country Essentials · 15 foods
Vietnam Essentials
A considered first route through Vietnam: the foods that carry its everyday habits, celebrations, ingredients, and memory.
Explore all Vietnam foods →THE
ESSENTIALS
The complete shortlist
15 foods to know.
Each selection includes the reason it belongs here—so this is a guide, not just a pile of names.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Pho Bo
Phở bò
Clear beef-bone broth with flat rice noodles, sliced beef, herbs, and lime.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Banh Mi
Bánh mì
Crisp baguette sandwich layered with pâté, cold cuts, pickles, herbs, and chilli.
Vietnam
Goi Cuon
Gỏi cuốn
Fresh rice-paper rolls of shrimp or pork, vermicelli, herbs, and a savoury dip.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Bun Cha
Bún chả
Hanoi grilled pork patties and belly served with cold rice vermicelli and dipping sauce.
Vietnam
Ca Phe Sua Da
Cà phê sữa đá
Robusta coffee dripped through a phin into condensed milk and poured over ice.
Vietnam
Banh Xeo
Bánh xèo
Crisp turmeric rice crepe filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
Southern Vietnam, Vietnam
Com Tam
Cơm tấm
Broken rice plate with grilled pork, pickles, steamed egg, and fish sauce.
Vietnam
Bo Kho
Bò kho
Aromatic beef stew with carrots, lemongrass, cinnamon, and star anise.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Cao Lau
Cao lầu
Hoi An noodles with roast pork, herbs, sprouts, and crisp noodle squares.
Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Canh Chua Ca
Canh chua cá
Sweet-sour fish soup brightened with tamarind, pineapple, tomato, and rice-paddy herb.
Central Vietnam, Vietnam
Mi Quang
Mì Quảng
Quang Nam turmeric noodles with shrimp, pork, herbs, peanuts, and a little rich broth.
Vietnam
Banh Canh
Bánh canh
Thick tapioca-and-rice noodles served in a savoury seafood or pork broth.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Cha Ca La Vong
Chả cá Lã Vọng
Hanoi turmeric fish cooked with dill and served with noodles, herbs, and peanuts.
Vietnam
Bo La Lot
Bò lá lốt
Seasoned beef wrapped in wild betel leaves and grilled over charcoal.
Southern Vietnam, Vietnam
Thit Kho
Thịt kho
Caramelised pork belly and eggs simmered in coconut water and fish sauce.