Top 20 best Street foods in Vietnam:

Experience the true essence of Vietnam by diving into its vibrant street food scene. What better way to connect with a new country than through its exquisite local dishes? The remarkable street food of Vietnam allows you to savor the unique blend of cultural influences that have shaped this culinary wonderland. From the delectable Pho (that everyone finds tricky to pronounce) to the French-inspired Banh Mi, Vietnamese cuisine is a colorful celebration of flavor and excitement. Plus, the thrill of enjoying freshly prepared meals right on the streets at unbelievably affordable prices adds an irresistible charm to this gastronomic adventure. When you plan your next journey to this captivating Southeast Asian nation, make sure to explore these 20 must-try Vietnamese street food dishes!

1. Pho (Rice Noodle Soup):

For anyone who finds pronouncing the name, let’s clarify – it’s pronounced ‘fuh’. Recognized as practically the national dish of Vietnam, pho is a savory broth made with flat rice noodles. This dish features delightful herbs, ginger, blanched vegetables, and typically a meat base like chicken or beef. With numerous makeshift stands in every city, pho is not only a delectable dish but also budget-friendly, making it perhaps the most prevalent street food across Vietnam. You can purchase a bowl for around VND 12,000 to VND 15,000. We highly recommend sampling the pho at Gia Truyen in Hanoi or Pho Vu Phuong in Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Bun Cha (Vietnamese Meatballs):

Experience the delightful flavors of bun cha, a dish that rivals the iconic American burger patty. This Vietnamese delicacy features char-grilled pork patties accompanied by rice vermicelli and a selection of fresh herbs. Its distinctive flavor is enriched by a fish sauce, which may take some getting used to but is undeniably delicious. Often served with nem cua be, bun cha is hailed as a quintessential street food from Hanoi. Be sure to visit renowned establishments like Bun Cha 34 and Dac Kim when you’re in the city. For those outside Hanoi, a delicious alternative called bun thit nuong, made with beef, peanuts, and shallots, awaits your discovery.

3. Banh Xeo (Crispy Vietnamese Pancakes):

This savory dish is expertly prepared right before your eyes at bustling Vietnamese street food stalls. Made from a thin, rich batter, it is stuffed with tender pork, succulent shrimp, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, with turmeric being the star among them. Once cooked, the crepe is carefully rolled in rice paper or crisp lettuce, then sliced into bite-sized pieces, perfect for sharing. Typically, it comes with a side of Vietnam’s famous fish sauce. The name “Banh Xeo” comes from the distinctive sound that fills the air as it cooks.

4. Pho (Rice Noodle Soup):

Banh Tet is a quintessential Vietnamese street food enjoyed during Tet Nguyen Dan. This delectable dish derives its name from the festive celebration of Tet Nguyen Dan, commonly known as the Vietnamese New Year. It features sticky glutinous rice encased in banana leaves, combined with mung bean or pork for a savory flavor, or bananas for a sweet treat. The preparation involves rolling it into an iconic log shape, boiling it, and then slicing it into inviting wheel-shaped servings. The savory version pairs beautifully with fish sauce, while the sweet variant is delightfully complemented by coconut milk and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

5. Cao Lau (Vietnamese Noodle Bowl):

Renowned as a pork noodle dish, the regional specialty Cao Lau also offers a delightful vegetarian option featuring tofu. Originating from Hoi An in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, many regard ‘authentic’ Cao Lau as being crafted with the water sourced from the Ba Le well. This dish is characterized by its thick noodles, reminiscent of Japanese udon and Chinese wontons, yet it stands out as distinctly Vietnamese due to its unique herb blend and unforgettable clear broth. The noodles are expertly made from ground rice combined with ash and water. Cao Lau masterfully balances sour, sweet, bitter, and pungent flavors, encapsulating the signature street food experience of Vietnam.

6. Rau Cang Cua:

Vietnam’s strategic location near the South China Sea ensures that shellfish plays a central role in Vietnamese cuisine. One such dish is Rau Cang Cua, crafted with crabs or, at times, snails. These delicacies are grilled over a barbeque, seasoned with salt, lime, and chili, and occasionally accompanied by a caramelization of pork fat. The dish features a zingy taste, thanks to the claw herb plant, which is a staple in this vibrant salad. Rau Cang Cua is known as one of the simplest street food preparations in Vietnam, delivering an explosion of flavor that is sure to delight your taste buds.

7. Goi Cuon (Vietnamese Spring Roll):

Experience the delightful flavors of ‘salad rolls’ or ‘summer rolls’—known as Goi Cuon, these are translucent Vietnamese spring rolls. Crafted from authentic Vietnamese rice paper called Banh Trang, they offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, featuring a variety of fillings such as mung bean, tofu, egg, squid, fish, crab, beef, or pork. In the northern regions, they are fried and called nem ran, whereas in the south they are slow-boiled and referred to as cha gio. Enjoying Goi Cuon with fish or peanut sauce elevates your dining experience. Traditionally served as an appetizer in Vietnamese restaurants, you can also savor this delicious treat as a quick snack at vibrant Vietnamese street food stalls. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in this culinary gem!

8. Bo La Lot (Vietnamese Grilled Beef in Betel Leaf):

Discover the exquisite flavors of Bo La Lot, also known as Thit Bo Nuong La Lot, a delectable beef dish that has gained immense popularity in Ho Chi Minh City. This traditional delight features minced beef patties artfully wrapped in betel leaves, also referred to as ‘piper lolot’, and grilled to perfection over charcoal. The inclusion of betel leaves imparts a distinct peppery taste that is truly remarkable. Accompanying this dish are vibrant side dishes such as grilled vegetables, rice noodles, and fresh chili and shallots. For an added twist, enjoy Bo La Lot wrapped in Vietnamese rice paper or crisp lettuce leaves. The flavor truly comes alive when paired with sweet chili fish sauce. Be sure to explore the enticing street food stalls along Ton Duc Thang Road in Saigon, where you can savor this delectable dish, especially during the bustling night hours.

9. Banh Bot Chien (Vietnamese Fried Rice Cake):

Experience the delightful flavors of this popular Vietnamese dish made from crispy fried rice flour cakes. Highly sought after in South Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, it serves as a perfect after-school snack. These flour cakes are fried to a perfect texture and are typically filled with egg, but you can also enjoy them with vegetable fillings. Banh bot chien is generously accompanied by papaya shavings, along with chili sauce to enhance your snacking experience. This delightful street food is thought to be influenced by Chinese cuisine and can easily be found at vibrant street stalls in Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown.

10. Banh Mi Op La (Vietnamese Fried Egg Sandwich):

Experience the delightful fusion of flavors with Banh Mi, a remarkable nod to French colonization, reminiscent of a baguette sandwich. Crafted from a light wheat baguette that is baked to crisp, this sandwich is expertly split lengthwise and generously filled with savory meat filling. While you may find Vietnamese street food vendors traditionally using pork and egg, Vietnamese restaurants elevate the experience with bacon stuffing, all topped with the unmistakable flavor of Vietnam’s cherished chili fish sauce. A perfect accompaniment to this scrumptious sandwich is the op la, a beloved egg dish paired with delectable sausages. Enjoying this complete meal is wonderfully economical at approximately VND 12,000 – VND 15,000, a far cry from the 1970s when Banh Mi was considered a luxury option. Today, it proudly holds its place as a beloved breakfast item or light snack throughout Vietnam.

11. Che Khuc Bach (Vietnamese Panna Cotta):

Indulge in this delightful Vietnamese treat—a rich almond pudding topped with generous portions of lychee syrup. Named for its key ingredients of fresh cream and ice cream, this dish features ‘che,’ a sweet liquid crafted from traditional Vietnamese sugar. At many Vietnamese street food stalls, you may find this dessert elegantly adorned with shavings of watermelon, strawberry, and a medley of sliced fruits. It’s the perfect refreshing dish to savor on hot, humid days. You can enjoy this delicacy for as little as VND 20,000 to VND 28,000.

12. Ca Phe Da/ Ca Phe Chon (Vietnamese Coffee):

Indulging in iced Vietnamese coffee, known as Ca Phe Da, is the ultimate way to complete any meal in Vietnam. The country’s rich coffee culture owes its essence to the cultivation of luxurious robusta beans. While the refreshing coffee is undeniably enjoyable, the most traditional Vietnamese coffee is so thick that it can be scooped with a spoon! Typically blended with condensed milk and occasionally enhanced with other ingredients, we strongly encourage you to experience the authentic version. Vietnamese street food stalls offer an array of delightful variations on Ca Phe Da, including a unique specialty known as Ca Phe Trung, which features egg yolk in the brewed coffee, presenting a texture reminiscent of tiramisu.

13. Banh Cuon (Vietnamese Rice Rolls):

Vietnamese cuisine showcases its Chinese influences brilliantly, especially in the culinary delights of Northern Vietnam, and Banh Cuon stands as a prime example. This delectable roll is crafted from rice flour, featuring a delicious filling of pork, mushrooms, and shrimp, all enhanced by a topping of crispy onions. To complete this extraordinary meal, it comes with a side of sprouts, cucumber, fresh herbs, and a tantalizing dipping sauce.

14. Xoi (Vietnamese Sticky Rice):

The culinary heritage of Vietnamese cuisine, deeply influenced by Chinese traditions, is beautifully showcased in the delicious dishes of Northern Vietnam, with Banh Cuon standing out as a prime example. This tasty roll, crafted from rice flour, boasts a satisfying filling of pork, mushrooms, and shrimp, all topped with crunchy onions for that perfect bite. To elevate your dining experience, it’s served with a side of fresh sprouts, cucumber, aromatic herbs, and a zesty dipping sauce that will leave your taste buds craving more.

15. Bun Bo Nam Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad):

Indulge in the delightful experience of Bun Bo Nam Bo, a symphony of textures that will excite your palate. This exquisite dish features vermicelli noodles, peanuts, bean sprouts, fried shallots, and chili peppers. Uniquely, it stands out among Vietnamese cuisine as one of the rare dishes that lacks a signature broth. To elevate your meal, it is often accompanied by pickled vegetables, providing a refreshing and tangy flavor that you won’t want to miss.

16. Banh Khoai (Cassava Cake):

As we journey towards the heart of the country, we discover an abundant use of chili that harmoniously enhances the flavors present. A prime example of Central Vietnam’s culinary offerings is the delectable Banh Khoai crepes, which are filled with shrimp, pork, egg, and bean sprouts. These delightful crepes are primarily made from rice flour, with fresh herbs and crisp lettuce adding a vibrant touch. Typically, they are accompanied by a rich soybean-based sauce, making for an irresistible dining experience.

17. Bun Bo Hue (Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup):

18. Com Hen (Rice with Mussels):

Discover the delightful dish known as Com Hen, a tasty Vietnamese rice-based creation served in a broth enriched with fresh and subtly flavored clams. This amazing dish is beautifully garnished with an array of crispy elements, including rice crackers, crispy pork, crackling, peanuts, and sesame seeds, adding a captivating variety of textures. You will come across numerous delicious versions of this dish throughout central Vietnam, where it has firmly established itself as a beloved part of the region’s culinary culture.

19. Canh Chua Ca (Vietnamese Sour Soup):

Experience the vibrant fresh produce that defines Southern Vietnamese Cuisine with Canh Chua Ca, a delightful twist on traditional broth dishes. This savory fish soup is characterized by its slightly sweet profile, enhanced by mouthwatering ingredients like pineapple, tomatoes, bean sprouts, and tamarind. Finished with golden fried garlic, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a satisfying treat for your taste buds.

20. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich):

If sandwiches excite you, then you absolutely need to try this delightful dish. Drawing inspiration from the French-Chinese heritage, this sandwich features baguette-like bread stuffed with a savory mix of ground meat, fresh cilantro, and a variety of crunchy vegetables. The fusion of crunchy veggies and succulent meat promises to deliver a satisfying experience for everyone, making it a fundamental element of Vietnamese cuisine.