Discover Vietnam's Top 10 Street Foods

Former President Barack Obama wasn’t the only one to savor Vietnam’s street food in Hanoi – he had the legendary Anthony Bourdain as his guide.

While a celebrity guide may be fun, you don't need one to enjoy the best of Vietnam's culinary scene when you visit the country.

The best (and most affordable) food in Vietnam can often be found in traditional open-air markets, where women-run stalls serve generations-old dishes.

Ready to sit down on a plastic stool and dig in? Here are 10 street foods you shouldn’t miss to experience the true flavors of Vietnam.

1. Pho

No list of Vietnamese dishes would be complete without the iconic pho.

In Vietnam’s bustling cities, you’ll hardly take a step without encountering a pho stand, where locals gather to enjoy this beloved dish. A rich, flavorful broth, paired with fresh rice noodles, herbs, and your choice of beef or chicken, makes pho the ultimate comfort food. It's affordable, delicious, and available round the clock.

2. Bun cha

While pho is Vietnam’s star dish, bun cha steals the show at lunchtime in Hanoi. Look for the plumes of smoke rising from street-side grills after 11 a.m., where vendors cook up tender pork patties and marinated pork belly over hot charcoal, creating a savory aroma that fills the air.

Once grilled to perfection, these savory morsels are served alongside a bowl of broth rich with fish sauce, a selection of fresh herbs, and a portion of rice noodles. Bun cha meals often include a side of crispy nem cua be – fried crab spring rolls. Still not sold? This is the dish Obama enjoyed during his memorable evening with Bourdain.

3. Xoi

In Vietnam, savory sticky rice isn’t just an accompaniment – it’s a main dish. This hearty and versatile meal is topped with a variety of ingredients, from slivers of chicken or pork to fried or preserved eggs, always finished with a sprinkle of crispy dried shallots.

4. Banh xeo

A perfect banh xeo features a crispy, golden crepe packed with flavorful pork, shrimp, and crunchy bean sprouts. Add in a fresh herb garnish, which is a hallmark of Vietnamese cooking. To enjoy it the traditional way, slice it into pieces, wrap them in rice paper or lettuce leaves, and dip it into a delicious house-made sauce.

5. Goi cuon

These fresh and light spring rolls are a great option when you’re craving something healthy after indulging in Vietnam’s fried delicacies. The transparent rolls are filled with a mix of crisp salad greens, a slice of meat or seafood, and a dash of coriander, all rolled up and served with a side of Vietnam’s signature fish sauce.

Not quite ready to ditch the crispy bites? In the north, these fried rolls are called nem ran, while in the south, they’re known as cha gio. These crispy parcels contain a savory mix of vegetables and meat inside.

6. Bun bo nam bo

This popular dish from Hanoi features a bowl of vermicelli noodles without broth, keeping the noodles and toppings crisp and separate. Thinly sliced beef is paired with crunchy peanuts, fresh bean sprouts, and a mix of aromatic herbs, dried shallots, and a dash of fish sauce and spicy chili for a bold flavor.

7. Cao lau

This pork noodle dish from Hoi An reflects the diverse cultures that influenced the historic trading port. The thick noodles resemble Japanese udon, while crispy won-ton crackers and pork add a Chinese flair. The broth and fresh herbs, however, are unmistakably Vietnamese. Authentic cao lau is traditionally made with water from the local Ba Le well.

8. Banh mi

While the French introduced the baguette, Vietnam has perfected it in its own style. The specifics of the banh mi vary depending on which part of the country you're in.

In the north, banh mi is kept simple with bread, margarine, and paté. But in the south, you’ll find a more vibrant mix, featuring ingredients like cheese, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, sausage, fried egg, fresh cilantro, and spicy chili sauce.

9. Bot chien

Bot chien, a beloved street snack in Ho Chi Minh City, is a hit with both students after school and night owls looking for a midnight bite.

To make bot chien, chunks of rice flour dough are fried until golden and crispy in a wok. An egg is cracked into the sizzling mixture, and once cooked, the dish is topped with slices of papaya, shallots, and green onions, then drizzled with a tangy blend of pickled chili sauce and rice vinegar for extra flavor.

10. Ca phe trung

Vietnam’s famous 'egg coffee' isn’t just a drink; it’s more like a dessert. The velvety, meringue-like egg white foam sits atop the rich Vietnamese coffee, making even non-coffee drinkers enjoy it to the last spoonful.

In Hanoi, find your way through a narrow alley off 11 Hang Gai, climb a few flights of steep stairs, and you’ll be rewarded with a perfect cup of ca phe trung and a stunning view of Hoan Kiem Lake.