Top 13 Vietnamese Street Food 

Authentic Flavors & Local Delights

Vietnam is renowned for its vibrant and diverse street food culture, attracting visitors from all around the world. Iconic dishes like crispy Bánh Mì, flavorful Phở, and sweet, refreshing Chè each offer unique tastes, representing the distinct culinary traditions of different regions. On your journey of discovery, you’ll get the chance to savor must-try dishes, find hidden gems tucked away in narrow alleyways, and uncover tips to fully enjoy the authentic flavors of Vietnamese street food. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the lively, colorful world of Vietnam’s bustling streets and its incredible culinary offerings.

1. Rice Noodle Soup (Phở)

Phở is the most famous Vietnamese dish and has become a culinary icon worldwide. Made from soft rice noodles combined with a flavorful broth, Phở is typically served in two popular varieties: beef (Phở bò) and chicken (Phở gà). The broth is simmered for hours using beef or chicken bones and infused with spices like ginger, cinnamon, and star anise to create its distinctive taste. Some renowned spots to try Phở in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City include Phở Bát Đàn, Phở Thìn, and Phở Lý Quốc Sư.

Suggested location

• Phở Bát Đàn: 49 Bát Đàn, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

• Phở Thìn: 13 Lò Đúc, Hai Bà Trưng, Hanoi

• Phở Hòa: 260C Pasteur, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

• Phở 24: Multiple branches in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

• Phở Lý Quốc Sư: 10 Lý Quốc Sư, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

2. Vietnamese Sandwich (Bánh Mì)

Bánh mì is a perfect fusion of Western and Eastern culinary traditions. With a crispy baguette exterior, the filling typically consists of meat, pâté, cucumber, cilantro, and special sauces. The fillings vary widely, from grilled pork and ham to fried eggs. Popular places to enjoy Bánh mì include Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa in Ho Chi Minh City and Bánh Mì Phượng in Hoi An.

Suggested location

• Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa: 26 Lê Thị Riêng, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Bánh Mì Phượng: 2B Phan Châu Trinh, Hoi An

• Bánh Mì 37: 37 Hàng Cót, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

• Bánh Mì 46: 46 Lý Quốc Sư, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

3. Rice Paper Salad (Bánh Tráng Trộn)

Bánh tráng trộn is a popular Vietnamese street snack, especially loved by young people. The main ingredient is thinly sliced rice paper mixed with toppings like green mango, dried beef, quail eggs, Vietnamese coriander, and peanuts. The dish has a sweet, sour, and spicy flavor that is highly addictive. You can easily find Bánh tráng trộn at night markets or street stalls in Saigon.

Suggested location

• Bánh Tráng Trộn Nguyễn Thái Học: 130 Nguyễn Thái Học, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Bánh Tráng Trộn Lê Lai: 41 Lê Lai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Bánh Tráng Trộn Chợ Đêm: 10 Hùng Vương, Da Lat

4. Sea Snails (Ốc)

Ốc dishes are a street food staple in Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. There are many types of snails, such as coconut-snail stir-fried with coconut milk, grilled salt-chili snails, and garlic-butter stir-fried snails, each offering a unique taste. Famous spots to enjoy these dishes include Ốc Đào in Ho Chi Minh City and various snail eateries along Vĩnh Khánh Street.

Suggested location

• Ốc Đào: 107 Đặng Văn Ngữ, Phú Nhuận, Ho Chi Minh City

• Ốc Hương: 685 Lê Hồng Phong, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

• Ốc Cây Sung: 36 Nguyễn Khuyến, Hanoi

• Ốc Mít Phan Thiết: 2 Tôn Đức Thắng, Phan Thiết

5. Vietnamese Sweet Dessert (Chè)

Chè is a popular Vietnamese dessert that comes in a wide variety of types, such as mung bean sweet soup, mixed sweet soup, and sticky rice balls. Chè is typically sweet and served cold, making it a refreshing treat. Some famous Chè spots in Hanoi include Chè Bốn Mùa and Chè Xoan, while Chè Thái Lan in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-try.

Suggested location

• Chè Bốn Mùa: 25 Nguyễn Trường Tộ, Hanoi

• Chè Xoan: 6B Hàng Đường, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

• Chè Thái Lan: 177 Phạm Ngũ Lão, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Chè Chén: 25 Tôn Đức Thắng, Hue

6. Hoi An Noodles (Cao Lầu)

Cao lầu is a specialty of Hoi An, featuring thick, chewy noodles made from rice flour soaked in lye water. This dish is typically served with sliced char siu pork, fresh herbs, and a special sauce. Hoi An is the best place to experience this unique dish, which embodies the local culinary tradition.

Suggested location

• Cao Lầu Thanh: 26 Trần Phú, Hoi An

• Cao Lầu Bà Bé: 45 Trần Phú, Hoi An

• Cao Lầu 13: 13 Hoàng Diệu, Hoi An

7. Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn / Chả Giò)

Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls) and chả giò (fried spring rolls) are traditional favorites in Vietnamese cuisine. Gỏi cuốn is a fresh and light dish made with shrimp, pork, rice noodles, and fresh herbs wrapped in rice paper, served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce. Chả giò, on the other hand, is deep-fried to a crispy perfection, often filled with ground pork, shrimp, and mung beans.

Suggested location

• Gỏi Cuốn Bánh Xèo: 67 Cửa Bắc, Hanoi

• Chả Giò Bảo Lộc: 157 Nguyễn Trãi, Ho Chi Minh City

• Chả Giò 44: 44 Nguyễn Lương Bằng, Ho Chi Minh City

• Chả Giò Gánh: 43 Tràng Tiền, Hanoi

8. Vietnamese Pizza (Bánh Tráng Nướng)

Bánh tráng nướng, often called "Vietnamese pizza," is made by grilling rice paper until crispy and topping it with ingredients like egg, dried shrimp, green onions, and mayonnaise. This popular street food can be found in night markets in Da Lat and the bustling snack streets of Saigon.

Suggested location

• Bánh Tráng Nướng Đà Lạt: Da Lat Night Market, Da Lat

• Bánh Tráng Nướng Hồ Thị Kỷ: 46 Hồ Thị Kỷ, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

• Bánh Tráng Nướng Phan Thiết: 48 Võ Thị Sáu, Phan Thiết

9. Spicy Green Papaya Salad (Gỏi Khô Bò / Gỏi Đu Đủ)

Gỏi khô bò or gỏi đu đủ is a spicy and tangy salad made from shredded green papaya, dried beef, fresh herbs, and roasted peanuts. This dish is loved for its refreshing crunch and bold flavors, making it a perfect choice for a hot summer day.

Suggested location

• Gỏi Đu Đủ Trường Sa: 115 Trường Sa, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

• Gỏi Khô Bò Cầu Dền: 28 Cầu Dền, Hai Bà Trưng, Hanoi

• Gỏi Đu Đủ Quận 3: 40 Trần Quốc Toản, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

10. Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

Egg coffee is a unique Hanoi specialty made from whisked egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee. The result is a rich, creamy beverage that offers a delightful contrast of sweet and bitter flavors. A famous spot to enjoy this drink is Cafe Giảng in Hanoi.

Suggested location

• Cafe Giảng: 39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

• Cafe Đinh: 13 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

• Cafe Lâm: 60 Ngô Sĩ Liên, Đống Đa, Hanoi

11. Vermicelli with Fried Tofu and Fermented Shrimp Paste (Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm)

Bún đậu mắm tôm is a traditional Northern Vietnamese dish consisting of fresh vermicelli noodles, crispy fried tofu, boiled pork, and a fermented shrimp paste dip. The strong, pungent flavor of the shrimp paste combined with fresh herbs and crunchy tofu creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Suggested location

• Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm Hàng Lược: 42 Hàng Lược, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

• Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm Nguyễn Khuyến: 18 Nguyễn Khuyến, Hanoi

• Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm Tân Mai: 22 Tân Mai, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

12. Spicy Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò Huế)

Bún bò Huế is a spicy, flavorful beef noodle soup from Hue, the former capital of Vietnam. Its broth is rich and aromatic, made with simmered beef bones, lemongrass, chili, and fermented shrimp paste. This dish is typically served with slices of beef, pork knuckles, and crab patties.

Suggested location

• Bún Bò Huế O Xuân: 38 Đoàn Hữu Trưng, Hue

• Bún Bò Huế Lan: 16 Hùng Vương, Hue

• Bún Bò Huế Đông Ba: 5 Đông Ba, Hue

13. Grilled Pork with Vermicelli (Bún Chả)

Bún chả is a famous Hanoi dish featuring grilled pork patties served with fresh vermicelli noodles, herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. The dish gained international fame after former U.S. President Barack Obama enjoyed it during his visit to Vietnam, making it a must-try for anyone exploring the culinary scene in Hanoi.

Suggested location

• Bún Chả Hương Liên: 24 Lê Văn Hưu, Hai Bà Trưng, Hanoi

• Bún Chả Cửa Đông: 41 Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

• Bún Chả Đắc Kỷ: 82 Nguyễn Phong Sắc, Hanoi

• Bún Chả Nướng 57: 57 Lý Thường Kiệt, Hanoi

To wrap up, Vietnam's street food scene is a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and rich history, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. From the iconic Phở to the delicious Bánh Mì, each dish brings a unique taste of Vietnam’s diverse regions and cultural influences. Whether you're a foodie or simply looking to explore, there's no better way to understand the heart of Vietnam than through its street food.

For an even more immersive journey, don’t hesitate to book a tour with Asia Fusion Travel. Our expert guides will take you on a flavorful adventure to the best local eateries, hidden gems, and unforgettable food experiences across Vietnam!

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