Vietnam is famous for its cuisine, and rightly so. Vietnam is a food lover’s paradise! At the heart of Vietnamese cooking is a balance of five key flavors: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. The food here promises to delight your taste buds with a whirlwind of different flavors and aromas.
What you might not know is just how much culinary diversity there is here. Each region has its own dishes that are tied to the local culture and history. This makes them not only mouth-watering but unique. Don’t worry though, you can usually find variations of each dish no matter what part of Vietnam you’re in.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite dishes from North, Central, and South Vietnam that you must try! We’ve added our top spots in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for each dish so you can get a truly authentic experience ✨
In this article:
Northern Vietnamese Food
Phở
Ok, we know, this is an obvious one. This iconic noodle soup is the national dish of Vietnam and the most famous worldwide. You’ve probably had it in your own country. BUT we promise you, it’s more authentic and tastes better here. Like so much better. Phở is more than just food—it’s a cultural ritual.
Try it
Hanoi: Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn, 49 Bát Đàn, Hoàn Kiếm
HCMC: Phở Ông Già Đầu Bạc, 212/7 Nguyễn Văn Nguyễn, Quận 1
Bún Chả
Ahh, Bún Chả – the dish that even made Obama a fan. And it’s my personal fav! Grilled pork in a sweet-salty broth, paired with fresh rice noodles and herbs. Add a dollop of garlic and a handful of fresh chillies to create the perfect comfort food. There is *literally* nothing better than a hot bowl of Bún Chả on a chilly day. It will warm your soul.
Try it
Hanoi: Bún Chả Vân Quyết, 1A Đặng Thai Mai, Quảng An, Tây Hồ
HCMC: Gánh Chả, 90 Hồ Tùng Mậu, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
Chả Cá
This is Hanoi’s signature dish. Marinated catfish, grilled over charcoal and served with a medley of herbs and sauces. This aromatic dish dates back to the 19th century and is a culinary link to Hanoi’s French influence and Indochina roots. 🐟 Even if you’re not a fish lover (like me) I urge you to give it a go, it’s delish!
Try it
Hanoi: Chả Cá Hà Nội 1871, 165b Phùng Hưng, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm
HCMC: Chả Cá Lăng Ngon 3B, 97 Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1
Bánh cuốn
Famous for its chewy texture, this dish is not for everyone. Soft, delicate rice flour rolls stuffed with ground pork, mushrooms, and onions. Simple, yes, but still packed with flavor. This dish shows just how much Hanoi loves fresh and light meals, especially in the summer heat. 🌞
Try it:
Hanoi: Bánh cuốn Bà Xuân, 16 Dốc Hoè Nhai, Nguyễn Trung Trực, Ba Đình
HCMC: Bánh Cuốn Ý Thiên, 274 Bà Hạt, Phường 9, Quận 10
Central Vietnamese Food
Bánh Xèo
This is always a crowd-pleaser. Crispy Vietnamese pancake filled with prawns, pork, and bean sprouts. Locals enjoy it by wrapping it in lettuce, dipping it in a delightful sauce, and savoring each bite with friends. It’s a communal experience that reflects the warmth and generosity of Central Vietnam. 🍳
Try it
Hanoi: Quầy Gia Truyền bánh xèo, 22 Hàng Bồ, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm
HCMC: Bánh Xèo Ngọc Sơn, 103 Đ. Ngô Quyền, Phường 11, Quận 5
Bún Riêu
Craving something with seafood? Bún Riêu is your answer! This crab noodle soup features crab paste, noodles, and a rich tomato broth. This dish is influenced by Vietnam’s maritime culture. There’s a taste of the sea in every spoonful. 🦀🍜
Try it
Hanoi: Bún riêu bà Hưng, 56 Cầu Gỗ, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm
HCMC: Bún Riêu Cô Hương Béo, 19B Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Đa Kao, Quận 1
Bún Bò Huế
No trip to Central Vietnam is complete without Bún Bò Huế! A dish made famous by Anthony Bourdain himself. It’s a spicy noodle soup with beef, pork, and plenty of fresh herbs. Known for its bold flavors and royal roots (it was once served to the emperors), this dish is a testament to the cultural legacy of Hue, Vietnam’s former capital. 👑
Try it
Hanoi: Bún bò Huế 45 Phùng Hưng, 45 Phùng Hưng, Hàng Mã, Hoàn Kiếm
HCMC: Bún bò Huế Út Mai, 812/23 Trường Sa, Phường 14, Quận 3
Mì Quảng
Oh boy do we love this one! Flat rice noodles in a bold, flavorful broth topped with pork, shrimp, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers. The dish comes from Quảng Nam Province, where rice and fresh herbs have been the foundation of local life for generations. 🌾
Try it
Hanoi: Mỳ Quảng Ngon, 3 Ngõ 19 Trần Quang Diệu, Chợ Dừa, Đống Đa
HCMC: Mì Quảng Một Góc Nhà, 439A Bạch Đằng, Phường 2, Quận Bình Thạnh
Cao Lau
One of the best things to come out of Hoi An! The thick, chewy noodles of Cao Lau are the perfect match for tender pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons. This dish is a tribute to Hoi An’s multicultural past, where Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences blend together in every bite. It’s a symbol of unity. 🥢
Try it
Hanoi: Tasty Cơm Gà Hội An, 6 Ngõ 28 Nguyên Hồng, Láng Hạ, Đống Đa
HCMC: Cao lầu Hội An Cô Ba Ân, 387/12 Cách Mạng Tháng Tám, Phường 13, Quận 10
Southern Vietnamese Food
Bánh Mì
When the French colonized Vietnam, they brought their baguettes with them. And so the Bánh Mì was born. A crispy baguette filled with savoury meats, pickled veggies, and sauce (usually chilli). It’s the perfect on-the-go snack. You may have already tried it in other countries but trust us, it’s way better here than anywhere else. 🥖🥒
Try it
Hanoi: Bánh mì Mama, 54 P. Lý Quốc Sư, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm
HCMC: Bánh mì Bùi Thị Xuân, 122E Đ. Bùi Thị Xuân, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1
Nem Nướng Nha Trang
Hailing from the beach town of Nha Trang, this is the perfect summer meal. It’s a colorful plate of grilled pork, rice vermicelli, and fresh veggies. You roll the ingredients in rice paper and dip in a delightful tangy sauce. It’s a feast for your taste buds that I crave regularly 🌯✨
Try it
Hanoi: Nem Nướng Nha Trang Quế Hoa, 23 Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm
HCMC: Nem Nướng Nha Trang Cô Út, 27 Đ. Hoàng Sa, Đa Kao, Quận 1
Bún Bò Nam Bộ
A southern favorite! Rice noodles with tender beef, crispy fried onions, and fresh veggies, all topped with crushed peanuts and pickled papaya. It’s the light and refreshing nature of southern dishes that makes this one so popular. We call this a bowl of happiness. 🌞
Try it
Hanoi: La Grace, 41b Tây Hồ Street, Quảng An, Tây Hồ
HCMC: Bếp Cô Linh, 1149 Phan Văn Trị, Phường 10, Quận Gò Vấp
Cơm Bình Dân
This literally means *‘Commoner’s rice’*. It’s a simple meal yet packed with flavor. A plate of rice with your choice of meats, curries, and stews. Cơm Bình Dân is all about local culture and family meals, where nothing is wasted and everything is cooked with community in mind. 🍚
Try it
Hanoi: Quán Cơm Bình Dân, 17 Hàng Rươi, Hàng Mã, Hoàn Kiếm
HCMC: Cơm Bình Dân, 39454 Trương Quyền, Phường 6, Quận 3
Xôi
Sticky rice lovers, meet Xôi! Xôi is made from glutinous rice, which is steamed or cooked until it becomes soft and slightly sticky. It can be topped with a variety of ingredients such as mung beans, fried shallots, peanuts, or savory meats. Xôi can also be sweet and served as dessert, such as coconut sticky rice. It’s a staple of southern breakfasts and a dish we will never get tired of. 🍥
Try it
Hanoi: Xôi Yến, 35b Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm
HCMC: Peofood, 180 Ký Con, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1
Related blog: Thinking about Moving to Vietnam?
Vietnamese food is unlike any other. It’s one of the reasons we absolutely love living here. Not only is it flavorful and aromatic; It is diverse and deeply connected to its people, history, and landscapes. From the ancient streets of Hanoi to the vibrant markets of Saigon, food here is more than just nourishment, it’s an experience.
