8 Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes and the Best Places to Enjoy Them

Vietnam has become increasingly popular among travelers over the last decade, largely due to its delicious and affordable cuisine. With a remarkable variety, Vietnamese food showcases everything from tasty sandwiches and hearty soups to grilled meats, an array of seafood, and, of course, noodles—lots of noodles—each dish uniquely reflecting its regional influences.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into Vietnam’s essential dishes and highlight the specific regions, cities, and eateries where visitors can savor each one. While you can enjoy a bánh mì anywhere in the country, it’s often at its best in the suggested areas. So, feel free to indulge wherever and whenever you like. (But if you’re seeking recommendations, we’ve got you covered.)

1. Bánh mì

• Recommended location: Ho Chi Minh City

Considered by many to be Vietnam’s signature dish, bánh mì is, in my humble opinion, the ultimate sandwich ever created. It combines the French-inspired bread with savory slices of meat—typically pork or chicken—alongside a spread of pâté, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a variety of sauces like mayo, soy, hoisin, or chili. Bánh mì can be found all over the country, often sold from street stalls brimming with fresh bread rolls. (As one restaurateur notes, great bread is all about being crispy on the outside and airy on the inside.)

Ho Chi Minh City is often recognized as the bánh mì capital, known for its generous use of high-quality charcuterie, scrambled eggs, and fresh vegetables, in contrast to the more simplistic versions found in the north. The best bánh mì is usually the one you find nearby—vendors are everywhere, making it hard to go wrong—but Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa in the Ben Thanh market area is especially beloved.

2. Pho

• Where to find it: Hanoi

As Vietnamese chef and food writer Alex Tran puts it, “If you want to spark a debate among Vietnamese people, ask them which pho reigns supreme.” Pho, often considered Vietnam’s most iconic dish, with its comforting broth, noodles, and usually meaty goodness, can be found in abundance across the country. However, it has its roots in the northern region, so seeking it out in Hanoi is a must. Here, the pho is distinct from what many foreigners might find in their local Vietnamese restaurants, featuring a lighter, beef-based broth rather than the richer, thicker chicken broth typical in the south.

In the north, you'll also find little to no bean sprouts and fewer fresh herbs, with a preference for stirring in chili sauce instead of the hoisin commonly used in the south. No matter where you are in Vietnam, there are fantastic spots to enjoy pho, but for the authentic original version, head to Pho Gia Truyen at the edge of Hanoi’s downtown market area.

3. Banh xèo

• Where to enjoy it: Hoi An

At first, the idea of a rice pancake might seem unusual, but the deep-fried crispiness is absolutely delightful. Banh xèo features this pancake at its center, topped with grilled meat, fresh herbs, and rice-paper spring rolls, all accompanied by a region-specific sauce. While you can find banh xèo throughout the country, it's most closely associated with the central region. There’s tasty banh xèo in Da Nang, but travel about 40 minutes further south to the picturesque town of Hoi An, and look for a hidden gem called Bale Well Restaurant. Not only is the banh xèo superb, but the outdoor setting adorned with plants offers a fantastic atmosphere.

4. Bún bò Huế

• Where to find it: Huế

Bún bò nam bò is a hugely popular noodle dish, translating to “noodles with beef from the south.” Ironically, you’ll often find it way up north in Hanoi. However, there’s a specific variety originating from the historic city of Huế, known as bún bò Huế. This noodle soup blends spicy, savory, and umami flavors, typically featuring sliced beef (hence the word “bò”), though in Huế, it’s often accompanied by pork knuckles.

As you arrive in Huế, you'll encounter countless restaurants and roadside stalls showcasing the dish, but many fall short in quality, catering primarily to tourists passing through. Venture deeper into Huế itself and visit Phở Hoàng-Bún Bò Huế near the imperial palace for an authentic taste of the rich flavors of bún bò Huế.

5. Chả cá Lã Vọng

• Where to enjoy it: Hanoi

As Dinogo writer David Farley notes, “Just as travelers feel compelled to have a pint of Guinness in Dublin or savor ragù Bolognese in Bologna, anyone visiting Hanoi must try chả cá Lã Vọng.” This dish features turmeric-marinated catfish and dill, cooked right at your table in a sizzling pan, served with vermicelli rice noodles. You’ll typically find this delicacy in restaurants like Chả Cá Thăng Long, rather than at street vendors.

6. Bún chả

• Where to enjoy it: Hanoi

One of the most popular street food options, bún chả brings together noodles and succulent grilled pork, creating a delightful combination of rich, brothy, and chewy flavors. While it can be found throughout Vietnam, it is especially linked to Hanoi. For a taste of authentic bún chả, visit Bún Chả 34 in the upper Ba Dinh district, conveniently located between the bustling Tây Hồ district and the historic Old Quarter, known for its exceptionally rich broth. Diners receive a plate of noodles, another with grilled pork, and bowls of broth and herbs—mix them to your liking. Be cautious with the red peppers; while they're not overly spicy, it’s wise to gradually increase the heat.

7. Cá lóc nướng trui

• Where to savor it: Can Tho

Vietnamese seafood restaurants are known for their vibrant atmosphere, featuring colorful lights, tanks brimming with live seafood, and locals enjoying warm Vietnamese lagers poured over ice. Typically, there’s a menu highlighting the seafood available; in the Mekong Delta, you might find cá lóc nướng trui, or grilled snakehead fish—definitely worth a try. Complemented by cucumbers, basil, and an array of spices, and sweetened with bananas and mangoes, it serves as a delicious centerpiece for any seafood feast. A lively spot in Can Tho near the river is Cá Lóc Quay Hiệp Thành, where the air is filled with cheerful toasts from the locals. Enjoy the atmosphere!

8. Cao lầu

• Where to enjoy it: Hội An

This dish is hard to find in major Vietnamese culinary hubs like New York City or Orange County’s Little Saigon. To savor authentic cao lầu, you must travel to the coastal city of Hội An. A typical bowl features pork, fresh herbs like basil and coriander, crunchy square croutons, a splash of broth, and noodles—nothing too extraordinary at first glance.

However, the rectangular rice noodles, which Dinogo writer David Farley describes as “thick and chewy with a coarse texture on the outside and a slightly starchy flavor,” truly distinguish cao lầu from other dishes. These unique noodles are crafted using water from Hội An’s Ba Le well and ash from a specific tree found on the Cham Islands, about 13 miles off the coast. You can dive into this dish at well-established restaurants like Trung Bắc, a town center eatery renowned for its cao lầu.

This article was first published online in March 2023 and was last updated on February 28, 2024, to reflect the most current information.