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Best street food in Vietnam

  Aug 11, 2023

  By Ms. Anh Thu

Overview

Have you tried the best street food in Vietnam? Do you know that Vietnam is one of the places with the best street food in the world, according to a review from Lonely Planet? Vietnamese cuisine seems to be an invisible string holding the footsteps of distant guests. If you are on a trip to Vietnam and wonder which street food to try, you are in the right place. Let’s explore the top 10 best street food in Vietnam!


Vietnamese cuisine


Vietnamese cuisine reflects the Vietnamese lifestyle and the country's struggle with poverty and war. Despite being used from inexpensive ingredients, Vietnamese cuisine creates a yin-yang balance, making it simple yet rich in flavor. The cooks combine cool ingredients with hot ones, such as seafood with chili, ginger, lemongrass, or duck meat with ginger. Seasonal dishes also provide a contrast between the heat of the food and the environment. Vietnamese cuisine is low in fat, using boiled, steamed, stewed, and braised dishes to maintain the nutrients of the ingredients. Vegetables and herbs are widely used to provide complex flavors and healthiness, making it one of the healthiest cuisines globally.


Vietnamese street food culture


Street food in Vietnam is a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese dishes and other nations' cultures. Vietnamese street food has evolved to create unique and delicious dishes with a balance of ingredients, ensuring refreshing flavors, natural tastes, and health benefits. Each dish offers a variety of flavors, including sour, spicy, salty, and sweet, making it a popular choice for tourists. Coming to Vietnam, you should try this street food which is incredibly delicious at a reasonable price from just 1$ to 5$. 


Top 10 Vietnamese street food

Pho - Traditional Vietnamese noodle soup 


Pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup has gained a worldwide reputation and appeared as a single lexeme on prestigious English dictionary websites such as Cambridge or Oxford. Pho originated in Hanoi and is considered the national dish of Vietnam today. It is made with beef broth, rice noodles, sliced beef, and various toppings like fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and hot sauces. Pho is a restorative, savory, rich, and refreshing food that can be enjoyed year-round and at any time of day. Its thick, flavorful, and crisp texture make it a popular breakfast in Vietnam, making it a popular choice for any time of day. Pho is a popular breakfast dish in Vietnam due to its filling and nourishing nature. You can find out the best Pho Restaurants in Hanoi as well.

Where to eat Pho?

- Pho Bat Dan: 49 Bat Dan Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

- Pho Thin is located at 13 Lo Duc Street in Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi. 

- Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su is located at 10 Ly Quoc Su Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

- Pho Suong is located at 36B Mai Hac De Street, Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi

- Pho Vui is located at 25 Hang Giay Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi


Banh mi - Vietnamese Sandwich


Similar to Pho, Banh Mi is also a Vietnamese dish that gains a worldwide reputation. According to Oxford Dictionary, Banh mi’s pronunciation is /ˌbɑːn ˈmiː/, is a Vietnamese sandwich with cold meats, pâté, vegetables, and herbs. It is a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine, appearing at global events and awards. In 2017, Vietnamese bread was ranked among the top 10 most attractive sandwiches in the world by Traveler and one of the best street foods in the world by Rough Guides. Banh Mi is a common fast food in Vietnam, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The taste of Banh Mi has become an interfusion of French and Vietnamese culinary art. related topics: Best Banh mi Restaurants in Hanoi and best Banh Mi restaurants in Ho Chi Minh

Where to eat Banh Mi?

- Banh Mi Phuong: 2B Phan Chu Trinh Str

- Banh Mi 25: 25 Hang Ca Str

- Banh Mi Pate: 20 Cha Ca Str

- Banh Mi Tram: 252 Cua Nam Str, Hoan Kiem


Bun - Vietnamese noodle


Vermicelli or noodle is the English word for “Bun” - a popular dish in the best street food in Vietnam. Bun noodle soups employ vermicelli noodles, which are round in form and have a deeper white color when cooked, in place of the "banh pho" (a flat rice noodle) that is used in Pho. There are many kinds of Bun: Bun Cha, Bun Moc, Bun Mam, Bun Bo Hue, Bun Rieu, Banh Canh... Bun Moc is one of the vermicelli that is loved by most Vietnamese and foreign tourists. Noodles with ingredients are raw spring rolls, also known as sprouts, so they are called sprouted vermicelli... can be served with chili, shrimp paste, satay, raw vegetables, and lemon. However, each Bun has its unity and taste that you should try for your visit to Vietnam. 

Click here to learn more about Best Vietnamese Bun.


Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm - "Vietnamese salad"


Bun dau mam tom, also known as "mam tom," is a Vietnamese salad dish with shrimp paste and preserved lime leaves. Bun dau mam tom is a controversial dish with rice noodles, tofu, and fermented shrimp paste as its star ingredient. If you do not know how to eat mam tom (shrimp paste) like me, you can try this dish with fish sauce, this is still a  good choice. It is a popular side dish in Vietnamese cuisine and can be served as an appetizer or main course. De Bun Dau Mam Tom is more costly than the pork variant since it requires specialized cooking and fish texture understanding. Originating in Hanoi, the dish's origin remains uncertain, even among locals.

Where to eat Bun Dau Mam Tom?

- Bun Dau Co Tuyen: No.31 Lane 29, Hang Khay Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

- Bun Dau Ngo Gach: 4 Ngo Gach, Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

- Bun Dau Trung Huong: 49 Phat Loc Lane, Hang Bac Street, Hanoi

- Bun Dau Ngo Tram: 1B Ngo Tram, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi

- Bun Dau Cay Da: 235B Thuy Khue Street, Tay Ho district, Hanoi


Ca Phe Trung - Vietnamese Egg Coffee


Vietnamese Egg Coffee (cà phê trứng) is a rich, flavorful, and thick-bodied coffee beverage made with raw egg yolk and condensed milk. Originating at The Giang Cafe in Hanoi, it is affordable and accessible to everyone. This silky, sweet, and creamy dessert coffee has a sweet eggy foam atop a dark brew, resembling tiramisu. The popularity of Vietnamese Egg Coffee is due to its customizable topping options, ranging from traditional coffee pairings like spices to unusual ones like butter and cheese. This delicious drink has inspired numerous baristas worldwide to imitate and create their own unique twists. This article provides a history of the drink's origin and offers recipes for homemade Vietnamese Egg Coffee.

Where to enjoy Ca phe Trung?

- Cafe Giảng is located at 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street - Hanoi 

- NeoCafe :

Establishment 1: No. 33 Le Dai Hanh Street - Hanoi 

Establishment 2: No. 35B Nguyen Huu Huan Street - Hanoi 

Establishment 3: No. 109 Chu Van An Street - Ho Chi Minh City

- Đinh Café is located at 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Bac, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

- RuNam D'Or:

District 1 Runam Cafe Locations:

Runam Bistro – 2-4-6 Đong Khoi

Runam Bistro – 96 Mac Thi Buoi

Runam Boutique Saigon Center – 65 Le Loi 

Runam Boutique Vincom Center – 72 Le Thanh Ton 

- Luu Gia Cafe & Food: 8 Hoa Cuc, Phu Nhuan District, City. Ho Chi Minh City

- Kafein House: 349 Su Van Hanh, Ward 12, District 10, City. Ho Chi Minh City


Banh Trang Nuong - Vietnamese Pizza


Vietnamese Pizza, also known as Bánh Tráng Nướng, is a popular street food snack made from grilled rice paper. It is easily cooked at home with any desired toppings, such as egg, spring onion, cheese, and canned meat, such as TUNA. Unlike Italian pizza, Vietnamese pizza is traditionally grilled over charcoal, making it a quick and delicious meal. At home, it can be cooked on a regular grill or stovetop. Da Lat Vietnamese pizzas typically feature pork floss, dried shrimp, and sliced sausage. However, due to availability, it is often topped with tuna, and a collaboration with Sirena Tuna showcases this recipe. Most vendors sell these at night, with Vietnamese pizza stalls on the sidewalk. Banh Trang Nuong is definitely the best street food in Vietnam that you must try once in your life. 


Che - Vietnamese Sweet Soup


Vietnamese che, or sweet soup, is a traditional dessert reflecting the rich history of Vietnamese food culture. It varies in each region, with Hanoi offering an elegant taste and Hue showcasing royal culinary sophistication. Vietnamese chè dishes include traditional sweet soups, beverages, puddings, and custard-like desserts made with water or coconut cream. Other ingredients include jellies, fruits, beans, pulses, rice, grains, and tubers. Originating in the central region of Vietnam, chè desserts are popular snack items and are traditionally offered at family gatherings celebrating a baby's first birthday. Famous Vietnamese che in the North include young rice sweet gruel, rice ball sweet soup, and sweet lotus seed gruel. Popular che include sweet beans soup, Durian sweet soup, and panna cotta lychee dessert,...

Where to eat Che?

- Chè Gỗ: số 9 Trần Phú, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

- Quán chè Xoan: 29 Hàng Giấy, quận Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

- Chè thái Ý Phương: 382 Đ. Nguyễn Tri Phương, Phường 4, Quận 10, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

- Quán chè Mỹ: 168A Nguyễn Văn Đậu, Phường 7, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh


Goi Cuon - Spring Roll


Goi cuon, a popular Vietnamese street food, is a versatile and light snack that caters to diverse regional palates. Spring rolls may easily be made vegetarian by using a variety of vegetables, such as mushrooms, purple cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and tofu or tofu skin in place of the meat. The dipping sauce plays a crucial role in the taste, with Saigon preferring mixed fermented soybean sauce for sweetness and the Mekong Delta adding coconut milk for the creamy texture. The best way to eat goi cuon is by sitting on plastic stools and watching street vendors make the rolls. Order by number and specify your preferred sauce or request. Enjoy the delicious and versatile goi cuon.

Where to eat Goi Cuon?

- Gỏi cuốn Tôm Nhảy LLQĐịa chỉ: 424 Lạc Long Quân, Quận 11, TP. HCM

- Quán gỏi cuốn hạnh: 420A Hoà Hảo, Quận 10, TP. HCM

- Cuốn N Roll – Tiệm gỏi cuốn tôm thịt Hà Nội

Cơ sở 1: Tầng 3 Tòa Nhà D2 Giảng Võ, quận Ba Đình, Hà Nội

Cơ sở 2: Số 3, ngõ Bà Triệu, quận Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội

Cơ sở 3: Số 17T6 Hoàng Đạo Thúy, quận Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội

Cơ sở 4: Tầng 1 Sunrise Building, 90 Trần Thái Tông, quận Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội

- Gỏi cuốn 11 Phùng Hưng: Số 11 Phùng Hưng, Hàng Mã, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội


Banh Xeo - Vietnamese sizzling pancakes


Banh Xeo, also known as Vietnamese sizzling pancakes, is a popular street food in Vietnam. It is popular in the Central and Southern regions. The crust is made with fine rice flour, turmeric powder, and salt, with some suggesting adding wheat flour or all-purpose flour for crispiness. The fillings typically include prawns and pork belly, with mung beans and bean sprouts for freshness. Different proteins, such as chicken, duck, or seafood, can be added for a unique version. To eat banh Xeo, you have to tear banh Xeo and place it on the rice paper sheet with vegetables and pickles, roll it tightly, dip it in chili garlic sweet and sour fish sauce, and enjoy the explosion of flavor in your mouth.

Where to eat Banh Xeo?

- Banh Xeo Loan Béo - 153D Đội Cấn: 153D Đội Cấn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội

- Bánh xèo Sáu Phước - Quán bánh xèo nổi tiếng Hà Nội: 74 Cầu Đất, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

- Bánh Xèo Bà Hai: 49 Nguyễn Trọng Tuyển, Phường 15, Quận Phú Nhuận, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

- Bánh Xèo Long Huy: 21 Trương Định, P6, Q3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh


Oc - Vietnamese Snails


Vietnamese snails are a popular social food and a delicious snack that many enjoy sharing with friends and family. They are part of the "community" culture, where people gather at street food stalls, vendors, and fine restaurants to chat and enjoy snail dishes. In Vietnam, snail-eating culture includes shells, clams, and squids, as well as other seafood. The process of plucking meat from shells, dipping it in special sauce, chewing, and sipping cold beer encourages enthusiasm and conversation. While snails can be enjoyed without alcohol, it's better to have a cold beer or Vietnamese rice wine. It's important to use your hands to crack shells open, as the steaming water or sauce can rip on your hands and stain your shirt. 

Where to eat Oc?

- Ốc Trang Đinh Liệt: 1A Đinh Liệt, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

- Ốc Ông Thu Hàng Bạc: 56 Hàng Bạc Hoàn Kiếm Hà Nội

- Ốc Nhỏ: 103H1 Hoàng Đạo Thành, Kim Giang, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội

- Ốc Như quận 10: 650/4/29D đường Điện Biên Phủ, phường 11, quận 10, TP. HCM

- Ốc Nho quận 4: 178 đường Lê Quốc Hưng, phường 12, quận 4, TP. HCM


Tips for travelers to enjoy the best street food in Vietnam

- To make sure you don't get food poisoning, you need to pay attention to eating in places where many people are eating, instead of empty restaurants. More people eating means that food is constantly being delivered, fresh all the time.

- Use napkins or tissue to clean dishes and utensils before eating for hygiene.

- If you limit eating raw vegetables for fear of pesticides or have not been washed properly, you can ask the seller to blanch them in boiling water.


Conclusion

Vietnamese cuisine is an attractive point for international tourists. Vietnam Escape Tours hopes through this post, you already know the best street food in Vietnam to try. Thank you so much for reading.