14 Top Vietnamese Noodle Dishes You Can’t Miss

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, and nothing showcases that better than its diverse noodle dishes. Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or hearty and filling, there’s a noodle dish for every palate. From savory broths to fresh herbs, these dishes combine a unique mix of ingredients that are both nutritious and delicious.

Phở Bò (Beef Noodle Soup)

Phở Bò is a Vietnamese classic, known for its rich and fragrant broth. To make it, start by simmering beef bones, ginger, and onions for several hours to create a deeply flavorful stock. Add in rice noodles, thin slices of beef, and season with fish sauce, star anise, and cinnamon. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, and green onions. Serve with lime wedges, bean sprouts, and sliced chili for extra zest. This hearty soup is perfect for any occasion and offers a true taste of Vietnam.

Bún Chả (Grilled Pork Noodle Salad)

Bún Chả is a refreshing dish with grilled pork and rice vermicelli noodles. Marinate the pork in fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and pepper, then grill until caramelized. Serve over rice noodles with a side of fresh herbs like mint and cilantro. Add crunchy lettuce and pickled vegetables for extra texture. Pour a tangy dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime, sugar, and chili over everything. This dish is light yet satisfying, with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sour flavors.

Mì Quảng (Quang-Style Noodles)

Mì Quảng is a regional specialty from Central Vietnam. The dish features turmeric-infused rice noodles served with a variety of proteins like shrimp, pork, or chicken. Cook the meat with garlic, shallots, and fish sauce, then layer it over the noodles. Garnish with roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and a sesame rice cracker on the side. A light broth made from pork bones or chicken stock is poured lightly over the noodles. Mì Quảng is both flavorful and texturally exciting with its mix of crunch and tender noodles.

Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)

Bún Bò Huế offers a spicy kick with its lemongrass-infused broth. Start by simmering beef bones and pork knuckles with lemongrass, fish sauce, and chili paste to create a rich, spicy base. Add thick, round rice noodles and slices of beef shank, pork, or Vietnamese sausage. Garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and bean sprouts. The heat from the broth combined with the tender meat and fresh herbs makes Bún Bò Huế a favorite for spice lovers.

Bánh Canh Cua (Crab Udon Noodle Soup)

Bánh Canh Cua is a delightful dish featuring thick udon-like noodles and rich crab meat. Start by boiling crab and shrimp shells to create a flavorful seafood broth. Add the thick tapioca noodles and crab meat, along with shrimp for extra protein. The broth is thickened with a little tapioca starch for a more hearty texture. Garnish with chopped cilantro, scallions, and a dash of pepper. This dish is comforting and offers a seafood lover’s dream.

Bún Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork Noodles)

Bún Thịt Nướng is a popular dish of grilled pork served over rice noodles. Marinate the pork in a mix of lemongrass, garlic, sugar, and fish sauce, then grill until golden brown. Serve the pork over vermicelli noodles with fresh vegetables like cucumber, bean sprouts, and herbs such as mint and basil. Drizzle with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and water. The contrasting textures of the crisp veggies, tender pork, and soft noodles make this a refreshing meal.

Phở Gà (Chicken Noodle Soup)

Phở Gà is the chicken version of the famous Vietnamese noodle soup. Boil a whole chicken with ginger, onions, and star anise to create a flavorful broth. Add rice noodles and shredded chicken to the broth, seasoning with fish sauce and a pinch of sugar. Top with fresh herbs like cilantro, green onions, and basil. Serve with lime, bean sprouts, and chili on the side for added flavor. Phở Gà is lighter than its beef counterpart but just as delicious.

Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (Cambodian-Style Noodle Soup)

Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang is a savory noodle soup influenced by both Cambodian and Vietnamese flavors. The broth is made from pork bones and dried squid, giving it a deep umami flavor. Add flat rice noodles and top with a combination of ground pork, shrimp, and quail eggs. Garnish with fried garlic, cilantro, and lettuce. Serve with lime wedges and chili for a little extra kick. This dish is complex and comforting, perfect for noodle soup enthusiasts.

Bún Riêu (Crab and Tomato Noodle Soup)

Bún Riêu is a tangy, savory noodle soup with a tomato-based broth. The soup is made by simmering tomatoes, crab paste, and shrimp paste for a rich, flavorful base. Rice vermicelli noodles are added, along with tofu and chunks of crab meat or shrimp. Garnish with fresh herbs like perilla and cilantro, and serve with a side of lime and chili. Bún Riêu’s unique blend of flavors makes it a must-try for those seeking something different.

Cao Lầu (Hoi An Noodles)

Cao Lầu is a dish unique to the town of Hoi An, with chewy rice noodles that are steamed and fried for extra texture. The dish features slices of pork marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and five-spice powder, served over the noodles. Fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy fried noodles are added for crunch. A small amount of broth is poured over the dish, and it’s garnished with lime wedges and chili. Cao Lầu is known for its distinct taste and texture that you can’t find in other noodle dishes.

Miến Gà (Chicken Glass Noodle Soup)

Miến Gà is a simple yet delicious soup made with glass noodles and chicken. Boil a whole chicken with ginger and onions to create a light broth, then add the glass noodles. Shred the chicken and place it in the soup along with mushrooms and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. A squeeze of lime and a dash of black pepper add brightness to the dish. Miến Gà is perfect for a light meal or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Bún Mắm (Fermented Fish Noodle Soup)

Bún Mắm is a bold dish with a broth made from fermented fish. Boil fermented fish with pork bones to create the base, then add thick rice vermicelli noodles. Top with shrimp, squid, and crispy pork belly for a mix of flavors and textures. Serve with fresh herbs, lime, and chili on the side. This dish is for the adventurous eater, offering a taste of southern Vietnamese cuisine.

Phở Xào (Stir-Fried Noodles)

Phở Xào is a quick and tasty stir-fried noodle dish. Start by stir-frying beef or chicken with garlic, onions, and soy sauce. Add the wide, flat rice noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are slightly crispy. Fresh vegetables like bok choy or bell peppers can be added for color and crunch. Garnish with green onions and a sprinkle of black pepper. Phở Xào is a great option when you’re craving something fast and flavorful.

Mì Xào Giòn (Crispy Fried Egg Noodles)

Mì Xào Giòn features crispy fried egg noodles topped with a savory sauce. Deep fry the egg noodles until golden and crispy, then set them aside. Stir-fry shrimp, chicken, or beef with garlic, onions, and vegetables like carrots and broccoli. Create a sauce using oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a bit of cornstarch for thickness. Pour the sauce over the crispy noodles, and garnish with fresh herbs. This dish is a perfect mix of crunchy and saucy textures, making it a satisfying meal.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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