Vietnam is renowned for its vibrant and diverse cuisine. Here’s a list of local delicacies you shouldn’t miss when visiting Vietnam:
- Pho:
- A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup usually made with beef or chicken, rice noodles, and a fragrant broth infused with herbs.
- Banh Mi:
- A Vietnamese sandwich made with a crispy baguette filled with various ingredients like grilled meats, pate, pickled vegetables, and herbs.
- Bun Cha:
- Grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly served over vermicelli noodles, accompanied by fresh herbs and a dipping sauce.
- Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls):
- Rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, herbs, pork, rice vermicelli, and sometimes other ingredients, often served with peanut sauce.
- Bun Bo Hue:
- Spicy beef noodle soup, originating from the city of Hue, featuring lemongrass-infused broth and beef slices.
- Cao Lau:
- A regional noodle dish from Hoi An, consisting of flat noodles, slices of pork, herbs, and crispy croutons, often served with a savory broth.
- Com tam (Broken Rice):
- Grilled pork, often served with broken rice, pickled vegetables, and a fish sauce-based dressing.
- Mi Quang:
- A noodle dish from Central Vietnam, featuring wide rice noodles, a variety of herbs, and a flavorful broth, often with pork, shrimp, and quail eggs.
- Banh Xeo:
- Vietnamese savory crepes made with rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs.
- Cha Ca La Vong:
- Grilled fish (often catfish) marinated in turmeric and galangal, served with herbs, vermicelli noodles, and peanuts.
- Bo Kho:
- A spicy and flavorful Vietnamese beef stew, often served with bread or rice noodles.
- Hanoi Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung):
- Strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy, frothy layer made from egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk.
- Che (Sweet Dessert Soup):
- Various Vietnamese sweet soups made with ingredients like beans, fruit, jellies, and coconut milk.
- Banh Cuon:
- Steamed rice rolls filled with ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and minced shallots, typically served with dipping sauce.
- Nom Hoa Chuoi (Banana Blossom Salad):
- A refreshing salad made with shredded banana blossoms, herbs, peanuts, and often topped with grilled meat or shrimp.
- Ca Phe Sua Da:
- Strong Vietnamese iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk.
Exploring street food vendors, local markets, and traditional eateries will allow you to fully experience the rich and delicious flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.