Street food in Vietnam is more than a list of typical Vietnamese meals sold on the streets. It is a delightful and captivating fusion of flavors, textures, and colors shaped by Vietnam’s history, geography, and cultural diversity. Whether you are a spice addict or a fan of milder flavors, a meat lover or a vegetarian, Vietnamese street food has a dish to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we will explore the rich world of street food in Vietnam and provide useful tips when trying street delicacies in this beautiful country.
10 Street Food Dishes from Vietnam, that You Should Not Miss
These ten delectable dishes will make your culinary adventure in Vietnam more intriguing than ever!
1. Bun Cha – Grilled Pork Noodle Soup
Bun Cha is a popular traditional dish that originated in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. It is a local favorite for a light and tasty lunch. Bun Cha consists of rice vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork belly and meatballs. This dish is often served with lettuce, fresh herbs, pickles, and a bowl of sweet-savory dipping sauce made with fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, and chili.
Though it appears quite simple, when all of the ingredients come together, this dish may enchant anyone who tastes it for the first time. That is the key to Hanoian cuisine's international popularity. Even President Barack Obama, during his visit to Vietnam, took a few minutes out of his hectic schedule to savor some Bun Cha.
2. Pho – Rice Noodle Soupeis Nudelsuppe
What list of street food Vietnam would be complete without Pho? This is a Vietnamese soup made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat - generally beef, but occasionally chicken or duck, depending on the visitors. The broth is created by simmering bones, herbs, and spices for several hours to generate an aromatic flavor.
The rice noodles used in Pho are not the same as the ones used in Bun Cha; they are flatter, bigger, and softer. The meat slices are added to the soup just before serving, and they become tender and juicy quickly in the hot broth.
Pho is often served with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and chili sauce. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious, as it is low in fat yet high in protein. Whether you are looking for a filling breakfast or a delightful lunch, Pho is a great choice to satisfy your cravings!
3. Banh Mi Vietnam
Along with Pho, Banh Mi, or Vietnamese baguette sandwiches, are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. The originality of this iconic dish resides not only in the light and crispy baguette but also in the range of tastes that combine to bring out the most exquisite sensations.
This baguette sandwich filled with greens and various toppings, like paté and freshly prepared omelet, is so extraordinary that it has been replicated worldwide. Chefs in the north keep to the fundamentals of fat, carbs, and protein - bread, pate, and margarine - but in the south, your Banh Mi may include a more colorful blend of cheese, sausage, cold cuts, fried eggs, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and chili sauce.
4. Goi Cuon – Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls
If you are looking for a light and healthy dish, Goi Cuon, also known as Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls, will be a great option. Salad greens, a slither of meat or seafood, and a layer of coriander make up this dish.
All are carefully wrapped in translucent rice paper and dipped in fish sauce, Vietnam's popular condiment. Goi Cuon has a delicious, fresh, and healthy taste, and you may enjoy it as much as you want without gaining weight.
5. Ca Phe Trung – Egg Coffee
Ca Phe Trung, or Egg Coffee, is a unique coffee drink originating in Hanoi, Vietnam. This dish is made with egg yolk, coffee, condensed milk, and cinnamon powder and is more of a dessert than a drink.
Egg Coffee is so creamy, sweet, and aromatic that it could be the most fantastic drink in Vietnam. While it may seem pretty strange to some, Ca Phe Trung is a must-try for (Vietnamese) coffee lovers.
6. Banh Trang Nuong – Grilled Rice Paper
Banh Trang Nuong is a new creation of street vendors by grilling a sheet of rice paper and stuffing it with eggs, beef jerky, sausage, fried shallot, cheese, scallion oil, chili sauce, and mayonnaise. This dish is so crispy, flavorful, and rich in ingredients that it can make you addicted to it right after your first bite.
7. Xoi - Sticky Rice
Xoi, or sticky rich, is a traditional Vietnamese dish that can be easily found at street vendors in the morning. In Vietnam, sticky rice is a typical breakfast food that gives you an energy boost.
Initially, the meal consisted just of steamed sticky rice that was colored by turmeric, fried shallots, and some mung bean paste. Xoi is now available with various types of meat, eggs, and sausage.
8. Banh Xeo – Crispy Vietnamese Crepe
Banh Xeo literally means ‘sizzling cake’ in English due to the noise made when cooking. This Vietnamese pancake is a crispy crepe filled with pork, shrimp, fresh herbs, and bean sprouts.
To enjoy it authentically, wrap a piece of Banh Xeo in a lettuce leaf with some fresh herbs, dip it into a bowl of the sweet-savory fish sauce, and then take a big bite. This dish is an ideal snack for a hot summer afternoon.
9. Che – Sweet Vietnamese Soup
Vietnamese street food is renowned all over the world, featuring a diverse range of dishes, from the hearty bowls of Pho to the savory Banh Mi. The unique dessert recipes, however, have remained a well-kept secret.
And the most famous Vietnamese dessert is a sweet soup called Che. This delectable soup is prepared with rice flour, beans, coconut, and cornstarch, creating a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. There are hundreds of different types of Che waiting for you to come to try them.
10. Com Ga Hoi An - Hoi An Chicken Rice
Com ga Hoi An is an iconic specialty originating from the peaceful ancient town in the heart of Vietnam, Hoi An. The rice is seasoned with chicken broth, but in some places, people often add some trace of turmeric to the rice, making it slightly brighter yellow than other chicken rice in the region. This dish is often served with fresh greens and herbs that exude a fresh, healthy, and Vietnamese taste.
Tips to Follow When Trying Vietnamese Street Food
Here are useful tips for you to remember when searching for and trying street food in Vietnam:
Eat where the locals eat: If a stall has a long queue of residents, it is typically agreed upon that the food will be great. Moreover, stalls with more locals than visitors would offer real cuisine rather than food that has been altered to appeal to tourist palates.
Eat at the right time: Make sure you find and try street food at the appropriate time. For example, you must go out between 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. for breakfast, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch, and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for dinner.
Learn some basic Vietnamese words: You should learn some basic words like
"dạ" (yah) - yes,
"không" (kong) - no,
"cám ơn" (gam un) - thanks / thank you,
"em ơi" (em oy) - Excuse me,
"cho tôi cái menu được không?" (cho toy khai menu duoc kong?) - Can I get the menu, please??
Final Words
With fresh, delectable, and hygienic dishes, street food Vietnam will never disappoint you. The list above is just the 10 highly rated Vietnamese dishes for an unforgettable culinary adventure. If you wander around, you will find something even more captivating and fascinating to delight your taste senses.
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