Vietnam is a country with a rich and diverse culinary tradition. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the ancient city of Hue, there are endless opportunities to sample the local cuisine.
Vietnamese food is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and delicate balance of textures. Some of the most popular dishes include pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette), and bun cha (grilled pork and noodles).
If you’re a food lover, Vietnam is a must-visit destination. With its delicious food, friendly people, and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder that Vietnam is quickly becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.
Here are a few of the mouth-watering dishes you can try in Vietnam:
- Pho: Pho is Vietnam’s national dish. It’s a noodle soup made with beef broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced beef.
- Banh mi: Banh mi is a Vietnamese baguette sandwich. It’s typically filled with grilled meat, pickled vegetables, and herbs.
- Bun cha: Bun cha is a dish of grilled pork and noodles. It’s often served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, and chilli peppers.
- Cao lau: Cao lau is a noodle dish from Hoi An. It’s made with thick rice noodles, pork, and vegetables.
- Banh xeo: Banh xeo is a crispy pancake made with rice flour, water, and turmeric powder. It’s often filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
- Goi cuon: Goi cuon are Vietnamese spring rolls. They’re made with rice paper, pork, shrimp, and vegetables.
- Tom yum goong: Tom yum goong is a Thai-Vietnamese hot and sour soup. It’s made with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, and chilli peppers.
- Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish. It has rice noodles, shrimp, chicken, tofu, and vegetables.
- Banh mi bo kho: Banh mi bo kho is a Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with beef stew.
Sample Itinerary you shouldn’t miss when going to Vietnam for a food trip
Vietnam is a country with a rich and diverse culinary tradition. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the ancient city of Hue, there are endless opportunities to sample the local cuisine. Here is a 5-day itinerary for a food lover’s trip to Vietnam, complete with tips on where to find the best food stops.
Day 1: Hanoi
- Start your day with a bowl of pho, Vietnam’s national dish. This hearty noodle soup is made with beef broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced beef.
- In the afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and stroll through the Old Quarter. Here you’ll find a maze of streets lined with street food stalls selling everything from banh mi (Vietnamese baguettes) to pho.
- For dinner, head to Bun Cha Huong Lien, a popular restaurant serving bún chả, grilled pork and rice noodles.
Day 2: Hue
- In the morning, visit the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former imperial capital is home to several impressive palaces and temples.
- In the afternoon, take a boat trip down the Perfume Pagoda River to the Perfume Pagoda. This Buddhist temple complex is one of Vietnam’s most important pilgrimage sites.
- For dinner, head to Huong Giang Restaurant, which serves traditional Hue dishes, such as banh beo (steamed rice cakes) and banh xeo (crispy pancakes).
Day 3: Hoi An
- Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved ancient town. The streets are lined with traditional shophouses, many of which have been converted into restaurants and cafes.
- In the morning, visit the Japanese Covered Market, where you can find a variety of souvenirs and local delicacies.
- In the afternoon, take a cooking class and learn to make some of your favourite Vietnamese dishes.
- For dinner, head to White Rose Restaurant, which serves traditional Hoi An dishes, such as cao lau (a noodle dish) and banh mi (Vietnamese baguettes).
Day 4: Da Nang
- Da Nang is a coastal city with a beautiful beachfront. There are also several interesting historical sites, such as the Cham Museum and the Marble Mountains.
- In the morning, visit the Cham Museum, which houses a collection of Cham artefacts, including statues, reliefs, and ceramics.
- In the afternoon, hike up the Marble Mountains, a group of five limestone hills sacred to the Cham people.
- Head to Bà Nà Hills, a mountain resort about 40 kilometres from Da Nang, for dinner. Here you can enjoy a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City
- Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. There are several historical and cultural attractions and a vibrant nightlife scene to visit.
- In the morning, visit the War Remnants Museum, which tells the story of the Vietnam War.
- In the afternoon, visit the Ben Thanh Market, a bustling market where you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
- For dinner, head to Bún chả Hương Liên, a popular restaurant that serves bún chả, a dish of grilled pork and rice noodles.
This is just a suggested itinerary; you can customize it to fit your interests and budget. No matter how you spend time in Vietnam, you will surely enjoy the delicious food and friendly people.
Here are some additional tips for finding the best food stops in Vietnam:
- Look for street food stalls that are crowded with locals. This is a good sign that the food is fresh and delicious.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things. Vietnamese cuisine is full of unique and flavorful dishes.
- Ask your hotel concierge or tour guide for recommendations. They’ll be able to point you toward some of the best restaurants and street food stalls in town.
Do not forget Vietnamese Coffee
Why must you try Vietnamese coffee?
Vietnamese coffee is a unique and delicious drink made with dark roast coffee, condensed milk, and hot water. It is typically served with ice and is a refreshing and flavorful way to enjoy coffee.
Here are a few reasons why you should try Vietnamese coffee:
- It is a unique and delicious coffee drink.
- It is a refreshing and flavorful way to enjoy coffee.
- It is a social drink that is perfect for enjoying with friends.
- It is a relatively affordable coffee drink.
Where to find Vietnamese coffee
You can find Vietnamese coffee in many places around the world. In Vietnam, you can find it in most coffee shops and restaurants. You can also find it in many speciality coffee shops in other countries.
If you are looking for Vietnamese coffee to buy online, many websites sell it. You can also find it in some grocery stores and speciality food stores.
Here are some tips for finding Vietnamese coffee:
- Look for coffee that is made with dark roast coffee beans.
- Look for coffee that is made with condensed milk.
- Look for coffee that is served with ice.
- Ask your local coffee shop or grocery store if they carry Vietnamese coffee.
You can easily have a delicious and memorable food trip to Vietnam with a bit of planning. If you want to visit Vietnam, send me a message, and I can help you whip up a good travel itinerary and help you book a ticket to enjoy these delicious and mouth-watering recommendations.
