Vietnamese cuisine is a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas, deeply rooted in fresh ingredients, vibrant herbs, and a delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes. From the iconic phở to the lesser-known regional delicacies, each dish tells a story of cultural heritage and culinary ingenuity. Join me on this culinary adventure as we explore the vibrant flavors of Vietnam!
1. Phở (Phở): Vietnam’s National Treasure
Description:
Phở, the soul-warming noodle soup, is Vietnam’s national dish and a culinary icon. It features delicate rice noodles swimming in a fragrant broth made from simmering beef or chicken bones with spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Thinly sliced beef or chicken, along with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and bean sprouts, complete this aromatic and flavorful dish.
Recipe:
https://www.recipetineats.com/vietnamese-pho-recipe/
Key Ingredients:
Beef or chicken bones, rice noodles, beef or chicken, onions, ginger, spices (star anise, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom), fish sauce, fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, bean sprouts), lime wedges, chili peppers (optional).
Popular Restaurant:
Pho Thin Bo Ho in Hanoi (renowned for its traditional beef phở)
2. Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles): Hanoi’s Specialty
Description:
Bún Chả is a Hanoi specialty that features grilled fatty pork patties and slices served alongside a bowl of chilled rice vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. The succulent pork, infused with the smoky aroma of charcoal grilling, is a perfect match for the refreshing noodles and vibrant herbs.
Recipe:
https://glebekitchen.com/bun-cha-vietnamese-grilled-pork-with-rice-noodles/
Key Ingredients:
Fatty pork, rice vermicelli noodles, fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, chili peppers, fresh herbs (lettuce, mint, cilantro, perilla).
Popular Restaurant:
Bún Chả Hương Liên in Hanoi (the restaurant where Anthony Bourdain and President Obama famously dined)
3. Cao Lầu (Quảng Noodles): A Hoi An Delight
Description:
Cao Lầu is a unique noodle dish that’s synonymous with the ancient town of Hoi An. Thick, chewy noodles made with local well water are topped with succulent slices of pork, crispy croutons, and fresh herbs. The dish is believed to have originated from Chinese influences but has evolved into a distinctly Vietnamese delicacy.
Recipe:
https://savourthepho.com/cao-lau-hoi-an/
Key Ingredients:
Thick rice noodles (made with local well water), pork, croutons, fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil), bean sprouts, peanuts, lime.
Popular Restaurant:
Morning Glory Restaurant in Hoi An (renowned for its authentic and delicious Cao Lầu)
4. Mì Quảng (Quang Noodles): A Taste of Central Vietnam
Description:
Mì Quảng, hailing from the central region of Quảng Nam, is a vibrant noodle dish bursting with color and flavor. Wide rice noodles are topped with a mix of proteins like shrimp, pork, chicken, or even quail eggs, along with fresh herbs, crunchy peanuts, and a drizzle of turmeric-infused oil. A small amount of broth adds moisture and depth to the dish.
Recipe:
https://www.cooking-therapy.com/mi-quang/
Key Ingredients:
Rice noodles, protein (shrimp, pork, chicken, quail eggs), peanuts, sesame rice crackers, fresh herbs (mint, basil, cilantro), turmeric oil, broth.
Popular Restaurant:
Mì Quảng 1A in Hoi An (known for its delicious and authentic Mì Quảng)
5. Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup): A Hue Specialty
Description:
Bún Bò Huế, originating from the former imperial capital of Huế, is a complex and spicy beef noodle soup. The rich broth is made from simmering beef bones with lemongrass, fermented shrimp paste, and chili oil. It’s served with thick rice vermicelli noodles, tender slices of beef shank, pork knuckles, and blood cubes, along with an array of fresh herbs and chili peppers.
Recipe:
https://www.hungryhuy.com/bun-bo-hue-recipe/
Key Ingredients:
Beef bones, lemongrass, fermented shrimp paste, chili oil, rice vermicelli noodles, beef shank, pork knuckles, blood cubes, fresh herbs, chili peppers.
Popular Restaurant:
Bún Bò Huế O Phượng in Huế (a local favorite for its authentic Bún Bò Huế)
6. Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice): A Simple Yet Satisfying Meal
Description:
Cơm Tấm is a classic Vietnamese dish made with broken rice grains (the fragments of rice broken during the milling process). The rice is typically steamed and served with grilled marinated pork chop (sườn nướng), shredded pork skin (bì), steamed egg meatloaf (chả trứng), and pickled vegetables. A side of fish sauce complements the flavors perfectly.
Recipe:
https://www.jessicanguyen.com.au/blogs/recipes/c%C6%A1m-t%E1%BA%A5m
Key Ingredients:
Broken rice, grilled marinated pork chop, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, pickled vegetables, fish sauce.
Popular Restaurant:
Cơm Tấm Cali in Ho Chi Minh City (renowned for its flavorful Cơm Tấm variations)
7. Bánh Xèo (Crispy Vietnamese Pancake): A Savory Delight
Description:
Bánh Xèo, often referred to as “sizzling cake,” is a savory Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. The thin batter is filled with ingredients like shrimp, pork belly, bean sprouts, and green onions, then pan-fried until crispy. It’s served with fresh herbs and lettuce leaves, which are used to wrap the pancake and dipped in a tangy dipping sauce.
Recipe:
https://www.hungryhuy.com/banh-xeo-savory-vietnamese-crepes/
Key Ingredients:
Rice flour, turmeric powder, coconut milk, shrimp, pork belly, bean sprouts, green onions, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, chili pepper.
Popular Restaurant:
Bánh Xèo 46A Dinh Công Tráng in Ho Chi Minh City (famous for its crispy and flavorful Bánh Xèo)
8. Bún Riêu Cua (Crab Noodle Soup): A Taste of the Sea
Description:
Bún Riêu Cua is a tomato-based crab noodle soup that’s both hearty and refreshing. The broth gets its vibrant red color from tomatoes and annatto oil, while crab meat, tofu, and tomatoes add substance and texture. It’s typically served with rice vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a side of shrimp paste for extra umami flavor.
Recipe:
https://www.hungryhuy.com/bun-rieu-recipe/
Key Ingredients:
Crab meat, tomatoes, rice vermicelli noodles, tofu, annatto oil, fish sauce, shrimp paste, fresh herbs (water spinach, perilla, banana blossoms).
Popular Restaurant:
Bún Riêu Nguyễn Cảnh Chân in Hanoi (known for its authentic and flavorful Bún Riêu Cua)
9. Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Grilled Fish with Dill): Hanoi’s Culinary Icon
Description:
Chả Cá Lã Vọng is a unique Hanoi specialty featuring chunks of marinated fish (traditionally snakehead fish) pan-fried tableside in a sizzling pan with turmeric and dill. The fish is served with rice vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and a flavorful dipping sauce made with shrimp paste, lime juice, chili, and garlic.
Recipe:
https://www.vickypham.com/blog/hanoi-fried-fish-with-turmeric-dill-cha-ca-la-vong
Key Ingredients:
Snakehead fish (or other white fish), turmeric powder, dill, rice vermicelli noodles, roasted peanuts, shrimp paste, lime juice, chili, garlic, fresh herbs.
Popular Restaurant:
Chả Cá Lã Vọng in Hanoi (the original and most famous restaurant serving this iconic dish)
10. Gỏi Cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls): Fresh and Flavorful
Description:
Gỏi Cuốn, also known as Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, are a healthy and refreshing appetizer or light meal. They are made with translucent rice paper wrappers filled with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, herbs, and lettuce. The rolls are served with a peanut dipping sauce, creating a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
Recipe:
https://www.hungryhuy.com/how-to-make-goi-cuon-vietnamese-spring-rolls/
Key Ingredients:
Rice paper wrappers, vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, lettuce, herbs (mint, cilantro, basil), peanut dipping sauce.
Popular Restaurant:
Gỏi Cuốn are widely available in Vietnamese restaurants and street food stalls.
Conclusion
This culinary adventure through Vietnam has highlighted just a few of the countless delicious dishes that this country has to offer. Vietnamese cuisine is a true testament to the art of balancing flavors, textures, and ingredients. Explore beyond this list and discover the hidden gems that await you in every corner of Vietnam!
