3 February 2016
Food in Vietnam: 5 Must-Try Dishes
Let yourself be guided through the lively streets of Vietnam to discover authentic, innovative, and flavorful cuisine. Traditions now blend with creativity to offer an unparalleled culinary experience that awakens the curiosity and appetite of every traveler.
Discovering Vietnamese Cuisine
Vietnam is a beautiful country, renowned for its warm people and exceptional gastronomy. With fresh ingredients, exotic flavors, and diverse influences, Vietnamese cuisine delights all food lovers during a trip to Vietnam.
In 2025, Vietnam’s culinary scene combines authenticity and innovation, with renewed interest in ancestral ingredients like lotus, local seaweed, and black rice. New dishes emerge each year as trends, while the classics remain unbeatable. Here are five dishes you absolutely must try during your stay:
No.1 Pho Bo
Pho Bo, the famous beef rice noodle soup, is a symbol of northern Vietnam and found everywhere in Hanoi. This rich broth, scented with lemon, basil, and fresh herbs, adapts to every diner who seasons it to their taste. Traditional yet timeless, it remains perfect for a flavorful and balanced dinner.
No.2 Bun Cha
Bun Cha pairs rice vermicelli with grilled pork in a typical Hanoi dish, appreciated for its bold mix of textures and aromas. It illustrates the Vietnamese table’s ability to combine simplicity and inventiveness, still ranking among the top favorites in 2025.
No.3 Spring Rolls
Spring rolls, or “Goi Cuon”: these iconic Vietnamese bites consist of rice paper wrapping fresh salad, crunchy vegetables, fragrant herbs, and pieces of meat or shrimp. Everyone customizes their roll to their liking for a fresh and interactive tasting.
No.4 Banh Mi
Banh Mi, the quintessential Vietnamese sandwich, is enjoyed from sunrise to sunset: a crispy baguette filled with raw vegetables, pâté, or cold cuts. It’s savored at markets, streetside stalls, or during a break along your journey. Banh Mi also evolves with new waves of creativity, sometimes incorporating ingredients like lotus or black rice.
No.5 Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo is a golden, crispy rice pancake folded around pork, shrimp, fresh vegetables, and spices, mainly in central and southern Vietnam. Unconventional, it’s eaten hot, folded by hand, and loved for its generous and indulgent aspect.
Bonus – Bia Hoi
Bia Hoi is the local beer par excellence, brewed artisanally and served on small stools at street stalls. A convivial moment not to be missed during your flavorful adventure, Bia Hoi perfectly completes typical Vietnamese dishes. To deepen your cravings, explore the must-sees of a trip to Vietnam.
Looking for unique flavors? Feel free to share your questions about Vietnamese cuisine, or let yourself be guided for a tailor-made Vietnam discovery with our Shanti Travel experts.
