Vietnamese Food Guide
Vietnamese cuisine is consistently ranked among the world's best. From fragrant pho to crispy banh mi, every region offers unique flavors shaped by centuries of culinary tradition. Explore our guides to Vietnam's most iconic dishes.
Iconic Vietnamese Dishes
Pho
Vietnam's national dish -- aromatic beef or chicken noodle soup
Banh Mi
The world's best sandwich -- crispy baguette meets Vietnamese flavors
Bun Cha
Grilled pork with rice noodles -- the dish Obama ate in Hanoi
Com Tam
Broken rice with grilled pork chop -- Saigon's breakfast of champions
Ca Phe Sua Da
Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk -- liquid energy in a glass
Bun Bo Hue
Hue's spicy beef noodle soup -- bolder and more complex than pho
Goi Cuon
Fresh spring rolls -- translucent rice paper wrapping shrimp, pork, and herbs
Banh Xeo
Crispy Vietnamese crepe -- sizzling turmeric pancake filled with shrimp and sprouts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous Vietnamese dish?▾
Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) is the most internationally recognized Vietnamese dish, but locals might argue that bun cha (Hanoi), com tam (Saigon), or bun bo Hue are equally important to Vietnamese cuisine.
Is Vietnamese food spicy?▾
Vietnamese food is generally milder than Thai or Korean food. Chili is usually served on the side so you can adjust to your preference. Central Vietnamese cuisine (Hue) tends to be the spiciest.
How much does street food cost in Vietnam?▾
Street food in Vietnam is incredibly affordable: most dishes cost 20,000-50,000 VND ($0.80-2.00). A full meal with a drink rarely exceeds 80,000 VND ($3.20).
Is street food safe to eat in Vietnam?▾
Yes, Vietnam's street food is generally safe. Follow these rules: eat where locals eat (high turnover = fresh food), choose stalls with visible cooking, and avoid pre-cut fruit from unrefrigerated displays.
What should vegetarians eat in Vietnam?▾
Look for 'com chay' (vegetarian rice) restaurants, which are common near Buddhist temples. Fresh spring rolls (goi cuon chay), banh mi chay, and pho chay are widely available. The word 'chay' means vegetarian.