Vietnamese cuisine is known for its delicious blend of flavors and unique ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, sweet, or sour dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Vietnamese cuisine. In this article, Viet Dan Travel, a trusted Vietnam DMC will guide you through the top 10 Vietnamese dishes that you must savor during your visit.
Pho (Noodle Soup)
Pho is arguably the most famous Vietnamese dish and for a good reason. This flavorful noodle soup is made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and a variety of spices, including star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. It’s usually served with sliced beef or chicken and topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime juice. The dish has gained worldwide popularity and is a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine. Pho can be customized to fit individual tastes by adding various condiments such as hoisin sauce, chili paste, and sriracha. It’s also common to see people adding fresh basil, cilantro, and lime juice to enhance the flavor.
Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Noodles)
Bun Cha is a popular dish in northern Vietnam, consisting of grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce. The pork is marinated in a blend of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili before being grilled over hot coals. The dish is served with a side of vermicelli noodles, which are thin and delicate, and a variety of fresh herbs such as mint, cilantro, and Thai basil. The dipping sauce is a sweet and sour blend of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili, which is poured over the noodles and meat to create a perfect balance of flavors.
Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)
Banh Mi is a delicious sandwich that has gained popularity worldwide. It’s typically made with a crispy baguette filled with a combination of meat (usually pork), pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili peppers. Fresh herbs, such as cilantro, and spicy chili peppers are added to give the sandwich an extra kick of flavor. Some variations of Banh Mi may also include mayonnaise, soy sauce, or fish sauce. The result is a mouth-watering combination of flavors and textures.
Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls)
Goi Cuon, also known as fresh spring rolls, is a healthy and refreshing Vietnamese appetizer. They’re made with rice paper wrappers filled with fresh herbs, rice vermicelli noodles, and shrimp, pork, or tofu. Goi Cuon is typically served with a dipping sauce made with a blend of peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, chili paste, and rice vinegar. The sauce is both sweet and savory, with a hint of spiciness that complements the freshness of the rolls.
Ca Kho To (Caramelized Fish)
Ca Kho To is a traditional Vietnamese dish made with catfish or other firm white fish that’s been caramelized in a clay pot with fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili peppers. The dish is often served over a bed of steaming hot rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce and enhances the flavor of the fish. It’s also common to garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or green onions, to add an extra layer of freshness.
Com Tam (Broken Rice)
Com Tam is a popular street food in Vietnam made with broken rice, grilled pork chops, a fried egg, and a side of pickled vegetables. It’s a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for breakfast or lunch. Com Tam is often accompanied by a side of pickled vegetables, such as carrots and daikon, which provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the dish. The vegetables are usually pickled in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt, which gives them a slightly tangy and sweet taste.
Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
Bun Bo Hue is a spicy beef noodle soup that’s popular in central Vietnam. It’s made with beef bones, lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chili oil, giving it a complex and spicy flavor. The dish is traditionally served with thick vermicelli noodles that have a chewy texture, and it’s often topped with sliced beef or pork, pork hock, and a variety of fresh herbs and vegetables, such as mint, bean sprouts, and shredded lettuce.
Bun Dau Mam Tom (Fermented Shrimp Paste Noodles)
Bun Dau Mam Tom is a popular street food in Vietnam consisting of rice noodles, tofu, pork, and vegetables served with fermented shrimp paste dipping sauce. The dipping sauce is salty, pungent, and slightly sweet, giving the dish a unique and bold flavor. To enjoy Bun Dau Mam Tom, diners will typically dip the ingredients into the shrimp paste dipping sauce before taking a bite, allowing the flavors to combine in a delicious and complex way. It’s a dish that’s perfect for those who enjoy bold and unique flavors and want to experience the diverse range of tastes that Vietnamese cuisine has to offer. It’s a must-try for those who enjoy bold and unique flavors and want to explore the diverse flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)
Banh Xeo is a savory pancake made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, giving it a bright yellow color. It’s filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and onions and served with fresh herbs and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. In addition to being a beloved street food in Vietnam, Banh Xeo has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, with many Vietnamese restaurants serving their own versions of the dish. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a full meal, Banh Xeo is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the vibrant and delicious cuisine of Vietnam.
Banh Cuon (Rolled Rice Pancake)
Banh Cuon is a popular Vietnamese dish of steamed rice batter filled with ground pork, mushrooms, and onions. It’s served with a fish sauce dipping sauce, fried shallots, and herbs. Banh Cuon is a dish that has been enjoyed in Vietnam for generations and is a popular breakfast or lunch item. It’s often eaten with other traditional Vietnamese dishes, such as pork sausage, pickled vegetables, and crispy fried shallots. It’s a light and healthy meal that’s perfect for those who are looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that won’t leave them feeling too full.
Vietnamese cuisine is a diverse and flavorful blend of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients that tantalizes the taste buds. From pho to banh mi and bun cha, these 10 dishes showcase the unique flavors and textures of Vietnam’s culinary traditions.
