Vietnamese Cuisine: Must-Try Dishes

Vietnamese food changes noticeably from north to south, shaped by climate, history and local ingredients. Here are the dishes worth seeking out in each region.

Hanoi & the North

Pho - the iconic beef or chicken noodle soup - originated here and remains at its best in Hanoi's old quarter. Don't miss bun cha, grilled pork patties served with rice noodles and a tangy dipping sauce, and Hanoi's signature egg coffee, a rich blend of egg yolk, condensed milk and coffee.

Hue & Central Vietnam

As the former imperial capital, Hue is known for elaborate, delicately spiced dishes. Try bun bo Hue, a spicier beef noodle soup, and banh khoai, a crispy stuffed pancake. Hoi An contributes cao lau, a noodle dish unique to the town, made with water from a specific local well.

Ho Chi Minh City & the South

Southern cuisine leans sweeter and fresher, with abundant herbs and tropical produce. Banh mi, the famous Vietnamese baguette sandwich, is best here, alongside com tam (broken rice with grilled pork) and endless variations of fresh spring rolls.

A Few Tips

• Street food stalls with high local turnover are usually the safest and tastiest choice
• Most dishes are served with a plate of fresh herbs - add them gradually to taste
• Our culinary-focused Taste of Vietnam tour includes cooking classes in three different cities if you want to bring these dishes home with you