How Much Does Food Cost in Vietnam? Street Food, Restaurants & Drinks

This guide will delve deep into the cost of eating in Vietnam, providing concrete price estimates for various dining styles, from bustling markets to upscale restaurants, and covering everything from everyday meals to your morning coffee and evening drinks.

1. Factors Influencing Food Costs in Vietnam

While generally low, several factors can subtly impact food costs in Vietnam. Understanding these nuances will empower you to budget effectively and make informed choices during your trip:

• 🌟 Dining Style: The Biggest Variable. This is, without a doubt, the most significant factor determining how much you spend.
  • ✨ Street Food & Local Eateries: These are the champions of affordability. Think plastic stools, roadside stalls, and no-frills local restaurants.
  • ✨ Mid-Range Restaurants: These offer a more comfortable setting, often with air conditioning, a wider menu, and table service. They cater to both locals and tourists.
  • ✨ Fine Dining & High-End Establishments: These are typically found in major cities and cater to those seeking a premium culinary experience, often with international chefs, exquisite decor, and extensive wine lists.
• 🌟 Location: As with any destination, geographical location plays a role.
  • ✨ Major Tourist Hubs: Cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Phú Quốc tend to have slightly higher prices due to demand and higher operational costs. However, even within these cities, local food remains incredibly affordable if you know where to look.
  • ✨ Less-Visited Areas & Rural Towns: Venture off the main tourist trail, and you’ll often find prices drop even further, reflecting the local economy.
• 🌟 Type of Cuisine: Stick Local for Savings.
  • ✨ Vietnamese Cuisine: Eating authentic Vietnamese dishes is almost always the most budget-friendly option.
  • ✨ Western/International Cuisine: If you crave pizza, pasta, burgers, or other international dishes, especially in higher-end restaurants, expect to pay significantly more. Ingredients for these dishes are often imported, driving up the price.
• 🌟 Beverages: A Hidden Cost Driver.
  • ✨ Local Drinks: Vietnamese coffee, local teas, and local beers (especially bia hơi) are incredibly cheap.
  • ✨ Imported Drinks: Imported beers, wines, spirits, and fancy cocktails can quickly inflate your bill, often costing as much as or more than your meal.
• 🌟 Portion Sizes and Shared Dishes: While street food portions are generally individual, some restaurant dishes, particularly hotpots or large stir-fries, are intended for sharing, which can be cost-effective for groups. Be mindful of this when ordering.
• 🌟 Tourist Traps vs. Local Gems: Be wary of restaurants in prime tourist spots with overly aggressive touts or menus only in English with pictures. These often charge inflated prices for average food. Seek out places where locals gather.

2. Detailed Breakdown of Food Costs in Vietnam

Let’s get down to the tangible numbers. Here’s an estimated breakdown of average meal costs in Vietnam across different dining categories, giving you a clear picture of what your Vietnam travel budget can get you. All prices are in USD, with VND equivalents provided for clarity.

2.1 Street Food & Local Eateries

This is where you’ll find the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine, and where your money stretches the furthest. Dining at street stalls or simple local eateries is not just about saving money; it’s a vibrant cultural experience. The plastic stools, the sizzling woks, the aroma of fresh herbs – it’s all part of the charm. Vietnam street food prices are incredibly low, making it entirely possible to eat deliciously for just a few dollars a day.

• 🌟 Breakfast Staples (Phở, Bún Chả, Bánh Mì):
  • ✨ Phở (Noodle Soup): The undisputed national dish. A steaming, fragrant bowl of beef or chicken pho is the quintessential Vietnamese breakfast. Expect to pay VND 30,000 – 60,000 ($1.20 – $2.50). Prices might lean towards the higher end in very touristy areas like Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, or for specialty pho varieties (e.g., pho with more premium cuts of beef).
  • ✨ Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles): A Hanoi specialty and a favorite of former President Obama. A generous serving typically costs VND 40,000 – 70,000 ($1.60 – $3.00). It’s often served with a plate of fresh herbs and a dipping sauce.
  • ✨ Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich): A French-Vietnamese fusion masterpiece. This quick, delicious, and incredibly cheap option is perfect for any time of day. Prices range from VND 15,000 – 35,000 ($0.60 – $1.50), depending on fillings (pate, various meats, eggs, vegetables) and location. A true bargain!
  • ✨ Xôi (Sticky Rice): Often served with savory toppings like roasted chicken, chả lụa (Vietnamese pork sausage), or fried onions, around VND 15,000 – 30,000 ($0.60 – $1.20) for a filling portion.
• 🌟 Lunch/Dinner Specialties (Com Tam, Bún Bò Huế, Nem Rán):
  • ✨ Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork): A hugely popular Southern Vietnamese dish, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. A plate often includes grilled pork chop, a steamed egg meatloaf, shredded pork skin, and a fried egg. Expect to pay VND 35,000 – 65,000 ($1.40 – $2.80).
  • ✨ Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup): A central Vietnamese specialty from Huế, known for its rich, spicy, and savory broth. Usually costs VND 40,000 – 70,000 ($1.60 – $3.00).
  • ✨ Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls): Light, fresh, and healthy. Usually sold per piece, around VND 5,000 – 10,000 ($0.20 – $0.40) each. A common serving of 3-4 rolls would be VND 15,000 – 40,000 ($0.60 – $1.60).
  • ✨ Nem Rán/Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls): The crispy, golden counterpart to fresh spring rolls. Similar pricing to fresh spring rolls, often served in portions of 3-5.
  • ✨ Various Street Stalls/Markets: For a diverse range of other dishes like grilled seafood, various skewers, stir-fries, or hot pots designed for one person, a full, satisfying meal can still be found for VND 50,000 – 100,000 ($2.00 – $4.00).
  • ✨ Chè (Vietnamese Desserts): Sweet, colorful, and refreshing. Often a mix of beans, jellies, fruits, and coconut milk. A bowl is typically VND 15,000 – 30,000 ($0.60 – $1.20).

Daily Budget Estimate for Street Food Focused Traveler: For three hearty and delicious meals a day, primarily eating street food and from local eateries, you can easily get by on $7 – $15 per day for food, excluding specific beverages like beer or specialty coffee. This budget allows for genuine culinary immersion.

2.2 Mid-Range Restaurants

Mid-range restaurant prices in Vietnam offer a comfortable dining experience, often with air conditioning, a broader menu that might include some international dishes, and full table service. These are great for when you want to escape the heat, enjoy a more relaxed meal, or dine with a small group.

• 🌟 Main Courses (Vietnamese Cuisine): Dishes like various curries, substantial stir-fries (e.g., beef with morning glory), clay pot dishes, or larger noodle and rice dishes, typically cost VND 80,000 – 200,000 ($3.50 – $8.50) per dish. Many also offer grilled meats or seafood.
• 🌟 International Cuisine: For popular Western dishes like pasta, pizza, burgers, or basic Asian fusion, expect to pay VND 120,000 – 300,000 ($5.00 – $13.00). The quality can vary widely, so check reviews.
• 🌟 Set Menus or Combos: Some mid-range establishments, especially those popular with tourists, offer set lunch or dinner menus, which can be a good value proposition, ranging from VND 150,000 – 350,000 ($6.50 – $15.00) per person, often including a drink.
• 🌟 Specialty Restaurants: Places focusing on one specific dish, but in a more refined setting (e.g., a restaurant specializing in chả cá or a vegan restaurant), usually fall into this bracket.

Daily Budget Estimate for Mid-Range Dining: If you opt for a mix of street food and mid-range restaurants, a reasonable food budget for a Vietnam trip would be $20–$40 per day per person. This fits well within the Vietnam average daily cost, allowing for both local immersion and comfortable dining experiences.

2.3 Fine Dining & High-End Restaurants

Vietnam’s burgeoning culinary scene includes an increasing number of upscale establishments offering gourmet Vietnamese cuisine, modern interpretations of traditional dishes, or high-end international fine dining. These cater to a more luxurious experience, often found in five-star hotels or standalone, critically acclaimed restaurants.

• 🌟 Main Courses (Gourmet Vietnamese Cuisine): Expect prices to start from VND 300,000 – 800,000+ ($13.00 – $35.00+) per dish. These are often artfully presented and use premium ingredients.
• 🌟 International Fine Dining: For Western or other international cuisine in high-end restaurants (e.g., French, Italian, Japanese), prices can range from VND 500,000 – 1,500,000+ ($20.00 – $65.00+) per main course. These places focus on imported ingredients, skilled chefs, and an impeccable ambiance.
• 🌟 Tasting Menus (Degustation Menus): Many fine dining restaurants offer multi-course tasting menus, which provide a curated culinary journey. These can cost anywhere from VND 1,000,000 – 3,000,000+ ($40.00 – $130.00+) per person, often excluding drinks and service charges.
• 🌟 Specialty Experiences: Unique dining experiences like dinner cruises on a river, cooking classes with a meal, or private chef experiences will naturally fall into the higher budget range.

Daily Budget Estimate for Fine Dining: For travelers who plan to indulge in fine dining frequently, a food budget could range from $50 – $150+ per day, depending entirely on the frequency and choice of restaurants, often excluding expensive wine pairings.

3. The Cost of Drinks in Vietnam

Beverages, especially coffee and beer, are deeply woven into the fabric of Vietnamese daily life. Here’s what you can expect to pay for your sips:

3.1 Coffee & Tea: A Cultural Staple

Vietnam is renowned for its vibrant and unique coffee culture. Coffee prices in Vietnam are incredibly reasonable, especially for local brews, making it an accessible daily ritual.

• 🌟 Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk): The iconic sweet and strong Vietnamese coffee, served over ice. A local favorite, typically VND 15,000 – 30,000 ($0.60 – $1.20) at local cafes or street stalls. An absolute must-try!
• 🌟 Cà Phê Đen Đá (Vietnamese Iced Black Coffee): Stronger and bolder, without condensed milk. Similar price range, often a few thousand VND cheaper than cà phê sữa đá.
• 🌟 Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee): A Hanoi specialty – a rich, creamy, and unique coffee topped with a frothy egg yolk mixture. Expect to pay VND 30,000 – 50,000 ($1.20 – $2.00).
• 🌟 Specialty Coffee Shops (Western-style): For lattes, cappuccinos, or espresso-based drinks in more modern, air-conditioned cafes (like Starbucks or local equivalents such as Cong Ca Phe, Highlands Coffee), expect to pay VND 40,000 – 70,000 ($1.60 – $3.00).
• 🌟 Trà Đá (Iced Tea): This ubiquitous unsweetened green tea is often served free with meals at local eateries. Otherwise, it’s very cheap, around VND 5,000 – 10,000 ($0.20 – $0.40).
• 🌟 Packaged Teas/Herbal Teas: In cafes, these range from VND 20,000 – 50,000 ($0.80 – $2.00).

3.2 Beer & Alcoholic Beverages: Unwinding Vietnamese Style

• 🌟 Bia Hơi (Fresh Beer): A unique Vietnamese experience, particularly prevalent in Hanoi and the North. This light, freshly brewed, unpasteurized beer is incredibly cheap, often just VND 5,000 – 15,000 ($0.20 – $0.60) per glass. It’s the cheapest beer price in Vietnam you’ll find, enjoyed on small plastic stools, usually in the late afternoon.
• 🌟 Local Bottled/Canned Beer: Brands like Bia Sài Gòn, Bia Hà Nội, 333 (Ba Ba Ba), Larue, and Huda are widely available and affordable. A bottle or can typically costs VND 15,000 – 30,000 ($0.60 – $1.20) from local shops or street-side eateries. In mid-range restaurants, expect VND 30,000 – 60,000 ($1.20 – $2.50).
• 🌟 Imported Beer: Brands like Heineken, Tiger, Budweiser, or Sapporo are more expensive than local brews, usually VND 40,000 – 80,000 ($1.60 – $3.50) in restaurants and bars.
• 🌟 Wine & Spirits: Wine is generally more expensive due to import taxes. A decent bottle of local wine might start from VND 250,000 ($10.00) in a supermarket, while a glass in a mid-range restaurant can be VND 100,000 – 250,000 ($4.00 – $10.00). Imported spirits will be comparable to Western prices, if not slightly higher in bars. If you are on a budget, stick to local beer.
• 🌟 Cocktails: In local bars or casual pubs, cocktails range from VND 100,000 – 250,000 ($4.00 – $10.00). Upscale establishments and hotel bars will charge significantly more, easily VND 200,000 – 400,000+ ($8.00 – $17.00+).

3.3 Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Staying Hydrated

• 🌟 Bottled Water: Essential for staying hydrated, especially in the heat. A 500ml bottle costs VND 5,000 – 10,000 ($0.20 – $0.40) from convenience stores, and slightly more in tourist shops or restaurants. Hotels often provide complimentary bottles daily.
• 🌟 Fresh Juices/Smoothies (Sinh Tố): Delicious, refreshing, and often made with tropical fruits like mango, passion fruit, or avocado. Usually VND 20,000 – 50,000 ($0.80 – $2.00).
• 🌟 Soft Drinks (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sprite): Around VND 10,000 – 20,000 ($0.40 – $0.80) from shops, and slightly more in restaurants.

4. Insider Tips for Saving on Food Costs in Vietnam

Eating in Vietnam is already incredibly affordable, but here are some “insider tips” and practical advice to help you stretch your food budget even further and ensure you get the best value:

• 🌟 Eat street food & local eateries – Cheap, authentic, and tasty. Look for places busy with locals.
• 🌟 Avoid tourist zones – Walk a few blocks away for better prices and real flavors.
• 🌟 Drink local – Choose Vietnamese coffee, tea, or bia hơi. Skip imported drinks.
• 🌟 Use food delivery apps – Help you compare prices, read reviews, and avoid language barriers.
• 🌟 Learn basic food phrases – Useful for ordering, asking prices, and avoiding scams.
• 🌟 Try cơm bình dân – Affordable rice meals with a variety of local dishes.
• 🌟 Take advantage of hotel breakfasts – Fill up in the morning to save on lunch.
• 🌟 Carry small VND bills – Makes paying at markets and food stalls easier.
• 🌟 Join a cooking class – Learn recipes, visit local markets, and gain insight into food costs.

5. FAQs

Vietnam offers amazing food for every budget — from cheap, tasty street eats to upscale dining. Whether you’re a backpacker or a luxury traveler, you’ll find great value and unforgettable flavors. For a full overview of travel expenses beyond food, check out our Vietnam Trip Cost covering accommodation, transport, visas, and more.

According to Ms. Ngoc Diem, our Senior Tour Designer at Sun Getaways Travel, “One of the most common and delightful surprises for our clients visiting Vietnam is how incredibly affordable the food is, yet the quality, freshness, and flavor are consistently outstanding. It truly allows travelers to indulge in a diverse range of culinary experiences – from a simple street side noodle soup to an exquisite fine dining meal – without ever feeling constrained by their budget. The food itself becomes a highlight of their entire journey.”

Explore our customized Vietnam tour packages and let us help you plan the perfect gastronomic journey tailored to your budget and tastes!