It is the vibrant balance tapestry of flavors, textures, and aromas in Vietnamese street food that has captured many food lovers worldwide. Dive into this ultimate guide to explore top Vietnamese street food through regions and the secret behind its signature flavors.
Hanoi Capital: Signature Vietnamese Street Food
Balance, subtle flavors, and fresh ingredients are the signature of Hanoi street food. Here are the must-try Hanoi street food:
Phở
The soul and spirit of Hanoi is a hot bowl of Pho. This signature dish features flat rice noodles, tender slices of beef or chicken, and a rich broth simmered with various herbs. With just enough squeeze of lime or vinegar, the dish is complete and provides the most comforting feel.
Bánh Cuốn
The soft texture of Banh Cuon, a rice-based dish with the savory fillings of minced pork and mushrooms, topped with crispy shallots, accompanied by tangy fish sauce dip is true heaven. The preparation of Banh Cuon itself is a form of art that requires the chef to cook a very thin layer of Banh Cuon over low heat, add toppings on top, and roll in all without breaking the cake.
Kem Trang Tien
End your street food tour with something sweet by enjoying various flavors of Trang Tien Ice Cream, a beloved culinary icon of Hanoi. This ice cream place has a rich history dating back to 1958 and it is a nostalgic destination for locals and a must-visit. Besides classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla, opt for the signature flavor of green bean and sticky rice called Com, served in cones or popsicles.
Discover more of Hanoi cuisine here
Ninh Binh Province: Local Street Food Favorites
Just two hours from Hanoi, Ninh Bình province is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including the limestone karsts and the famous Tam Cốc and Trang An. It is also home to various dishes that are tasty for any food lover. Here’s a list of the local favorites:
Cơm Cháy (Burnt Rice)
Com Chay is a signature dish of Ninh Binh. It is a state-of-the-art dish where rice is carefully cooked until it becomes golden brown and crispy. There are a variety of toppings such as dried shredded pork or chicken that are completed with a flavorful dipping sauce made from shrimp paste or a special five-spice sauce.
Miến Lươn (Eel Soup)
Mien Luon illustrates the art of combining slow-cooked eel with glass noodle, then intertwined together with a warm, comforting soup. The delicate and tender eel is carefully prepared, already infused with various herbs and spices, sometimes with tamarind, for the added tangy taste.
Quang Binh Province: Top Flavorful Street Food
Located in Central Vietnam, Quang Binh is a province filled with stunning landscapes, including the famous UNESCO site Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. Here’s a list of top flavorful street food
Bánh Bột Lọc (Clear Tapioca Dumplings)
This is a traditional dish of the region made from tapioca flour, giving it a unique texture. This dish is enjoyed with fish sauce with flavorful fillings of shrimp or pork and is often paired with fried shallots and minced herbs.
Mì Quảng (Quảng Style Noodle)
Mi Quang is a regional noodle dish of Quang Binh, famous for its distinct broth and diverse toppings. The whole dish is enjoyed best by an elegant mixture of rich broth made from pork or chicken, topped with herbs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers. The texture of the noodles is thicker than those from other regions
Hue & Hoi An City: Imperial Experience with Street Food
The taste of Hue – Imperial City in Central Vietnam is described as bold, spicy, and elegant as it is deeply rooted in the culinary legacy of the Nguyen Dynasty. It is an imperial experience when indulging in the best of Hue City street food:
Bún Bò Huế
Bun Bo Hue includes more complex toppings, reflecting a nutritious dish that was used to serve the kings. It is a fiery beef noodle soup with toppings of beef, pork hock, and blood pudding. The broth is also true heaven where just a little bit of lemon and side vegetables become balanced but with rich flavor.
Cao Lầu (Hoi An Noodles)
Like the Pho of Hanoi, Cao Lau is Hoi An’s signature noodle dish. It is a bowl of thick noodles topped with slices of tender pork, crispy rice crackers, and fresh herbs. The broth of this noodle is more savory than Pho. All together, the dish is a combination of various textures that is distinctive and satisfying.
Cơm Gà (Chicken Rice)
This is a satisfactory dish for any hungry soul. The rice is cooked in chicken broth, garnished with herbs, and shredded chicken. Sometimes, the dish is topped with crispy shallots for added crunch. Elements in this dish are so balanced, nutritious, and rich in flavor, making your tastebuds pleasing.
Nha Trang City: Street Food with Coastal Charm
Nha Trang is a beautiful beach city in Vietnam. Its allure lies in the street food, accompanied by its coastal charm, making the journey to Nha Trang worth every moment.
Bún Chả Cá (Fish Cake Noodle Soup)
Nha Trang’s bún chả cá is a delightful noodle soup that includes fish cakes, rice noodles, and a savory broth. The charming bowl is infused with soft rice noodles topped with chunks of fish cakes. This dish can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Nem Ninh Hòa (Ninh Hòa Spring Rolls)
Ninh Hoa, located just north of Nha Trang is famous for its delicious spring rolls. These are made from a combination of fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, and marinated meats, all wrapped in rice paper. The freshness and balance of flavors make it an unforgettable snack.
Phan Thiet City: Thrilling Culinary Adventure
Phan Thiết, located in Bình Thuận Province along Vietnam’s southern coast, is known for its fresh seafood and unique local specialties. Visit Phan Thiet for a thrilling culinary adventure.
Bánh Canh Chả Cá (Fish Cake Noodle Soup)
If you are looking for a comforting, hearty, and unconventional soup then Banh Canh Cha Ca is a must-try. The dish features thick rice noodles served in a flavourful fish broth with various fish cakes and fresh cilantro. To top it off, add some chili and lime.
Gỏi Cá Mai (Raw Fish Salad)
Ca Mai is a type of fish that can be found in Phan Thiet’s water. The fish is sliced thinly and mixed with herbs, rice crackers, and peanuts for a combination of fresh and tangy taste. It is a perfect option for food lovers looking for something light, packed with flavors, and interesting.
Ho Chi Minh City: A Melting Pot of Flavors
The street food of Ho Chi Minh City reflects its tropical climate. Dishes are often sweeter and more liberal with fresh herbs and coconut milk. There are many various rice or noodle-based dishes to try, such as:
Hủ Tiếu (Rice Noodle Soup)
This dish is widely available in every nook and cranny of Ho Chi Minh City. It is also a fun dish to enjoy because of its variations with pork, shrimp, or beef. The broth is usually clear and aromatic while the noodles are soft and chewy.
Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)
A plate of broken rice with grilled pork accompanied by pickled vegetables, fried egg, and fish sauce is all you need for a hearty meal. Even though it includes many toppings, the flavor is yet balanced, with the sweetness of pork in contrast with the tanginess of the fish sauce.
Discover more about Southern Vietnamese food here.
How to Make the Most of Your Vietnamese Street Food Tour
To make the most of your Vietnamese street food tour, consider investing in a journey that combines culinary adventure with a scenic ride, such as the SJourney, an all-inclusive luxury train that invites you to explore stunning views while savoring delicious local flavors.
Onboard the SJourney, you are taken care of with the utmost attention in comfort and especially a strategically planned itinerary. The train takes you through 8 prominent cities with off-train activities like cooking classes for an immersive cultural experience. Explore the detailed itinerary here.
Vietnamese Street Food: Amazing Culinary Adventure Awaits
Vietnamese street food reflects the country’s cultural diversity and resilience. The culture dates back centuries with the core values of quick, affordable but nutritious meals, reflecting the preferences in not only taste but also the daily life of people. Embark on this journey is equal to a historical journey to explore the nation’s identity.