Indulge in the Finest Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine: Which Dish Do You Prefer?

Vietnam is a proud member of ASEAN, with Hanoi as its bustling capital. The country's leader is the Prime Minister, and Vietnam achieved independence on September 2, 1945.

Vietnam is often referred to as the Land of the Blue Dragon, a nod to its rich history intertwined with dragon legends, reminiscent of other Asian regions like Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Geographically, Vietnam is situated on the Indochina Peninsula, sharing borders with several Asian nations. To the west, it neighbors Cambodia and Laos, while the north shares a border with China.

Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for most of Vietnam's population, centered around the fertile Red River and Mekong River deltas. Key agricultural products include rice, corn, coffee, and tea. In contrast, the industrial sector is known for producing large quantities of cement, fertilizers, textiles, and food products.

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its exquisite blend of spices in every dish. While other countries strive to innovate with modern culinary techniques, Vietnam proudly preserves its traditional recipes, ensuring they endure amid the rise of contemporary menus.

In Hanoi, the vibrant street food scene offers a wide array of traditional dishes, allowing visitors to indulge in unique culinary experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Before embarking on your holiday to Vietnam, or for those already traveling within the country, make sure not to miss the eight traditional Vietnamese dishes listed below.

Essential Traditional Vietnamese Dishes You Simply Must Experience

1. Goi Cuon

Who can resist the allure of these fresh, translucent spring rolls that are both light and nutritious? Known as 'Summer Rolls,' Goi Cuon embodies a freshness that's evident even at first glance.

Wrapped in thin spring roll skin, these rolls are packed with a medley of salad vegetables, a slice of meat, and seafood, all topped with a sprinkle of coriander before being tightly rolled. Enjoy them as they are, or dip them in Vietnam's beloved fish sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

If fish sauce isn't your preference, you can enjoy it with a sweet and spicy sauce that tantalizes the taste buds, topped with crushed peanuts to enhance the delightful flavors of Goi Cuon.

Where can you find Goi Cuon? Head to Quan An Ngon, located at 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.

2. Pho

Pho is a quintessential and beloved Traditional Vietnamese dish. It resembles a noodle soup filled with fresh vegetables, rice noodles, and your choice of beef or chicken. The flavor of the Pho broth is incredibly diverse, allowing you to customize it with various sauces and spices to suit your taste.

Pho is typically enjoyed as a hearty meal to start your day. It's widely available at affordable prices, and you can simply grab a plastic stool to enjoy a steaming bowl of Pho that will delight your taste buds in no time.

You can find Pho all over Vietnam, but a popular spot is Pho Thin at 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.

3. Banh Mi

In France, Banh Mi is often referred to as baguettes, as both countries share similarities in shape and filling for their bread.

Banh Mi is a dish loaded with carbohydrates, fats, and proteins derived from its primary components, which include bread and margarine.

This delightful sandwich is filled with cheese, slices of meat, pickled veggies, cilantro, fried eggs, and sausages, all nestled in a long baguette. Banh Mi is especially tasty when dipped in chili sauce, enhancing its flavor even more.

For a great Banh Mi experience, visit the Cherry mini-mart located on Do Quang Dao in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

4. Cao Lau

Cao Lau is a traditional Vietnamese dish featuring a bowl of noodles served in a rich and flavorful broth. A unique aspect of this dish is that the water used in making Cao Lau must come from the local wells to ensure a thick, sticky soup.

Cao Lau shows a hint of Chinese influence, as it is accompanied by pangsit crackers, but the broth is crafted with authentic Vietnamese spices. The dish is filled with noodles, pork, and fresh greens.

To savor Cao Lau, you can visit 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc in Hoi An. Enjoy the delightful experience of Vietnamese cuisine paired with wonton crackers.

5. Banh Xeo

If you're familiar with crepes, you'll find that Banh Xeo has a similar appearance but features distinct fillings. Unlike the sweet pancakes commonly associated with crepes, Banh Xeo offers a savory and delicious flavor profile.

Banh Xeo boasts a crepe-like outer shell, but its filling is a delightful mix of meat or shrimp seasoned with turmeric. You can also add leaves and chilies for an extra kick if you enjoy spicy dishes.

6. Bun Cha

Bun Cha is a traditional Vietnamese dish made of fresh noodles mixed with fish sauce and spices, accompanied by sliced papaya, carrots, and grilled meat.

Bun Cha is often a DIY dish, allowing diners to prepare it themselves. Vendors serve fresh noodles along with a bowl of steaming broth, enabling customers to dip the noodles, vegetables, or grilled meat as they please. It's affectionately referred to as 'Obama noodles.'

You can find Bun Cha in Hanoi, particularly popular among tourists at 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

7. Banh Khot

Banh Khot is a smaller version of Banh Xeo, resembling a pancake or crepe filled with delectable ingredients. The vibrant color of Banh Khot is enhanced by the addition of turmeric, making it visually appealing.

Similar to Banh Xeo, Banh Khot is packed with meat, shrimp, finely chopped vegetables, and is pan-fried to perfection.

Banh Khot is an excellent travel snack, perfect for bringing along as a lunch option or a quick bite while on the go. For hungry travelers, having Banh Khot on hand can keep hunger at bay, serving as a delightful appetizer before a larger meal.

8. Rau Muong

Rau Muong, known as 'morning glory', is a staple in traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Typically, it is prepared by cooking and seasoning with garlic and various spices to enhance its flavor.

Rau Muong vegetables are widely celebrated and cherished throughout Vietnam. They are often included in noodle soups, enhancing the flavor and making the dish even more delicious.

You can find Rau Muong in the Chung Den Bia Hoi area at 18B Hang Cot, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.

These are just a few traditional Vietnamese dishes you can savor while visiting Vietnam. Explore various eateries offering similar menus, compare flavors to find your favorites, and share your recommendations with others looking to explore Vietnam. Check out Mytour for affordable accommodation options.