You've probably heard all the fuss about pho, that amazing Vietnamese noodle soup. It's no wonder it's become a global star – the rich broth, the melt-in-your-mouth meat, the fresh herbs – it's a flavour bomb in a bowl. But hold on a sec; pho isn't the only Vietnamese food worth trying!

Vietnamese cuisine is bursting with incredible flavours, from sizzling crepes to vibrant salads, and don't even start on their desserts. You conclude it right: Vietnamese dishes are indeed worth dying for!

This list explores 10 incredible eats showcasing Vietnamese cuisine's diversity and deliciousness. From sizzling crepes to vibrant noodle salads, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure beyond the comforting bowl of pho. Let’s get ready!

The crusty baguette, usually from local bakeries, is sliced and filled with a medley of ingredients that dance on your taste buds. Tender roasted pork, pickled vegetables, a pâté smear, and a coriander-infused mayonnaise drizzle come together in a harmonious blend of sweet, savoury, and tangy notes.

Where to find it: Banh My Phuong, 2B Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An

This fiery noodle soup is a great way to enjoy flavours and textures. The broth, simmered for hours with beef bones, lemongrass, and a bunch of spices, is a rich and flavorful base for the rice noodles. Slices of tender beef, often topped with a dollop of spicy shrimp paste.

Where to find it: Bún bò Huế O Oanh, 71 Nguyễn Công Trứ, Phú Hội, Thành phố Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam

Cao lầu is a feast for the eyes as much as the taste buds. The rice noodles hang out in a lye bath, then steamed and dipped in turmeric for a bright yellow glow.

This dish is layered with crispy pork skin, slices of sweet and savoury char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), and a mountain of fresh bean sprouts. To top it all off, there's a rich and flavorful broth simmered with pork bones, shrimp, and a secret blend of spices.

Where to find it: Cao Lầu 94 Đào Duy Từ, 94 Đào Duy Từ, Phường Cẩm Phổ, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Cơm tấm, meaning "broken rice" in Vietnamese, is a dish topped with a generous portion of grilled pork, often marinated in a blend of lemongrass, fish sauce, and garlic, creating a symphony of savoury goodness. A fried egg, a drizzle of nước mắm (Vietnamese fish sauce), and a scattering of fresh herbs complete the simplicity.

Where to find it: Cơm tấm ngon, 205 Đ. Lâm Văn Bền, P. Phú Thuận, Quận 7, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Cơm gà, meaning "chicken rice" in Vietnamese, is a simple yet satisfying dish. The chicken usually poached or roasted to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy meat that falls off the bone with the slightest touch. The chicken is then served atop a bed of fragrant rice, often cooked with pandan leaves for an extra layer of aroma.

Where to find it: Cơm Gà Hiền, 593 Đ. Hai Bà Trưng, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam 550000, Vietnam

This noodle dish is served in a rich and flavorful broth, often made with pork bones, shrimp, and various spices. The dish is then topped with various ingredients, including sliced pork, shrimp, peanuts, and fresh herbs. A squeeze of lime adds a refreshing touch, while a dollop of chilli sauce provides an optional kick of heat.

Where to find it: Mì Quảng & Cao Lầu Má Tâm, 47 Nguyễn Tương, Phú Thuỷ, Thành phố Phan Thiết, Bình Thuận, Vietnam

Offering a savoury crepe unlike any other, Bánh xèo is a delightful combination of crispy exterior with soft and flavorful fillings. The crepe itself is made from a batter of rice flour, turmeric, and water, cooked on a hot pan until beautifully golden and crispy. The inside is then filled with a generous portion of bean sprouts, shrimp, and sometimes pork or other meats.

Where to find it: Banh Xeo 46A: 46A D Dinh Cong Trang, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Bún chả, literally meaning "grilled pork noodle," is a delightful dish that combines textures and flavours, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

The dish boasts grilled pork marinated in a flavorful blend of lemongrass, fish sauce, and spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. The pork is served alongside thin rice noodles (bún) and various fresh herbs like mint, basil, and lettuce.

Where to find it: Bún chả Hương Liên: 24 P. Lê Văn Hưu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Xôi is a simple yet delicious dish that is enjoyed throughout the country. It's made by steaming glutinous rice with coconut milk and pandan leaves, giving it a fragrant and slightly sweet flavour. It literally means “sticky rice”.

Xôi is often served with a variety of savoury toppings, such as mung beans, dried pork floss, or grilled pork. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a sweet snack or a light breakfast.

Where to find it: Xôi Yến: 35B Nguyen Huu Huan, Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Bánh bèo is a delicate and flavorful rice cake dish that is popular in central Vietnam. It's made by pouring a thin batter of rice flour and water into small bowls and then steaming them until cooked. The cakes are then topped with various savoury ingredients, such as shrimp, pork rinds, and crispy shallots.

Where to find it: Bánh Bèo Chợ Bến Thành, Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

This list merely scratches the surface of the incredible culinary experiences waiting to be discovered in Vietnam. From the fiery broths of bún bò Huế to the vibrant flavours of mi quảng, Vietnamese cuisine is a symphony of tastes and textures that will tantalise your taste buds.

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