15+ Vietnamese specialty dishes you must try

Not only famous for its stunning natural landscapes, Vietnam also captivates visitors with its diverse and refined culinary scene. Each region boasts its own unique flavors, creating a vibrant picture of Vietnamese cuisine. If you're a foodie, don't miss the opportunity to explore the specialty dishes of Vietnam on your journey!

This article will take you on a culinary tour through Vietnam's three regions, discovering over 15 distinct dishes that you absolutely must try to fully experience the flavor of the land.

Northern Vietnamese specialties

Northern cuisine stands out for its delicate, subtle, and harmonious flavors. Dishes are typically not too spicy, focusing on the natural sweetness of the ingredients and a balance of spices.

Phở Hà Nội (Hanoi Noodle Soup)

Phở is Vietnam's national dish, and especially Phở from Hanoi. The broth is simmered from beef or chicken bones for many hours, creating a clear, subtly sweet flavor. The noodles are soft and smooth, and the beef/chicken is thinly sliced, blanched rare or cooked through. It's served with various fresh herbs like scallions, saw-leaf herb, basil, and a squeeze of lime and chili. The flavor of Phở is a perfect combination of the broth's sweetness, the meat's aroma, and the pungent fragrance of the herbs.

• Suggested locations: Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn, Phở Lý Quốc Sư (Hanoi).

Bún Chả Hà Nội (Hanoi Grilled Pork with rice vermicelli)

Bún chả is a famous Hanoi dish that even captivated former U.S. President Barack Obama. This dish consists of fresh rice vermicelli, fragrant grilled pork patties and slices cooked over charcoal, served with a special sweet and sour dipping sauce made from pickled green papaya, carrots. Fresh herbs are an indispensable component, making the dish more refreshing.

• Suggested locations: Bún Chả Hương Liên (the restaurant where Obama visited), Bún Chả Đắc Kim (Hanoi).

Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Lã Vọng Fried Fish)

Chả Cá Lã Vọng is a unique dish that showcases the intricate and sophisticated nature of Hanoi cuisine. Catfish is marinated with special spices, grilled over charcoal, and then stir-fried in a hot pan with dill and scallions. Diners cook the fish themselves at the table and eat it with rice vermicelli, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a shrimp paste sauce mixed with lime and chili. The rich flavor of the fish, the aroma of dill, the nuttiness of the peanuts, and the umami of the shrimp paste create an unforgettable experience.

• Suggested location: Nhà hàng Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Hanoi).

Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm (Rice Vermicelli with Fried Tofu and Shrimp Paste)

Bún đậu mắm tôm is a rustic dish with an irresistible charm. A full serving typically includes fresh rice vermicelli, crispy golden fried tofu, green rice flake patties (chả cốm), fried spring rolls, pork sausage, and boiled pork entrails. Everything is dipped in a skillfully prepared shrimp paste sauce with kumquat, chili, sugar, creating a harmonious savory, fatty, sour, and spicy flavor.

• Suggested locations: Bún Đậu Ngõ Gạch, Bún Đậu Cây Đa (Hanoi).

Bánh Tôm Hồ Tây (West Lake Shrimp Cakes)

Bánh tôm Hồ Tây is a famous Hanoi specialty, known for its golden-fried appearance and enticing flavor. The cakes are made from fresh whole shrimp wrapped in a batter of flour and shredded taro, then deep-fried until the shell is crispy and the shrimp is cooked to a vibrant red. When eaten, the shrimp cakes are often wrapped in lettuce and fresh herbs, and dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce with shredded green papaya. The crispiness of the crust, the natural sweetness of the shrimp, and the freshness of the herbs create a special appeal.

• Suggested locations: Bánh tôm stalls surrounding West Lake (Hanoi).

Central Vietnamese specialties

Central Vietnamese cuisine carries the strong imprint of abundant seafood ingredients and a spicy, rich flavor profile, influenced by the climate and culture.

Bún Bò Huế (Hue Beef Noodle Soup)

Bún bò Huế is a signature dish of the ancient capital of Huế, famous for its rich broth flavored with lemongrass, shrimp paste, beef, and pork knuckle. The thick rice vermicelli is soft and served with sliced beef, pork knuckle, crab patties, and pork blood cubes. A crucial component is a generous portion of fresh herbs and a spoonful of spicy chili oil to enhance the flavor.

• Suggested locations: Quán Bún Bò Huế Bà Gái, Quán Bún Bò Huế O Phượng (Hue).

Mì Quảng (Quang-style Noodles)

Mì Quảng is a specialty of Quảng Nam and Da Nang, with a unique flavor profile that is distinct from other noodle dishes. The noodles are made from rice flour, with a pale yellow or white color. The broth for Mì Quảng is sparse, thick, and rich, cooked with pork, shrimp, chicken, or fish. The dish is served with a crispy rice cracker, fresh herbs, and roasted peanuts.

• Suggested locations: Mì Quảng Bà Mua, Mì Quảng Ếch Bếp Trang (Da Nang).

Cao Lầu Hội An (Hoi An Noodles)

Cao Lầu is an iconic dish of the ancient town of Hoi An, embodying a unique cultural fusion. The special Cao Lầu noodles are made from rice soaked in lye water from a local craft village and water from Bá Lễ well, giving them a distinct chewiness. The dish has very little broth, instead using a rich sauce made from char siu pork and shrimp, served with fresh herbs, crispy pork cracklings, and a rice cracker.

• Suggested locations: Cao Lầu Thanh, Quán Bà Lễ (Hoi An).

Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake)

Bánh xèo is a popular dish across Vietnam, but the Central version is typically smaller, with a crispy golden shell and a savory filling of shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. The pancake is cooked in a hot pan and served with a variety of fresh herbs and a signature sweet and sour dipping sauce. The satisfying crunch of the pancake, the sweetness of the filling, and the freshness of the herbs create an irresistible appeal.

• Suggested locations: Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng (Da Nang), Bánh Xèo Sông Hàn (Da Nang).

Nem Lụi Huế (Hue Grilled Pork Skewers)

Nem lụi is a favorite street food in Hue. The pork is finely minced, marinated, and then skewered on small bamboo sticks. It's grilled over charcoal until golden brown and fragrant. When eating, the nem is wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs, cucumber, green banana, and dipped in a special sauce made from pork liver, minced pork, and roasted peanuts.

• Suggested locations: Quán Nem Lụi Bà Tý, Nem Lụi Trần Phú (Hue).

Southern Vietnamese specialties

Southern cuisine is known for its sweet and rich flavors, often incorporating coconut milk and sugar into many dishes.

Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (Nam Vang Noodle Soup)

Hủ tiếu Nam Vang is a popular and beloved dish in Southern Vietnam, originating from Cambodia but adapted to the Vietnamese palate. It can be served either dry or with broth. The rich broth is simmered from pork bones. The chewy noodles are served with minced pork, shrimp, squid, quail eggs, pork liver, and fried shallots. The fresh herbs that accompany the dish are typically lettuce, chives, and bean sprouts.

• Suggested locations: Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Thành Đạt, Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Nhân Quán (Ho Chi Minh City).

Bánh Mì Sài Gòn (Saigon Sandwich)

Bánh mì Saigon is more than just a dish; it's an icon of Vietnamese street food. The crispy, warm baguette is filled with a variety of ingredients like pâté, pork sausage, grilled meat, meatballs, or grilled skewers, combined with cucumber, cilantro, chili, and a special sauce. The harmonious blend of crispy, soft, fatty, salty, sweet, and spicy flavors has captivated food lovers everywhere.

• Suggested locations: Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa, Bánh Mì Bảy Hổ (Ho Chi Minh City).

Bánh Khọt Vũng Tàu (Vung Tau Mini Savory Pancakes)

Bánh khọt is a specialty of Vung Tau, with a small, round shape similar to bánh căn but deep-fried until perfectly crispy. The outer layer is golden and crunchy, while the inside is soft with a filling of fresh shrimp or pork. When eating, bánh khọt is wrapped in lettuce and other fresh herbs, and dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce with shredded green papaya and chili.

• Suggested locations: Quán Bánh Khọt Gốc Vú Sữa, Bánh Khọt Bà Hai (Vung Tau).

Lẩu Mắm Miền Tây (Mekong Delta Fermented Fish Hotpot)

Lẩu mắm is a signature dish of the Mekong Delta, with a distinct, fragrant, and unforgettable flavor. The broth is made from fermented fish paste (mắm cá linh or cá sặc), combined with fresh coconut water, lemongrass, and chili. Lẩu mắm is typically served with a generous array of river vegetables like water lily stems, rice paddy herb, water spinach, and eggplant, along with fresh seafood such as fish, shrimp, and squid.

• Suggested locations: Restaurants in Can Tho, Chau Doc (An Giang).

Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)

Gỏi cuốn is a refreshing, healthy, and popular dish in Southern Vietnam. It consists of fresh shrimp, boiled pork, rice vermicelli, lettuce, and basil wrapped in a thin rice paper. This dish is usually dipped in a rich hoisin sauce mixed with ground peanuts or a sweet and sour fish sauce. Gỏi cuốn is appealing for its fresh ingredients and harmonious flavors.

• Suggested locations: Street food stalls and restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.

Conclusion

From the delicate Phở of the North, the spicy Bún Bò Huế of the Central region, to the sweet and bold Lẩu Mắm of the South, Vietnamese specialties offer an endless journey of discovery for food lovers. Each dish is not just a masterful blend of flavors but also a story of the culture, people, and land from which it originates.

If you are planning your trip, don't hesitate to come to Vietnam and experience these wonderful dishes for yourself. The culinary journey in Vietnam will surely leave you with unforgettable memories and complete satisfaction. Let your taste buds lead the way and explore the diversity and charm of Vietnamese cuisine!

Vietnamese Coffee: Rich coffee brewed in the Vietnamese style, typically using a phin filter, served hot or iced.	Chicken Banh Mi: Banh mi stuffed with shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, cucumber, pate, and a signature sauce.	Chicken Rice: Rice cooked in chicken broth, served with boiled or fried chicken, fried shallots, and a sweet-sour fish sauce.
Mixed Fermented Pork Salad: Fermented pork mixed with fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and a sweet-sour fish sauce dressing.	Rice Paper Rolls with Pork: Fresh rice paper rolls filled with boiled pork, rice vermicelli, and herbs, dipped in a mildly spicy peanut fish sauce.	Fermented Fish Sauce Noodles: Rice vermicelli with a robust fermented fish sauce, topped with shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, and bean sprouts.
Fishcake Noodle Soup: A noodle dish with fragrant turmeric fish cakes, herbs, and a touch of chili.	Crushed Rice Paper with Pancake: A combination of crispy rice paper and a soft pancake, dipped in savory fish sauce.	Grilled Pork Skewers: Minced pork grilled over charcoal, served with rice paper, fresh herbs, vermicelli, and a special dipping sauce.
Quang Noodles: A signature noodle dish with wide rice noodles, a rich broth, pork, shrimp, peanuts, and fresh herbs, typically paired with rice crackers.	Vietnamese Pancakes: Crispy pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with greens and fish sauce.	Fresh Seafood: Grilled squid, crab, shrimp, and fish, seasoned with salt, chili, and lime, often enjoyed at beachside eateries.
Fish Salad: Fresh fish thinly sliced and mixed with herbs, fried shallots, peanuts, and a tangy-spicy fish sauce.	Cao Lau Noodles: A Hoi An specialty with chewy noodles, pork, greens, and crispy croutons, offering a distinctive flavor.	Steamed Rice Cakes: Small steamed rice flour cakes topped with minced shrimp, scallions, and a drizzle of fish sauce.

Cà phê: Cà phê đậm đà theo phong cách Việt Nam, thường pha phin, uống nóng hoặc đá, đôi khi kèm sữa đặc.	Bánh Mì Gà: Bánh mì kẹp thịt gà xé, rau sống, dưa leo, pate và nước sốt đặc trưng, một món ăn sáng phổ biến.	Cơm Gà: Cơm nấu từ nước luộc gà, ăn cùng gà luộc hoặc chiên, hành phi và nước mắm chua ngọt, đặc sản nổi tiếng của Đà Nẵng.
Tré Trộn: Thịt heo lên men trộn với rau thơm, đậu phộng rang, và nước mắm chua ngọt, mang hương vị độc đáo, cay nhẹ.	Bánh Tráng Cuốn Thịt Heo: Bánh tráng tươi cuốn thịt heo luộc, bún và rau thơm, chấm với nước mắm đậu phộng cay nhẹ.	Bún Mắm: Món bún với nước mắm nêm đậm đà, kết hợp tôm, thịt heo, rau sống và giá đỗ, đặc trưng miền Trung.
Bún Chả Cá: Món bún với chả cá nghệ thơm lừng, rau thơm và chút ớt, rất hợp với người yêu hải sản.	Bánh Đập: Sự kết hợp giữa bánh tráng giòn và bánh ướt, chấm với nước mắm thơm.	Nem Lụi: Thịt heo xay ướp gia vị, nướng trên than, có thể ăn kèm bánh tráng, rau sống, bún và nước chấm đặc trưng.
Mì Quảng: Món mì đặc trưng với sợi mì dẹt, nước dùng đậm đà, thịt heo, tôm, đậu phộng và rau thơm, thường ăn kèm bánh tráng.	Bánh Xèo: Bánh xèo giòn rụm, nhân tôm, thịt heo và giá đỗ, ăn kèm rau xanh và nước mắm.	Hải Sản Tươi Sống: Mực, cua, tôm, cá nướng tại chỗ, nêm muối ớt và chanh, thường thưởng thức ở các quán ven biển.
Gỏi Cá: Gỏi làm từ cá tươi thái mỏng, trộn với rau thơm, hành phi, đậu phộng và nước mắm chua cay.	Cao Lầu: Món đặc sản Hội An với sợi mì dai, thịt heo, rau xanh và bánh giòn, mang hương vị đặc trưng.	Bánh Bèo: Bánh làm từ bột gạo hấp, phủ tôm băm, hành lá và rưới nước mắm.