Vietnam is not only famous for its beautiful landscapes but also for its rich and diverse cuisine. Among them, street food holds a special place in the hearts of locals as well as international tourists. Vietnamese street food is not only simple and rustic but also carries the rich flavors of each region, clearly showing the culture and lifestyle of the Vietnamese people. Below are famous street foods that you cannot miss when coming to this S-shaped country.

Walking through the streets of Hanoi, Hue, and Saigon, you will easily come across street food stalls with delicious dishes. Let’s explore the most unique dishes that you cannot miss when experiencing Vietnamese street food.

Pho: Symbol of Vietnamese Cuisine

Pho is probably the most famous Vietnamese dish on the world culinary map. This is a traditional dish, with the main ingredients being pho noodles, broth, beef or chicken, and herbs. Pho broth is simmered from beef or chicken bones, combined with spices such as cinnamon, star anise, ginger, and onions to create a rich, delicious flavor that is hard to resist.

Pho can be eaten at any time of the day, but is most often enjoyed by Vietnamese people for breakfast. You can find pho everywhere, from roadside eateries to fancy restaurants. Each region has its own way of preparing pho, creating a variety and richness for this dish. If you have the chance, try pho Hanoi, pho Nam Dinh and pho Saigon to feel the subtle differences in flavor.

Banh Mi: National Street Food

Vietnamese sandwiches are a perfect combination of Western cuisine and Vietnamese culinary culture. Made from baguette bread brought by the French, Vietnamese sandwiches have been transformed into a unique and creative dish. Bread is often sandwiched with many fillings such as grilled meat, pork sausage, pate, along with cucumber, herbs and special sauce.

Banh mi is the most popular street food in Vietnam, you can find banh mi carts on every corner. Whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner, banh mi is always a convenient, delicious and affordable choice. Some famous banh mi that you should try are banh mi thit nuong, banh mi cha ca, and banh mi xiu mai.

Bun Cha: A Typical Dish of Hanoi

Bun cha is a Hanoi specialty, famous for its harmonious combination of ingredients and flavors. The dish consists of fresh rice noodles, grilled meat (cha) and sweet and sour fish sauce, served with raw vegetables. The grilled meat is made from minced pork, marinated with spices and grilled over charcoal, creating a fragrant aroma.

Bun cha is often served with fried spring rolls, creating a complete and attractive meal. This is the dish that former US President Barack Obama enjoyed during his visit to Hanoi, making bun cha even more famous in the world. If you have the opportunity to visit the capital, do not forget to enjoy this special dish.

Banh Xeo: Central Flavor

Banh xeo is a typical dish of the central region, but is also popular in other regions of Vietnam. Banh xeo is made from rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric and green onions, creating a crispy crust. The filling usually includes shrimp, meat, bean sprouts and sometimes mushrooms.

When eaten, banh xeo is usually wrapped in rice paper, served with raw vegetables and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also brings a harmonious combination of the fatty taste of coconut milk, the sweetness of shrimp and meat and the sweet and sour taste of fish sauce. Banh xeo is an ideal dish for afternoon gatherings with friends or family.

Spring Rolls: A Refreshing Dish

Spring rolls, also known as nem cuon, are a light, refreshing dish, often enjoyed on hot summer days. Spring rolls are made from rice paper rolled with shrimp, meat, vermicelli, raw vegetables and basil, creating a nutritious yet delicious dish.

Spring rolls are usually dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce or fermented shrimp paste, depending on the region. This dish is not only popular in Vietnam but also loved by many international tourists because of its freshness and lightness. If you are looking for a delicious dish that is not too filling, spring rolls are the perfect choice.

Bun Bo Hue: Rich Flavors of Central Vietnam

Bun bo Hue is a specialty of the ancient capital of Hue, famous for its rich, spicy broth and the distinctive flavors of lemongrass and shrimp paste. The dish includes fresh vermicelli, beef, pork leg, and boiled blood, creating a delicious, attractive bowl of bun bo.

Bun bo Hue is not only popular in Hue but also loved throughout the country. Each region has a different way of preparing it, but the characteristic flavor of this dish is always preserved. If you are a fan of spicy cuisine, Bun bo Hue will definitely satisfy your taste.

Che: A Variety of Street Desserts

Che is a popular street dessert in Vietnam, with countless different types of che from bean che, fruit che, mixed che to sương sa heo pomegranate che. Each type of che has a unique, sweet flavor, often enjoyed after meals or in the afternoon.

Che is not only delicious but also very diverse, suitable for many people’s preferences. You can easily find Che shops on the roadside or Che vendors anywhere in Vietnam. Try green bean Che, Pomelo Che or Thai Che to experience the sweet taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

Conclusion: Vietnamese Street Food – Diverse and Rich

Vietnamese street food is an indispensable part of the country’s culinary culture. Each dish carries its own stories and cultural features of each region, creating diversity and richness for Vietnamese cuisine.

With its unique flavors, affordable prices and convenience, Vietnamese street food has been conquering the hearts of not only Vietnamese people but also many international tourists. Take the time to explore these special dishes to understand more about Vietnamese people and culture, and enjoy wonderful culinary experiences.