Top 10 of the best dishes in Vietnam:
Introduction: a culinary journey to the heart of Vietnam
If there is a country where cuisine tells the story of a people, it’s indeed Vietnam. On every street corner, in every bustling market, a fabulous taste experience is revealed, imprinted with millenary traditions and authentic passion.
At Senteurs du Vietnam, we believe that a successful trip is not only about landscapes or temples: it also goes through the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese gastronomy, as rich as diverse.
From North to South, each region offers a range of unique dishes, reflecting the contrasts of the country: the freshness of aromatic herbs, the delicacy of fragrant rice, the power of nuoc mam and the sweetness of coconut milk.
Prepare your taste buds: here is our top 10 of the best dishes in Vietnam to taste absolutely, a real sensory and cultural immersion whether during a cooking class or during a tour for a culinary discovery of street food
Vietnamese gastronomy: between balance and emotion
Harmonious and contrasted flavors
Traditional Vietnamese cuisine is based on a fundamental principle: balance. Inspired by yin and yang, it elegantly marries hot and cold, crunchy and melting, sweet and salty.
Each dish is designed to awaken the senses while preserving the harmony of body and mind.
Rice holds a central place, accompanied by fresh herbs – mint, coriander, basil – and balanced sauces based on nuoc mam, this liquid gold with a subtle taste.
It is this search for harmony and freshness that makes Vietnamese gastronomy so unique and vibrant.
A fascinating regional diversity
- North: sober and delicate cuisine, where the famous phở is born.
- The Centre: imperial heritage, refined and spicy flavors with the bún bò Hué.
- The South: sweet, generous cuisine, influenced by the Mekong delta.
Top 10 of the best Vietnamese dishes to taste absolutely
- Phở: the national soup par excellence
A true symbol of Vietnam, the phở is a culinary institution. This clear broth, simmered with care, goes well with rice noodles and thin slices of beef or chicken.
- Bánh mì: the Franco-Vietnamese heritage
Born from the meeting between the French baguette and Vietnamese creativity, bánh mì is the star of street food in Vietnam.
Crispy, garnished with meat, raw vegetables and chili sauce – a delight to be enjoyed in Hoi An.
- Goi cuon: the fresh and light spring rolls
These Vietnamese spring rolls offer an explosion of freshness and well-being.
Composed of shrimp, vermicelli, herbs and nuoc cham sauce, they are as beautiful as delicious.
- Cơm tam: the broken rice of the South
Emblematic dish of Ho Chi Minh City, the cơm tam combines broken rice, grilled pork, egg and sweet-savory sauce.
Simple, popular, and deeply authentic.
- Bún chả: the specialty of Hanoi
Bún chả brings together vermicelli, grilled pork balls and fresh herbs.
Favorite dish of the Hanoïens, famous since the meal shared by Obama and Bourdain.
- Bún bò Hué: the royal dish of the Centre
Originating from Hue, ancient imperial city, the bún bò Hué offers a spicy and lemony broth, full of character.
A noble dish, symbol of Vietnamese culinary refinement.
- Cao lau: the pearl of Hoi An
Hoi An’s unique specialty, cao lầu combines thick noodles, marinated pork and aromatic herbs.
Its traditional preparation makes it an exclusivity of this mythical city.
- Bánh xèo: the crispy Vietnamese pancake
Golden and light, the bánh xèo crepe is garnished with pork, shrimp, and soy.
We roll her in a salad leaf with herbs and a touch of nuoc cham.
- Thịt kho tàu: the southern caramel pork
A family-friendly dish, thịt kho tàu consists of pork simmered in caramel and coconut milk.
An iconic dish of the South, often served during the Vietnamese New Year.
- Chè: the dessert with a thousand faces
Chè is a sweet dessert with multiple forms: beans, fruits, jellies, coconut milk.
The famous chè ba màu (“with three colors”) seduces with its taste and visual contrasts.
Where to taste these Vietnamese dishes?
In the markets and street food stalls
The markets are the beating heart of Vietnamese gastronomy at any time of the day.
In Hanoi, the Đong Xuân market; in Hué, Đông Ba; in Saigon, Ben Thành: each place is full of culinary discoveries.
Tip: follow the queues of the premises – sign of guaranteed quality!
In family restaurants and local shops
For a more intimate experience, choose family restaurants.
Tips for a successful culinary trip to Vietnam
- Dare to taste everything: curiosity is the key to a successful culinary journey.
- Discover regional diversity: each region reveals its own nuances of flavors.
- Take part in a cooking workshop: learn how to cook a phở or goi cuon with a local chef.
- Respect local customs: share the dishes, toast with a “Một, hai, ba, dô!”.
- Trust local experts: our guides accompany you on authentic and tailor-made culinary journeys.
Conclusion: a journey of flavors and encounters
Exploring Vietnamese gastronomy is diving into a living and generous culture.
From northern soups to southern tropical desserts, each dish tells a story of passion and sharing.
At Senteurs du Vietnam, we invite you to discover these wonders through our exclusive culinary journeys:
meetings with chefs, tastings at the markets and meals at home
Want to taste the authenticity?
Discover our tours and culinary circuits in Vietnam and let yourself be carried away by an unforgettable journey of flavors.
