19 Iconic Vietnamese Dishes Everyone Should Experience

Discovering Vietnamese cuisine is like going on an adventure through a world of flavors and textures. Each dish tells a story and brings together the perfect mix of ingredients that create a unique taste. From the famous phở with its rich, aromatic broth to the crunchy, fresh gỏi cuốn spring rolls, Vietnamese food offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy hearty soups, crispy pancakes, or vibrant salads, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds.

Phở

Phở is Vietnam’s most famous dish, known for its aromatic broth and rice noodles. The broth is typically simmered for hours with beef bones, star anise, and cinnamon. It is usually served with thinly sliced beef or chicken, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili. To make phở, start by preparing the broth and boiling the rice noodles separately. Then, arrange the noodles in a bowl, top with meat and herbs, and pour the hot broth over everything. Phở is a comforting, fragrant soup that’s perfect for any meal.

Bánh Mì

Bánh Mì is a popular Vietnamese sandwich that showcases French colonial influences. The sandwich is made with a crispy baguette filled with various meats such as pork, pate, or chicken. It also includes pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. To prepare bánh mì, first marinate and cook the meat, then assemble the sandwich by layering the ingredients inside a sliced baguette. Bánh Mì is a delicious fusion of flavors and textures that has become a global favorite.

Bún Chả

Bún Chả is a Hanoi specialty consisting of grilled pork served over a bed of rice noodles with fresh herbs. The dish is often accompanied by a side of dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili. To make bún chả, marinate the pork in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and garlic, then grill until caramelized. Serve the pork over rice noodles with herbs and a bowl of dipping sauce on the side. This dish is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls)

Gỏi Cuốn, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls, are fresh and light appetizers made with rice paper, shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and herbs. These rolls are usually served with a peanut dipping sauce. To prepare gỏi cuốn, soften the rice paper in water, then fill with the ingredients and roll tightly. These spring rolls are a healthy and refreshing start to any meal.

Chả Cá Lã Vọng

Chả Cá Lã Vọng is a Hanoi specialty featuring turmeric-marinated fish served with dill and peanuts. The fish is often cooked tableside in a sizzling skillet. To make chả cá, marinate the fish with turmeric and galangal, then fry until crispy. Serve with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce and lime. This dish is a flavorful and aromatic treat.

Mì Quảng

Mì Quảng is a central Vietnamese noodle dish known for its rich, turmeric-infused broth and wide rice noodles. It typically includes shrimp, pork, and quail eggs, topped with peanuts and fresh herbs. To prepare mì quảng, simmer the broth with turmeric and spices, cook the noodles, and arrange the toppings in a bowl. Pour the broth over the noodles and garnish with peanuts and herbs. Mì Quảng is a vibrant and hearty meal.

Bún Bò Huế

Bún Bò Huế is a spicy beef noodle soup from central Vietnam, distinguished by its deep red broth and lemongrass flavor. The soup includes beef shank, oxtail, and sometimes pig’s knuckles. To make bún bò huế, prepare the broth with lemongrass, chili, and shrimp paste, then simmer the meats until tender. Serve with thick rice noodles and fresh herbs. This soup is a spicy and aromatic delight.

Cao Lầu

Cao Lầu is a regional noodle dish from Hoi An, featuring chewy noodles, slices of pork, and crispy croutons. The dish is flavored with a unique broth made from local well water. To prepare cao lầu, cook the noodles and marinate the pork in a blend of soy sauce and five-spice powder. Serve the noodles with the pork, croutons, and a small amount of broth. This dish offers a unique texture and flavor experience.

Bánh Xèo

Bánh Xèo are crispy Vietnamese pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. The batter is made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric. To make bánh xèo, pour the batter into a hot skillet, add the fillings, and cook until crispy. Serve with lettuce and herbs, and dip in a tangy fish sauce. Bánh Xèo is a fun and interactive dish to enjoy.

Bò Kho

Bò Kho is a fragrant beef stew that’s slow-cooked with lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon. It’s often served with a side of bread or noodles. To prepare bò kho, brown the beef and simmer it with the aromatic spices and vegetables until tender. Serve with crusty bread or rice noodles. This stew is comforting and full of robust flavors.

Nem Rán (Fried Spring Rolls)

Nem Rán are crispy fried spring rolls filled with a mixture of minced pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles. The rolls are wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried until golden. To make nem rán, prepare the filling, roll in rice paper, and fry until crispy. Serve with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and lime. These spring rolls are a crispy and savory treat.

Hủ Tiếu

Hủ Tiếu is a southern Vietnamese noodle soup with a clear, savory broth made from pork bones. The dish includes various toppings such as shrimp, squid, and pork. To make hủ tiếu, simmer the broth with pork bones and spices, cook the noodles, and arrange the toppings in a bowl. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and serve with fresh herbs. Hủ Tiếu is a versatile and satisfying soup.

Xôi (Sticky Rice)

Xôi is a versatile Vietnamese dish made from glutinous rice, often served with various toppings such as mung beans, pork floss, or chicken. The rice is typically steamed until tender. To prepare xôi, soak the glutinous rice, steam it, and add the desired toppings. This dish can be sweet or savory, making it a popular breakfast or snack.

Gỏi Đu Đủ (Papaya Salad)

Gỏi Đu Đủ is a refreshing salad made from shredded green papaya, carrots, and herbs, dressed with a tangy fish sauce and lime dressing. To make gỏi đu đủ, shred the papaya and carrots, mix with the dressing, and toss with fresh herbs and peanuts. This salad is light, crunchy, and full of vibrant flavors.

Chè (Vietnamese Dessert Soup)

Chè is a Vietnamese dessert soup that comes in various forms, often made with beans, coconut milk, and tapioca. It can be served hot or cold. To prepare chè, cook the beans or tapioca in coconut milk with sugar, and serve chilled or warm. This dessert is a sweet and comforting way to end a meal.

Bánh Bèo

Bánh Bèo are small steamed rice cakes topped with savory ingredients like minced shrimp, scallions, and crispy shallots. The cakes are typically served with a side of dipping sauce. To make bánh bèo, steam the rice flour batter in small molds, add the toppings, and serve with fish sauce. These bite-sized cakes are a delightful appetizer or snack.

Cơm Tấm

Cơm Tấm is a broken rice dish often served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and various pickled vegetables. The rice is cooked until fluffy and served with the toppings. To prepare cơm tấm, grill the pork, cook the rice, and assemble with the vegetables and egg. This dish is a hearty and flavorful meal.

Canh Chua

Canh Chua is a sour soup made with fish, pineapple, tomatoes, and tamarind. The soup is typically garnished with fresh herbs and served with rice. To make canh chua, simmer the fish and vegetables in a tamarind-flavored broth, and garnish with herbs. This soup is a perfect balance of sour, sweet, and savory flavors.

Bánh Tráng Nướng

Bánh Tráng Nướng, often referred to as Vietnamese pizza, is a grilled rice paper topped with various ingredients like egg, pork, and green onions. The rice paper is grilled until crispy. To make bánh tráng nướng, spread the toppings on the rice paper and grill until crispy. This street food snack is a crunchy and flavorful delight.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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