Vietnamese cuisine might be the world’s most balanced — fresh herbs, vibrant flavors, and minimal oil. It’s a cuisine that makes you feel good after eating. And the best part? Some of the most extraordinary dishes come from plastic stools on busy sidewalks.
The National Treasures
Pho — The soul of Vietnam in a bowl. Aromatic beef or chicken broth simmered for hours with star anise, cinnamon, and ginger, poured over flat rice noodles, topped with herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili. Hanoi-style pho is purist — clear broth, wide noodles, minimal garnish. Saigon-style is maximalist — sweeter broth, herbs galore, hoisin and sriracha on the side. Eat it for breakfast like locals do.
Banh Mi — The world’s greatest sandwich, courtesy of French colonialism. A crispy baguette stuffed with pâté, cold cuts, pickled daikon and carrot, cucumber, cilantro, and chili. Each city has its signature version: Hoi An’s banh mi is heavy on the herbs, Saigon’s is meatier.
Bun Cha — Grilled pork patties and slices served in a sweet-savory broth with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce. Hanoi’s signature dish, made famous globally when Anthony Bourdain ate it with Barack Obama.
Regional Food Map
- Hanoi & the North — Subtle, balanced flavors. Pho bo, bun cha, cha ca (turmeric fish with dill), banh cuon (steamed rice rolls)
- Hue & Central Vietnam — Imperial cuisine: elaborate, spicy, beautifully presented. Bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodles), banh beo (steamed rice cakes)
- Hoi An — Cao lau (pork noodles with crispy croutons), white rose dumplings, chicken rice
- Saigon & the South — Sweeter, more herbs, tropical influence. Hu tieu (clear noodle soup), com tam (broken rice), banh xeo (crispy savory crepes)
Essential Food Experiences
- Street food walking tour by motorbike in Saigon or Hanoi after dark
- Egg coffee (ca phe trung) at Cafe Giang in Hanoi — creamy, decadent, unforgettable
- Fresh spring rolls (goi cuon) dipped in peanut-hoisin sauce
- Seafood feast on the beach at Nha Trang or Phu Quoc
- Vietnamese coffee — strong, drip-filtered, with condensed milk over ice (ca phe sua da)