Vietnamese Street Food – Must-Try Dishes for Foodies

Posted By: John Lewisohn / Vietnam Travel Guides

Vietnam is a food lover’s paradise! Try Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha, and Banh Xeo at street markets like Ben Thanh in Ho Chi Minh City or Dong Xuan in Hanoi for an authentic taste.

Vietnamese Street Food – A Culinary Adventure

Vietnam is known worldwide for its delicious street food, offering a perfect balance of flavors, freshness, and affordability. Whether you’re in the bustling streets of Hanoi, the vibrant markets of Ho Chi Minh City, or the charming lanes of Hoi An, you’ll find countless food stalls serving some of the best Vietnamese dishes.

This Vietnamese food guide will introduce you to must-try street foods in Vietnam, the famous Pho to the crispy Banh Xeo. Plus, we’ll share the best places to eat and foodie tips to help you experience Vietnam’s street food like a local!

A bustling Vietnamese street food market with vendors serving Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha, spring rolls, and Banh Xeo, offering an authentic taste of Vietnams rich cuisine. — A bustling Vietnamese street food market with vendors serving **Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha, spring rolls, and Banh Xeo**, offering an authentic taste of Vietnam’s rich cuisine - (Source: Collected)

1. Pho – Vietnam’s Iconic Noodle Soup

Pho (pronounced "fuh") is Vietnam’s most famous dish, consisting of rice noodles, slow-cooked broth, beef or chicken, and fresh herbs. It’s a staple breakfast food and can be found on almost every street corner.

Where to Eat the Best Pho:

Hanoi: Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan Street) – A legendary Pho restaurant with a rich, flavorful broth.

Ho Chi Minh City: Pho Hoa Pasteur (260C Pasteur Street) – A popular Pho spot with generous portions.

Foodie Tip: Squeeze fresh lime, add chili, and mix in some herbs to enhance the flavor!

A steaming bowl of Pho, Vietnams iconic noodle soup, featuring tender beef or chicken, fresh herbs, rice noodles, and flavorful broth, served with lime and chili. — A steaming bowl of **Pho**, Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, featuring tender beef or chicken, fresh herbs, rice noodles, and flavorful broth, served with lime and chili - (Source: Collected)

2. Banh Mi – The Ultimate Vietnamese Sandwich

Banh Mi is a crispy baguette sandwich stuffed with various fillings such as grilled pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chili sauce. A fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine, it’s a must-try street food!

Where to Eat the Best Banh Mi:

Hoi An: Banh Mi Phuong (2B Phan Chu Trinh Street) – Made famous by Anthony Bourdain, this shop serves one of Vietnam’s best Banh Mi.

Ho Chi Minh City: Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (26 Le Thi Rieng Street) – A legendary Banh Mi stall with generous fillings.

Foodie Tip: Try different fillings like egg, chicken, and barbecue pork for a unique experience!

A crispy Banh Mi baguette filled with grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and chili sauce, offering a perfect blend of Vietnamese and French flavors. — A crispy **Banh Mi** baguette filled with grilled pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and chili sauce, offering a perfect blend of Vietnamese and French flavors - (Source: Collected)

3. Bun Cha – Hanoi’s Signature Dish

Bun Cha is a grilled pork dish served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a sweet-sour dipping sauce. It’s a Hanoi specialty and was famously enjoyed by President Barack Obama when he visited Vietnam.

Where to Eat the Best Bun Cha:

Hanoi: Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu Street) – Also known as "Obama Bun Cha," this spot is famous for its authentic flavors.

Hanoi: Bun Cha Dac Kim (1 Hang Manh Street) – A local favorite serving delicious grilled pork.

Foodie Tip: Pair Bun Cha with Nem Ran (fried spring rolls) for a complete meal!

A delicious serving of Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty with grilled pork, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce, served alongside crispy spring rolls. — A delicious serving of **Bun Cha**, a Hanoi specialty with grilled pork, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce, served alongside crispy spring rolls - (Source: Collected)

4. Goi Cuon – Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Goi Cuon, or Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, are made with shrimp, pork, rice noodles, and fresh herbs wrapped in translucent rice paper. They are usually served with peanut dipping sauce or fish sauce.

Where to Eat the Best Goi Cuon:

Ho Chi Minh City: Banh Trang Cuon Ba Huynh (Huynh Van Banh Street) – A popular place specializing in fresh spring rolls.

Da Nang: Madame Lan (4 Bach Dang Street) – A well-known restaurant serving high-quality spring rolls.

Foodie Tip: Goi Cuon is a healthy, light snack, perfect for refreshing your palate between meals!

Fresh Vietnamese spring rolls (Goi Cuon) filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs, wrapped in rice paper and served with a savory peanut dipping sauce. — Fresh **Vietnamese spring rolls** (Goi Cuon) filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs, wrapped in rice paper and served with a savory peanut dipping sauce - (Source: Collected)

5. Banh Xeo – Vietnam’s Crispy Pancake

Banh Xeo is a crispy, savory pancake made rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, and stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It’s served with lettuce, herbs, and a tangy fish sauce dip.

Where to Eat the Best Banh Xeo:

Ho Chi Minh City: Banh Xeo 46A (46A Dinh Cong Trang Street) – One of the most famous Banh Xeo spots in Vietnam.

Da Nang: Ba Duong (K280/23 Hoang Dieu Street) – A hidden gem serving crispy and delicious Banh Xeo.

Foodie Tip: Wrap the pancake in lettuce and herbs before dipping it in fish sauce for the best flavor!

A crispy Banh Xeo, Vietnams savory pancake made from rice flour and turmeric, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and a tangy fish sauce dip. — A crispy **Banh Xeo**, Vietnam’s savory pancake made from rice flour and turmeric, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and a tangy fish sauce dip - (Source: Collected)

Where to Find the Best Street Food in Vietnam

Vietnam is full of incredible street food markets where you can try multiple dishes in one place.

Top Street Food Markets in Vietnam:

Hanoi: Dong Xuan Market – A lively market offering Pho, Bun Cha, and fresh seafood.

Ho Chi Minh City: Ben Thanh Market – A famous tourist spot with countless street food stalls.

Da Nang: Helio Night Market – A great place for Banh Xeo, seafood, and local delicacies.

Hoi An: Hoi An Night Market – The best place to try Banh Mi, White Rose Dumplings, and Cao Lau.

Dong Xuan Market, Hanois largest market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, clothing, souvenirs, and delicious Vietnamese street food like Pho, Banh Mi, and Bun Cha. — **Dong Xuan Market**, Hanoi’s largest market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, clothing, souvenirs, and delicious **Vietnamese street food** like **Pho, Banh Mi, and Bun Cha** - (Source: Collected)

Foodie Tips for Eating Street Food in Vietnam

✔ Eat where the locals eat – A busy stall usually means fresh food!

✔ Try new flavors – Don’t be afraid to explore unfamiliar dishes.

✔ Bring cash – Most street vendors don’t accept credit cards.

✔ Use chopsticks or spoons – Avoid touching food directly with your hands.

✔ Check hygiene – Choose vendors that keep their cooking areas clean.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam is truly a food lover’s paradise, with endless street food options that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re enjoying a bowl of Pho in Hanoi, a Banh Mi in Hoi An, or Banh Xeo in Ho Chi Minh City, each dish tells a story of Vietnam’s culture and traditions.

Follow this Vietnamese food guide, explore the country’s best street food markets, and treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary adventure!

Tags: must-try food in Vietnam, best Vietnamese dishes, Vietnamese food

Best Itinerary Services: 10-Day Vietnam Street Food Tour Itinerary

Day 1-2: Hanoi – The Capital’s Culinary Delights

Explore the Old Quarter and enjoy Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) for breakfast.
Try Bún Chả (grilled pork with noodles), famous from Barack Obama's visit.
Savor Egg Coffee at a hidden café.
Enjoy a street food tour with Bánh Mì, Nem Rán (fried spring rolls), and Chè (Vietnamese sweet soup).

Day 3-4: Hue – The Imperial Cuisine

Visit Dong Ba Market for local specialties like Bún Bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup).
Try Bánh Bèo (steamed rice cakes) and Bánh Khoái (crispy pancakes).
Enjoy a royal-style dinner featuring traditional Hue dishes.

Day 5-6: Hoi An – A Food Lover’s Paradise

Take a cooking class and learn to make Cao Lầu (Hoi An-style noodles).
Visit Hoi An Night Market for Bánh Mì Phượng, known as one of the best in Vietnam.
Try Mì Quảng (turmeric noodles with shrimp and pork) and Bánh Xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancake).

Day 7-8: Ho Chi Minh City – The Heart of Southern Cuisine

Start the day with Cơm Tấm (broken rice with grilled pork).
Visit Ben Thanh Market for Gỏi Cuốn (fresh spring rolls) and Bò Lá Lốt (grilled beef in betel leaves).
Explore street food alleys for Hủ Tiếu (Southern-style noodle soup).

Day 9: Mekong Delta – A Taste of the Countryside

Take a boat trip and sample Bánh Xèo Mekong-style.
Visit floating markets and taste fresh tropical fruits and coconut candy.
Enjoy a home-cooked meal with local specialties like Cá Kho Tộ (caramelized fish in clay pot).

Top 5 Destinations for a Vietnam Street Food Tour

Ho Chi Minh City – The Street Food Capital of the South
Mekong Delta – A Taste of the Countryside
Hoi An – A Culinary Treasure
Hue – The Royal Cuisine Hub
Hanoi – The Capital of Iconic Dishes

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is a food lover’s dream, offering a mix of traditional and modern flavors.
⭐ Must-try dishes:

Cơm Tấm – Broken rice with grilled pork, egg, and fish sauce.
Hủ Tiếu – Southern-style noodle soup with pork and shrimp.
Bò Lá Lốt – Grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves, served with rice paper and fresh herbs.

⭐ Best places: Ben Thanh Market, Vinh Khanh Street, and District 4’s street food stalls.

The Mekong Delta offers a different kind of street food experience with its floating markets and rural specialties.
⭐ Must-try dishes:

Bánh Xèo Mekong-style – Large, crispy Vietnamese pancakes with shrimp and bean sprouts.
Cá Kho Tộ – Caramelized fish cooked in a clay pot.
Fresh tropical fruits – Durian, mango, rambutan, and more.

⭐ Best places: Cai Rang Floating Market and local village markets.

Hoi An is a small town with a big reputation for unique local dishes.
⭐ Must-try dishes:

Cao Lầu – A special noodle dish with pork, crispy crackers, and fresh herbs.
Bánh Mì Phượng – One of the best Vietnamese baguettes in the country.
White Rose Dumplings – Delicate shrimp dumplings served with crispy shallots.

⭐ Best places: Hoi An Night Market and Bánh Mì Phượng shop.

Hue, once the imperial capital, is known for its sophisticated and visually stunning cuisine.
⭐ Must-try dishes:

Bún Bò Huế – A spicy beef noodle soup with lemongrass and shrimp paste.
Bánh Bèo – Small steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp and crispy shallots.
Nem Lụi – Grilled lemongrass skewers served with peanut sauce.

⭐ Best places: Dong Ba Market and street food stalls along Perfume River.

Hanoi is the birthplace of many famous Vietnamese dishes and offers a rich street food culture.
⭐ Must-try dishes:

Pho – Vietnam’s world-famous noodle soup with beef or chicken.
Bún Chả – Grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce.
Egg Coffee – A creamy and sweet coffee made with whipped egg yolk.

⭐ Best places: Old Quarter street vendors, Dong Xuan Market, and Café Giảng.