Suppose you're planning a trip to Vietnam or simply curious about its culinary wonders. This guide to the top 20 Vietnamese foods offers a charming glimpse into the lively flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.

The culinary scene harmoniously combines sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements in unique and irresistible ways. Whether wandering through bustling street markets or dining in charming restaurants, you'll encounter an array of flavours that cater to every palate. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let’s dive in!

This classic sandwich is a must-have for any conversation about Vietnamese cuisine. This concoction comprises pickled veggies, fresh herbs, and savoury meats wrapped in a light, crispy baguette.

It's elevated to a fantastic level by adding pâté, pork belly, and a dash of chilli sauce. You will be in for a treat if you purchase one from a street vendor.

Try these delicious spring rolls; they're light and crisp. They blend shrimp or pork with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs, all wrapped in beautiful rice paper. When you dip into a creamy peanut sauce, every mouthful offers a remarkable combination of flavours and textures. These rolls are great as an appetiser or snack because they are delicious and nutritious.

Both locals and tourists love this beloved dish, which is often regarded as the pinnacle of Vietnamese cuisine. The preparation involves simmering beef bones for hours to develop a clear, aromatic broth that serves as a rich and savoury foundation.

Often savoured as a hearty dish, this meal combines rice noodles with succulent beef slices. It delivers a delightful mix of flavours and textures topped with crispy bean sprouts, a splash of lime, and fresh herbs.

This warming rice porridge comes in various forms across the country. Soft and comforting, it often features chicken or fish, complemented by crispy fried bread. Best enjoyed hot, garnished with fresh herbs and flavoured with fish sauce and lime, this dish is a soothing option for any meal, especially on cooler days.

These delicious steamed rice buns have a smooth and silky texture and are packed with ground pork, shrimp, and mushrooms. This delicate and full-flavoured dish is ideal for a light dinner or snack. It is topped with fried shallots and served with a dipping sauce.

For those who love seafood, this dish is truly a treasure. The fish, infused with turmeric and dill, is perfectly grilled and served hot alongside noodles and peanuts. Typically prepared in a clay pot, it locks in moisture and allows the fish to soak up the rich marinade, creating flavour in every bite.

Picture a golden, crispy pancake stuffed with a delicious mixture of pork, bean sprouts, and prawns and cooked with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric. This meal, served with zesty fish sauce and fresh herbs, presents a pleasant mix of flavours and textures, making it ideal for sharing.

These crunchy delights are Vietnam's take on fried spring rolls. Filled with a savoury blend of minced pork, crab, shrimp, and mushrooms, they are cooked to a perfect golden brown. Served alongside fresh herbs and a zesty sweet-and-sour dipping sauce, these rolls make for an enticing appetiser or a delightful side dish.

Are you craving some grilled delights? This dish features succulent pork patties cooked to perfection, paired with vibrant fresh herbs and a flavorful dipping sauce, all resting on a bed of delicate vermicelli noodles.

The harmonious combination of fresh ingredients and the rich, smoky flavour of the pork has made it a beloved choice among locals and visitors alike.

Sticky rice takes on many forms in Vietnam, whether sweet or savoury. Sweet varieties often incorporate coconut and mung beans, while savoury options can include pork or chicken. Served as street food or at home, this dish is a filling, comforting meal. The variety of Vietnamese dishes will pique your curiosity and make you eager to explore the culinary landscape.

This local dish comes from Hoi An and is distinguished by its thick, chewy noodles. The dish is all about the noodles, typically cooked using local healthy water, giving them a particular flavour. It combines pieces of pork, crisp croutons, and fresh greens in a modest amount of broth.

For those who appreciate tangy flavours, this sour soup beautifully balances sweet, salty, and tart elements. Typically featuring fish, pineapple, and tamarind, this dish offers a refreshing taste and is usually served with rice, making it especially popular in the southern regions.

This cherished street food classic showcases a flexible noodle soup that can be relished dry or in a savoury broth. At its core are rich pork bones, shellfish, and an assortment of herbs, offering a lighter twist on typical noodle fare. For a more flavorful experience, the dry version is mixed with sauce and served with a dipping broth.

This flavorful street food dish features minced beef wrapped in aromatic wild betel leaves and perfectly grilled. The leaves help retain the meat's moisture while imparting a subtle spiciness. A must-try for beef lovers, it’s typically served with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs.

This traditional Vietnamese food's noodles are laced with turmeric, and the numerous toppings—which frequently include pork, shrimp, and crunchy peanuts—define its appeal. It makes for a vibrant and filling dinner when paired with a small quantity of broth and fresh herbs.

The flesh in this braised pig dish is soft and rich in flavours, simmered in a caramel sauce. This filling dish, typically served with steamed rice, expertly balances sweet and savoury flavours.

Perfect for those who love hotpot, this social dish allows friends and family to cook meat, seafood, and vegetables at the table in a simmering broth. It offers a fun and interactive dining experience with various Condiments and endless ingredients.

This well-known street food treat consists of fried rice flour cakes garnished with eggs and spring onions. With a crispy exterior and a soft interior, it comes with a zesty soy-based condiment. Often enjoyed as a late-night snack, it pairs wonderfully with a cool drink.

Crafted from rice flour and coconut milk, these delightful savoury pancakes are often garnished with squid or shrimp. Each golden, crispy bite offers a flavour complemented by a condiment and fresh herbs.

Don’t miss this sweet pudding made with a mix of beans, coconut, and fruit for a Vietnamese dessert. Served hot or cold, it comes in countless variations, ensuring a version to suit every taste—whether creamy or fruity.

From tempting street snacks to hearty meals, the culinary delights of Vietnam cater to everyone. Whether you're exploring Hanoi’s bustling markets or dining at a fine restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, indulge in these twenty dishes.

Embark on your food adventure by first securing your Vietnam visa online for a hassle-free trip! Once that’s taken care of, head over to Traveloka to book your flights, hotels, and activities all in one place. With everything organized, your delicious journey awaits!