Vietnamese cuisine is known for its balance of flavours, combining fresh herbs, spices, and simple ingredients to create memorable dishes. From noodle soups to rice-based meals, these foods reflect both tradition and regional diversity.
Many recipes have been passed down through generations, each with its own unique twist. Here are some well-loved Vietnamese dishes that highlight the country’s rich culinary culture.
This content is for general information only. Taste, preparation, and availability of dishes may vary depending on region and ingredients.
1. Phở
Nothing represents Vietnamese cooking better than a fragrant bowl of phở. This rice noodle soup features a clear, aromatic broth simmered with beef bones and spices like star anise, cinnamon and cloves.
Topped with thinly sliced beef or chicken, bean sprouts and fresh herbs, it's typically enjoyed for breakfast in Vietnam. A squeeze of lime and splash of chilli sauce personalises each bowl.
2. Bánh Khọt
These bite-sized delights are the smaller cousins of bánh xèo. Cooked in special dimpled pans, bánh khọt are crispy rice flour cups with a soft, custard-like centre topped with prawns or quail eggs.
Wrapped in lettuce with herbs and dipped in fish sauce, each morsel delivers an explosion of flavours and textures. Popular in southern Vietnam, particularly in coastal areas, these little pancakes make perfect street food snacks when you're exploring local markets.
3. Bánh Mì
Crispy yet soft French baguettes stuffed with a heavenly combination of ingredients – that's bánh mì for you. The colonial-era sandwich marries French and Vietnamese elements beautifully.
Fillings typically include pâté, Vietnamese ham, pickled vegetables, coriander, chilli and a splash of soy sauce. Street vendors throughout Vietnam sell these portable delights that make for a perfect quick lunch.
4. Gỏi Cuốn
Translucent rice paper wraps around a colourful filling of prawns, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs in these delightful unfried spring rolls. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from lettuce and vegetables.
Served with a rich peanut or hoisin dipping sauce, gỏi cuốn offers a light yet satisfying experience. Unlike their Chinese counterparts, these rolls aren't fried, making them a healthier alternative that showcases Vietnam's love for fresh ingredients.
5. Cơm Tấm
Once considered inferior rice for poor farmers, broken rice grains have become a beloved staple in southern Vietnam. Topped with a perfectly grilled pork chop, cơm tấm is served with a fried egg and various sides.
A drizzle of sweet-salty fish sauce, pickled vegetables and green onion oil completes this comforting dish. The broken rice's slightly softer texture actually absorbs flavours better than whole grains – a happy culinary accident.
6. Xôi
Available in both sweet and savoury variations, xôi is glutinous rice cooked to sticky perfection. Savoury versions might include Chinese sausage, chicken, dried shrimp or preserved eggs on top.
Sweet varieties often feature mung bean paste, coconut cream or fresh fruits. Commonly eaten for breakfast or as a snack, xôi is sold by street vendors wrapped in banana leaves. The portable, energy-dense food has sustained Vietnamese farmers and workers for generations.
