What to eat in Vietnam? 36 Famous & must try dishes in Vietnam

Vietnam always leaves a lasting impression on tourists with its countless specialties that reflect the unique flavors and cultural identity of each region. So, what to eat in Vietnam? Let’s explore with Living Nomads the famous Vietnamese dishes and must try dishes in Vietnam that have conquered the world!

Vietnamese cuisine is a delicate blend of flavors and colors, reflecting the diverse culture from North to South. Each region tells its own story through its characteristic dishes, from street food to banquets. Famous for its use of fresh vegetables and herbs, Vietnamese cuisine is not only healthy but also captivates international diners with its harmonious combination of ingredients and spices.

So, are you ready to explore all the famous specialties of the three regions with Living Nomads?

Northern Vietnamese Specialty Dishes

Northern Vietnamese cuisine is a delicate tapestry of flavors and culture, where each dish tells its own story. Distinguished by their rich, savory, spicy, fatty, and sweet flavors, Northern Vietnamese dishes often use diluted fish sauce and shrimp paste, along with plenty of green vegetables and freshwater seafood.

Must try dishes in Vietnam: Hanoi Pho

Old Quarter Food Tour with Train Street Visit Option

Hanoi Pho is a “national treasure,” a source of pride for Vietnamese cuisine. The broth is simmered from beef bones for many hours, creating a naturally sweet and fragrant flavor from spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom. The soft, smooth rice noodles, combined with thinly sliced ​​beef and fresh green onions, create a harmonious, rich, and satisfying dish that isn’t greasy.

Price range: 40,000 – 70,000 VND/bowl.

Reference locations:

• Pho Bat Dan: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
• Pho Thin: 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi.

Bun Cha Hanoi (Grilled pork with rice vermicelli)

Old Quarter Food Tour with Train Street Visit Option

Bun cha is a dish that has made Hanoi’s cuisine famous. The highlight of the dish is the golden-brown grilled minced pork patties and sliced ​​pork patties, fragrant and delicious. The patties are served in a perfectly balanced sweet and sour dipping sauce, accompanied by crispy pickled green papaya. When eating, diners pick up fresh rice noodles, patties, and various fresh vegetables, dipping them into the sauce, creating an explosion of flavor.

Price range: 45,000 – 75,000 VND/serving.

Recommended locations:

• Bun Cha Huong Lien (Bun Cha Obama): 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
• Bun Cha Dac Kim: 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

Hai Phong Crab Noodle Soup

Hanoi Food & City Motorbike Tour

A must-try specialty when visiting Hai Phong, crab noodle soup is appealing with its distinctive red, chewy noodles and unique aroma. The broth, made from freshwater crabs, has a sweet, rich flavor, combined with creamy crab paste, fragrant betel leaf rolls, shrimp, fish cakes, and water spinach and jute leaves. All of this creates a colorful and irresistibly flavorful bowl of crab noodle soup.

Price range: 35,000 – 60,000 VND/bowl.

Reference locations:

• Banh Da Cua Be: 195 Cau Dat, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.
• Bun Ca Cay Le Loi: 66 Le Loi, Ngo Quyen, Hai Phong.

Ha Long Squid Cake

Rose Kitchen Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Ha Noi

Ha Long squid cake is the pride of Quang Ninh cuisine, made entirely by hand from the freshest cuttlefish. The squid is hand-pounded instead of being ground, retaining its characteristic chewy and crunchy texture. When fried, each piece of cake is golden brown, emitting a fragrant aroma, with a crispy outer shell and a soft, sweet, and rich sea flavor inside. This dish is usually served with white sticky rice or vermicelli.

Reference price: 360,000 – 500,000 VND/kg.

Reference locations:

• Ba Kien Squid Cake: Kiosk No. 46-47, Ha Long Market I, Ha Long, Quang Ninh.
• Thoan Squid Cake: Kiosk No. 36-37, Ha Long Market I, Ha Long, Quang Ninh.

Lang Son Sour Pho

Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour with Water Puppet Show

Lang Son sour pho has a unique character compared to other types of pho. The noodles are chewy, mixed with char siu pork, crispy roasted duck, crispy fried sweet potatoes, fragrant roasted peanuts, and especially a refreshing sweet and sour sauce. This sauce is made from vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili, creating a harmonious flavor that stimulates the taste buds and is not at all cloying.

Reference price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl.

Reference locations:

• Pho Ba Lien: 224 Bac Son, Hoang Van Thu, Lang Son.
• Pho Phuong: 73 Nhi Thanh, Tam Thanh, Lang Son.

Thang Co Lao Cai (Horse meat stew)

From Sapa: Walking Food Tour with Local Guide

Thang Co is a traditional dish deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the H’Mong people and other ethnic groups in the Northwest highlands. This dish is made from the offal of a horse (or buffalo, cow), simmered for many hours with characteristic mountain spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, and nutmeg. Thang Co has a rich, fatty, and fragrant flavor and is usually enjoyed hot.

Reference price: 80,000 – 150,000 VND/pot.

Reference locations:

• Bac Ha Market (only on Sundays).
• Thang Co A Quynh Sapa: 15 Thach Son, Sa Pa, Lao Cai.

Mèn Mén (steamed minced corn)

Mèn mén is a traditional dish closely associated with the life of the Hmong people in Ha Giang, showcasing their skill and simplicity. It’s made from finely ground corn kernels, then steamed in a wooden pot. Mèn mén has a distinctive nutty corn flavor, a light aroma, and a chewy texture. Locals often eat mèn mén instead of rice, accompanied by vegetable soup or other savory dishes to enhance the flavor.

Price range: 15,000 – 30,000 VND/serving.

Suggested locations:

• Highland markets in Ha Giang.
• Local eateries in Dong Van and Meo Vac.

Dien Bien Sticky Rice

Bac Ha Market and Ban Pho Village Day Tour from Sapa

Dien Bien sticky rice is famous for the special chewy texture of the rice grains grown on the hillsides. The rice grains are plump, glossy, and have the natural aroma of freshly harvested rice. To make it even more appealing, the sticky rice is often steamed in vibrant colors using natural leaves and fruits (five-colored sticky rice), which is not only visually appealing but also symbolizes good fortune and auspiciousness.

Price range: 20,000 – 40,000 VND/plate.

Reference locations:

• Restaurants or casual eateries in Dien Bien.
• Local markets in Dien Bien.

Cao Bang Seven-Flavor Roast Duck

Seven-flavor roast duck is a unique specialty of Cao Bang, attracting diners with its rich and unforgettable flavor. Carefully selected ducks are marinated with seven secret spices, then roasted over charcoal until the skin is golden brown and crispy. The duck meat inside retains its tenderness, juiciness, and fragrant aroma characteristic of the mountains and forests.

Reference price: 250,000 – 400,000 VND/duck.

Reference locations:

• Ba Dao Gia Truyen Roast Duck: 076 Bang Giang, Hop Giang, Cao Bang.
• Huy Linh Restaurant Cao Bang – King of Wild Duck: 08 Group 5, Ngoc Xuan, Cao Bang.

Tan Cuong Tea, Thai Nguyen

Dubbed the “Number One Famous Tea” of Vietnam, Tan Cuong tea is the pride of Thai Nguyen. This tea has small, curly, dark green leaves, and when brewed, produces a clear yellow-green liquid. The tea has a characteristic aroma of young rice, and the initial mild astringency quickly transforms into a deep, lingering sweetness that captivates many tea lovers.

Reference price: 200,000 – 800,000 VND/kg.

Reference locations:

• Specialty Tea Shops in Thai Nguyen
• Tan Cuong Tea Growing Regions.

Nem Nắm Giao Thuỷ (Fermented Pork Rolls)

Hoa Lu, Trang An & Incense Quang Phu Cau Village Day Tour from Hanoi

Nem Nắm Giao Thuỷ is a famous specialty of Nam Dinh, with an unmistakable flavor. This sausage is made from thinly sliced ​​fresh pork, boiled pork skin cut into strips, mixed with fragrant roasted rice flour and secret spices. All are tightly wrapped in young fig leaves, creating a slightly sour, nutty flavor from the rice flour, the aroma of fig leaves, and the chewy crispness of the pork skin, served with sweet and sour fish sauce.

Reference Price: 50,000 – 80,000 VND/roll.

Reference locations:

• Duy Khanh Nem Nam: 505 Tran Thai Tong, Loc Vuong, Nam Dinh
• Tam Tho Nem Nam: 11 Tran Hung Dao, Giao Thuy, Nam Dinh.

Ninh Binh Crispy Rice

Ninh Binh Day Tour: Bai Dinh Pagoda & Van Long Nature Reserve

Ninh Binh crispy rice is a dish that captivates diners with its irresistible crispiness and delicious aroma. Rice is made from glutinous rice, cooked and then pressed into pieces, then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The special thing about this dish is that it’s served with shredded pork floss (chà bông) or a thick sauce made from goat meat, heart and kidneys, or shrimp.

Price range: 50,000 – 100,000 VND/portion.

Reference locations:

• Specialty shops in tourist areas.
• Hoang Long Crispy Rice: Many branches in Ninh Binh.

Central Vietnamese Specialty Dishes

Central Vietnamese cuisine is a colorful and flavorful variation, reflecting the harshness of nature. Famous for its spicy and rich flavors, it often uses characteristic shrimp paste, fermented fish sauce, and fresh ingredients from the sea or mountains.

Hoi An Mi Quang Noodles

Hoi An Evening Walking Food Tour

Quang noodles are one of the most famous dishes in Central Vietnam. The noodles are thick, wide, and have a distinctive yellow (or white) color, served with a small but rich broth simmered from bones, shrimp, pork, or chicken. This dish is incomplete without roasted peanuts, crispy rice crackers, fresh vegetables, and a touch of spicy green chili.

Price range: 30,000 – 55,000 VND/bowl.

Reference locations:

• Mì Quảng Bà Vị: 166 Triệu Nữ Vương, Hải Châu, Da Nang.
• Mì Quảng Ếch Bếp Trang: 212 Bạch Đằng, Hải Châu, Da Nang.

Bún Bò Huế (Hue Beef Noodle)

Bún Bò Huế, the “national dish” from the dreamy city of Hue, captivates diners with its rich broth simmered from beef bones. Each bowl of bún bò Huế is a harmonious blend of crab cake, beef shank, pork trotters, and the characteristic spicy flavor of lemongrass and chili. Served with fresh vegetables and a touch of shrimp paste, this dish offers an irresistible flavor, affirming its status as one of Vietnam’s culinary masterpieces.

Price range: 35,000 – 65,000 VND/bowl.

Recommended locations:

• Bun Bo Mu Roi (Bui Tre Vang): 40 Nguyen Chi Dieu, Phu Hau, Hue.
• Bun Bo Ba Gai: 11A Ha Noi, Vinh Ninh, Hue.

Bun Ca Nha Trang (Nha Trang Fish noodle soup)

Hue Street Food Walking Tour

A signature dish of the coastal city of Nha Trang, appealing with its sweet and savory broth simmered from sea fish bones, chewy noodles, and firm, fragrant fish cakes made from pure fresh fish. Bun ca is usually served with fresh vegetables, fried or steamed fish cakes, jellyfish, and a little fragrant fried shallots.

Price range: 30,000 – 55,000 VND/bowl.

Reference locations:

• Bun Ca Hanh Nhien: 32C Le Dai Hanh, Nha Trang.
• Bun Ca Nguyen Loan: 123 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Nha Trang.

Cao Lau Hoi An (Hoi An noodle soup)

Hoi An Street Food Walking Tour

Cao Lau, a unique specialty of Hoi An, captivates diners with its golden, chewy noodles – the secret lies in soaking them in ash water from the ancient Ba Le well. This dish has little broth, but is rich in flavor thanks to the harmonious combination of tender char siu pork, crispy fried pork skin, refreshing bean sprouts, and characteristic fresh vegetables from Tra Que village.

Reference price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl.

Reference locations:

• Cao Lau Ba Thanh Restaurant: 26 Thai Phien, Hoi An.
• Cao Lau Ba Le Restaurant: 49/3 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An.

Banh Can Nha Trang

Hot, crispy rice flour pancakes are poured into earthenware molds over a charcoal fire. Banh Can comes with various fillings: shrimp, squid, eggs, minced meat, etc., served with fresh vegetables, chopped green mango, and a sweet and sour fish sauce or a special fermented fish sauce dip.

Price range: 20,000 – 40,000 VND/plate.

Locations to try:

• Banh Can Co Tu: 6A Thap Ba, Nha Trang.
• Banh Can Thang Nam: 32 Cuu Long, Nha Trang.

Phu Yen Tuna Eyes

A famous specialty of Phu Yen, tuna eyes are prepared into many attractive dishes such as tuna eyes braised with medicinal herbs (unique and nutritious), tuna salad, and tuna hot pot. The fish meat is fresh, sweet, firm, and full of the flavor of the sea.

Price range: 50,000 – 100,000 VND/bowl.

Reference locations:

• Ba Tam Restaurant: 289 Le Duan Street, Tuy Hoa.
• Son Cau Go Restaurant: Bach Dang Embankment, Tuy Hoa.

Hue-style Banh Beo

Banh beo is one of the most famous traditional dishes of the dreamy city of Hue. Made from rice flour, steamed in small individual bowls, it has a soft, smooth, and pristine white texture. The top is usually sprinkled with dried shrimp (finely ground dried shrimp), crispy fried pork cracklings, green onions, and drizzled with Hue’s characteristic sweet and sour fish sauce. The flavor is delicate and harmonious, balancing richness, saltiness, sweetness, and a hint of spiciness.

Price: 15,000 – 30,000 VND/plate (10-15 bowls).

Reference locations:

• Ba Do Restaurant: 08 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Phu Hiep Ward, Hue.
• Hang Me Restaurant: 12 Vo Thi Sau Street, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue.

Nam O Fish Salad (Da Nang)

Da Nang Food Tour By Motorbike

A famous specialty of the Nam O coastal area in Da Nang, perfect for seafood lovers. Nam O fish salad is made from fresh, thinly sliced ​​herring, mixed with galangal, garlic, chili, ginger, and roasted rice powder. The dipping sauce is a special, thick, and fragrant fish sauce. This dish is served with wild herbs and crispy grilled sesame rice crackers, creating a spicy, savory, and satisfying flavor.

Price range: 80,000 – 150,000 VND/plate.

Reference locations:

• Co Hong Nam O Fish Salad: 38 Le Hong Phong, Hai Chau, Da Nang.
• Sau Hao Nam O Fish Salad: 232 Tran Cao Van, Hai Chau, Da Nang.

Phu Yen Chives Noodle Soup

A rustic yet incredibly appealing dish from Phu Yen. Chive noodle soup stands out with its distinctive green color from the finely chopped chives sprinkled generously on top of the bowl. The broth, made from pork and fish bones, is sweet, clear, and flavorful. The rice noodles are chewy and soft, combined with fresh mackerel fish cake, quail eggs, and fragrant fried onions, creating a light yet rich taste.

Price range: 25,000 – 45,000 VND/bowl.

Reference locations:

• Thanh Tam Rice Noodle Soup with Chives: 53 Dien Bien Phu, Tuy Hoa.
• Thao Vy Rice Noodle Soup with Chives: 393 Hung Vuong, Tuy Hoa.

Da Nang-style Rice Paper Rolls with Two-Skin Pork

Da Nang Food Walking Tour with a Chef

This dish features tender, sweet, crispy, and fatty boiled pork belly with two skins, thinly sliced. When enjoying it, you wrap the pork with sun-dried rice paper, a variety of Central Vietnamese fresh vegetables, and dip it into a meticulously prepared, flavorful fish sauce with a rich blend of spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. The harmonious combination of ingredients creates a rustic yet refined taste.

Reference price: 90,000 – 150,000 VND/serving.

Reference locations:

• Hoang Tin Restaurant: 62A Nguyen Van Thoai, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang.
• Mau Restaurant: 35 Do Thuc Tinh, Cam Le, Da Nang.

Don Soup (Quang Ngai style)

Hoi An City and Food Tour from Da Nang with Foot Massage

This is a rustic dish, characteristic of the Central region, offering a refreshing taste from the river. Don is a type of small clam, prepared into a soup with a clear, sweet broth, served with crispy grilled rice crackers and a little thinly sliced ​​onion and scallions. The flavor of don is refreshing, light, and addictive.

Reference price: 15,000 – 30,000 VND/bowl.

Reference locations:

• Don Song Tra Restaurant: 119 Chu Van An, Nghia Lo.
• Don Quang Ngai Restaurant: 26 Vo Thi Sau, Chanh Lo.

Da Lat Steamed Pork Dumpling Sandwich

A famous breakfast dish in Da Lat, the steamed pork dumpling sandwich is the perfect combination of hot, soft dumplings in a sweet and savory bone broth. Served with crispy bread, fried pork skin or pork sausage, it creates a rich, fragrant flavor characteristic of the cool weather. Have you tried it yet?

Price range: 25,000 – 45,000 VND/serving.

Reference locations:

• Banh Mi Xiu Mai Be Linh: 26 Hoang Dieu, Da Lat.
• Banh Mi Xiu Mai Co Suong: 14 Anh Sang, Da Lat.

Southern Vietnamese Specialties

Southern Vietnamese cuisine, especially the Southwest region (Mekong Delta), has a free-spirited, rustic style that is also sophisticated. Distinguished by its delicate sweetness, rich coconut milk, fragrant herbs, and abundance of seafood and river ingredients.

Saigon Bread

Saigon bread, a familiar dish that has long since crossed the borders of Vietnam to conquer the taste buds of diners worldwide. Each bite is a complete experience: the perfectly crispy crust blends with the generous fillings inside. This captivating combination of flavors not only awakens the taste buds but also provides a burst of energy.

Price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND/loaf.

Locations:

• Huynh Hoa Bread: 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• 362 Bread: 43 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Western-style Fermented Fish Hot Pot

Street Food & Sightseeing Tour with Aodai Rider in Ho Chi Minh City

When visiting the Mekong Delta, don’t miss the chance to enjoy fish sauce hot pot. This hot pot dish stands out with its rich flavor from the characteristic fish sauce of the riverine region, harmoniously combined with fresh rice noodles and a variety of wild vegetables such as water spinach, Sesbania grandiflora flowers, and water lily flowers… The abundance of seafood in the Mekong Delta has created a unique fish sauce hot pot, deeply rooted in the culinary culture of the people here.

Price range: 150,000 – 300,000 VND/pot.

Recommended locations:

• Cu Lao Hot Pot Restaurant: 410 Nguyen Xi Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Hong Bang Fish Hot Pot – Fish Hot Pot: 197 Dien Bien Phu Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Can Tho Cong Cake (Banh Cong)

Hidden Cai Rang Floating Market Tour in Can Tho

Can Tho cong cake, a rustic dish from the Mekong Delta, always holds a special place in the hearts of tourists. The appeal of banh cong (a type of Vietnamese pancake) comes from its crispy crust, delicious fresh shrimp filling, harmoniously combined with refreshing fresh vegetables and a rich, tangy-spicy dipping sauce. This is not just a simple dish, but also an iconic culinary experience not to be missed when exploring Can Tho.

Price range: 10,000 – 30,000 VND/portion

Reference locations:

• Banh Cong Hue Vien: 22 De Tham Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho.
• Banh Cong Co Ut: 28 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho.

Banh Khot Vung Tau

Ho Chi Minh City: Walking Street Food Tour with 12 Local Tastings

When visiting Vung Tau, banh khot is a must-try. Though simple, this dish boasts a distinctive seafood flavor, captivating both locals and tourists. The golden, crispy banh khot, filled with large, fresh shrimp, wrapped with fresh vegetables and dipped in the “magical” sweet and sour fish sauce, will surely awaken all your senses.

Reference Price: 50,000 – 110,000 VND/portion

Reference locations:

• Banh Khot Goc Vu Sua: 14 Nguyen Truong To, Vung Tau.
• Banh Khot Co Ba Vung Tau: 1 Hoang Hoa Tham, Vung Tau.

Ben Tre Coconut Candy

Cyclo Ride with Lunch or Dinner in Vietnamese Restaurant

Ben Tre coconut candy is a specialty associated with the childhood memories of many generations of Vietnamese people, especially during Tet (Lunar New Year). This candy is a perfect blend of the rich creaminess of fresh coconut milk, the gentle sweetness of sugar, and the distinctive aroma, creating a soft, chewy, and irresistible candy. Coconut candy is not only an attractive snack but also a symbol of the skill and tradition of the people of the coconut land.

Reference Price: A package of Ben Tre coconut candy costs approximately 20,000 – 50,000 VND.

Reference locations:

• Handmade coconut candy production facilities located along National Highway 60.
  Local markets in Ben Tre.

Tay Ninh Young Beef

Cu Chi Tunnels, Cao Dai & Black Virgin Mountain Day Tour from HCM

Tay Ninh young beef is famous for its naturally sweet and fragrant flavor and characteristic tenderness, not mushy like veal, but with a unique hint of milky flavor. This type of meat is an ideal ingredient for many delicious dishes such as grilled beef, stir-fried beef, beef in vinegar sauce, beef hot pot, or young beef wrapped in rice paper, captivating every diner.

Reference Price: 150,000 – 200,000 VND/portion

Reference locations:

• Ut Khuong Young Beef Restaurant: 24 3/2 Street, Tay Ninh.
• Nam Sinh Young Beef Restaurant: National Highway 22B, Tay Ninh.

Pandan Leaf Rice Cake (Western Vietnam)

Can Tho Cai Rang Floating Market & Cacao Farm Half-Day Tour

Pandan leaf rice cake with coconut milk is a beloved dessert from Southern Vietnam, evoking childhood memories with its refreshing green color and sweet, rich flavor. Each soft, fragrant piece of cake blends perfectly with the smooth coconut milk and warm ginger syrup, offering a nostalgic taste experience.

Price: 15,000 VND/serving.

Suggested locations:

• Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City): snack or dessert stalls within the market.
• Street vendors or dessert shops: markets, schools in Ho Chi Minh City and the Western provinces.

Herring Salad (Phu Quoc)

Dining Experience at Sun Bavaria Gastropub in Sunset Town Phu Quoc

Herring salad is an attractive specialty dish of Phu Quoc Island, showcasing a wonderful combination of fresh fish and unique ingredients from the mainland, creating an unforgettable taste of the sea. This dish is not only rustic but also a unique culinary symbol, attracting tourists from all over.

Price range: 100,000 – 150,000 VND/portion

Locations:

• Viet Phu Quoc Restaurant: 26 Nguyen Trung Truc, Phu Quoc.
• Xin Chao Restaurant: 66 Tran Hung Dao, Phu Quoc.

Soc Trang Pia Cake

Soc Trang Pia cake is a famous specialty with a refined flavor and perfect quality. The soft, smooth, multi-layered crust encases a fragrant mung bean and durian or taro and durian filling. What makes Soc Trang Pia cake special is the absence of artificial flavorings, preserving the natural aroma and rich, creamy taste of durian, without being too sweet or cloying.

Price range: 50,000 – 150,000 VND/box.

Reference locations:

• Tan Hue Vien Pia Cake: 127 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Soc Trang.
• Cong Lap Thanh Pia Cake: 388 National Highway 1A, Soc Trang.

My Tho Noodle Soup

From Ho Chi Minh City: Cai Be Mekong Delta River Boat & Bike Tour

My Tho noodle soup is a specialty of Tien Giang, appealing with its delicate flavor and chewy, translucent noodles made from Go Cat rice. The broth is simmered from pork bones and dried shrimp, giving it a sweet and savory taste. A standard bowl of My Tho noodle soup has rich toppings, usually served with bean sprouts, chives, lettuce, and chrysanthemum greens, providing freshness and a balanced flavor. My Tho noodle soup can be enjoyed dry or with soup.

Reference price: 35,000 – 65,000 VND/bowl.

Reference locations:

• Six Sen Noodle Soup: 108/9 Tran Hung Dao, My Tho.
• Noodle Soup 44: 27 Le Loi, My Tho.

Chau Doc Fermented fish paste

Chau Doc fish sauce is a famous specialty and a culinary symbol of An Giang province. With its rich color and distinctive aroma, this fish sauce is exquisitely made from fresh, delicious anchovies, offering a unique and rich flavor, making it an indispensable choice in many local dishes.

Price range: 80,000 – 200,000 VND/kg.

Reference locations:

• Chau Doc Fish Sauce Market: a place with many traditional fish sauce stalls offering a variety of fish sauces.
• Ba Giao Khoe Fish Sauce Shop: 198 Suong Nguyet Anh, Chau Doc.

Phu Quoc Stirring Noodles

Phu Quoc Island Hopping Tour by Speedboat, Buffet Lunch & Sun World Cable Car

Phu Quoc Stirring Noodles are distinguished by their rich combination of squid, shrimp paste, and fresh fish paste, cooked on the spot, resulting in a naturally sweet flavor. The name “Bun Quay” (stirred noodles) comes from the way the dipping sauce is prepared: you quickly “stir” the ingredients yourself to create a smooth, attractive red, flavorful sauce. This is the “soul” that makes the dish so appealing.

Price range: 35,000 – 70,000 VND/bowl.

Reference locations:

• Bun Quay Kien – Xay: 28 Bach Dang, Phu Quoc.
• Bun Quay Hai Ngan: 32 Bach Dang, Phu Quoc.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnamese Specialty Dishes

1. What are the outstanding characteristics of Vietnamese cuisine?

Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its harmonious balance of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. It is characterized by the use of many fresh herbs, fish sauce, and diverse cooking techniques from stir-frying, boiling, steaming to grilling.

2. What are the main differences between the cuisines of the three regions of Vietnam: North, Central, and South?

Northern Vietnam: The flavors are usually light, harmonious, less spicy, and emphasize the natural freshness of the ingredients (e.g., Hanoi Pho).

Central Vietnam: Richer, spicier, and saltier, often using more shrimp paste and fermented fish sauce (e.g., Hue Beef Noodle Soup, Quang Noodle Soup).

Southern Vietnam: Sweeter and richer flavors due to the influence of coconut milk and sugar, with an abundance of seafood and river ingredients (e.g., Western-style Banh Xeo, Fish Sauce Hot Pot).

3. Which dish is considered a symbol of Vietnam?

Pho and banh mi are two dishes considered symbols of Vietnamese cuisine, widely known and loved by international friends.

4. Are Vietnamese specialties vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, Vietnamese cuisine has many rich and delicious vegetarian dishes, especially those made from fresh vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms, often prepared very creatively.

5. How to choose Vietnamese specialties as gifts?

You should buy specialties from reputable stores, local markets, or large supermarkets. Prioritize products with clear origins, careful packaging, and expiration dates to ensure quality.

Vietnamese cuisine is the shortest path back home – a place where diverse flavors of sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter harmonize. Vietnamese specialties carry unique flavors, serving as a bridge to better understand the culinary culture and lifestyle of the nation through generations. Even if you haven’t had the chance to explore famous tourist destinations across the country, stop by Saigon – a hub for delicious dishes from all three regions of Vietnam.

Are you ready with an empty stomach to devour the renowned Vietnamese specialties?

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Saigon you can refer to

• Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels Full Day Tour
• Saigon Motorbike Adventures
• Golden Water Puppet Ticket in Ho Chi Minh City
• The Amazing Bay Water Park Ticket
• Ho Chi Minh City Hop On Hop Off Pass
• Ho Chi Minh – Nha Trang Cabin Sleeper Bus
• Ho Chi Minh – Phan Thiet/Mui Ne Sleeper Bus & Vice Versa
• Indochina Queen Dinner Cruise on Saigon River
• Mekong Delta Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh City
• Phnom Penh (Cambodia) – Ho Chi Minh Bus & Vice Versa
• Ngo Spa & Massage Experience in Ho Chi Minh City
• Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour
• Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh
• Full Day Excursion To Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City
• Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing Double-Decker Bus Ticket by City Sightseeing
• Ho Chi Minh – Da Lat Sleeper Bus & Vice Versa
• Saigon Princess Dining Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport Fast Track Service in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
• A O Show Ticket at Saigon Opera House
• Landmark 81 Saigon Skyview Ticket in Ho Chi Minh City
• Street Food and Sightseeing Night Tour with Aodai Rider in Saigon
• Saigon Skydeck in Bitexco Financial Tower Ticket
• Mekong River Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh

Read more Vietnam guide here.