Vietnamese food takes you on an enthralling voyage through a world of vivid tastes and seasonal ingredients. Vietnamese cuisine which is well-known for its harmonious blending of sweet, salty, bitter, sour and spicy flavours captures the nation's rich cultural legacy and regional diversity. With ingredients like lemongrass, mint and rice noodles each dish is expertly prepared, adding to the unique and fragrant characteristics of the cuisine. Vietnamese cuisine is not only delicious but also health-conscious and gluten-free due to its concentration on fresh herbs and sparing use of dairy and oil. As you delve into Vietnam's varied culinary scene, you'll come across a mouth-watering assortment of dishes that demonstrate the skill of coordinating flavours and textures.

Take a trip with one of our Vietnam tour packages to truly experience the country's culinary gems. Savour classic meals that encapsulate Vietnamese cuisine wherever you go—from the busy streets of Hanoi to the lively markets of Ho Chi Minh City. Every meal, whether you're savouring the crispy delights of Bánh Xèo or the comforting broth of Phở, delivers a distinct sense of Vietnam's rich culinary culture. Dive into the must-try meals that epitomize Vietnamese cuisine and experience a culinary journey unlike any other.

Here are the 9 must-try dishes in Vietnam

1.Bun Bò Huế:

Famous Vietnamese food Bun Bò Huế is from Huế, the old imperial capital. This filling noodle soup is made with rice vermicelli, fermented shrimp paste and thinly sliced beef that is cooked in a fragrant, flavourful broth with hints of lemongrass. With so many toppings to choose from, such as sliced spring onions, lime wedges, fresh herbs and chili sauce, you may tailor the dish's flavours to your preference. Vietnamese cuisine's famous traditional Bun Bò Huế is made of succulent beef and a delicious broth accentuated by aromatic spices. Every bowl exhibits the richness of flavour that characterizes Huế cuisine presenting a symphony of flavours and textures. 

2. Giợi Cuốn:

Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, or gỏi cuốn are a crisp light snack that emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients. These translucent rolls are filled with a blend of shrimp or minced pork, coriander and greens. Frequently presented with an indulgent peanut dipping sauce Gỏi Cuốn offers a delicious juxtaposition of tastes and textures. A distinctive take on the classic dish Gỏi Cuốn from the south is made of grilled pork wrapped with green banana and star fruit. Gỏi Cuốn which may be eaten as an appetizer or a light snack captures the lively and fresh flavour of Vietnamese food, making it a must-try for anybody interested in learning more about the cuisine of the nation.

3. Bánh Mì:

A classic Vietnamese sandwich that embodies the merging of French and Vietnamese cooking traditions is the banh mi. traditionally made with a crispy baguette stuffed with a variety of ingredients (pork, egg, cucumber, pickled carrots, daikon radish, scallion and cilantro) this sandwich dates back to the French colonial era. The outcome is a tasty supper that demonstrates how versatile Vietnamese food is.Bánh Mì has become a popular and diverse street cuisine over time incorporating local flavours and ingredients. Its savoury interior and crispy surface provide a pleasant flavour experience that embodies Vietnamese culinary ingenuity. Enjoy Bánh Mì from a street food stall or local vendor for an authentic taste.

4. Bún Riêu:

With a base of dried shrimp and tomatoes Bún Riêu is a savoury noodle soup that is cooked with pork trotters and aromatics like clove and lemongrass. For those who enjoy noodle soup, this dish is a filling and substantial choice. It comes with rice noodles, roast pork and a chewy sausage that resembles fish cakes. The richness of the pork and the fresh tangy tomatoes combine to create a well-balanced and delectable dish. Bún Riêu often consumed at roadside booths or neighbourhood restaurants, provides a distinctive flavour of Vietnamese street food culture. It is a remarkable dish that highlights the depth of flavour that characterizes Vietnamese cuisine because of the combination of fresh ingredients and thick broth.

5. Cá Chả:

A unique Vietnamese meal called Chả Cá is made with soft fish that is grilled with dill and turmeric and served over noodles. A memorable and fulfilling dinner is produced when this aromatic and savoury dish is served with fresh herbs and a side of dipping sauce. Visit Bun Cha Huong Lien where the highlight of the menu is the Chả Cá for a taste of tradition. Chả Cá has a particular flavour that comes from a special blend of herbs and spices, which makes it a must-try for everyone interested in Vietnamese food. Its flavourful depth and simplicity encapsulate the essence of traditional Vietnamese cooking, providing a memorable and authentic culinary experience.

6. Bún Chả:

Hanoi is known for its speciality, Bún Chả, which is grilled pork served with chilled rice noodles and a variety of fresh herbs. The Smokey flavour of the barbecued pork is enhanced by the open charcoal brazier which harmonizes well with the broth and noodles. This dish is usually eaten with a delicious dipping sauce and a side of fresh greenery. Hanoi’s culinary traditions are reflected in this tasty and filling dish that combines soft noodles, Smokey pork and fresh herbs. Bún Chả which provides a genuine experience of Vietnamese street food culture is a well-liked option for both residents and tourists.

7. Gỏi Cá Trích:

A unique Vietnamese appetizer, Gỏi Cá Trích is made of thin rice paper layered with mildly pickled herring and garnished with grated coconut, lettuce, basil and fresh pineapple. The meal offers a lovely blend of salty, sweet and acidic flavours when it is served folded up and dipped in a light nuoc cham (fish sauce and lime juice).Gỏi Cá Trích is a refreshing and unforgettable taste thanks to its unique blend of fresh ingredients and contrasting textures. Food connoisseurs should definitely try it because of its vivid flavours and presentation which showcase the inventiveness and freshness that characterize Vietnamese cuisine.

8. Nem Ran:

Vietnamese spring rolls or nem ran are a common street snack throughout all of Vietnam. A thin crunchy shell that turns golden after frying encases a range of meats and veggies inside these crispy rolls. Nem Ran is a tasty and filling appetizer that is served with a tart dipping sauce. Nem Ran is a favourite among both locals and tourists because of its crispy outside and tasty filling. Enjoyed as a small snack or as a main course, these spring rolls provide a delightful window into the colourful street food culture of Vietnam.

9. Bún Bò Nam Bộ:

A well-known Vietnamese meal, Bún Bò Nam Bộ consists of soft noodles, crunchy peanuts, fresh herbs and tender beef slices accompanied by a zesty sauce. This tasty concoction produces a filling but light supper that perfectly embodies Vietnamese cooking. This is a delicious and light alternative that is especially enjoyable in the summer months. Bún Bò Nam Bộ with its blend of aromas and textures, is a lovely example of Vietnamese culinary traditions. It is a must-try for anyone wishing to enjoy real regional cuisines because of its excellent flavour and ease of preparation.

Conclusion:

Vietnamese food offers a wide variety of tastes and textures making it an enjoyable gastronomic journey where each dish narrates a tale of the nation's rich culinary past. Every dish from the crispy Nem Ran to the fragrant Bún Bò Huế delivers a different flavour of Vietnam's colourful cuisine culture. Vietnamese cuisine is a memorable experience because of its unique blend of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavours which are enjoyed when enjoying a tasty Bánh Mì or fresh spring rolls.

Take one of our Vietnam tour packages to truly experience the country's delectable cuisine. These trips provide the ideal setting for discovering the nation's regional cuisine and taking part in real dining experiences. Enjoy a gastronomic adventure that highlights the best of what Vietnam has to offer while learning about the spirit of Vietnamese food.