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What You Should Know About Vietnam Cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine has a convergence of diverse tastes, from authentic flavors to influences from neighboring countries. With various fresh ingredients, herbs, and cooking methods, food and drink in Vietnam give surprisingly unique tastes and out-of-the-world dishes to indulge in.

  • Vietnam is the second-largest producer of rice in the world.
  • There are over 30 different types of sauces in Vietnam such as Ban soybean paste, shrimp sauce, fish sauce, etc.
  • Vietnam has an immense variety of noodles. For example, there are approximately 30 sorts of Pho (Rice Noodle Soup).
  • Balut is considered one of the favorite food in Vietnam but is ranked as one of the most horror dishes in the world.

Vietnam Food & Drink Overview

One of the most fascinating topics for all travelers when visiting Vietnam is the cuisine. The nation is divided into 3 regions: the North, Center, and South, and each area have its unique beauty that is different from the others.

This diversity has made many foreign travelers adore Vietnamese food:

  • In the North: Hanoi is home to a great diversity of local food, street food, and foreign food. The local taste here focuses on the harmonious combination of flavors from various spices such as chili, lemongrass, and pepper,…
  • In the Center: This region often suffers from harsh weather, which is probably the reason why the taste in the Center area is rich. They usually add lots of chili to their dishes to bear the cold weather.
  • In the South: The cuisine in the South is influenced by neighboring countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and China. Like the friendliness of the local people, all dishes in the region are sweet.

Besides, you can find the significance of French influences in many Vietnamese dishes such as bread, salads, pastries, ice cream, and café in daily local life.

Distinct Food & Drink In 3 Regions 

Distinct Food & Drink In 3 Regions

Traditional Vietnamese dishes are boiled and steamed rather than stir-fried. However, you should notice that most Vietnamese food is made with smelly fish sauce, which can not be your favorite. Just take note before the process or stick with plenty of backup choices like vegetables, rice, and salad.

Diverse Vietnamese Cuisine 

Diverse Vietnamese Cuisine

When it comes to Vietnamese drinks, green tea must be the national drink in daily life, while fresh beer and rice wine are the most popular alcoholic drinks in Vietnam. Coming to Vietnam, you shouldn't miss out on the chance to try Vietnamese coffee, fruit juice, yogurt, milk tea, and sweet soup with various toppings and flavors.

Let's immerse in the delight of Vietnamese food and drink!

 

Top Must-try Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnam is such a beautiful country with its breathtaking landscapes and unique cuisine. If you are traveling to Vietnam, don’t miss the chance to learn about Vietnam cuisine. Not only because of its taste, but it is also inexpensive with plenty of nutrients.

Banh Mi - Vietnamese Sandwich

Like Pho, this dish has made all tourists fall in love with Vietnamese cuisine. Banh Mi was introduced to Vietnam by the French during their colonial period, it was the baguette’s modification with different ingredients to satisfy the local taste.

Nowadays, it is the world-famous street food that you can find anywhere in Vietnam.

Vietnamese Sandwich 

Vietnamese Sandwich

For a simple Banh Mi, you can add bread, egg, pate, BBQ pork, cucumber, tomato, carrot, and vegetables. But you can always add more ingredients, from sausage, and grilled beef to chicken, all together bring the delicious flavor.

Where to eat?

In each region, there will be a slightly different recipe for the rolls, making many different variations of Banh Mi.

It is not hard to find a shop selling Banh Mi. You can enjoy it in every corner of the city at a very reasonable price.

Hanoi

Banh Mi Lan Ong

Address: 20 Cha Ca Street, Hanoi

Opening Hours: 07:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Price Range: US $1 - $2

Hai Phong

Spicy Banh Mi Ba Gia

Address: 57A Le Loi Street, Hai Phong

Opening Hours: 08:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Price Range: From US $0.2++

Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh, District 1, HCMC

Opening Hours: 14:00 p.m - 11:00 p.m

Price Range: From US $2++

 

Bun Cha - Kebab Rice Noodles

Bun Cha is world-famous traditional street food in Vietnam. Even the Vietnamese coming from other provinces would find and try the dish when they go to Hanoi. This dish is a combination of warm broth with grilled minced pork and Vietnamese noodle.

When the food is brought to the table, you will have a plate of rice noodles, a small basket of fresh herbs, and a bowl of warm broth with grilled minced pork and meatball.

 Kebab Rice Noodles

Kebab Rice Noodles

When you eat, you will dip a small number of rice noodles into the broth, and eat it with grilled pork. Do not put all noodles in because it might cool the broth down quickly. Also, if you like grilled pork, you can always ask for more. The broth has a salty-sweet taste from baking pork bones, and the grilled pork is amazingly good.

Where to eat?

Bun Cha Dac Kim

Address: No. 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Opening hours: 08:30 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Price range: From US $2++

O Bun Cha

Address: 46 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:20 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Price range: From US $2++

Tuyet 34

Address: 34 Hang Than, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 05:00 p.m

Price range: From US $2.4++

 

Pho - Rice Noodle Soup

Pho is probably not a new name for tourists because it has been on every list of famous traditional Vietnamese food. It is a pride in Vietnamese cuisine and has been popular all over the world. Pho consists of savory broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat. The meat varies from beef, and chicken to duck, and goose.

The rice noodle used in Pho is flatter and larger, which is different from the one used in Bun Cha, which has a small shape of white rope. 

Rice Noodle Soup

Rice Noodle Soup

South Vietnam has its own style of Pho, but the flavor is different from Pho in the north. Saigon Pho has a sweeter taste of broth and meat, but they use the same ingredients for meat, including pork, beef, chicken, duck, or goose.

Pho is a popular Vietnamese food and you can easily find an eatery serving Pho everywhere in the country.

Where to eat?

If you want to enjoy the most authentic traditional flavor of Vietnamese Pho to know why people love it, you must give Pho Bo Hanoi or Pho Ga Hanoi a try.

Pho Ga

Pho Ha

Address: 15 Hang Hom, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Price range: From US $2++

Pho Bo

Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan

Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 08:30 p.m

Price range: From US $2++

Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su

Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Price range: From $2

 

Banh Cuon - Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls

Banh Cuon is another traditional Vietnamese food that is one of VOGUE's 29 Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes For Visitors. This is made from rice flour, steamed into thin slides like paper. Then it will be stuffed with cooked minced pork, minced wood ear mushroom, onions, steamed bean sprouts, and rolled.

Before it is served, it will be sprinkled with golden brown dried onion on top. And you will eat with spicy and sweet sauce which plays an important part in the dish. 

Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls

Vietnamese Steamed Rice Rolls

To make the batter of Banh Cuon, the cook needs to husk the rice until smooth, then blend it with water. When you eat this dish, you can have it with Cha (Vietnamese pork sausage) to add more protein as well as flavor.

Where to eat?

Banh Cuon Thanh Van

Address: 14 Hang Ga Street, Old Quarter, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:30 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Price range: From US $1++

Banh Cuon Ba Hanh

Address: 16B Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Price range: From US $1.5++

Banh Cuon Thuy Khue

Address: Alley 29 Thuy Khue, Tay Ho district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:30 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Price range: From US $0.6++

 

Banh Goi - Fried Pillow Cake

This Vietnamese dish is called Banh Goi because it has a cute pillow shape and is usually the favorite dish of the Vietnamese in winter. Unlike in Western countries where cake is baked in the oven, Vietnamese cakes are mostly deep-fried. After being fried deeply in cooking oil, Banh Goi has yellow skin that is delicious, crispy, and fragrant.

Fried Pillow Cake

Fried Pillow Cake

The skin is a mixture of water and rice flour and the inside is made by combining different ingredients. Glass noodles, wood ears, minced pork, egg, and mushroom are chopped and mixed well together with some spice.

There is a dipping sauce that consists of fish sauce, garlic, chili, sugar, lime juice, and water. When Banh Goi is served, it comes with some fresh herbs like lettuce and coriander.

Where to eat?

Quan Goc Da

Address: 52 Ly Quoc Su street, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 04:00 p.m

Price range: From US $0.4++

Banh Goi Le Dai Hanh

Address: 29 Le Dai Hanh, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 05:00 p.m - 10:30 p.m

Price range: From US $0.6++

Co Nga

Address: Alley 285 Doi Can, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 03:30 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Price range: From US $0.5++

 

Nem Ran - Fried Spring Rolls

Not only is Nem Ran a famous traditional Vietnamese food, but it is also the favorite dish of most Vietnamese people from North to South. This traditional Vietnamese food can be homemade on important days, especially during the Lunar New Year.

It is thought that the spring rolls originated in eastern China during the Jin Dynasty from 266 to 420 AD. When spring is about to end and farmers can harvest fresh vegetables, they will celebrate by making a pancake and wrapping it with the freshest vegetables of that season.

Fried Spring Rolls

Fried Spring Rolls

Nem Ran is made with the wrapper - a flat dried paper made of rice flour and it has the shape of a circle or square. The stuffing is normally a mixture of minced pork, egg, carrot, glass noodle, wood ear mushrooms, herbs, and spice. 

No matter which ingredients are used, all are mixed well and then wrapped with rice paper into small rolls. These rolls are then deep-fried until they have a yellow color. The dipping sauce for this dish is quite similar to the one for Banh Goi, it consists of fish sauce, lemon juice, sugar, chili, and pepper.  Nem Ran is usually served with rice, noodles, and salad.

Where to eat?

Nem Ran Nguyen Hong

Address: No. 22 Alley 9 Huynh Thuc Khang street, Hanoi

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 08:00 p.m

Price range: From US $0.4++

Nem Ran Huynh Thuc Khang

Address: No. 9 Alley 9 Huynh Thuc Khang street, Hanoi

Opening hours: 02:00 p.m - 07:00 p.m

Price range: From US $0.4++

Co Dao

Address: Alley 19 Hoang Ngoc Phach, Dong Da district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 03:30 p.m - 06:00 p.m

Price range: From US $0.4++

 

Pho Cuon - Fresh Rolling Pho

In recent years, Pho Cuon (Vietnamese fresh rolling Pho) has emerged and become one of the favorite dishes of both local people and international ones traveling to Hanoi. The dish was invented in one small restaurant on Ngu Xa street in Hanoi.

The owner of a noodle restaurant in this area has thought of how to use rolling Pho with beef and dipping fish sauce to eat. Since then, a new style of Pho has been served and become popular. 

Fresh Rolling Pho

Fresh Rolling Pho

Pho Cuon that you have today has not only beef but also eggs, carrots, cucumbers, even pineapples, fried tofu, or shrimp. It looks more like spring rolls without being fried. Since the day it appears in Hanoi, Pho Cuon has taken the heart of food lovers coming from every region.

Where to eat?

Pho Cuon Huong Mai

Address: 27 Ngu Xa street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 09:30 p.m

Price range: From US $3++

Pho Cuon 31

Address: 31 Ngu Xa street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 11:00 p.m

Price range: From US $3++

Pho Cuon Thanh Hang

Address: 29B Ngu Xa street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 10:30 p.m

Price range: From US $3++

 

Bun Dau Mam Tom - Noodles with Fried Tofu and Shrimp Paste

Bun dau mam tom is a very popular dish in Vietnam, especially in the North. It is served everywhere, from markets to street stalls and restaurants. This dish has a very unique taste of shrimp sauce that many people favor.

Bun dau mam tom consists of rice vermicelli, fried tofu, trotter, Vietnamese sausage, and herbs. All of them are served on banana leaves.

Noodles with Fried Tofu and Shrimp Paste

Guests can choose between Shrimp paste or Fish sauce to eat with the dish. If you are trying the dish for the first time, you probably want to eat it with fish sauce as the shrimp paste has a really hard smell. Just dip noodles and other ingredients in shrimp paste or fish sauce and enjoy the good taste of this typical feature in Vietnamese cuisine.

Where to eat?

Bun Dau Mam Tom Ngo Tram

Address: 1B Ngo Tram street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 08:00 a.m - 03:00 p.m

Price range: From US $2++

Bun Dau Goc Da

Address: 4 Ngo Gach street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Price range: From US $2++

Co Tuyen

Address: 31 Alley 29 Hang Khay, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Price range: From US $1.7++

 

Ca Phe Trung - Egg Coffee

Although it sounds weird to have coffee with eggs, these two ingredients create an innovative style of coffee that many people love. The creator of the egg cafe is Mr. Nguyen Van Giang. He was a talented chef at the Metropole Hotel.

The reason for the egg cafe's birth was very simple. The cappuccino was a delicious French drink at the time, but not many Vietnamese had enough money to drink it. Mr. Giang is very concerned about a delicious and attractive beverage that is still affordable to Vietnamese people.

Egg Coffee

Egg Coffee

Egg coffee (also known as Cafe Trung) is a Vietnamese traditional beverage including egg yolks, condensed milk, sugar, and robusta coffee. The recipe for Egg coffee was developed by Mr. Nguyen Giang in the late 1940s. Egg coffee is normally served inside a bowl of hot water to retain its temperature.

Where to eat?

Ca Phe Trung originated in Hanoi and Giang Cafe is the oldest coffee shop serving this type of coffee.

Cafe Giang

Address: Alley 39 Nguyen Huu Huan street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 10:30 p.m

Price range: From US $1.3++

Utopia Cafe

Address: 56 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 11:30 p.m

Price range: From US $1.21++

Goc Ca Phe & Tra

Address: 39 Alley 143 Trung Kinh, Cau Giay district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:30 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Price range: From US $1.61++

 

Bun Bo Hue - Hue Beef Noodles

Bun Bo Hue is one of the best well-known traditional Vietnamese dishes that come from Hue, the old capital of Vietnam in the Nguyen dynasty in the Central region.

 Hue Beef Noodles

Hue Beef Noodles

Bun Bo Hue is made with beef, trotter, pork ball, frozen blood, and some herbs such as bean sprouts, lemon, coriander, etc. Not only the ingredients but also the broth makes the dish different from any other type of noodles in Vietnam, making it umami taste.

Where to eat?

Bun Bo Hue O Phuong

Address: 24 Nguyen Khuyen, Phu Nhuan, Hue

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Price range: From US $1.61++

Bun Bo Hue Hang Ca

Address: 36 Hang Ca, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 02:30 p.m

Price range: From US $2++

Bun Bo Hue Nguyen Sinh Cung

Address: 250 Nguyen Sinh Cung, Hue

Opening hours: 06:30 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Price range: From US $2++

 

Hu Tieu Go - Chinning Noodle

Hu Tieu Go is popular street food in Saigon, which can be found in small food carts on pavements on streets that are always crowded with people till late at night. The reason why it is called Hu Tieu Go is that its location is mobile.

It has some carts and plastic stools and the staff just walk around the streets and knock a bamboo tocsin to invite guests. Back in the old days, it was a dish sold in small alleys for poor people, but nowadays, people in Saigon have the dish as a snack for their days.

Chinning Noodle

Chinning Noodle

Hu Tieu Go is somewhat influenced by Chinese cuisine. The main ingredients are Chinese noodles, pork, Vietnamese sausage, onion, bean sprouts, coriander, egg, herbs, etc.

Where to eat?

Hu Tieu Go Quan

Address: 18 Ly Thai To, District 3, HCMC

Opening hours: 05:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m

Price range: From US $1++

Hu Tieu Go Hoang Hoa Tham

Address: 234 Hoang Hoa Tham, Binh Thanh district, HCMC

Opening hours: 07:00 p.m - 11:00 p.m

Price range: From US $1++

Hu Tieu Go Do Tan Phong

 

Address: 54 Do Tan Phong, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC

Opening hours: 01:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m

Price range: From US $1++

 

Che - Sweet Soup

Che - Vietnamese sweet soup is a dish used as a dessert in Asian cuisine, it originated in China and spread to Vietnam and many other countries. This is a dish of water, of which the most important ingredient is sugar. It is more like a desert on hot days in every part of Vietnam.

Sweet Soup

Sweet Soup

Today, Che in Vietnam has become very diverse, extremely unique, and attractive. The most popular one is a mixture of a great variety of beans and has a sweet taste. You can also add fruits and jelly to have more flavor.

Where to eat?

Che Bon Mua

Address: 4 Hang Can, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Price range: From US $1++

Che 24

Address: 24 Ton That Hiep, District 11, HCMC

Opening hours: 02:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m

Price range: From US $1.5++

Che Xuan Trang

Address: 31 Le Duan, Hai Chau district, Danang

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 11:00 p.m

Price range: From US $0.52++

 

Bun Mam - Fermented Fish and Seafood Noodle Soup

Bun Mam is a specialty of Vietnamese cuisine that originated in Cambodia. This is cooked with Linh fish sauce or Sac fish instead of Bu Hoc fish sauces as originated in Cambodia.

Therefore, when introduced to our country, Bun Mam has brought a completely different flavor, bringing a unique characteristic of the West.

Fermented Fish and Seafood Noodle Soup 

Fermented Fish and Seafood Noodle Soup

This dish is spicier than other types of noodles, made with rice vermicelli noodles, eggplant, limes, fresh chilies, shrimp, squid, pork belly, and flaky white fish. It is often served with vegetables and herbs.

However, it has a pungent smell that not all tourists can bear. If you want to try a new dish with a delicious flavor, it's worth trying Bun Mam.

Where to eat?

Bun Mam Co Ba

Address: 451 Phan Huy Ich, Go Vap district, HCMC

Opening hours: 11:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Price range: From US $2.8++

Quan An Sach

Address: 64 Dong Den,  Tan Binh District, HCMC

Opening hours: 10:30 a.m - 09:30 p.m

Price range: From US $2++

Bun Mam Di Nam

Address: 96 Ton Dan, District 4, HCMC

Opening hours: 11:30 a.m - 11:30 p.m

Price range: From US $3++

 

Banh Xeo - Vietnamese Crepes

Vietnamese pancake is a famous street food that is said to have originated in France during the occupation of Vietnam. The word “xeo” means the sizzling sound when you make the dish. It is one of the top traditional Vietnamese food that you must try.

Vietnamese Crepes 

Vietnamese Crepes

The dish is made by pouring the rice batter into the hot oil, then stuffing it with shrimp, boiled pork, bean sprouts, and spring onion. The dipping sauce is mixed with delicious fish sauce, crushed garlic chili, lemon, sugar, monosodium glutamate and radish, chopped carrots, and vinegar.

When it is ready to be served, it has a yellow outer layer and you will roll it with dried rice paper, vegetables, and herbs.

Where to eat?

Banh Xeo Ut Lanh

Address: 226 Le Duan, Cao Lanh, Dong Thap

Opening hours: 08:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.8++

Banh Xeo 276

Address: 276 Le Van Luong, District 7, HCMC

Opening hours: 03:00 p.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.81++

Banh Xeo Ton Duc Thang

Address: 29 Ton Duc Thang, Dong Da district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 04:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.1++

 

Com Tam - Vietnamese Broken Rice

Com Tam Suon Nuong first appeared in the old regime period in Vietnam. Since ancient times, Com Tam has been a popular dish only for poor working-class students. People try to make use of broken grains (broken rice grains) during milling to cook them into the rice. 

 Vietnamese Broken Rice

Vietnamese Broken Rice

The dish is served with grilled pork, ribs, egg meatloaf, cucumber, carrot, spring onion, and other vegetables and it comes along with a small bowl of fish sauce, and a bowl of soup. Currently, Com Tam Suon Nuong is one of the most typical dishes of Saigon that everyone must try Com Tam Saigon during a Ho Chi Minh City Food Tour.

Where to eat?

Com Tam Phuc Loc Tho

Address: 124 - 132 To Ngoc Van, Linh Tay, Thu Duc district, HCMC

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

Com Tam Tan Vien

Address: 20 Phan Phu Tien, Dong Da district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

1975 - Com Tam Sai Gon

Address: 12 Alley 5 Lang Ha, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 10:30 a.m - 08:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

 

Ca Phe Da - Iced Coffee

Vietnamese iced coffee from North to South has an important position in the hearts of many people, it is also considered a morning drink for many people. It is a simple drink but has an extreme and great taste. With a cup of Vietnamese iced coffee in the early morning, you will be ready to start a productive day.

Iced Coffee 

Iced Coffee

One thing that many people may not know is that although it is a type of coffee, Southern ice coffee will have a different flavor than Northern ice coffee with more milk. Vietnamese iced coffee from the North to the South, anywhere you can order yourself a glass.

Where to eat?

Dinh Cafe

Address: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 10:30 p.m

Average price: From US $1++

Cong Ca Phe

Address: 27 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 07:30 a.m - 11:30 p.m

Average price: From US $1.57++

Cheo Leo Cafe

Address: 109/36 Nguyen Thien Thuat, District 3, HCMC

Opening hours: 05:15 a.m - 06:45 p.m

Average price: From US $1++

 

Cao Lau - Hoi An Special Noodles

Cao Lau is a very famous Vietnamese food that comes from the old town of Hoi An, a popular tourist attraction in Quang Nam. Cao Lau is not a noodle dish, nor is it like a pho dish at all. This dish is considered a mixed dish, only appearing in Hoi An, Da Nang, and Hue.

In fact, it is true to say that Cao Lau is not originally from China, nor is it from Japan. It can be said that this is a combined food of many countries.

 Hoi An Special Noodles

Hoi An Special Noodles

Being served with broth, Cao Lau is made with rice noodles, pork or shrimp, greens, bean sprouts, and herbs. It is easy to recognize Cao Lau as the color of the noodles is yellow or gray, not white as other types of noodles. It also has a sweet flavor like other noodles in the South.

If you want to give Cao Lau a try, plan to go on a Hoi An Food Tour with BestPrice Travel.

Where to eat?

Ty Ty Quan

Address: 17/6 Hai Ba Trung, Hoian, Quang Nam

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

Trung

Address: 5 Tran Phu, Hoian, Quang Nam

Opening hours: 05:00 p.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.41++

Quan Phuc

Address: 11 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoian, Quang Nam

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 09:30 p.m

Average price: From US $1.6++

 

Banh Trang Nuong - Grilled Girdle Cake

Banh Trang Nuong is also called Vietnamese Pizza. It has become popular street food in Vietnam due to its delicious flavor and reasonable price. 

Grilled Girdle Cake

Grilled Girdle Cake

This dish is made of rice paper roasted on a charcoal grill’s low-medium heat with various toppings such as onion, shrimp, sausage, quail egg, and chili sauce. You can eat it in small pieces like eating pizza. Each piece is crunchy and has really good taste.

Where to eat?

Banh Trang Nuong Nha Chung

Address: Nha Chung, Dalat, Lam Dong

Opening hours: 04:00 p.m - 10:30 p.m

Average price: From US $0.8++

Banh Trang Nuong Yen

Address: 10 Nguyen Van Troi, Dalat, Lam Dong

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.2++

Banh Trang Nuong & Do An Vat

Address: 3B Ta Quang Buu, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 04:00 p.m - 10:30 p.m

Average price: From US $0.8++

 

Trung Vit Lon - Balut

Trung Vit Lon is a very special dish that is popular in Vietnam, the Philippines, and China. Not only is it yummy, but also rich in nutrients. It is said to be good for sick people or pregnant women.

Balut 

Balut

It is basically a duck egg but the embryo developed into the shape of a duck. Just by the look of it, it scares many tourists, even Vietnamese people. Before being served, it is boiled for about 15 – 20 minutes and you will eat balut with salt, laksa leaves, and ginger. It is very good for your health.

Where to eat?

Trung Vit Lon Cua Dong

Address: 18E Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 05:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.3++

Trung Vit Lon Ha Dong Market

Address: 34 To Hieu, Ha Dong district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 03:30 a.m - 07:30 p.m

Average price: From US $0.4++

Hot Vit Lon

Address: 43 Cong Quynh, District 1, HCMC

Opening hours: 5:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.4++

 

Bun Thit Nuong - Noodles With Grilled Pork/Beef/Shrimp

Another Vietnamese noodle is on the list but features a little bit differently. Bun Thit Nuong is a dry noodle, so there is no broth or soup. It comes along with Vietnamese herbs such as salad, coriander, and perilla, so it tastes fresh.

Noodles With Grilled Pork/Beef/Shrimp

Noodles With Grilled Pork/Beef/Shrimp

The dish consists of grilled marinated pork served with rice noodles, well-mixed fish sauce, and various fresh vegetables such as carrots, cucumber, and Vietnamese herbs. People usually have it for breakfast or brunch.

Where to eat?

Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen

Address: 175C Co Giang street, District 1, HCMC

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 08:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

Hai Dang

Address: 149 Chan Hung, Tan Binh District, HCMC

Opening hours: 11:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.53++

Tung Huong

Address: 5 To Hien Thanh, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 11:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.53++

 

Com Ga - Hoi An Chicken Rice

Hoi An used to be a bustling harbor with traders arriving from China and Japan among other countries in Asia. As a consequence, its regional cuisine combines Vietnamese flavor with cultural influences from Southeast and East Asia.

Chicken rice is served in Central Vietnam for over 200 years, originally founded in Tam Ky, Quang Nam’s capital. This is one of Hoi An's most well-known dishes, with a variety of tastes and textures.

Hoian Chicken Rice 

Hoian Chicken Rice

Hoi An chicken rice is served with tender shreds of chicken, crisp onions, tangy Vietnamese coriander, and gorgeous yellow rice with turmeric. Since the rice is cooked directly in umami chicken stock, it is very soft and delicious.

Where to eat?

Com Ga Ty

Address: 25 - 27 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoian, Quang Nam

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.5++

Com ga Ba Ho

Address: 16 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoian, Quang Nam

Opening hours: 06:45 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.41++

Com ga Ba Thuan

Address: 17/4 Hai Ba Trung, Hoian, Quang Nam

Opening hours: 06:45 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.21++

 

Com Chay - Vietnam Rice Crispy

Com Chay is one of Ninh Binh's most well-known specialties. We also need skill in selecting items, particularly rice, to prepare wonderful food. This meal is made using a special glutinous rice kind, which contains pure, spherical grains that give the food tastier.

In order to generate burned rice with an even thickness all the way around the bottom of the deep pot, Com Chay should be heated using charcoal. One of the hardest steps in cooking is this one. In order to prevent mold growth and maintain its flavor, burnt rice is then repeatedly left outside to dry in the sun.

Vietnam Rice Crispy

Vietnam Rice Crispy

Steamed rice is cut into flat, rounded slices and dried before being fried in hot oil until they are crisp and yellow. Beef, pig's heart or kidney, certain vegetables including mushroom, tomato, and carrot, and spices like fish sauce, pepper, red chile, onion, and salt are added to the primary component, steamed rice. 

Thinly sliced beef and pig's heart or kidney are combined with veggies after being marinated in such flavors. The mixture is then added to a bowl after being cooked until aromatic.

Where to eat?

Thang Long Restaurant

Address: Chi Phong, Truong Yen,  Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 11:00 p.m

Average price: From US $6++

Co Ut Sai Gon

Address: 62 Phan Tay Ho, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2.4++

Ba Tuan

Address: 132B Cach Mang Thang 8, District 3, HCMC

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.8++

 

Mi Quang - Quang-style Noodle

Mi Quang (Quang seafood noodle) originated from Quang Nam - a province on Vietnam’s South Central Coast. It's a summertime dish since it's just too hot to enjoy a bowl of conventional noodle soup in the winter.

Quang-style Noodle

Quang-style Noodle

Ingredients to make Mi Quang include rice noodles, shrimp (pork, chicken, fish, beef – depending on different people), herbs, and a small amount of broth. The bone broth with intense flavor, together with fish sauce, black pepper, shallot, and garlic, gives the Quang seafood noodle a unique taste that you cannot find anywhere else in any dish.

Where to eat?

Muoi Quan

Address: 80 Hai Thuong Lan Ong, Hoian, Quang Nam

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1++

Bich 

Address: 272 Hung Vuong, Hoian, Quang Nam

Opening hours: 07:30 a.m - 07:30 p.m

Average price: From US $1.41++

Quan Hong

Address: 462C Dien Bien Phu, Thanh Khe district, Danang

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 08:30 p.m

Average price: From US $1.2++

 

Cha Ca La Vong - Vietnamese Turmeric Fish with Dill

A typical meal from Hanoi in northern Vietnam is Cha Ca. The dish's full name is frequently written as "Cha Ca Thang Long" or "Cha Ca La Vong". A restaurant in the Old Quarter began serving Cha Ca in the 19th century. Cha Ca was invented by the Doan family. They made delicious Cha Ca to serve their guests in the year of the French domination period, and the dish’s popularity soon spread.

Vietnamese Turmeric Fish with Dill 

Vietnamese Turmeric Fish with Dill

The grilled fish with dill and turmeric is complex to prepare, right from the first step of making the marinade. The marinade is made of turmeric, garlic, shallots, galangal, salt, sugar, and fish sauce. The fish is marinated for at least one hour before being grilled in advance. Right before serving the dish to guests, they fry it in oil.

Where to eat?

Cha Ca La Vong

Address: 14 Cha Ca, Hang Dao,  Hoan Kiem ward, Hanoi

Opening hours: 11:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $13.7++

Cha Ca Lao Ngu

Address: 171 Thai Ha, Lang Ha,  Dong Da ward, Hanoi

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $6++

Cha Ca Phan

Address: 14 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Hai Ba Trung ward, Hanoi

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $6++

 

Banh Khot - Vietnamese Savory Mini Pancake

Mini-savory pancakes are the kind to eat at any time of day for a particular segment of Vietnamese people. These bite-sized morsels also called Banh Khot in Vietnamese, taste great when prepared at home. You may stuff them full of as many of your preferred toppings as you can fit, and they will still come out very light and crispy.

 Vietnamese Savory Mini Pancake

Vietnamese Savory Mini Pancake

Banh Khot is made from rice or tapioca flour, with shrimp paste, fried and served with raw vegetables, and fresh peppers often served with mixed fish sweet sauce. They are the ideal addition to a "Wrap and Roll" celebration when the whole family comes to wrap rice paper and a fresh salad with the finest ingredients.

These kinds of culinary adventures are what bring families together and create the finest memories!

Where to eat?

Khanh - Banh Khot Vung Tau

Address: 7 Dong Nai, District 10, HCMC

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 9:00 p.m

Average price: From US $3++

Ba Hai

Address: 119 Le Van Linh,  District 4, HCMC

Opening hours: 11:00 a.m - 07:00 p.m

Average price: From US $3++

Banh Khot Coi Da

Address: 453/111 Le Van Sy, District 3, HCMC

Opening hours: 11:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

 

Banh Bao Banh Vac - White Rose Dumplings

Banh Bao Banh Vac originated from Hoi An and is one of the popular dishes of local people here. Because it looks like a rose when being on the plate, the French decided White Rose Dumpling to be its English name. Banh Bao Banh Vac is sold at many food stalls and small vendors around Hoi An.

 White Rose Dumplings

White Rose Dumplings

Its main component is rice starch, which is produced by grinding fresh, fragrant rice multiple times through water to create a sweet, smooth, and white cake surface. To make the light dough, the water must be filtered and cleansed 15 - 20 times before being combined with the rice.

The gorgeous thin crust is then applied after the dough is rolled thin and cut into dumpling-sized pieces. Fresh shrimp or ground pork combined with pepper, onion, salt, mushrooms, fish sauce, and secret spice make up the majority of the contents. It will steam for ten to fifteen minutes. The outcome is a warm, delicious, and fragrant cake.

Where to eat?

Trung Bac Restaurant

Address: 87 Tran Phu, Hoian, Quang Nam

Opening hours: 08:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

Bong Hong Trang

Address: 533 Hai Ba Trung, Hoian, Quang Nam

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 08:30 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

Blue Gecko Restaurant

Address: 341/6 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Hoian, Quang Nam

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

 

Com Hen - Mussel Rice

By the time of the Thieu Tri dynasty, mussels were sold in the markets of Hue city and became a favorite food of many people. During the reign of King Thanh Thai, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thep offered mussels to the king. Next, she was rewarded by the king and established Hen's ward. Since then, Com Hen has become a royal product every Tet holiday.

Mussel Rice

Mussel Rice

It is a difficult dish that combines flavors that are sweet, buttery, salty, sour, bitter, and spicy. White rice cooked with coolness, starfruit, herbs, Indian taro, fish sauce, pepper, fried onion, sesame salt, chili sauce, fried pork skin, fried shrimp, roasted peanuts, and mussels sauteed with spices.

Where to eat?

Hoa Dong

Address: 64 Alley 7 Ung Binh, Vy Da, Hue

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.6++

Ba Cam

Address: 49 Tung Thien Vuong, Vy Da, Hue

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 08:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.6++

Com Hen Tam

Address: 77 Ong Ich Khiem, Thuan Hoa, Hue

Opening hours: 01:30 p.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.4++

 

Bun Rieu - Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup

Bun Rieu is a traditional dish of Vietnam, which is well-known both domestically and internationally. Because of its fresh taste, Bun Rieu becomes one of the most favorite dishes in summer that you can enjoy anywhere in Vietnam.

Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup

Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup

It is distinguished by a broth made of pork that also contains tomatoes, onions, dried shrimp, and a blend of crab paste and eggs. The broth has a perfect combination of salty and sweet tastes thanks to all the components, and is made sweet by the pork and dried shrimp and somewhat salty by the crab paste.

The dish is then garnished with veggies and occasionally shrimp paste and served on vermicelli noodles. Some individuals prefer to keep their toppings basic, so they occasionally only add green onions.

Where to eat?

Bun Rieu Hang Bac

Address: 11 Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 08:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.2++

Nha Van

Address: 30 Hoa Hue, Phu Nhuan, HCMC

Opening hours: 08:00 a.m - 08:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.6++

Bun Rieu Hang Luoc

Address: 14 Hang Luoc, Hang Ma, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.21++

 

Banh Ran - Vietnamese Donuts

Banh ran is known as a deep-fried rice ball that comes from the North of Vietnam. Banh Ran comes in two primary varieties: sweet and salty cake, with the latter being far more popular than the former.

While the filling of a sweet cake is sweet mashed mung beans, the filling of a salty cake is a mixture of minced beef, prawns, glass noodle, vegetables, and other ingredients, much like the filling of a pillow cake.

Vietnamese Donuts

Vietnamese Donuts

Additionally, the sesame seed-coated cake is the greatest option among the various sweet cake varieties because of its mild sweetness, crunchy exterior, and delicate fragrance. Glutinous rice flour, rice flour, mashed potatoes, and sugar are all combined to make the dough.

The mung bean mixture is shaped into a ball, encased in dough, and given a sesame coating by rolling it over a dish of sesame seeds. The cake turns golden brown, crunchy, and flavorful after being deep-fried. Under its crunchy exterior comes the sweet and nutty flavor of the mung bean, rice, and potato.

Where to eat?

Quan Goc Da

Address: 52 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 04:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.4++

Ba Huyen

Address: 35 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 06:30 p.m

Average price: From US $0.4++

Banh Ran Tay Ho

Address: 73 - 75 Nguyen Van Dau, Binh Thanh, HCMC

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 06:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.41++

 

Goi Cuon - Fresh Spring Rolls

Vietnamese rolls may be divided into two primary categories: fresh rolls and fried rolls, and fresh spring roll is much lighter and healthier. Unlike fried spring rolls, fresh spring rolls are served fresh with fillings of cooked meat and fresh vegetables. The dish is available across the country, and you can find the best fresh spring rolls in Saigon.

Fresh Spring Rolls

Fresh Spring Rolls

Fresh spring roll is made from translucent rice paper wrappers and you can put whatever you want to eat inside. It can be steamed shrimp, steamed pork, salad, bun noodles, cucumber slices, lettuce, and mint. You can choose mushrooms and tofu spring rolls if you are vegetarian. They’re usually served with garlic soy dipping sauce or peanut sauce.

What to eat?

Goi Cuon Hanh

Address: 420A Hoa Hao, District 10, HCMC

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 06:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.4++

Co Loan

Address: 57/3 Đoi Cung, District 11, HCMC

Opening hours: 12:00 p.m - 07:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.4++

108 Calmette

Address: 108 Calmette, Nguyen Thai Binh,  District 1, HCMC

Opening hours: 02:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.4++

 

Bo Nuong La Lot - Beef in Wild Betel Leaf Recipe

Vietnam is famous for its wide variety of fresh and delicious cuisines. And Bo Nuong La Lot is a popular dish like this, especially in the South of the country. 

Beef in Wild Betel Leaf Recipe 

Beef in Wild Betel Leaf Recipe

Bo Nuong La Lot, shortened as Bo La Lot, is a very famous food in Southern Vietnam. The main ingredients are beef and leaf of lolot, which are seasoned, rolled, and grilled over charcoal. You can eat it with many veggies, then dip it into a special Vietnamese sauce for more tasty flavors.

Where to eat?

Tan Quy

Address: 47/20 Street No 2, Tan Quy,  District 7, HCMC

Opening hours: 05:00 p.m - 11:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

Bo La Lot Mo Chai

Address: 98 Dang Thuc Lieng, District 8, HCMC

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.61++

Co Yen

Address: 155 Hoang Ngan, Thanh Xuan, Ha Noi

Opening hours: 11:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2.81++

 

Hoanh Thanh Chien

Hoi An has many famous long-standing dishes, originating from many different countries, including Hoanh Thanh (Wontons). Hoanh Thanh Chien (Fried Wontons), which originated from China, is also a traditional and familiar dish associated with the lives of the people of Hoi An for a long time.

 Hoanh Thanh Chien

Hoanh Thanh Chien

Chefs mix flour and chicken eggs then beat this mixture several times for a smooth paste and then roll as thin as possible. The kernels of the dish are made from fresh, raw ground shrimp. They are put into a mortar and mortar after they have been seasoned. After that, Hoanh Thanh Chien will be deep fried.

Where to eat?

Hu Tieu Co Nuong

Address: 152/7/2 Ly Chinh Thang,  District 3, HCMC

Opening hours:04:30 p.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

Linh Dang

Address: 60 TT7 Van Phu, Phu La, Ha Dong district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 08:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.2++

Anh Dung

Address: 14 Ba Trieu, Cam Pho, Hoian, Quang Nam

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 11:30 a.m

Average price: From US $4++

 

Com Nieu - Steamed Rice

For Vietnamese people, rice is the pearl from heaven. Rice is not only a food but also represents thousands of years of life and the agricultural economy. Therefore, Vietnamese culinary culture is also marked by many unique dishes honoring the flavor of rice grains. In particular, Com Nieu is a classic simple, but it creates a unique culinary culture.

Steamed Rice

Steamed Rice

The original pot of Vietnamese porridge is cooked rice, a traditional cooking tool of the ancient Vietnamese - clay pot. This device has a large thickness to retain heat, so the rice grain has a unique flavor, more delicious when cooked in a metal pot.

Where to eat?

Com Nieu 3 Ca Bong

Address: 112 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Thanh Khe, Da Nang

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 09:30 p.m

Average price: From US $4++

Thuy Nga

Address: 29 Nguyen Chi Thanh,  Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 09:30 p.m

Average price: From US $6++

Com Nieu Tay Son

Address: 17 Alley 252 Tay Son, Trung Liet, Dong Da, Hanoi

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 09:30 p.m

Average price: From US $6++

 

Nem - Cha - Tre

This trio dish originated from the ancient capital of Hue. Perhaps for that reason, the taste of Nem - Cha - Tre in Hue is the most delicious and unique. In the ancient capital of Hue, the Dao Duy Tu neighborhood is the oldest and most famous place to preserve 3 generations of Nem, Cha, and Tre in Hue.

Nem - Cha - Tre

Nem - Cha - Tre

Nem - Cha - Tre is made mainly from pureed pork, pork skin, pork ears, garlic, galangal, chili, sesame, and other spices such as delicious fish sauce, sugar, and salt. All these ingredients are wrapped in banana leaves and then steamed or fermented. The taste of Nem - Cha - Tre is both strong and sour, can be stored for ten days, and is best served with chutney, beer, and wine.

Where to eat?

Ba Ngon

Address: 222 Nguyen Sinh Cung, Vy Da, Hue

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

Dong Ba

Address: 25 Dao Duy Tu, Hue

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

Ba Ky 2

Address: 13 Dao Duy Tu, Hue

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

 

Banh Canh - Vietnamese Thick Noodle Soup

Banh Canh is a kind of rice noodle soup in Vietnam. It can be made from a mixture of tapioca flour and rice or just only tapioca flour. The name “Banh Canh” can be translated into “cake soup”, which refers to the chewy, thick noodles that are seasoned with star ingredients. 

Vietnamese Thick Noodle Soup

Vietnamese Thick Noodle Soup

The ingredients of this dish include large yellow onion, pork neck bones, pork knuckle, fish sauce, kosher salt, dried Banh Canh noodles, mung bean sprouts, cilantro, and so on.  After roasting and cutting the onion, the stock will be made by putting the neck bones, knuckle slices, water, and Banh Canh noodles into a pot. The chef will drain the noodles, put them into the warmed soup bowls, and pour the hot stock above.

Where to eat?

Banh Canh Mui

Address: 111A Truong Chinh, An Đong, Hue

Opening hours: 03:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1++

Banh Canh Nam Pho

Address: 16 Pham Hong Thai, Vinh Ninh, Hue

Opening hours: 12:00 p.m - 08:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.6++

Banh Canh Ba Doi

Address: 69 Nguyen Trai, Thuan Hoa, Hue

Opening hours: 06:30 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.21++

 

Banh Tam Bi - Thick Noodles and Creamy Coconut Milk

This is a special dish of the West in general and Bac Lieu in particular. Unknown origin as well as the time of the birth of this dish. According to the anecdote, many people explained that the long, white bread-like silkworms eaten with pork skin should be called Banh Tam Bi

Thick Noodles and Creamy Coconut Milk

Thick Noodles and Creamy Coconut Milk

The Banh Tam Bi plate with white cut silkworms will be completed by hand and will always be steamed hot. Not only Silkworm Bread but other ingredients such as teal, fried onion, coconut milk, and fish sauce are also processed in an heirloom manner.

Where to eat?

To Chau

Address: 611/62B Dien Bien Phu, District 3, HCMC

Opening hours: 06:30 a.m - 08:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

Trung

Address: 5 Hoang Thieu Hoa, Tan Phu district, HCMC

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 18:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.21++

Banh Tam Bi Dong Thap

Address: 181 Su Van Hanh, District 10, HCMC

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 05:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.41++

 

Tom Chua - Pickled Shrimps

Hue people often choose shrimp for processing, enriching family menus, and making delicious Tom Chua. You can eat Tom Chua with hot rice. Besides, the most famous and delicious way to eat Tom Chua is with boiled meat, rice paper, melon, and other raw vegetables.

You can roll lettuce, starfruit, melon, basil, etc with a piece of boiled meat and Tom Chua then eat it together with fish sauce.

 Pickled Shrimps

Pickled Shrimps

Tom Chua in Hue is a superb combination of tradition and modernity, between the coolness of shrimp and the spicy taste of spice, pale yellow color of bamboo shoots, galangal, garlic, and red chili. The sour, spicy, sweet, salty..., crystallized into Tom Chua showing the sophistication of the Hue people.

Some people think that Tom Chua brings "meditation" into the dish when gathering the mountains, forests, rivers, the sea, sunshine, rain, and the kind heart of the Hue people.

Where to eat?

Huyen - Banh Cuon Tom Chua

Address: 11 Duong Van An, Xuan Phu, Hue

Opening hours: 03:00 p.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.6++

Banh Cuon Tom Chua

Address: Kho Ren bridge pier, Hue

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 10:00 a.m

Average price: From US $0.6++

Tom chua Trong Tin

Address: 21 Dang Tran Con, Hue

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 05:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.41++

 

Bun Ca - Fish Noodle Soup

Bun Ca, one of the famous specialty dishes in Vietnam has several ways of cooking depending on each region, creating a unique and diverse taste for this dish. However, no matter how it is cooked, this dish has the same main ingredients.

The superb combination of soft noodles, rich sweet and sour broth, and pieces of crispy fried fish create a tasteful dish that many people are looking for.

Fish Noodle Soup

Fish Noodle Soup

Unlike its name, Bun Ca contains not only fresh fish but also other types of fish such as termites, mackerel, and barracuda. For the type of fish ball, just made from fresh fish, it will be tough, and soft without having to use borax or adding other types of flour.

Where to eat?

Co Lien

Address: Alley 48 Ta Quang Buu, Bach Khoa, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.8++

Bun Ca Thai Thinh

Address: 41 Thai Thinh Alley 1, Dong Da, Hanoi

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 05:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.61++

Tu Lau

Address: 18 Cay Keo, Tam Phu,  Thu Duc, HCMC

Opening hours: 06:30 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.4++

 

Bun Thang - Rice Vermicelli with Chicken, Egg, and Pork

In Vietnam, there are many types of rice vermicelli and noodle, but Bun Thang Hanoi is a very well-known dish. This is a culinary specialty of ancient Hanoi, which has been handed down from generation to generation until now.

Rice Vermicelli with Chicken, Egg, and Pork

Rice Vermicelli with Chicken, Egg, and Pork

After the Lunar New Year, many families in Hanoi still have a lot of leftovers. Thus, in order not to waste food, the old Hanoians used all of that material and made it into a very delicious vermicelli dish. That is Bun Thang. In Chinese, 'Thang' means 'broth'. So 'Bun Thang' simply means a rice vermicelli dish served with juicy broth.

Where to eat?

Mot Buoi Sang

Address: 339 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Ward 5, District 10, HCMC

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.6++

Thanh Van

Address: 12-14 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:30 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2.22++

Bun Thang Ha Hoi

Address: 11 Ha Hoi, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 11:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.21++

 

Banh Nam - Flat rice dumpling

Banh Nam (Flat rice dumpling) is a traditional Hue food that everyone must try when coming to the city. The main ingredients for Banh Nam are rice flour, smashed shrimp, and pork meat. You will dip it into the fish sauce when eating.

Flat rice dumpling

Flat rice dumpling

Depending on the taste you like, you can make the sauce to be either salty or sweet. The batter of Banh Nam is made by mixing rice flour with water and stirring them well to dissolve. This is then added with a little bit of salt and vegetable oil, and cooked on medium heat until it turns into a thick paste.

Where to eat?

Trung Bo

Address: 16 To Hien Thanh, Phu Cat, Hue

Opening hours: 06:30 a.m - 07:30 p.m

Average price: From US $0.12++

O Som

Address: 4 Hai Trieu, Hue

Opening hours: 02:00 p.m - 06:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.4++

Banh Nam - Banh Beo

Address: 1B Vo Truong Toan,  Binh Thanh district, HCMC

Opening hours: 02:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.8++

 

Bia Hoi Hanoi - Hanoi Draft Beer

Bia Hoi Hanoi is not too strange for Vietnamese people. It is not difficult to see the image of fresh beer pubs or sidewalk beers with crowded customers regardless of summer or winter days. Still, beer is always the drink that many people want, especially men.

Hanoi Draft Beer

Hanoi Draft Beer

When drinking Bia Hoi, the drinker will feel refreshed, not bitter, even if the alcohol content is high. Therefore, even if you are a non-drinker, a glass of Bia Hoi Hanoi can still refresh you, especially on hot days. Moreover, Bia Hoi Hanoi is usually produced and used within 24 hours, to ensure the "freshness" of Bia Hoi Hanoi.

Where to eat?

Cuong Nga

Address: 138 Le Duan, Kham Thien, Dong Da, Hanoi

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2.62++

Hai Hoi

Address: 99A Nguy Nhu Kon Tum, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi

Opening hours: 10:00 a.m - 10:30 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

Hai Xom

Address: 68 Le Trong Tan, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 10:30 p.m

Average price: From US $2++

 

Mien Xao Luon - Glass Noodles with Deep-Fried Eel

Eel is a nutritious food that can be processed into many different dishes that many people love. One of the most frequently eaten dishes is Glass Noodles with Deep-Fried Eel. Nobody knows when this dish was born, but because it is delicious and nutritious, more and more people are known and the restaurants and restaurants are opening more and more.

Glass Noodles with Deep-Fried Eel

Glass Noodles with Deep-Fried Eel

Because the eels are caught by farmers in the canals, the field also has somewhat of a homeland flavor. The combination of the flavor of vermicelli, the aromatic herbs, of the nutritious eels has created a special flavor for this dish, just once you can remember its taste forever.

Where to eat?

Mien Luon Phuc

Address: 152 Lac Trung, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2.82++

Sanh Pho Co

Address: 109 Van Phuc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:30 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2.82++

Minh Lan

Address: 1 Chan Cam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $2.22++

 

Xoi Xeo - Sticky Rice with Mung Bean

Today, due to a busy life, and inclement weather, the habit of getting up early to cook at home is no longer maintained. With the limited time spent on breakfast, sticky rice is one of the most common dishes chosen by many people. Xoi Xeo is a classic Vietnamese breakfast dish, and also a great anytime snack for children.

Sticky Rice with Mung Bean

Sticky Rice with Mung Bean

Xoi Xeo is made from glutinous or sweet rice, this is typically steamed and combined with a variety of beans. After that, for a sweet and savory taste, it was topped with shredded coconut, chopped peanuts, and fried onions.

Where to eat?

Xoi Xeo Trung Kinh

Address: 171 Trung Kinh, Cau Giay, Hanoi

Opening hours: 06:30 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.4++

Tomyphuong

Address: 304A Bach Mai, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.8++

Co Mai

Address: 70 Yen The, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, HCMC

Opening hours: 08:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1++

 

Banh Beo - Bloating Fern-shaped cake

Bloating Fern-shaped cake is a very popular cake in Central Vietnam, in addition to many in South Vietnam. In the Central region, Banh Beo ​​is often divided into two types: Banh Beo ​​Quang Nam and Banh Beo ​​Hue.

Banh Beo Quang Nam is usually large, thick bread served with a paste of meat dough including meat, minced shrimp, and chives, when eating, add some onions, and minced chili. Banh Beo Hue is a little different, a thinner cake, with dried shrimp powder, when eaten with crispy pork skin.

Bloating Fern-shaped cake

Bloating Fern-shaped cake

In the South, Bloating Fern-shaped cake ​​transforms into a sweet Bloating Fern-shaped cake. People mix sugar water (usually brown sugar dissolved in water and boil to cool) in rice flour, and add pineapple leaves for aroma. The cake is usually mung bean-cooked and sweet southern Banh Beo ​​served with coconut milk.

Where to eat?

Banh Beo Sai Gon

Address: 130 Dinh Bo Linh, Binh Thanh, HCMC

Opening hours: 02:00 p.m - 08:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.4++

Ngoc Tram

Address: 572/22 Au Co, Tan Binh District, HCMC

Opening hours: 09:00 a.m - 09:00 p.m

Average price: From US $1.41++

Banh Beo Hue

Address: Gate 7, Ben Thanh Market, District 1, HCMC

Opening hours: 06:30 a.m - 05:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.93++

 

Banh Dap - Hitting Cake

Banh Dap, also known as Banh Chap, is a popular cake in the coastal provinces of Central Vietnam from Quang Nam to Khanh Hoa but the most famous is still in Hoi An. "Dap" is understood simply as the cake must be beaten before eating.

Hitting Cake

Hitting Cake

Banh Dap is a delicate combination of Banh Uot and baked rice paper. The half layer of Banh Uot is covered with grease, onion, and green beans. This dish is also served with shrimp, boiled pork, and barbecue depending on the region. Another important thing when eating Banh Dap is the sauce - a cup of fish sauce, crushed with lots of garlic chili, pure fish sauce, and anchovies to qualify. 

Where to eat?

Banh Cuon & Banh Dap

Address: 8 Ngo Duc Ke, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa

Opening hours: 06:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.8++

Banh Dap Hong Linh

Address: 16A Hong Linh, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa

Opening hours: 07:00 a.m - 07:30 p.m

Average price: From US $0.4++

Ben Tre

Address: 98/1 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Hoian, Quang Nam

Opening hours: 03:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m

Average price: From US $0.6++

 

Best Places to Learn Vietnamese Food

One of the best travel souvenirs you can bring home is the ability to cook some of the dishes you sampled on your journey. Vietnam food is also regarded as one of the healthiest cuisines all over the world, therefore, take your chance to learn ways to prepare Vietnamese food when you can.

Cooking classes which becoming more and more popular in Vietnam can help you. During your holiday, do not just go from place to place, try some cooking classes because it is the best way to get involved in local culture and activities.

Hanoi Read more: Hanoi Cooking Cass: 3 Best Places to Try
Hue

Hue Cooking Class at Madam Thu Restaurant

Address: 46 Vo Thi Sau, Hue

Average Price: From US $50++

Hue Cooking Class of ANH Cookery

Address: 12/33 Nguyen Cong Tru street, Hue

Average Price: From US $29++

Hoian

Hoi An Eco Cooking Class by Mr. Kien Nguyen

Address: Hamlet 2, Cam Thanh, Hoi An

Average Price: From US $32++

Hoi An Cooking School of Green Bamboo

Address: 21 Truong Minh Hung Street, Cam An, Hoi An

Average Price: From US $45++

Ho Chi Minh

HCM Cooking Class

Address: 107/7 Tran Van Cham, Cu Chi, HCMC

Average Price: From US $45++

Saigon Cooking Class

Address: 74 Hai Ba Trung, District 1, HCMC

Average Price: From US $40++

Vietnamese Cooking Class

Vietnamese Cooking Class

A cooking class in each city often focuses on its own cuisine, however, a food tour throughout Vietnam is more diverse. You will be able to taste all kinds of dishes in each region you travel to. Joining a cooking class is a great way to learn how to cook and taste Vietnamese cuisine, but joining a food tour throughout Vietnam is even more wonderful. Visit our website and pick up the Vietnam food tour which is best for you.