Chả giò
Gỏi cuốn
Bánh xèo
Bún chả Hà Nội
Bánh mì
Bún bò
Mì quảng
Bún đậu mắm tôm
Cơm tấm
Xôi xéo
When people around the world think about Vietnamese food, the first dish that usually comes to mind is Phở. Indeed, phở is one of Vietnam’s most famous culinary treasures. But Vietnam’s food culture is incredibly diverse, and there are many other dishes that you should not miss. In fact, some of them are even more beloved by locals in their daily life.
Let’s explore the rich variety of Vietnamese cuisine across the country:
Northern Vietnam
- Phở: A traditional noodle soup with beef or chicken, flavored with aromatic herbs.
- Bún đậu mắm tôm: Rice noodles with fried tofu, pork, and fermented shrimp paste – a true northern specialty.
- Bún chả Hà Nội: Grilled pork served with rice noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce.
- Xôi xéo: Sticky rice topped with mung bean paste, fried shallots, and chicken or pork.
- Bún thang: A delicate noodle soup with shredded chicken, pork, egg, and herbs, famous in Hanoi.
Central Vietnam
- Bún bò Huế: A spicy beef noodle soup with lemongrass, originally from the ancient capital Huế.
- Mì Quảng: Thick noodles with pork, shrimp, or chicken, topped with fresh herbs and rice crackers.
- Cao lầu: A unique noodle dish from Hội An with pork, herbs, and special chewy noodles.
Southern Vietnam
- Bánh mì: The world-famous Vietnamese sandwich filled with meat, pickled vegetables, and herbs.
- Hủ tiếu: A noodle soup with clear broth, pork, and seafood.
- Cơm tấm: “Broken rice” with grilled pork, egg, and pickled vegetables.
- Gỏi cuốn: Fresh spring rolls with shrimp, pork, vegetables, and rice paper, dipped in peanut sauce.
- Bánh xèo: Crispy savory pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
- Bún thịt nướng: Vermicelli noodles with grilled pork, fresh herbs, and fish sauce.
- Bún nước lèo: A specialty noodle soup from the Mekong Delta, made with fermented fish broth.
- Bún mắm: A rich noodle soup with fermented fish, shrimp, squid, and eggplant.
- Chả giò: Fried spring rolls with pork, shrimp, and vegetables.
- Bún mọc: Rice noodles with pork meatballs in a clear, flavorful broth.
Why You Should Try More Than Phở
If you come to Vietnam, don’t just stop at phở. Every region has its own unique dishes, flavors, and cooking styles. Exploring different dishes will not only satisfy your taste buds but also give you a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and daily life.
👉 So next time you’re in Vietnam, make sure to try bánh mì, hủ tiếu, cơm tấm, bún chả, cao lầu, bún mắm, and many more!
Learn How to Pronounce Vietnamese Dishes
If you are learning Vietnamese, it’s a great idea to practice the names of these dishes in Vietnamese.
Check out this YouTube video to hear the correct pronunciation: https://youtu.be/hNa3EeYWgno?si=efcTVWWjvdsuWBjG