Few things offer a better window into a culture than its cuisine. Vietnamese food is no exception. Rich, complex, and often spicy, Vietnamese dishes are the perfect way to get to know this Southeast Asian nation. Here are some of the most popular (and delicious) examples.
Pho
photo: Starzzz Studios
Pho is a rice noodle soup that is arguably the most famous Vietnamese dish. It is traditionally made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and meat (usually beef or chicken). Toppings may include fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and chili peppers.
Banh Mi
Banh mi is a type of sandwich that consists of a French baguette filled with meats, vegetables, and sometimes cheese. The fillings vary depending on region but often include meats such as pork belly or sausage, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chili peppers.
Goi Cuon
photo: RODNAE Productions
Goi cuon are fresh spring rolls made with rice paper wrappers and filled with a variety of ingredients including cooked shrimp, pork, noodles, and fresh herbs. They are served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili peppers.
Bun Thit Nuong
Bun thit nuong is a Vietnamese dish made with a grilled pork patty, lettuce, cucumber, and pickled carrots. The ingredients are placed in a rice noodle wrapper and topped with nuoc mam (fish sauce) and black pepper. Bun thit nuong can be eaten as an appetizer or main course. It is served with lettuce leaves for wrapping the ingredients together and dipping into the sauce.
Bun Bo Hue
photo: Vy Huynh
Bun bo hue is a spicy soup made with rice noodles, beef, and pork. It is flavoured with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chili peppers.
Banh Xeo
Banh xeo are Vietnamese pancakes made from a batter of rice flour, water, and turmeric. The pancakes are filled with meat (usually pork or shrimp) and vegetables, then fried until golden brown.
Banh Canh
Banh canh is a thick noodle soup made with tapioca flour, rice flour, or a combination of the two. The noodles are usually served in a broth with meat (usually pork or shrimp) and vegetables.
Whether you’re traveling to Vietnam or looking for a new culinary adventure closer to home, these three dishes are a great place to start. So next time you’re in the mood for something new, why not give them a try? Bon appetit!
Vietnamese cuisine is an absolute adventure, and I can’t help but be fascinated by the lesser-known dishes that have the power to amaze and tempt your taste buds. from the creamy and tangy Ca Kho To, caramelized fish in a clay pot, to the delicate and aromatic Ca Tim Nuong Mo Hanh, grilled eggplant with scallion oil, Vietnam has a treasure trove of culinary wonders waiting to be explored.
These 7 Vietnamese dishes are absolute game-changers. From the iconic Pho, a comforting rice noodle soup with beef or chicken and a kick of chili peppers, to the irresistible Banh mi, a mouthwatering sandwich packed with meats, veggies, and sometimes gooey cheese, each dish offers a unique and delightful taste of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage. Don’t forget to try Goi cuon, refreshing spring rolls bursting with succulent shrimp, tender pork, and fragrant herbs, served with a lip-smacking dipping sauce. And if you’re up for a flavor explosion, Bun thit nuong is a must-try, featuring grilled pork, crisp lettuce, crunchy cucumber, and tangy pickled carrots wrapped in delicate rice noodles and drizzled with zesty fish sauce. For those who crave a fiery kick, Bun bo Hue, a spicy soup with rice noodles, juicy beef, and flavorful pork infused with lemongrass and chili peppers, will leave you craving for more. Lastly, indulge in the savory delights of banh xeo, delicious Vietnamese pancakes made with soft rice flour and vibrant turmeric. These dishes will truly transform your perception of Vietnam and take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.
and vegetables, typically enjoyed with fresh lettuce and herbs. The article further discusses cà phê sữa đá, a popular Vietnamese iced coffee made with condensed milk, known for its strong and rich flavor. Lastly, the writer highlights chả giò, or Vietnamese spring rolls, which are deep-fried and filled with ground pork, vegetables, and glass noodles. Overall, this article has provided an insightful glimpse into the diverse and delicious Vietnamese cuisine, leaving me grateful for the opportunity to discover these mouthwatering dishes.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’m delighted you enjoyed learning about the diverse Vietnamese cuisine. It’s undoubtedly a remarkable culinary adventure. Just make sure to try these dishes from authentic Vietnamese restaurants for an exceptional experience!
I’m stoked you enjoyed learning about Vietnamese cuisine. Make sure to try these dishes at authentic Vietnamese restaurants for a rad experience! It’s truly a wicked culinary journey. Can’t wait for you to try it out and let me know your thoughts!
Vietnamese cuisine is like a flavor explosion in your mouth! Remember, trying these dishes is like a tasty adventure – who knows what delicious surprises you’ll find!
I have always been fascinated by Vietnamese cuisine and how it blends flavors and textures in a unique way. The use of fresh herbs and spices gives each dish a distinct aroma and taste that is hard to forget. Have you tried any of these Vietnamese dishes before, and which one is your favorite?
Vietnamese cuisine is a true reflection of its people, culture and traditions. The variety of dishes available in Vietnam is simply amazing. From the classic Pho to the scrumptious Banh Mi, the food scene in Vietnam is a feast for the senses. If you’re a foodie, Vietnam should definitely be on your bucket list!
I’m really excited to try some of the amazing dishes Vietnam has to offer! From the traditional pho and banh mi to more adventurous dishes like bun bo hue and goi cuon, I’m sure I’ll find something delicious to sample.
I love trying new foods when I travel and I was really excited to try all of these dishes! I’m definitely going to have to try bun cha and nem ran the next time I’m in Vietnam.
I’m absolutely in love with Vietnamese cuisine! The range of flavors and combinations is truly incredible and this article does a great job of introducing some of the most popular dishes. Definitely adding these to my list of must-try dishes!
I’m so excited to try all of these dishes! I’ve always wanted to visit Vietnam and now I have even more of a reason to go. I’m definitely going to have to try all of these dishes when I visit.
I’m so excited to try out these 7 Vietnamese dishes! I’ve heard so much about the unique flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, and I can’t wait to experience them for myself. I’m sure these dishes will give me a new appreciation for the culture and cuisine of Vietnam. I’m sure I’ll be able to find these dishes in restaurants all over the country.
I really enjoy Vietnamese cuisine, especially the different flavors that it has. Some of my favorites include pho, banh mi, and goi cuon. Banh canh is a really good soup and banh xeo are some of my favorite pancakes.
I love Vietnamese food! I’ve had pho, goi cuon, and banh xeo and they’re all so amazing.
Vietnamese cuisine is a great way to experience the culture and I’m glad to read about some of its popular dishes, like Pho and Banh Mi
This is a great list of Vietnamese dishes! I love pho and goi cuon, and I’m definitely going to have to try banh canh and bun bo hue when I’m in Vietnam next!
As a Vietnamese-American, seeing these dishes brings back so many memories of my childhood. Now that it’s been over 10 years since I moved away from the big city and more into a rural town, I miss eating at the Vietnamese restaurants.
You’re making me hungry with your recommendation! I can’t wait to try these Vietnamese dishes for myself and see if they live up to the hype!
Come to Hanoi, let’s visit Phu Cuong Banh Trang restaurant to enjoy Vietnamese folk dishes
Hmm, I’ve never been to Hanoi before, but visiting Phu Cuong Banh Trang restaurant to taste some authentic Vietnamese cuisine sounds like a great opportunity. Can you tell me more about the dishes you serve?
Toan mon ngon
I’ve always been a fan of Vietnamese food, but this article really opened my eyes to some new dishes I had never tried before. Can’t wait to try them on my next trip to Vietnam!
That picture is making me so hungry! I just had lunch not too long ago too. Ugg! I miss Vietnam’s food so much. It was simple but their use of spices and such make for some amazing dishes.Â
These Vietnamese dishes are a work of art! The way they combine flavors and textures is truly remarkable.