Vietnamese Food : Top 20 Must Try Dishes

Vietnamese food is becoming very popular and while there are so many amazing dishes to try, here is our list of top 20 dishes to get you started!

  1. Phở

When you think about Vietnamese food, the first dish that comes to mind is phở. Phở is considered Vietnam’s national dish and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Phở is known as a noodle soup, but it’s the quality of the bone broth that is the true star and what makes phở so good. The bone broth simmers for hours to draw out flavor and of course has amazing benefits for your health. Combined with spices and other aromatics- the final product is comforting and delicious.

2. Bánh Mì

Another staple dish when one thinks of Vietnamese food is Bánh mì. This Vietnamese sandwich has become one of the most popular and recognizable dishes brought over to the United States. It’s a classic Vietnamese food item that is full of different flavors that come together to make the perfect sandwich. The choices are endless! Mix and match Vietnamese cold cuts, roasted pork, barbeque chicken, or pate — add peppers, herbs, Vietnamese mayo, pickled carrots and daikon on a crispy baguette and you have your perfect sandwich. This is one of our favorite Vietnamese food dishes when we need a quick and delicious meal.

  1. Bò Lúc Lắc

This Vietnamese food dish is known for its’ name, “shaking beef”. You can’t go wrong with tender steak marinated in oyster sauce and cooked in butter. It’s called shaking beef because of how the steak is shaken in the pan during the cooking process. Paired with veggies, pickled marinated onions and rice, it’s a complete meal that will satisfy your taste buds.

  1. Chả Giò

A favorite appetizer that is found on almost every menu when you go enjoy Vietnamese food is shrimp and pork spring rolls, chả giò.  These crispy spring rolls, paired with fresh veggies and herbs, dipped in classic Vietnamese fish sauce (Nước Mắm or Nước chấm ) is absolutely delicious. This dish is very popular at family gatherings or parties when food is catered because everyone loves them and it’s so easy to eat tons of these!

  1. Gỏi Cuốn

This is a popular Vietnamese food dish that you’ll also see at most restaurants. The delicious opposite to the crispy spring roll is gỏi cuốn, or summer rolls. These rolls are made with rice paper that is wetted and wrapped around different combinations of proteins and vegetables. You can add almost anything- shrimp, pork, fish, and even tofu. Every type of roll has a different sauce that it is paired with, but our favorite pairing is shrimp and pork summer roll with hoisin peanut dipping sauce. This dish is fun because you choose your own fillings and wrap your rolls yourself – and sometimes you get some oddly shaped rolls!

  1. Bún Bò Huế

Another delicious and popular noodle soup that is a must try Vietnamese food dish, is Bún Bò Huế. The broth is known for its’ spicy and savory flavor. When combined with sliced beef, Vietnamese ham, pig a variety of herbs, and its’ iconic red color makes for the perfect bowl of noodle soup. Oftentimes we refer to this dish as BBH, for short.

  1. Thịt Kho

When you think of Vietnamese food and tradition, thịt kho is the dish that comes to mind. That is because it is also served on the Lunar New Year. Thịt kho is braised pork belly with a slightly sweet coconut flavor. Enjoyed with eggs, rice, and some type of pickled vegetable, it’s considered to be comfort food.

  1. Bánh Xèo

Crispy, sizzling pancakes (or also called Vietnamese pancakes or crepes) stuffed with pork, shrimp, mung bean, bean sprouts, and enjoyed with tons of herbs and fish sauce. The most important part of this dish is getting the perfect consistency of the batter because it affects how crisp you can get the pancake. The appetizing color of the bánh xèo comes from turmeric powder. It may take a few tries to get these right, but once you do, your family will love them!

  1. Bánh Cuốn

This next Vietnamese food dish is Bánh cuốn !! These are steamed rice rolls stuffed with ground pork and mushrooms. They taste delicious if you have cha lua (Vietnamese ham), steamed bean sprouts, crispy fried red onions/shallots, and of course, classic fish sauce. Bánh cuốn  is a very popular street food in Vietnam and is delicious!!!

  1. Bún Thịt Nướng

Vermicelli bowls are a Vietnamese food dish that is quickly becoming more popular, especially when you can dress them with a variety of different toppings – pork, beef, shrimp, spring rolls, and more. Then add any combination of herbs/aromatics and drizzle on some classic fish sauce, it’s oh so good! Bún thịt nướng is definitely a favorite of ours and a must try dish.

  1. Bò Kho

Bò kho is a Vietnamese beef stew from Southern Vietnam that is made with vegetables, herbs, and braised beef that falls apart in your mouth. The thickened broth is flavored with lemongrass, anise, and other aromatics that proves to be extremely flavorful and delicious. This Vietnamese food dish is best enjoyed with a fresh baguette but is also delicious with rice or noodles. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

  1. Sườn Nướng

Marinated pork chops are a popular Vietnamese food dish that everyone loves. Of course, enjoy it with white rice, herbs, pickled and fresh vegetables and classic fish sauce. This is another dish you’ll find at most Vietnamese restaurants. They are also easy to marinate and keep in the freezer, in case you’d rather enjoy a classic Vietnamese dish at home.

13. Cà Ri Gà

Many countries have their own version of curry and Vietnam is no different. Cà Ri Gà means curry chicken and is a dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s easy to make and tastes best on a cold day. Curry chicken can be enjoyed with a bowl of white rice or a fresh, toasted baguette.

  1. Bánh Bao

You’ve probably seen these white, stuffed bread buns around since many countries have their own version of it. These Vietnamese bread buns are filled with pork, eggs and veggies. When the dough is made right, the subtle flavor pairs well with the stuffing, to make a delicious combination. They can be found in most Vietnamese bakeries and are a convenient snack or small meal.

15. Gỏi Gá

There are many versions of goi, which is a cold salad, but the most popular one is Gỏi Gá  (crunchy chicken salad). It can be enjoyed on its own or with a warm bowl of rice porridge. Gỏi gá is made with cabbage, mixed with red onions, herbs, shredded chicken, and then topped off with fish sauce, fried red onions, and/or crushed peanuts.

  1.  Cháo Gà

Humble, comfort food is how we’d describe this Vietnamese dish.  Cháo gà is a rice porridge that is popular in most Asian countries. It can be served plain, with side dishes, or with lots of meats and vegetables together in a bowl. It’s easy to make and also allows you to be creative when you decide what to pair it with. We like to enjoy chao ga with crunchy chicken salad (Gỏi gá). Yum!

17. Cà Phê Sữa Đá

When you think of Vietnamese food, you can’t leave out Cà Phê Sữa Đá, even though it’s a drink. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve heard of Vietnamese iced coffee. It’s strong, similar to espresso and typically brewed in a small, metal phin filter where the coffee slowly drips into a cup. Add some condensed milk to get the desired taste preference, pour over ice, and wah lah! The perfect cup of iced coffee.

  1. Đá Chanh

Everyone has had lemonade, but limeade is a must try drink that you never knew you were missing. Limeade is a popular drink that is easy to make and can be enjoyed when you need a cold, refreshing drink. There’s a different kick to it, just trust us and give it a try.

  1. Sinh Tố Bơ

Dessert or smoothie? This can definitely be considered as both. If you like avocados, this Vietnamese food item is for you. Make sure you have a ripe avocado when making this drink. It’s thick, sweet, and your taste buds will thank you.

  1. Chè Chuối

What type of Vietnamese food is warm, creamy, and sweet you ask? Chè chuối is a must try dessert that has texture, flavor, and will hit the spot when you’re looking for something sweet. This dessert features bananas in a rich coconut sauce, with tapioca pearls and topped off with crushed peanuts and sesame seeds. This is a favorite in many Vietnamese households.

These are just a few Vietnamese food dishes that you must try, but there are so many more delicious ones that you can’t miss. Check out our recipe page and our cookbook for more dishes to enjoy. Your taste buds will thank you!