What to Eat in Viet Nam: 20 Authentic Vietnamese Street Foods

When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, there is so much variety and something for everyone. I’ve listed all the foods and desserts I ate when I was in Viet Nam to help you with your trip planning. If I were to pick 3 favourite authentic Vietnamese dishes (which is really hard to do), they would be no. 5, 12 & 18.

1. Phở (Rice Noodle Soup): Phở is a fragrant and aromatic rice noodle soup with thinly sliced beef (or chicken) in a rich bone broth. Don’t forget to add the fresh herbs and lime wedge for extra flavour.

2. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich): Bánh Mì is a crispy baguette filled with savory meats, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a creamy spread. Have this for breakfast or as a mid-day snack if you’re needing one.

3. Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls): Light and refreshing on a hot summer day, gỏi cuốn is a popular appetizer or snack. Fresh shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice vermicelli are wrapped in thin rice paper and dipped in a flavourful fish sauce.

4. Cà Phê (Vietnamese Coffee): For the coffee lovers, Vietnamese drip coffee is obviously on the list. Cà Phê Sua Dá is a delicious iced coffee with condensed milk, which is so refreshing anytime of day.

5. Bánh Xèo (Crispy Crepes): These savoury crepes are a specialty in central Vietnam. Bánh Xèo are made with turmeric-dyed rice flour and filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs.

6. Bún Măng Vịt (Duck Noodle Soup): This comforting noodle soup features vermicelli noodles in a flavourful duck broth with tender duck meat, bamboo shoots, and fresh herbs.

7. Chè Thái: Chè Thái is a delightful iced dessert with sweetened beans, chewy jellies, creamy coconut milk, and crushed ice. It’s a perfect way to end a meal on a sweet note.

8. Dừa Tươi (Fresh Coconut Drink): You have to find a Vietnamese street vendors that sells fresh coconut drinks. They will cut it open right in front of you and either serve you the entire coconut with a straw or ask if you want it in a to-go cup. You have the option of also getting them to scoop in the coconut bits. Either way, this is a must have to help you cool off on a hot day.

9. Bánh Bèo (Steamed Rice Cakes): These delicate steamed rice cakes are topped with shrimp, pork belly, crackling pork rind, and smothered in a savoury sauce.

10. Mì Hoành Thánh (Wonton Egg Noodle Soup): This comforting noodle soup features a flavourful broth with wontons filled with pork or shrimp, served with springy egg noodles and fresh herbs.

11. Bánh Khọt (Shrimp Pancakes): These tiny, savoury rice flour pancakes are a delightful street food snack. Bánh Khọt are typically filled with shrimp and served with a dipping sauce.

12. Bánh Bột Chiên (Fried Rice Flour Cakes): These crispy golden treats are made from rice flour batter and come in various shapes and sizes. Often fried in an egg as well. Enjoy them plain or with a sweet dipping sauce.

13. Nước Mía (Sugar Cane Juice): Nước Mía is a natural sugar cane juice. It is a healthy and hydrating drink, perfect for a hot summer day. It is completely fresh, as they will take the sugar cane and press it right in front of you.

14. Phở Hải Sản (Seafood Noodle Soup): Calling all seafood lovers! This variation of Phở features a flavourful seafood broth brimming with fresh shrimp, squid, mussels, and fish.

15. Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice): Cơm Tấm is a delicious dish of broken rice grains cooked and often served with grilled pork, fried egg, and pickled vegetables.

16. Bánh Canh (Rice Noodle Soup): This versatile soup can be made with various broths and toppings. Popular options include chicken, pork, seafood, or a vegetarian version.

17. Xôi – (Sweet Sticky Rice): Xôi is a sweet and vibrant Vietnamese dessert made with glutinous rice and comes in various flavours.

18. Bánh Cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls): Delicate and delicious, Bánh Cuốn are thin rice flour sheets filled with savoury minced pork and wood ear mushrooms. Enjoy them with a variety of dipping sauces and fresh herbs.

19. Bò Kho (Beef Stew): A slow cooked beef with tender meat, potatoes, carrot and a complex broth infused with warm spices. Enjoy it with egg noodles or a baguette for lunch or dinner.

20. Mực Khô Nướng (Grilled Dried Squid):  These skewered dried squid are grilled to perfection, resulting in a chewy texture and an intense seafood flavor. Typically served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce, they’re a popular Vietnamese street food snack.