The Best Street Foods in Vietnam + Best Food Tours in Vietnam
When you travel to Vietnam, you embark on a tantalising journey where each bite tells a story. The vibrant street food scene in Vietnam, is an orchestra of flavours, blending tradition and innovation, and it’s all budget-friendly.
Being a foodie, trying out the best street foods of Vietnam, was one of the top reasons Why I wanted to Visit Vietnam in the first place. While each South East Asian country has something unique to offer in terms of street food, I found Vietnam’s street food to be the best of the lot.
Vietnam, as you already know, is one of the Cheapest Countries in the World, making it extremely popular with backpackers, gap year travellers, and solo travellers.
The best way to explore the thriving culinary scene in Vietnam, is by joining any of the Best Vietnam Food Tours, which is perfect for solo travellers and backpackers, as you’ll get to meet fellow like minded travellers, who might just end up becoming your travel buddies, for your South East Asia Backpacking Trip.
Before you jump to see what the Best Street Food Tours in Vietnam are, acquaint yourself with 10 of the Best Street Foods in Vietnam, that you should be on the lookout for, during your trip to Vietnam.
Contents
- Top 10 Street Foods in Vietnam
- 1. Pho – Vietnam’s Signature Noodle Symphony
- 2. Banh Mi – A French-Inspired Symphony of Tastes
- 3. Goi Cuon – The Artful Fresh Spring Rolls
- 4. Bun Cha – The Charmed Hanoi Treasure
- 5. Com Tam – Broken Rice, Wholesome Delight
- 6. Bun Bo Hue – A Spicy Culinary Masterpiece
- 7. Xoi – Sticky Rice Sensations
- 8. Mi Quang – Noodles from Quang Nam
- 9. Banh Xeo – Crispy Vietnamese Pancakes
- 10. Bo Bia – Vietnamese Spring Rolls
- Best Food Tours in Vietnam
PS – Useful Travel Resources to use while heading to Vietnam to try out the Best Street Foods and Best Food Tours in Vietnam –
- Book your Rental Car in Vietnam on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
- Book the best Vietnam Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
- Book your Accommodation in Vietnam on Agoda or Booking.com
- Book your train/bus travel tickets in Vietnam on 12Go.Asia
- Get the best flight deals on Kiwi.com
- Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
- Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to Vietnam, and get access to premium Airport Lounges.
- Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in Vietnam.
Top 10 Street Foods in Vietnam
Pin this Vietnam Trip Planner featuring the Best Street Foods in Vietnam
1. Pho – Vietnam’s Signature Noodle Symphony
Pho is the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine. This savoury noodle soup combines thin rice noodles with aromatic broth, usually featuring beef or chicken. It’s a harmonious blend of flavours, enriched with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. The bowl of pho is a comfort food masterpiece, whether you’re enjoying it curb side or in a bustling eatery.
Pho – The National Dish of Vietnam | Photo by Kirill Tonkikh on Unsplash
A good hearty bowl of Pho can be had at any time of the day, be it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s delicious, and healthy as well. And it’s cheap.
2. Banh Mi – A French-Inspired Symphony of Tastes
Banh Mi is the lovechild of French and Vietnamese culinary influences. A crisp, golden baguette cradles a medley of ingredients, typically including grilled meats, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and an array of zesty sauces. This satisfying sandwich is a flavour explosion, a must-try for those seeking cheap Vietnamese food.
The Art and The Artist
Keep your eyes open for these roadside stalls selling Banh Mi, when you are out exploring the Best Things to do in Hanoi or the Top Attractions in Ho Chi Minh. I found Banh Mi to be the best thing to eat on the go.
It’s yummy, healthy and not messy to eat.
3. Goi Cuon – The Artful Fresh Spring Rolls
Goi cuon, or fresh spring rolls, are a canvas of translucent rice paper, embracing an assortment of delights. Shrimp, herbs, pork, and rice vermicelli blend in perfect harmony. These refreshing rolls offer a delightful crunch and are paired with a variety of dipping sauces.
The best place to try out Goi Cuon is when you are exploring the different night markets in Vietnam.
If you end up taking a Vietnamese Cooking Class, one of the things you’ll learn to make is Goi Cuon.
4. Bun Cha – The Charmed Hanoi Treasure
Bun cha is a specialty in Hanoi. It consists of juicy grilled pork patties and vermicelli noodles, served alongside a delightful dipping sauce. It’s a dish that captures the true essence of Vietnamese street cuisine – simple, flavourful, and budget-friendly.
5. Com Tam – Broken Rice, Wholesome Delight
Com tam, or broken rice, is a Southern Vietnamese favourite. This dish features rice with a hearty selection of grilled meats and an accompaniment of pickled vegetables and fried eggs. It’s a robust and satisfying meal, popular among both locals and travellers.
6. Bun Bo Hue – A Spicy Culinary Masterpiece
Bun bo Hue is a fiery noodle soup from the historic city of Hue. It’s a symphony of flavours, enriched with lemongrass and chilli. The dish includes thick rice noodles, beef, and a variety of toppings, creating a vibrant, aromatic experience.
7. Xoi – Sticky Rice Sensations
Xoi is sticky rice, transformed into a versatile treat. It can be savoury, often paired with sausage and fried shallots, or sweet, featuring mung beans and coconut. These flavourful combinations are simple yet irresistible.
Xoi is one of those street foods of Vietnam that you’ll probably end up discovering if you end up taking a Food Walk in Vietnam.
8. Mi Quang – Noodles from Quang Nam
Mi Quang is a regional treasure from Quang Nam province. It consists of thick rice noodles bathed in a fragrant, turmeric-infused broth. This harmonious blend is accompanied by a medley of meats and garnished with herbs and roasted peanuts, creating a dish that’s both aromatic and flavourful.
These heart full servings of different noodle soups in Vietnam, are best accompanied with the Vietnamese Spring Rolls, as they add a bit of crunch and freshness to the palette.
9. Banh Xeo – Crispy Vietnamese Pancakes
Banh xeo, known as Vietnamese pancakes or sizzling crepes, are a culinary masterpiece. These golden beauties are made from rice flour, turmeric, and a delightful mixture of fillings such as shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. The result is a crispy and flavourful delight, often served with a side of fresh herbs and nuoc mam dipping sauce.
10. Bo Bia – Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Bo bia is a lesser-known but equally delightful treat. Somewhat similar to Goi Cuon, these fresh spring rolls feature a harmonious blend of jicama, carrots, Chinese sausage, and a sweet peanut sauce, all wrapped within a delicate rice paper roll. It’s a symphony of textures and flavours, and without a doubt one of the Best Street Foods of Vietnam.
The quintessential experience of enjoying the street food in Vietnam, is by sitting on those low height plastic stools, in a crowded street side, with a chilled beer in your hand, and interacting with travellers from around the World.
Best Food Tours in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon
(Top Rated) Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike +SAFE & FUN | Rating – 5/5 | 3865+ Reviews
Private Street Food Tour by Motorbike/Car with Local Students | Rating – 5/5 | 2665+ Reviews
Saigon Princess Dining Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City | Rating – 4.5/5 | 970+ Reviews | 10k+ booked
Craft Beer Tasting Experience in Ho Chi Minh City | Rating – 4.6/5 | 77+ Reviews | 800+ booked
A Taste of Vietnam | Rating – 5/5 | 2885+ Reviews
Seafood Trail | Rating – 5/5 | 710+ Reviews
Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City | Rating – 5/5 | 80+ Reviews
Private Street Food Evening Walking Tour in Ho Chi Minh City | Rating – 5/5 | 1500+ Reviews
Vegan Walk Not Just Vegan Food (10 Bites + Not So Boring History) | Rating – 5/5 | 130+ Reviews
Secret Cocktail Experience in Ho Chi Minh City | Rating – 5/5 | New Tour Launch
SaiGon Foodie & Beer Tour by Vintage Vespa | Rating – 5/5 | New Tour Launch
Hanoi
Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour with Cyclo Ride | Rating – 4.6/5 | 59+ Reviews | 600+ booked
Hanoi Motorbike Tours Led By Women: Hanoi By Night Foodie Motorbike Tours | Rating – 5/5 | 690+ Reviews
Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Street Food – Small Group Tour | Rating – 5/5 | 695+ Reviews
Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour with Water Puppet Show | Rating – 4.7/5 | 118+ Reviews | 900+ booked
5 Traditional Dishes Hanoi Cooking Class with Market Trip | Rating – 5/5 | 1600+ Reviews
Small Group Hanoi Street Food Tour with a Real Foodie | Rating – 5/5 | 2340+ Reviews
Rose Kitchen Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Ha Noi | Rating – 4.8/5 | 720+ Reviews | 9k+ booked
Hoi An + Da Nang
Da Nang Food Tour By Motorbike | Rating – 4.8/5 | 119+ Reviews | 1k+ booked
Hoi An City and Food Tour from Da Nang with Foot Massage | Rating – 5/5
Bike and Bite in Hoi An | Rating – 4.9/5 | 40+ Reviews | 800+ booked
Hoi An Private Food Tour with Aodai Rider | Rating – 5/5 | 40+ Reviews | 400+ booked
Secret Cocktail Experience in Hoi An | Rating – 5/5 | New Tour Launch
Exploring Vietnam’s street foods is like attending a culinary concert where each dish plays a distinct tune, rich in tradition and innovation. When you visit Vietnam, make sure to savour these incredible street foods that define the essence of Vietnam, and end up elevating your immersive Vietnam experience.
Pin this Vietnam Travel Guide featuring the Best Street Food and Food Tours in Vietnam
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