Looking for the things to eat in Vietnam? These 10 delicious specialities are not to be missed.

Vietnamese cuisine varies across the country, shaped by diverse landscapes and rich regional traditions. What makes it so special are the complex flavours and contrasting textures in every dish. Like much of Southeast Asia, it’s all about finding the perfect balance of spicy, salty, sour, and sweet. Here are some of the must-tries – in no particular order.

1. Banh Xeo

A crispy savoury pancake made from rice flour, water, and turmeric – giving it its signature golden colour. The thin, crunchy batter is typically filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and green onions, then served with fresh lettuce and herbs. Wrap a piece in lettuce, add some herbs, and dip it into fish sauce before taking a bite.

Where to try Banh Xeo: the origins of this dish are slightly ambiguous but it’s generally thought to come from central Vietnam, making Hoi An a great place to try it.

2. Bo La Lot

One of the top street foods to try is bo la lot. These are seasoned chunks of ground beef mixed with aromatic spices like lemongrass, wrapped in lolot leaves, and grilled to perfection.

Where to try Bo La Lot: Street vendors in Hanoi’s Old Quarter often serve it fresh off the grill or look for it in the night markets of Ho Chi Minh City.

3. Pho

Traditionally eaten for breakfast, Pho is one of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes and an absolute must-try. Northern style pho features wider rice noodles in a clear, delicate beef bone broth, simply garnished with coriander and green onion. While the southern style or “Saigon pho” uses thinner noodles in a rich, aromatic dark broth flavoured with fish sauce, ginger, star anise, cassia and cardamom, often slightly sweeter and topped with bean sprouts, lime, and basil. Vegetarian versions are available, though you may need to ask around to find them.

Where to try Pho: anywhere but if you’re travelling the whole country try one in Hanoi and one in Ho Chi Minh.

4. Banh Mi

Another super famous dish, this one dates back to the 1850s when the French occupied Vietnam for over 100 years. A soft baguette with a crisp crust, slathered with pâté and buttery mayonnaise, then piled high with cucumber, pickled carrots, daikon, coriander, and pork, finished with a sprinkle of seasoning. Originating in the south, it’s a popular eat all over the country, especially as a breakfast treat.

Where to try Banh Mi: You can find Bah Mi anywhere in Vietnam but you must try one in Ho Chi Minh City where it originates.

5. Bun Cha

A street food classic of barbecued fatty pork patties and pickled veggies in a big bowl of broth. On the side, thin vermicelli rice noodles, herbs and a dipping sauce.

Where to try Bun Cha: Originating from Hanoi, bun cha is one of the city’s most beloved dishes and a must try when in the capital.  

6. Cao Lau

Thick, chewy rice noodles, slices of bbq pork, bean sprouts, leafy greens and crispy fried noodles, often topped with fresh herbs and a savoury sauce.

Where to try Cao Lau: Hoi An’s signature dish should be at the top of your list of things to eat when exploring the Ancient Town.

7. White Rose Dumplings

These delicate and beautifully crafted dumplings are made from translucent rice flour wrappers and filled with prawns or pork, wrapped up to resemble a blooming rose. Fried shallots are sprinkled on top for a delicious crunch.

Where to try White Rose Dumplings: Another Hoi An speciality, the famous White Rose Restaurant handcrafts all its dumplings, so you can taste them fresh at the source or anywhere else in Ancient Town.

8. Bun Bo Hue

Spicy soup combining tender beef, vermicelli noodles and lemongrass. This dish takes it’s name from the old Imperial City of Hue. Hoi An might be well known for its delicious food, but it’s Hue were the Vietnamese emperors dined on beautifully presented dishes from a menu that changed daily.

Where to try Bun Bo Hue: Hue

9. Goi cuon

“Spring rolls” feature a variety of fillings rolled in rice paper and fried until crispy. Their fresh, soft counterpart – goi cuon or sometimes called “summer rolls” are filled with shrimp, slices of pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs like lettuce and mint, all neatly wrapped in translucent rice paper. Enjoy them dipped in a light, fish sauce or a rich peanut dip.

Where to try Goi Cuon: One of the most fun ways to try these yummy rolls is at the Red Bridge Cooking School in Hoi An. During the class you’ll learn how to make the rice paper from scratch – then eat your creation at the end.

10. Bun Thit Nuong

This popular dish features grilled marinated pork on a bed of cold rice vermicelli with crushed peanuts, fresh herbs like basil and mint, crunchy veggies and cha gio – crispy fried spring rolls. A drizzle of fish sauce brings it all together, creating a delicious blend of flavours and textures.

Where to try Bun Thit Nuong: This southern Vietnamese favourite is a must-try in Ho Chi Minh City, where it’s widely available at street stalls and local eateries.