Exploring the Flavors of Vietnam: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Street Food You Can’t Miss

Vietnam is known for its vibrant food culture, and nowhere is this more evident than in its bustling street food scene. Whether you’re wandering the streets of Hanoi, Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), or the ancient town of Hoi An, you’ll find local vendors selling delicious, mouthwatering street food. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Vietnamese street food you must try, showcasing a mix of traditional dishes and modern twists that have made Vietnam a foodie paradise.

Classic bowl of Vietnamese pho with beef and fresh herbs.
(Source: Internet)

1. Pho – Vietnam’s National Dish

Pho is undoubtedly Vietnam’s most famous dish, and it’s also the most widely recognized Vietnamese street food globally. This aromatic noodle soup is typically served with beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga), and it’s often enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The key to a great bowl of pho lies in its broth, which is simmered for hours with a mixture of spices, beef bones, onions, and herbs.

Why You Should Try It

Pho is comfort food at its finest. Its delicate balance of flavors, with the savory broth, fresh herbs, and tender meat, creates an unforgettable experience. The best pho in Vietnam can be found in local pho stalls in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where the dish is made fresh daily. If you’re visiting Hanoi, don’t miss Pho Bat Dan, which is famous for its rich, flavorful broth.

Where to Find It

Pho Gia Truyen – Hanoi (Known for its rich, flavorful broth and long history) 

Pho Bat Dan – Hanoi (A legendary pho shop loved by locals and tourists alike) 

Pho Hoa – Ho Chi Minh City (One of the oldest pho shops, offering a great balance of flavors) 

Pho 2000 – Ho Chi Minh City (A popular spot, especially famous after President Bill Clinton visited) 

Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su – Hanoi (A renowned spot serving pho with perfectly tender beef) 

Freshly made Vietnamese Bánh Mỳ filled with meats and herbs.
(Source: Internet)

2. Banh Mi – Vietnamese Sandwich

A popular Vietnamese street food, banh mi is a sandwich with French influence, but it’s distinctly Vietnamese. This crunchy baguette is filled with a variety of meats like grilled pork, pate, and cold cuts, then topped with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, cilantro, and pickled carrots. Often, it’s drizzled with mayonnaise or a bit of chili sauce for extra flavor.

Why You Should Try It

Banh mi combines the best of both worlds—crispy bread and savory fillings. It’s affordable, quick, and absolutely delicious, making it a must-try when you’re in Vietnam. The street vendors often add their twist with a mix of local ingredients, making each banh mi stall unique.

Where to Find It

Banh Mi Phuong – Hoi An (A favorite among locals and travelers, often praised for its flavorful fillings and perfect baguette) 

Banh Mi Huynh Hoa – Ho Chi Minh City (A famous spot for its generous and delicious fillings) 

Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai – Hanoi (Known for its long-standing reputation for serving some of the best sandwiches in town) 

Banh Mi Quyen – Ho Chi Minh City (A great place for a freshly made sandwich packed with flavor) 

Banh Mi Ngoc – Hanoi (A classic option for Hanoi-style banh mi) 

Bun Cha, Grilled pork in sweet broth served with noodles and herbs.
(Source: Internet)

3. Bun Cha – Grilled Pork and Noodles

Bun cha is a northern Vietnamese dish consisting of grilled pork (both pork belly and pork patties), served with a bowl of sweet and savory fish sauce-based broth, and a plate of fresh herbs and rice noodles. It’s typically eaten as a lunchtime meal, and the combination of smoky grilled pork and refreshing herbs makes it a true Vietnamese delicacy.

Why You Should Try It

Bun cha is a quintessential Hanoi dish, and it offers a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and aromas. If you visit Hanoi, try Bun Cha Huong Lien, which gained international fame after President Obama and Chef Anthony Bourdain ate here together.

Where to Find It

Bun Cha Huong Lien – Hanoi (Internationally famous after Anthony Bourdain’s visit with President Obama) 

Bun Cha 34 – Hanoi (A classic spot that locals swear by for their excellent pork and noodles) 

Bun Cha Nem Cua Be – Hanoi (Known for their delicious grilled pork and seafood spring rolls) 

Bun Cha Cua Dong – Hanoi (Another local favorite for the perfect combination of grilled pork and fresh herbs) 

Goi Cuon, Fresh Vietnamese spring rolls with shrimp, herbs, and dipping sauces.
(Source: Internet)

4. Goi Cuon – Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Goi cuon, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls or summer rolls, are a fresh and healthy street food option. Made with rice paper, these rolls are filled with a combination of shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice noodles. They are typically served with a hoisin-based dipping sauce.

Why You Should Try It

Goi cuon is a light, refreshing dish that’s perfect for a hot day. It offers a unique contrast of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tender meats, making each bite a burst of flavor. The best part is, they are often served with peanut sauce, which adds an extra layer of richness.

Where to Find It

Goi Cuon Ba Cuong – Ho Chi Minh City (An iconic spot for fresh, delicious summer rolls) 

Goi Cuon 1A – Hanoi (A local legend known for their crispy and fresh goi cuon) 

Goi Cuon Huong Sen – Hanoi (Known for their fresh ingredients and flavorful peanut dipping sauce) 

Goi Cuon Thanh Mai – Ho Chi Minh City (A popular street food stand offering great prices for delicious rolls) 

Com Tam, Vietnamese broken rice with grilled pork, egg, and pickles.
(Source: Internet)

5. Com Tam – Broken Rice

Com tam (broken rice) is a staple dish in Southern Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City. This dish consists of broken rice served with grilled pork (or other meats like chicken or beef), a fried egg, and a side of pickled vegetables. It’s often eaten as a hearty lunch or dinner.

Why You Should Try It

Com tam is the perfect street food if you’re looking for something filling and savory. The broken rice offers a slightly different texture compared to regular rice, making it an interesting experience for your taste buds.

Where to Find It

Com Tam Ba Ghien – Ho Chi Minh City (A must-try for its juicy grilled pork and flavorful sides) 

Com Tam 42 – Ho Chi Minh City (Another spot known for its high-quality pork and tasty broken rice) 

Com Tam Suong – Ho Chi Minh City (Famous for serving a variety of meats with its delicious rice) 

Com Tam Moc – Ho Chi Minh City (A local favorite for pork, beef, and chicken served with broken rice) 

Crispy Vietnamese bánh xèo pancakes filled with shrimp and sprouts.
(Source: Internet)

6. Banh Xeo – Vietnamese Pancakes

Banh xeo is a savory Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, resulting in a crispy, golden crust. It’s typically filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. The pancakes are then folded in half and served with fresh lettuce and herbs for wrapping.

Why You Should Try It

The crispy edges, combined with the savory filling, make banh xeo a satisfying and unique dish. It’s often eaten as a snack or light meal and is served with a tangy dipping sauce.

Where to Find It

Banh Xeo 46A – Ho Chi Minh City (A legendary spot known for its crispy edges and savory fillings) 

Banh Xeo 123 – Hanoi (Known for large, delicious pancakes packed with shrimp and pork) 

Banh Xeo Ngoc Son – Ho Chi Minh City (A popular vendor serving the crispy dish with great dipping sauce) 

Banh Xeo Minh Tuan – Hanoi (Locals recommend this spot for its crisp, golden pancakes) 

Vietnamese Hủ Tiếu noodle soup with shrimp, pork, and egg.
(Source: Internet)

7. Hu Tieu – Vietnamese Noodle Soup

Hu tieu is a noodle soup that’s especially popular in Southern Vietnam. The soup is typically made with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and various types of meat such as pork, beef, and seafood. Unlike pho, hu tieu uses a slightly different broth, making it lighter and more delicate in flavor.

Why You Should Try It

Hu tieu offers a lighter, subtler alternative to pho, with a deliciously clear broth and tender meats. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the day.

Where to Find It

Hu Tieu Minh Ky – Ho Chi Minh City (A renowned spot for Hu Tieu with both pork and seafood options) 

Hu Tieu Thanh Xuan – Hanoi (A place beloved for their flavorful broth and tender noodles) 

Hu Tieu Ba Ha – Ho Chi Minh City (Famous for serving Hu Tieu with a range of meat options) 

Hu Tieu Hoang Ty – Ho Chi Minh City (Known for its high-quality ingredients and hearty bowls) 

Colorful Vietnamese Chè dessert bowls with fruits, jellies, and coconut.
(Source: Internet)

8. Che – Vietnamese Dessert Soup

Che is a popular Vietnamese dessert soup made from a mix of ingredients like beans, lotus seeds, jelly, coconut milk, and fruits. It’s typically served cold and is a perfect treat on a hot day.

Why You Should Try It

Che is a delightful, refreshing dessert that balances sweetness with a variety of textures. Each version of che varies from region to region, so trying a few different kinds will give you a true taste of Vietnam’s sweet offerings.

Where to Find It

Che Ba Mien – Hanoi (A popular dessert stop offering a variety of delicious sweet soups) 

Che 3 Mien – Ho Chi Minh City (Known for serving an extensive range of che options) 

Che Dau Xanh – Hanoi (Famous for its mung bean-based sweet soup and perfect balance of sweetness) 

Che Lan – Ho Chi Minh City (A beloved dessert spot, offering classic che varieties with fresh fruits and jellies) 

Vietnamese sticky rice (xôi) with toppings and banana leaf plate.
(Source: Internet)

9. Xoi – Sticky Rice

Xoi, or sticky rice, is a comforting and versatile dish that’s eaten for breakfast or as a snack. It can be served with a variety of toppings, such as mung beans, fried shallots, and shredded chicken or pork. It’s often accompanied by a side of boiled eggs or crispy pork.

Why You Should Try It

Xoi is a popular breakfast option and a great way to start your day. Its chewy, glutinous texture combined with the savory or sweet toppings is a delightful experience.

Where to Find It

Xoi Yen – Hanoi (A favorite for sticky rice topped with pork, eggs, and fried shallots) 

Xoi Xao – Ho Chi Minh City (Known for its delicious combination of savory toppings on sticky rice) 

Xoi Che – Hanoi (A great place to try a variety of sticky rice with both savory and sweet options) 

Xoi Ba Lang – Hanoi (Popular for its quality sticky rice paired with delicious meat and vegetables) 

Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk poured over crushed ice.
(Source: Internet)

10. Cà Phê Sữa Đá – Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Last but not least, no street food experience in Vietnam would be complete without a cup of cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee). Made with strong, dark coffee and sweetened condensed milk, this drink is served over ice and is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.

Why You Should Try It

Vietnamese coffee is renowned for its strength and unique flavor. The blend of bitter coffee with the sweetness of condensed milk creates a balanced, addictive taste.

Where to Find It

Trung Nguyen Coffee – Nationwide (Known for its strong, aromatic coffee beans and smooth iced coffee) 

Cà Phê Phúc Long – Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi (A popular café chain that offers excellent Vietnamese iced coffee) 

Cà Phê Giang – Hanoi (A legendary café famous for its egg coffee and iced coffee) 

Cà Phê Trung Nguyen Legend – Ho Chi Minh City (Another iconic spot for delicious Vietnamese iced coffee) 

Cà Phê Hoa Coffee – Ho Chi Minh City (A popular café serving strong Vietnamese coffee with perfect sweetened condensed milk)