8 Must-Try Local Dishes in Vietnam With Local Guide

Exploring Vietnam’s mouthwatering cuisine with a local guide is a surefire way to uncover the country’s most iconic dishes. From the fragrant Pho to the crispy Banh Mi, each bite offers a unique taste of Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re craving the grilled pork of Bun Cha or the delicate Banh Cuon, this culinary adventure promises to tantalize your tastebuds and leave you craving for more. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable gastronomic journey through the vibrant flavors of Vietnam.

Good To Know

• Pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup with its fragrant broth and customizable toppings, is a beloved comfort food enjoyed for breakfast or lunch.
• Banh Mi, the crispy Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with savory meats, tangy pickled vegetables, and fragrant herbs, offers a portable way to experience vibrant Vietnamese flavors.
• Bun Cha, featuring grilled pork patties and noodles in a flavorful broth, is a must-try local dish from Hanoi known for its unique flavor and texture.
• Banh Cuon, delicate steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushroom, showcases the harmonious balance of textures and flavors found in Vietnamese cuisine.
• Che, the versatile Vietnamese dessert soup featuring an array of flavors and textures, is a showcase of the culinary creativity and diversity of Vietnamese cuisine.

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Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

One of the most iconic Vietnamese dishes, pho is a fragrant and flavorful noodle soup that’s a staple across the country. Consisting of rice noodles, broth, and various toppings, pho offers a symphony of tastes and textures.

The broth is typically simmered for hours, extracting deep, complex flavors from beef bones, spices, and aromatics. Diners can customize their pho with additions like fresh herbs, bean sprouts, chilies, and sauces.

Whether enjoying a steaming bowl for breakfast or lunch, pho is a beloved comfort food that showcases Vietnam’s vibrant culinary traditions.

Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)

While pho may be Vietnam’s most renowned dish, the ubiquitous banh mi sandwich holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of locals and visitors alike.

This iconic Vietnamese street food features a crispy, airy baguette filled with a mouthwatering combination of savory meats, tangy pickled vegetables, and fragrant herbs.

The varied fillings, from rich pâté to spicy sausage, create a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.

Banh mi is a beloved staple, offering a delicious and portable way to experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine on the go.

Bun Cha (Grilled Pork With Vermicelli)

Bun cha is a beloved Vietnamese dish that features grilled pork patties and noodles in a flavorful broth. The dish originates from Hanoi and is a staple street food. To make bun cha, pork is mixed with herbs, fish sauce, and spices, then grilled over charcoal. It’s served with white rice noodles, a tangy dipping sauce, fresh greens, and garnishes like sliced chili peppers and lime wedges.

| Ingredients | Preparation | Presentation |

| — | — | — |

| Pork | Seasoned and grilled | Served with noodles, sauce, and garnishes |

| Rice noodles | Boiled and chilled | Arranged neatly on the plate |

| Fish sauce-based dipping sauce | Mixed with sugar, lime, and chili | Poured over the dish |

| Fresh herbs and greens | Washed and arranged | Added as a colorful topping |

| Lime wedges and chili slices | – | Provided on the side for customization |

Bun cha is a flavorful and textural delight, making it a must-try local dish in Vietnam.

Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)

Banh cuon, a beloved Vietnamese delicacy, consists of delicate steamed rice rolls filled with a savory minced pork and mushroom mixture.

Delicate steamed rice rolls filled with a savory minced pork and mushroom mixture – a beloved Vietnamese delicacy.

The thin, translucent rice sheets are meticulously handmade, then steamed over a cloth-covered pot. The warm, pillow-soft rolls are topped with crispy fried shallots and served with a tangy fish sauce dip.

Banh cuon’s textures and flavors create a harmonious balance – the smooth, tender rolls contrasting with the crunchy shallots and pungent dipping sauce.

It’s a quintessential Vietnamese street food, best enjoyed freshly made from local vendors in the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi.

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Xoi (Sticky Rice)

Xoi, a staple Vietnamese street food, consists of warm, aromatic sticky rice often topped with a variety of savory or sweet accompaniments.

This filling dish can be found at bustling markets and street stalls throughout Vietnam. Common xoi toppings include mung beans, shredded chicken, fried shallots, and sweet fried onions.

The sticky texture and mild flavor of the rice provide a delicious base for the contrasting textures and tastes of the toppings.

Xoi is a beloved breakfast or snack food that offers a satisfying and authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

Banh Xeo (Sizzling Crepes)

Sizzling crepes, known as banh xeo, are a vibrant Vietnamese street food that captivates the senses. Made from a rice flour batter, these large, golden-brown pancakes are filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs.

Cooked to order on a sizzling hot griddle, banh xeo sizzle and snap as they’re folded over the ingredients. Diners wrap the crepes in lettuce leaves, add fresh herbs, and dip them in a tangy, sweet-and-sour sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

This lively street food offers an unforgettable taste of Vietnam’s vibrant street life.

Che (Vietnamese Dessert Soup)

Che, the beloved Vietnamese dessert soup, offers a delightful array of flavors and textures.

This versatile dish can be enjoyed hot or cold, sweet or savory, and features a variety of ingredients:

• Mung bean: Smooth and creamy, providing a nutty base.

• Tapioca pearls: Chewy and delightful, adding a fun texture.

• Coconut milk: Lending a rich, creamy sweetness.

• Jackfruit: Providing a tropical, unique flavor.

• Taro: Offering a starchy, comforting element.

Che is a beloved and diverse Vietnamese dessert that showcases the country’s culinary creativity and diversity.

Nem Ran (Fried Spring Rolls)

Beyond the sweet delights of Vietnamese dessert soups lies another beloved culinary treasure – Nem Ran, or fried spring rolls.

These crispy, golden rolls are a staple street food, filled with a savory mixture of minced pork, shrimp, and vegetables. Wrapped in a delicate rice paper shell, they’re served piping hot, often with a tangy dipping sauce on the side.

The contrasting textures and flavors make Nem Ran a truly addictive snack. Whether as an appetizer or a quick bite, these fried spring rolls offer a satisfying taste of Vietnam’s vibrant street food culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Dishes I Want to Try on the Tour?

While the tour offers a set menu of 8-10 local dishes, you can’t fully customize the menu. However, the guide is flexible and may accommodate any special dietary requirements or preferences you have within the tour experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Food Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the food tour. It’s recommended to wear comfortable, casual clothing that’s suitable for walking and can handle potential food splatters. The focus is on experiencing the local cuisine, not formal attire.

Are There Any Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available?

The tour offers vegetarian and gluten-free options. Guests should let the guide know about any dietary requirements when booking. The tour provides a range of traditional Vietnamese dishes that can accommodate different dietary needs.

Can I Take Photos of the Food and Local Markets?

Yes, you’re encouraged to take photos during the tour. The guide will provide guidance on the best spots for photographing the vibrant street food stalls and bustling local markets you’ll experience.

Does the Tour Accommodate Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions?

The tour accommodates food allergies and dietary restrictions. Travelers can notify the tour operator in advance, and the guide will ensure the selected dishes meet their dietary needs during the food tasting experience.

The Sum Up

With a local guide, you’ll discover Vietnam’s captivating culinary landscape. From the aromatic Pho to the sweet Che, each dish offers a unique taste of the country’s vibrant street food culture. Whether it’s the crispy Banh Mi or the delicate Banh Cuon, this gastronomic adventure is sure to leave an unforgettable impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: