What's good for you doesn't necessarily taste good, at least that's what we thought until we tried Vietnamese cuisine. Known for its refinement, generosity and flavours, Vietnamese cuisine appeals to both gourmets and connoisseurs with its simmered dishes, grilled meats and wide range of specialities. The main ingredients are vegetables, seafood, fish and meat. If we had to present it to you in one sentence, it would be as follows: a gentle blend of age-old tradition, local know-how and influences from other Asian countries. Vietnam is a rich country, not just because of its lush jungle and heavenly beaches, and we intend to prove it to you with this selection of 15 Vietnamese culinary specialities not to be missed.
1. Bánh Bao, a soft brioche with a warm heart
It's round and, above all, it's good: we're talking, of course, about the banh bao. This little brioche, inspired by the Chinese baozi, is steamed and stuffed with a savoury mixture (sweet variations also exist). We have to admit, it's one of the Vietnamese culinary specialities that made us fall in love with it. The dough, made from wheat flour, yeast and sugar, is smooth on the surface and soft, warm and chewy on the inside. The icing on the cake is the filling. Made with minced pork, hard-boiled egg, black mushroom and soya vermicelli, it's the promise of a juicy, crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth bite. Other variations of this delicious hot heart are available to envelop you in the flavour and pleasure of bao.
Did you know? Are you more of a savoury breakfast fan? Banh bao can be served with a glass of milk. As well as being satiating, it'll keep you going until midday without any difficulty.
As a gourmet, you've started by finding out about Vietnamese culinary specialities, but when it comes to planning the rest of your trip, you're completely lost. Don't panic: Discover the advantages of using a local French-speaking travel agency so that you don't miss out on anything in Vietnam.
2. Bo Bun, one of Vietnam's most famous culinary specialities
The star of this selection is an ancestral dish that has now become a modern urban creation - drum roll, we call it Bo Bun! Internationally renowned, this street food can be found everywhere but is more prevalent in the south. " Bo" means beef and "bun" means rice vermicelli. Tasting it means discovering a mix of textures and flavours, each more delicious than the last. The crunchy freshness of mint, coriander, cucumber and carrots. The sweet and savoury nuoc mam sauce, the generosity of this well-stuffed bowl... this is THE speciality not to be missed during your trip to Vietnam. You've already ordered, the Bo Bun is on the table in front of you but there's no sign of your appointment and you're worried it's going to get cold? Don't worry, it can be eaten warm or cold.
Good to know: many versions of bo bun offer egg rolls cut into pieces. The crunchiness of the egg rolls contrasts with the softness of the vermicelli. This makes the dish more generous and rich.
The one thing you can't take away from bo bun is that it's as beautiful as it is good! At Le Petit Futé, we're passionate about beauty when it's on our plates, but also when we discover it in exceptional places. What about you? Discover the 21 most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam.
3. Bánh Xèo, a crunchy pancake with a filling that's sure to make your mouth water
You're in the mood for something both crispy and juicy, but what? We might have a little idea for you... Banh Xeo.
Good to know in Vietnamese, bánh means cake and xèo is an onomatopoeia that evokes the sizzling sound of the pastry on the hot plate.
Rooted in the culinary culture of southern Vietnam, this popular dish resembles a pancake but contains no eggs. It is filled with peeled prawns, thin slices of pork, fresh bean sprouts and a hint of turmeric. This is one of Vietnam's culinary specialities, and can be eaten at parties, family meals or in street stalls. In short, it's a unique taste with something for everyone. This speciality requires real culinary know-how: Banh Xeo is fragile and can break if the griddle is not hot enough, oiled or there is too much of it.
Did you know? Depending on where you are in the country, you won't taste the same bánh xèo. In fact, there are different regional variations of this dish. In the south, the pancake is very thin, crispy, brittle and large. In the centre, it is smaller, thicker and softer. Finally, in the North, it is quite rare as it is eaten more in the South.
You're going to Vietnam for 2 weeks and you've decided to discover as many things as possible, and Bánh Xèo is one of them. If you don't want to miss a thing, visit the best itinerary to visit Vietnam in 2 weeks.
4. Bánh Mi, an exotic sandwich to take a bite out of Vietnam
When you were younger, you loved the ham and butter sandwiches you took with you on school picnics. Would you like to revisit this snack so dear to your heart? Banh Mi could be a possibility, except that it only has the bread and the fact that it's a sandwich in common with butter ham. Whereas your madeleine de Proust was sweet and comforting, Banh Mi is crunchy and... explosive. This iconic Vietnamese sandwich is one of the best-known street food dishes in the world. Tasting it warm or hot is a colourful journey. First, you smell the crusty bread. A split second later, you're enveloped by the softness of the meat. And then the carrots, cucumber and chilli give you a spicy refreshment. In just one mouthful, you feel as if you've travelled to another country or another flavour. The only thing you can be sure of is that a second mouthful is waiting for you.
Good to know bread: bread was introduced by French colonists during Vietnam's colonial period. The Vietnamese then added their own fillings.
The format of the Banh Mi is really very practical: you can eat it anywhere, even while walking. Just the thing, you've had enough of ham and butter on your treks and this seems like the perfect alternative. Speaking of treks, do you know the most beautiful treks in Asia ?
5. Pho soup, one of Vietnam's most comforting culinary specialities
Some days are sad. Nothing catches your eye, your mood is grey. That's just the way it is... There are Vietnamese dishes that cuddle you. A little depth and comfort, the flavours colour your mood. Phở soup is one of them, it's just the way it is and we love it! A steaming broth, clear and intense, floating noodles, supple and slippery, slices of beef and fine herbs; there's no time for happiness, phở soup can be enjoyed at any time of day. Simmered for between 6 and 12 hours, the broth is made from beef bones, grilled onions, whole spices and nước mắm sauce.
Savvy Tip: To enjoy phở soup properly, start by tasting a spoonful of broth. You'll then feel all its flavours and depth. Then grab your chopsticks. Taste the noodles and the slices of beef, and you'll be aware of the range of tastes this dish has to offer. Next, there are no more rules: alternate between the noodles, the beef and the broth... Enjoy!
What comforts you is a good Pho soup... but also romantic films. For our dearest romantics, we've got you covered with our top 15 most romantic destinations in the world !
6. Bun Cha: a rendezvous that combines melt-in-your-mouth, crunchy and juicy in a single plate.
All it takes is one bite of Bún chả and you'll feel happiness spread across your tongue. This signature Hanoi dish is a lunch staple for locals, with its rice vermicelli, slices of pork and minced meatballs grilled over a wood fire, fresh herbs and raw vegetables. Juicy, soft dumplings meet the firmness of the grilled pork slices, the caramelised flavour, the sweet acidity of the sauce and the crunchy freshness of the vegetables... there's no denying it, we've fallen for Vietnam's culinary specialities, and this one in particular.
Good to know good to know: Preparing bún chả properly is not something just anyone can do. In fact, it was created at a time when Vietnamese street food was developing. There are specific rules that have been handed down from generation to generation for its preparation.
Hanoi is a magnificent city. Its richness is not just limited to its bún chả (as delicious as it is). Find out what to do and see in Hanoi with our 17 not-to-be-missed highlights.
7. Bun Bo Hue, one of Vietnam's culinary specialities from the country's former imperial capital
To be fully happy, it requires 5 ingredients. A long simmered broth made from beef bones, slices of beef, thick, round vermicelli, fermented prawn paste and a side dish made from bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lemon and chilli. To cut a long story short, happiness lies purely and simply in Bún bò Huế. This Vietnamese speciality, which originated in the former imperial capital of Vietnam, has a deep, spicy broth that is more complex than Phở. The soup is fluid and fatty, the whole dish an explosive and bold mix.
Did you know Fermented shrimp paste called mắm tôm is used in most dishes in Vietnamese cuisine. It has a powerful flavour and is obtained by fermenting prawns and salt.
Being fully happy also means travelling without getting annoyed by overtourism. Discover our top 15 tourist alternatives to avoid mass tourism.
8. Nem Ran: crispy spring rolls.
You know them, you've certainly eaten them, and you're sure to love them: nem rán are crispy spring rolls made with chicken, but they've been revisited with Vietnamese ingredients. Beneath a golden layer of deep-fried batter lies a treasure trove of minced meat, black mushrooms, vermicelli, grated carrot and raw egg, all seasoned with nuoc mam and black pepper. These textured, fragrant and juicy little bombs are traditionally hospitality dishes but are now served on the street, as a family starter or as an accompaniment to Bún chả.
Good to know the origin of Vietnamese egg rolls is disputed. Indeed, as Vietnam has been subject to foreign invasions in the past, its cuisine has been influenced by them. Some Vietnamese believe that they are inspired by Chinese rolls, even though the sauce that accompanies them is not at all the same.
Fried food, there's nothing your pretty young heads like more. That's a good start, but it could well be that egg rolls aren't the only thing your toddlers enjoy on your trip.. Discover why Vietnam is a surprising family destination.
9. Cao Lau, uniquely tasty noodles in Hoi An
Cao Lầu is an emblematic speciality of Hoi An. The noodles that make it up are renowned for their unique texture: yellow, firm, almost rubbery. There is little broth in this dish, but the filling is generous, with marinated slices of pork, croutons made from the noodles, fried pork skin and local herbs to add freshness. Affordable, it is often found in the old quarters of Hoi An.
Good to know you won't find authentic taste anywhere else but in Hoi An. Its unique flavour comes from the water in which it is prepared. It comes from a well in Hoi An and gives the dish a nice starchy taste.
Before planning your trip to Vietnam, you didn't know Hoi An at all, and that worries you. What city should you visit in Vietnam? We have no hesitation in saying Ho Chi Minh. Discover the 15 must-sees in Ho Chi Minh.
10. Thịt Kho Hột Vịt, one of Vietnam's culinary specialities to warm up with
If it's a cool day, no doubt about it, it's time to enjoy a Thịt Kho Hột Vịt. Very popular in southern Vietnam, it is usually served with rice. It is braised meat cut into a square shape, marinated in fresh coconut water, lemon, garlic, onions and ripe peppers. It is often prepared to be eaten during the Lunar New Year, as once prepared it can be stored and reheated quickly when the time comes. This dish symbolises yin and yang with the balance of sweet and savoury, the sweetness of pork and the freshness of coconut milk.
It's got your mouth watering, only the catch is that you're a vegetarian. Discover the 10 destinations where you can eat vegetarian.
11. Lẩu, a convivial dish
You've heard of the Savoyard fondue, but have you heard of Lẩu, the Vietnamese fondue? A boiling pot is placed in the centre of the table into which each guest dips ingredients such as meat, seafood or vegetables. The broth is rich and tasty as it simmers throughout the meal, to the rhythm of the ingredients you dip into it. Ideal for a convivial moment with family or friends, there are many variations of Lẩu. In the north of the country, its flavours are spicy, rich and sweet. In the centre, they are more pronounced with spices and a seafood-based broth. Finally, in the south, it is mild and fresh, with a broth made from chicken, pork or seafood bones, spices, onion, garlic and chilli. What should you remember? Whatever your taste, there's bound to be a fondue to suit you, as each region has its own characteristics.
Vietnamese fondue is one of our favourite specialities, but we have to admit it's one that ticks all the boxes. What could be better than a little walk to digest or, even better, a hike! Discover the Top 10 destinations for magnificent hikes.
12. Cà Phê Trứng: one of Vietnam's culinary specialities, halfway between a drink and a dessert
Coffee shop and coffee lovers, if you're in Hanoi, don't miss cà phê trứng, or egg coffee. Yes, that's right. Put like that, it may not sound very tasty, but in fact, it's quite the opposite.
Did you know? This speciality was created in 1946. Mr Giang, a barman in a large hotel, replaced milk, which was scarce and expensive at the time, with a mixture of beaten eggs, condensed milk and sugar. It's easy to see why this speciality has become a national pride and a symbol of creativity for Hanoians!
It's an intense coffee, topped with a creamy foam made from egg yolk and sweetened condensed milk. Traditionally served in a transparent cup, it's so creamy you'd think it was a dessert. If you like your coffee intense but wouldn't mind a little sweetness, we can't recommend it enough.
Egg coffee is no secret in Vietnam, to say the least! On the other hand, for a total immersion in this magnificent country, read our articlediscovering a secret Vietnam.
13. Bánh Chuối: a sweet treat with banana and coconut milk
You're travelling to the south of Vietnam with your toddlers, and despite the huge bowl of noodles wolfed down at lunch, they're clamouring for their snack? But what to give them? Don't worry, we're going to give you back the banana with this sweet treasure that's among the best Vietnamese culinary specialities: bánh chuối. It's a cake that looks like stale bread pudding soaked in milk, with ripe banana, coconut milk and brown sugar, baked in the oven. It can be found in dessert stalls in markets and from street vendors.
Did you know? Banh chuối is mostly baked in the oven; it is then called bánh chuối nướng, literally "baked banana cake". If it's steamed, in which case it's called bánh chuối hấp, translated "steamed banana cake".
Vietnam is a gourmet destination, but making it is also an adventure (especially when you leave with only a backpack and a heart open to discovery)! Discover the best destinations for backpackers in Asia.
14. Bánh Phu Thê: love and fidelity to savour, one of Vietnam's most romantic culinary specialities
Love and fidelity encapsulated in a cake, with a texture as sticky and solid as marriage: this is Banh Phu The, the husband and wife cake. Originally from Dinh Bang, it is traditionally eaten at wedding ceremonies. It symbolises conjugal love, fidelity and the complementary nature of the relationship. The shell is made from rice flour and tapioca flour, and the filling is shelled mung beans and sugar. There's no need to heat it, it can be eaten at room temperature. Feeling peckish? This colourful snack is the answer.
Did you know? Traditionally, men give this cake to the girl they want to marry. The filling, coloured yellow, symbolises fidelity, like a heart of gold.
We love these little cakes, but perhaps not so much our Top 10 strangest Asian specialities: will you dare to try them?
15. Bánh Trung Thu: the moon cake
Decidedly in the mood for romance, our latest speciality is a dessert, or should we say a crystallisation of love in a pretty round cake: Banh Trung, translated as moon cake. Often eaten during the mid-autumn celebrations, it symbolises reunion and happiness. This Chinese cake comes in many variations. The filling can be bean paste, lotus seed or a mixture of nuts and candied fruit. To enjoy it properly, it should be accompanied by a cup of tea to combine its sweetness with that of the tea.
Did you know? Great attention is paid to the packaging of these sweet little wonders. They are usually decorated with Vietnamese motifs such as lotuses, the moon or scenes from daily life. They can be made of rigid cardboard or in metal boxes. Today's brands are very innovative, offering new box formats.
Are you a fan of Asian cuisine? Discover our top 15 Thai culinary specialities to try.
