10 Best Famous Foods to Try in Vietnam

When it comes to Southeast Asia’s top travel destinations, Vietnam stands out—not just for its breathtaking landscapes and historic architecture, but also for its incredible food culture. Vietnamese cuisine is globally praised for its perfect balance of fresh herbs, bold spices, and contrasting textures. Whether you’re walking through the narrow alleys of Hanoi or exploring the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, every bite offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of the country.

At Prabhi Travels, we believe travel is incomplete without tasting the local food. So, to help our travelers make the most of their Vietnam trip, we’ve handpicked the 10 best famous foods to try in Vietnam. These dishes are not just meals—they are cultural experiences you’ll never forget.

1. Phở – Vietnam’s Timeless Noodle Soup

First on our list is Vietnam’s most iconic dish—Phở. This aromatic soup is a flavorful broth simmered for hours with beef bones, charred onions, spices like cinnamon and star anise, and served with flat rice noodles, fresh herbs, and your choice of beef or chicken.

Traditionally eaten at breakfast, phở has become an all-day favorite. You’ll find it being served at every corner in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.

Why it’s a must-try:
It’s comforting, aromatic, and deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. No visit to Vietnam is complete without slurping a hot bowl of Phở, one of the most famous foods to try in Vietnam.

2. Bánh Mì – The Vietnamese Fusion Sandwich

A delightful culinary blend of French and Vietnamese traditions, Bánh Mì is a crusty baguette filled with savory ingredients like pork belly, pate, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, coriander, chili, and mayonnaise.

There’s no fixed recipe—every vendor adds their twist, which means no two bánh mì are ever the same!

Why it’s a must-try:
It’s crunchy, spicy, sweet, and sour all in one bite. Easily one of the best famous foods to try in Vietnam for travelers on the go.

3. Bún Chả – The Smoky Star of Hanoi

If you ever find yourself in Hanoi during lunchtime, the smoky aroma of grilled pork wafting from street-side stalls is likely coming from Bún Chả. This dish consists of grilled pork patties and caramelized pork slices served in a tangy dipping broth, alongside a mountain of fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and cold rice noodles.

It’s typically enjoyed by mixing everything in the bowl and eating it bite-by-bite with chopsticks.

Why it’s a must-try:
It’s rich, flavorful, and a true taste of Northern Vietnam. Plus, it’s one of the famous foods to try in Vietnam made world-famous by Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama!

4. Gỏi Cuốn – Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls

Light, healthy, and refreshing—Gỏi Cuốn (also known as summer rolls) are translucent rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and fresh herbs. Served with a peanut-hoisin sauce or tangy fish sauce, these rolls are a favorite starter or snack.

Unlike their fried cousin, these rolls are uncooked, making them a healthier option packed with natural flavors.

Why it’s a must-try:
It’s fresh and flavorful without being greasy. A perfect pick for health-conscious travelers looking for famous foods to try in Vietnam.

5. Bánh Xèo – The Sizzling Vietnamese Pancake

Bánh Xèo, literally translated as “sizzling cake,” gets its name from the sound it makes when the rice batter hits the hot pan. It’s a large, crispy crepe made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.

Wrap it in lettuce, dip it in sweet-sour fish sauce, and enjoy the mix of textures in every bite.

Why it’s a must-try:
It’s crispy, fun to eat, and visually impressive. It definitely deserves a spot among the best famous foods to try in Vietnam.

6. Bún Bò Huế – The Bold Noodle Soup from Central Vietnam

Hailing from the city of Huế, once the capital of imperial Vietnam, Bún Bò Huế is a spicy and deeply flavorful beef noodle soup. Unlike phở, this broth is seasoned with lemongrass, shrimp paste, chili oil, and served with thicker noodles.

Meat lovers will enjoy the hearty slices of beef, pork knuckle, and even cubes of congealed pig’s blood (optional!).

Why it’s a must-try:
It’s spicy, aromatic, and offers a completely different taste profile compared to other soups. A top choice for those looking for bold famous foods to try in Vietnam.

7. Cao Lầu – Hội An’s Signature Dish

Unique to Hội An, Cao Lầu is a noodle dish unlike any other in Vietnam. The chewy noodles are made using water from a secret ancient well, and are mixed with pork slices, crispy rice crackers, herbs, and a light broth.

It’s believed that the lye water used in making the noodles is what gives them their distinctive texture and color.

Why it’s a must-try:
It’s a one-town dish. You literally can’t taste the real version anywhere else in the world. For foodies, this is one of the most exclusive famous foods to try in Vietnam.

8. Chả Cá – Turmeric Fish with Dill

A Hanoian specialty, Chả Cá features firm white fish (often catfish) marinated in turmeric and galangal, grilled and then fried in front of you with copious amounts of dill and spring onions. It’s served with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, and dipping sauce.

The cooking is often done tableside, adding a touch of entertainment to the experience.

Why it’s a must-try:
It’s aromatic, interactive, and truly a standout dish among the many famous foods to try in Vietnam.

9. Hủ Tiếu – Southern Vietnam’s Soulful Noodle Soup

Less internationally known but widely loved in Vietnam, Hủ Tiếu is a sweet and savory noodle soup popular in southern cities like Ho Chi Minh City. Variants include Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh-style) made with pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and more.

You can have it as a clear broth soup or a dry version with soup on the side.

Why it’s a must-try:
It’s customizable and comes with complex, delicate flavors that appeal to both locals and travelers. A lesser-known gem among famous foods to try in Vietnam.

10. Bánh Cuốn – Steamed Rice Rolls

Delicate and savory, Bánh Cuốn are thin sheets of steamed rice flour filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, topped with fried shallots and served with a bowl of nước chấm (fish sauce-based dip).

This dish is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light lunch and is usually made fresh to order.

Why it’s a must-try:
It’s soft, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. A lesser-known item, but certainly one of the top famous foods to try in Vietnam.

✈️ Taste Vietnam with Prabhi Travels

At Prabhi Travels, we don’t just take you to places—we bring you into experiences. Vietnam is not just about sightseeing; it’s about feeling the rhythm of the streets, smelling the aroma of street food, and diving into bowls of flavors you’ve never imagined.

These famous foods to try in Vietnam are not only delicious but also a gateway into the rich cultural fabric of this vibrant country. Our customized Vietnam tours include local food walks, market visits, and culinary sessions so you can taste, learn, and savor each bite.

Make your Vietnam travel dream a reality. Contact Prabhi Travels today—call +91 8383931561 or visit us at 919A, Kirti Shikhar Tower, Janakpuri, Delhi – 110058.