Food in Vietnam is more than just something to eat — it is a journey through culture, history, and regional identity. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the coastal cities and misty mountains of the North, Vietnamese cuisine tells stories through flavors, colors, and aromas.
What makes food in Vietnam so special is its balance: fresh herbs, seasonal vegetables, slow-simmered broths, and delicate use of spices. Each dish reflects local traditions, climate, and lifestyle, creating a culinary experience that feels both comforting and exciting. If you want to truly understand food in Vietnam, these iconic dishes are where your journey should begin.
1. Hanoi Pho – The Soul of Food in Vietnam
No discussion about food in Vietnam is complete without mentioning Hanoi Pho. Considered the national dish, pho represents the essence of Vietnamese culinary philosophy: simplicity, patience, and balance.
The broth is carefully simmered from beef bones for hours, infused with star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, resulting in a clear yet deeply flavorful soup. Soft rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, fresh scallions, and herbs come together to create a bowl that is light but satisfying.
Eating pho in Hanoi, especially early in the morning, is one of the most authentic ways to experience food in Vietnam — warm, fragrant, and deeply rooted in daily life.
Average price: 40,000 – 70,000 VND per bowl
Recommended places:
- Pho Bat Dan – 49 Bat Dan Street, Hanoi
- Pho Thin – 13 Lo Duc Street, Hanoi
2. Bun Cha Hanoi – A Street Food Legend of Food in Vietnam
Bun Cha is one of the most beloved street foods in Hanoi and a shining example of food in Vietnam at its best. This dish features grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly cooked over charcoal until smoky and golden.
The pork is served in a bowl of sweet-and-sour dipping sauce, accompanied by fresh rice noodles and a generous plate of herbs. Diners mix everything together, creating a burst of flavors — savory, tangy, fresh, and slightly sweet.
Bun Cha is not just a meal; it’s a social experience and a must-try for anyone exploring food in Vietnam.
Average price: 45,000 – 75,000 VND per serving
Recommended places:
- Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama Bun Cha) – 24 Le Van Huu Street, Hanoi
- Bun Cha Dac Kim – 1 Hang Manh Street, Hanoi
3. Hai Phong Crab Noodle Soup – A Coastal Highlight of Food in Vietnam
From the port city of Hai Phong comes Banh Da Cua, a dish that showcases the seafood-rich side of food in Vietnam. The signature red rice noodles are chewy and aromatic, setting this dish apart from other noodle soups.
The broth is made from freshwater crab, delivering a naturally sweet and savory flavor. Toppings include rich crab paste, fried fish cakes, shrimp, pork, water spinach, and herbs — creating a colorful and satisfying bowl.
This dish perfectly captures the bold, hearty character of northern coastal food in Vietnam.
Average price: 35,000 – 60,000 VND per bowl
Recommended places:
- Banh Da Cua Be – 195 Cau Dat Street, Hai Phong
- Bun Ca Cay Le Loi – 66 Le Loi Street, Hai Phong
4. Ha Long Squid Cake – A Proud Symbol of Food in Vietnam
Cha Muc Ha Long is one of the most famous specialties from Quang Ninh province and a premium example of food in Vietnam craftsmanship. Made from fresh squid that is hand-pounded instead of machine-ground, the texture remains firm, bouncy, and naturally sweet.
When fried, the squid cakes turn golden and aromatic, crispy on the outside while tender inside. Locals often enjoy them with sticky rice or vermicelli noodles.
This dish is not only delicious but also represents the pride and tradition behind regional food in Vietnam.
Average price: 360,000 – 500,000 VND per kg
Recommended places:
- Ba Kien Squid Cake – Ha Long Market I
- Thoan Squid Cake – Ha Long Market I
5. Lang Son Sour Pho – A Unique Twist on Food in Vietnam
Unlike traditional soup-based pho, Lang Son Sour Pho offers a refreshing and unexpected perspective on food in Vietnam. The chewy rice noodles are mixed rather than submerged in broth.
Toppings include Chinese-style roasted pork, crispy duck, fried sweet potatoes, roasted peanuts, and fresh herbs. The highlight is the sweet-and-sour sauce made from vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili, delivering a light yet addictive flavor.
This dish proves how diverse and creative food in Vietnam can be from one region to another.
Average price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND per bowl
Recommended places:
- Pho Ba Lien – 224 Bac Son Street, Lang Son
- Pho Phuong – 73 Nhi Thanh Street, Lang Son
6. Thang Co – A Bold Cultural Experience in Food in Vietnam
For adventurous eaters, Thang Co offers one of the most authentic cultural experiences within food in Vietnam. Originating from the H’Mong ethnic community in the northern highlands, this dish is traditionally prepared using horse meat and organs, slowly simmered with forest spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, and doi seeds.
Thang Co is rich, aromatic, and intense, often enjoyed hot at local markets, especially during cold mountain mornings. More than a dish, it represents community, tradition, and the raw spirit of food in Vietnam’s ethnic diversity.
Average price: 80,000 – 150,000 VND per pot
Recommended places:
- Bac Ha Sunday Market – Lao Cai
- Thang Co A Quynh – 15 Thach Son Street, Sapa
7. Men Men – Ha Giang
Men Men is a traditional dish deeply rooted in the daily life of the Hmong people in Ha Giang, representing the simplicity and ingenuity of ethnic cuisine in the northern highlands. Made from finely ground corn kernels and steamed in wooden baskets, Men Men has a mildly sweet, nutty flavor and a soft, fluffy texture. Locals often eat it as a rice substitute, paired with vegetable soup or savory side dishes.
Average price: 15,000 – 30,000 VND per serving
Where to try:
- Ethnic markets in Ha Giang
- Local eateries in Dong Van and Meo Vac
8. Dien Bien Sticky Rice (Xôi Nếp Nương)
Dien Bien sticky rice is famous for its exceptional fragrance and elasticity, thanks to glutinous rice grown on terraced hillsides. The rice grains are plump, glossy, and naturally aromatic. One highlight of this iconic food in Vietnam is five-colored sticky rice, dyed using natural leaves and roots, symbolizing luck and prosperity.
Average price: 20,000 – 40,000 VND per plate
Where to try:
- Traditional restaurants in Dien Bien
- Local markets throughout the province
9. Seven-Spice Roasted Duck – Cao Bang
Seven-spice roasted duck is a signature food in Vietnam from Cao Bang, known for its rich aroma and unforgettable taste. Carefully selected ducks are marinated with seven secret mountain spices before being slow-roasted over charcoal. The result is crispy golden skin and tender, juicy meat infused with the flavors of the northern highlands.
Average price: 250,000 – 400,000 VND per duck
Where to try:
- Ba Dao Traditional Roasted Duck – Hop Giang, Cao Bang
- Huy Linh Restaurant – Ngoc Xuan, Cao Bang
10. Tan Cuong Green Tea – Thai Nguyen
Known as “Vietnam’s finest tea,” Tan Cuong tea is a proud symbol of Thai Nguyen. The tightly rolled tea leaves produce a clear green-yellow infusion with the aroma of young rice. The taste starts mildly bitter, then develops into a long-lasting sweetness—making it a beloved part of Vietnamese food culture.
Average price: 200,000 – 800,000 VND per kg
Where to buy:
- Tea specialty shops in Thai Nguyen
- Tan Cuong tea-growing villages
11. Giao Thuy Fermented Pork (Nem Nắm) – Nam Dinh
Nem Nam is a famous local food in Vietnam, made from thinly sliced fresh pork, shredded pork skin, roasted rice powder, and special spices. The mixture is wrapped in fig leaves, creating a light sourness balanced with nutty and aromatic flavors. It is typically enjoyed with sweet-and-sour fish sauce.
Average price: 50,000 – 80,000 VND per portion
Where to try:
- Duy Khanh Nem Nam – Nam Dinh
- Tam Tho Nem Nam – Giao Thuy, Nam Dinh
12. Ninh Binh Crispy Rice (Cơm Cháy)
Cơm cháy Ninh Binh is a crunchy delight and a must-try food in Vietnam. Sticky rice is cooked, pressed into thin sheets, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. It is commonly served with dried pork floss or rich sauces made from goat meat or seafood.
Average price: 50,000 – 100,000 VND per serving
Where to try:
- Specialty food shops in Ninh Binh
- Hoang Long Crispy Rice – multiple locations
Central Vietnam Specialties – Bold and Spicy Food in Vietnam
13. Mi Quang – Hoi An
Mi Quang is one of the most iconic dishes of central food in Vietnam. Thick yellow noodles are served with a small amount of rich broth made from shrimp, pork, chicken, or bones. The dish is topped with roasted peanuts, crispy rice crackers, fresh herbs, and green chili.
Average price: 30,000 – 55,000 VND per bowl
Where to try:
- Ba Vi Mi Quang – Da Nang
- Ech Mi Quang at Bep Trang – Da Nang
14. Bun Bo Hue
Bun Bo Hue is a legendary Vietnamese noodle soup originating from the imperial city of Hue. The broth, simmered from beef bones, is infused with lemongrass and chili, creating a bold, spicy flavor that defines central food in Vietnam. Each bowl includes beef shank, pork hock, crab cake, and fermented shrimp paste.
Average price: 35,000 – 65,000 VND per bowl
Where to try:
- Mu Roi Bun Bo Hue – Hue
- Ba Gai Bun Bo Hue – Hue
15. Nha Trang Fish Noodle Soup (Bún Cá)
A classic coastal food in Vietnam, Nha Trang fish noodle soup features a clear, naturally sweet broth made from fish bones. The dish includes chewy rice noodles, fresh fish cakes, jellyfish, and herbs, creating a light yet flavorful meal.
Average price: 30,000 – 55,000 VND per bowl
Where to try:
- Hanh Nhien Fish Noodle Soup – Nha Trang
- Nguyen Loan Fish Noodles – Nha Trang
16. Cao Lau – Hoi An
Cao Lau is a unique noodle dish found only in Hoi An. The thick yellow noodles are traditionally soaked in alkaline water from the ancient Ba Le well, giving them a distinct chewy texture. Served with char siu pork, crispy pork skin, bean sprouts, and Tra Que herbs, Cao Lau is a standout of Vietnamese food heritage.
Average price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND per bowl
Where to try:
- Ba Thanh Cao Lau – Hoi An
- Ba Le Cao Lau – Hoi An
17. Banh Can – Nha Trang
Banh Can is a popular street food in Vietnam, made from rice flour batter cooked in clay molds over charcoal. The cakes come with various toppings such as shrimp, squid, egg, or minced pork and are served with fresh herbs, green mango, and dipping sauce.
Average price: 20,000 – 40,000 VND per plate
Where to try:
- Co Tu Banh Can – Nha Trang
- Thang Nam Banh Can – Nha Trang
18. Phu Yen Tuna Eye Soup
Tuna eye soup is a famous specialty of Phu Yen and a unique highlight of food in Vietnam. The large tuna eyes are slow-cooked with Chinese herbs, creating a nutritious and aromatic dish. Tuna is also enjoyed as salad or hotpot in this coastal region.
Average price: 50,000 – 100,000 VND per portion
Where to try:
- Ba Tam Restaurant – Tuy Hoa
- Son Cau Go Restaurant – Tuy Hoa
19. Hue Steamed Rice Cakes (Bánh Bèo)
Banh Beo is a delicate traditional dish from Hue. Small bowls of steamed rice flour cakes are topped with dried shrimp, crispy pork fat, scallions, and sweet fish sauce. This elegant dish reflects the refined culinary style of Hue cuisine.
Average price: 15,000 – 30,000 VND per plate
Where to try:
- Ba Do Banh Beo – Hue
- Hang Me Restaurant – Hue
20. Nam O Raw Fish Salad – Da Nang
Nam O fish salad is a bold and adventurous food in Vietnam, made from fresh herring marinated with galangal, chili, garlic, and roasted rice powder. It is served with wild herbs, sesame rice crackers, and rich fermented fish sauce.
Average price: 80,000 – 150,000 VND per plate
Where to try:
- Co Hong Nam O Fish Salad – Da Nang
- Sau Hao Nam O Fish Salad – Da Nang
21. Phu Yen Green Chive Noodle Soup (Bánh Canh Hẹ)
This comforting food in Vietnam is easily recognized by its vibrant green topping of finely chopped chives. The clear broth is cooked from pork bones and fish, paired with chewy noodles, mackerel fish cakes, quail eggs, and fried shallots.
Average price: 25,000 – 45,000 VND per bowl
Where to try:
- Thanh Tam Banh Canh He – Tuy Hoa
- Thao Vy Banh Canh He – Tuy Hoa
22. Pork and Rice Paper Rolls – Da Nang
This beloved central Vietnam dish features thin slices of boiled pork belly with two layers of skin. The pork is wrapped in soft rice paper with fresh herbs and dipped into rich fermented anchovy sauce. It’s a perfect example of balanced food in Vietnam.
Average price: 90,000 – 150,000 VND per serving
Where to try:
- Hoang Tin Restaurant – Da Nang
- Mau Restaurant – Da Nang
23. Don Clam Soup – Quang Ngai
Don soup is a humble yet addictive dish from Quang Ngai. Made with tiny river clams, the broth is light, sweet, and refreshing. It is served with crispy rice crackers and thinly sliced onions, representing the simplicity of local food in Vietnam.
Average price: 15,000 – 30,000 VND per bowl
Where to try:
- Song Tra Don Soup – Quang Ngai
- Quang Ngai Don Restaurant – Quang Ngai
24. Da Lat Meatball Bread (Bánh Mì Xíu Mại)
A signature breakfast dish in Da Lat, this food in Vietnam combines crusty bread with warm pork meatballs served in a light bone broth. Often paired with crispy pork skin or sausage, it’s especially comforting in Da Lat’s cool climate.
Average price: 25,000 – 45,000 VND per serving
Where to try:
- Be Linh Meatball Bread – Da Lat
- Co Suong Meatball Bread – Da Lat
