

You can find out more about Vietnam's cuisine on the country's official tourist board website.

Com tam (Broken Rice)

Com Tam is served with either grilled/steamed/shredded pork (usually grilled), fish or simply a fried egg. And this being Vietnam food, it wouldn’t be complete without a squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a smattering of spring onion.

If you fancy sampling these delights during your trip, book an expert-guided foodie tour in Vietnam — they're available all over, from Saigon to Hanoi.

After a day of enjoying Vietnamese cuisine, it's time to experience Vietnamese nightlife. Discover the most popular bars and clubs in Vietnam.

Ready for a weird and wonderful adventure? Discover 8 of the weirdest things you'll see in Vietnam, while foodies with a hunger for adventure might want to read up on weird world food.

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