What if the best way to understand Vietnam wasn’t through its monuments or landscapes, but through its food?

Across the country, travelers discover steaming bowls of noodle soup served on busy sidewalks, fragrant herbs piled high in street markets and small plastic stools filled with locals enjoying meals together.

Vietnamese cuisine is widely considered one of the most exciting food cultures in the world. The country’s dishes combine fresh herbs, rice noodles, grilled meats and aromatic broths, creating meals that are both flavorful and balanced.

From the famous pho noodle soup of Hanoi to the banh mi sandwiches of central Vietnam, each region has its own specialties shaped by local ingredients and traditions.

In this guide, you’ll discover must-try Vietnamese dishes, modern food trends and where to eat them across Vietnam.

Why Vietnamese Food Is So Famous

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its balance of flavors and fresh ingredients.

Most dishes combine:

• fresh herbs and vegetables
• rice noodles or rice paper
• grilled or slow-cooked meats
• savory broths and dipping sauces

Many recipes also reflect Vietnam’s history, including Chinese culinary influences and French colonial techniques such as baguettes and pâté. Because of this mix of traditions, Vietnamese food feels both familiar and unique at the same time.

Street food is especially important in Vietnam, where some of the country’s best dishes are served in small family-run stalls.

Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes

Pho

Pho is Vietnam’s most famous dish.

This aromatic noodle soup includes slow-simmered broth, rice noodles and slices of beef or chicken, topped with herbs, lime and chili.

Pho is especially popular in Hanoi, where locals often eat it for breakfast.

Banh Mi

Banh mi is Vietnam’s famous baguette sandwich.

Inspired by French bread, it combines a crispy baguette with fillings such as:

• grilled pork
• pâté
• pickled vegetables
• fresh herbs

Hoi An is widely considered one of the best places in Vietnam to try banh mi.

Bun Cha

Bun Cha is a classic dish from Hanoi made with grilled pork served alongside rice noodles and herbs.

The dish gained worldwide attention when Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama shared a meal of bun cha in Hanoi, turning the restaurant into a famous food destination.

Bun Bo Hue

Originating in the imperial city of Hue, Bun Bo Hue is a spicy noodle soup known for its rich broth and bold flavors.

Compared with pho, the soup has a deeper taste and often includes lemongrass and chili.

Cao Lau

Cao Lau is a unique noodle dish found only in Hoi An.

The dish features thick noodles, slices of pork, herbs and crispy croutons. Traditionally the noodles were made using water from ancient wells in the town.

Bun Bo Nam Bo

Bun Bo Nam Bo is a southern-style beef noodle salad made with rice noodles, grilled beef, herbs, peanuts and fish sauce dressing.

The dish gained international recognition after being ranked among TasteAtlas’ Top 100 dishes in the world.

In Hanoi, many travelers try this dish at Bún Bò Nam Bộ Bách Phương on Hang Dieu Street, one of the city’s most famous spots.

Must-Try Vietnamese Drinks

Vietnam also has one of the most distinctive coffee cultures in the world.

Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

A Hanoi specialty made with whipped egg yolk, sugar and coffee. The drink has a creamy, dessert-like texture and remains one of the most famous beverages in Vietnam.

Salted Coffee (Cà Phê Muối)

Salted coffee originated in Hue and features strong Vietnamese coffee topped with salted cream.

The drink has become one of the biggest coffee trends in Vietnam in recent years, spreading from Hue to cafés across Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Michelin-Recognized Food in Vietnam

Vietnam’s culinary scene has gained global recognition through the Michelin Guide, which now lists more than 180 restaurants across the country.

Travelers can enjoy Michelin-recognized dishes in both fine dining restaurants and humble street food stalls.

Examples include:

• Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su (Hanoi) – a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant famous for its clear and flavorful pho broth.
• Com Tam Ba Ghien (Ho Chi Minh City) – a Michelin-recognized restaurant known for its generous grilled pork chop plates.
• Cuc Gach Quan (Ho Chi Minh City) – a Bib Gourmand restaurant serving traditional southern Vietnamese cuisine.

The Michelin Guide has helped highlight Vietnam as one of Asia’s most exciting food destinations.

The 2026 Way to Eat: Vespa Night Food Tours

One of the most exciting ways to explore Vietnamese cuisine is by joining a night street food tour on a vintage Vespa scooter.

These tours are particularly popular in Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An, where guides take travelers through busy streets to hidden food stalls.

Stops often include:

• seafood and grilled dishes
• Vietnamese snail stalls (ốc)
• street-side dessert cafés

For many visitors, riding through the city at night while tasting local food becomes one of the most memorable travel experiences in Vietnam.

Vegan and Sustainable Dining

Sustainable dining is becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam.

Several restaurants now focus on environmentally responsible cooking and locally sourced ingredients. Nén Danang, for example, has received a Michelin Green Star for its sustainable approach to Vietnamese cuisine.

Vegetarian and vegan food is also widely available in Vietnam. Restaurants serving plant-based meals are often called “An Chay” restaurants, many of which are inspired by Buddhist culinary traditions.

Famous Places to Eat in Vietnam

Vietnam’s Street Food Culture

Street food plays a major role in everyday life across Vietnam.

In many cities, travelers will see rows of small plastic stools lining sidewalks where locals gather for quick meals.

Some of the best food experiences happen at:

• night markets
• roadside food stalls
• small family-run restaurants

Trying street food is often the highlight of traveling through Vietnam.

Best Cities for Food in Vietnam

Hanoi

Hanoi is widely considered the heart of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

The city is famous for dishes such as:

• pho
• bun cha
• egg coffee

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City offers one of the most diverse food scenes in Vietnam.

The city is known for:

• banh mi
• com tam
• southern noodle soups

Hoi An

Hoi An is famous for regional dishes such as cao lau and white rose dumplings.

Hue

Hue’s cuisine reflects its imperial history, with many dishes created for the royal court.

Tips for Trying Street Food in Vietnam

Choose stalls with many local customers
 Watch how food is prepared before ordering
 Carry small cash for vendors
 Try regional dishes unique to each city

Explore More Vietnam Travel Guides

If you're planning a longer journey through Vietnam, these guides may help:

• Vietnam Travel Guide
• Hanoi Travel Guide
• Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
• Hoi An Travel Guide
• Hue Travel Guide

You can also explore curated Vietnam Tour Packages by Desh Videsh Travels, which include food experiences and cultural highlights across the country.