Vietnam is a street food paradise. From the sizzling corners of Saigon to the quiet alleys of Hanoi, the aromas, flavors, and colors of Vietnamese cuisine come alive in its street food. Here’s a mouthwatering list of must-try dishes if you’re wandering the streets with an appetite.
🥖 Bánh Mì – The Iconic Vietnamese Sandwich
A fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary influences, bánh mì is a crispy baguette stuffed with grilled pork, pâté, pickled daikon and carrots, cucumber, cilantro, chili, and mayo. Each bite is a perfect harmony of crunchy, tangy, savory, and spicy.
🍜 Phở – Vietnam’s Famous Noodle Soup
Phở is Vietnam’s most recognized dish globally. Traditionally served for breakfast, this comforting broth is simmered for hours with beef bones, cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom, then poured over flat rice noodles and thinly sliced beef or chicken. A side of fresh herbs, lime, and chili lets you tailor it to your taste.
🥟 Bánh Xèo – The Vietnamese Crêpe
Meaning “sizzling pancake,” bánh xèo gets its name from the sound it makes when the rice flour batter hits the hot pan. Stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, it’s wrapped in lettuce or mustard leaves and dipped in nước chấm (fish sauce dip).
🍢 Nem Nướng – Grilled Pork Skewers
These juicy pork skewers are marinated with garlic, sugar, and fish sauce, then grilled over charcoal. Often served with rice paper, herbs, pickles, and a rich peanut sauce, they make for a fun and interactive meal.
🐚 Ốc – Sea Snail Delights
Street stalls specializing in ốc (sea snails and shellfish) are popular night hangouts. Whether stir-fried in tamarind, steamed with lemongrass, or sautéed in coconut milk, the variety and bold flavors are endless.
🥚 Trứng Vịt Lộn – The Balut of Vietnam
Not for the faint of heart, this fertilized duck egg is considered a delicacy. Served with salt, pepper, lime, and rau răm (Vietnamese coriander), it’s believed to be nutritious and energizing.
🍲 Bún Bò Huế – Central Vietnam’s Spicy Soup
Hailing from Huế, this noodle soup is bold and spicy, with a lemongrass-infused broth, thick rice noodles, beef shank, pork knuckle, and sometimes congealed blood. It’s richer and more assertive than phở.
🥬 Gỏi Cuốn – Fresh Spring Rolls
These light and healthy rolls are filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and herbs, all wrapped in translucent rice paper. Dip them in hoisin-peanut sauce or a tangy fish sauce blend for a refreshing snack.
🍚 Cơm Tấm – Broken Rice Delight
Popular in the South, cơm tấm is made with fractured rice grains. It’s typically topped with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, steamed egg loaf, and a fried egg—drizzled with savory fish sauce.
🦐 Bánh Khọt – Mini Coconut Shrimp Pancakes
These crispy little treats are made with coconut milk and rice flour, filled with shrimp, and cooked in special molds. Served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce, they offer a crispy-creamy contrast that’s irresistible.
🍛 Phá Lấu – Saigon’s Street Food Treasure
A beloved street snack in southern Vietnam, Phá Lấu is made from pork or beef offal (like stomach, intestines, and liver), slow-cooked in a coconut milk curry infused with star anise, cinnamon, and five-spice powder. It’s served with bread for dipping or sometimes with noodles. Rich, aromatic, and slightly sweet, phá lấu is comfort food for many Saigon locals.
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