Published on December 19, 2025
Viet Nam’s cuisine consists of complex flavours that are balanced. Vietnamese cuisine is where fresh herbs meet savoury broths, where simplicity meets depth, and where every bite tells a story of regional pride. Stretching from the misty mountains of the north to the tropical shores of the south, each region brings its own traditions and flavours. Here are four dishes that capture the essence of Viet Nam, and the best places across the country to taste them.
Phở – Hanoi
There’s no dish more synonymous with Viet Nam than Phở, a comforting bowl of rice noodles immersed in fragrant beef or chicken broth. The broth, often simmered for hours with star anise, cloves, and charred ginger, is what sets authentic Phở apart.
Where to try it:
- Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn (49 Bát Đàn Street, Old Quarter, Hanoi): This bustling eatery in the heart of Hanoi serves the quintessential northern-style Phở Bò. Expect an early morning crowd of locals patiently waiting for a taste of their rich, perfectly balanced broth.
- Phở Thìn (13 Lò Đúc Street, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi): Known for its smoky, stir-fried beef, this version adds depth to the classic dish, drawing both locals and travellers for decades.
Bánh Mì – Ho Chi Minh City
A blend of Vietnamese ingenuity and French influence, Bánh Mì is more than just a sandwich — it’s a cultural icon. Crusty baguettes are filled with pickled carrots, pate, cucumber, coriander, and a choice of meats or tofu, creating a perfect harmony of textures.
Where to try it:
- Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa (26 Lê Thị Riêng, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City): Often regarded as the best Bánh Mì in Saigon, this legendary stall piles on layers of roast pork, ham, pate, and fresh herbs.
- Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa (62 Nguyễn Văn Tráng, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City): A family-run favourite known for its crusty bread and well-balanced flavours, making it ideal for a mid-morning bite.
Cao Lầu – Hoi An
Unique to the ancient town of Hoi An, Cao Lầu is made with thick rice noodles soaked in lye water drawn from Ba Le Well — a centuries-old local source believed to give the noodles their special texture. Served with roasted pork slices, crunchy croutons, and fresh herbs, it’s a dish rooted in history and identity.
Where to try it:
- Cao Lầu Ba Le (45/3 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Hoi An): A humble eatery serving authentic, traditional-style Cao Lầu made with water from the original Ba Le Well.
- Morning Glory Restaurant (106 Nguyễn Thái Học Street, Hoi An): An upscale choice where the same dish is elevated with organic ingredients and a riverside view of the old town.
Bún Chả – Hanoi
Bún Chả combines grilled pork patties and marinated pork belly slices, served in a light fish sauce broth, alongside rice noodles and fresh greens. Smoky, tangy, and aromatic, it’s a dish that encapsulates northern Vietnamese home cooking.
Where to try it:
- Bún Chả Hương Liên (24 Lê Văn Hưu Street, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi): This unassuming eatery gained global fame after hosting President Obama and Anthony Bourdain — yet remains loved for its authenticity.
- Bún Chả Đắc Kim (1 Hàng Mành Street, Old Quarter, Hanoi): Established in 1966, it’s revered for its chargrilled meats and consistency across generations.
Plan Your Next Foodie Adventure in Viet Nam
From the soulful simplicity of Phở to the historical roots of Cao Lầu, every dish in Viet Nam tells a tale of resilience and artistry. To taste Viet Nam is to explore its geography with one bowl, one bite, and one bustling street corner at a time.
Planning your next foodie trip? Book your trip now and dive into the unforgettable culinary experiences that Viet Nam has to offer!
