Vietnamese Street Food: 9 Must-Try Delicacies

From the famous Pho to the crispy Banh mi, this post will showcase a range of traditional and modern Vietnamese street food delicacies that are not only delicious but also affordable. With a focus on the culinary practice of street food vendors, you’ll gain insights into the stories and secrets behind each dish, and perhaps even find a new favorite. So, join Sun Getaways Travel on this adventure, and let’s taste our way through the vibrant streets of Vietnam!

1. Bun Cha

Bun Cha comprises grilled pork, vermicelli noodles, dipping sauce, and fresh herbs, harmonizing sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors. To create this dish, pork is marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and sugar, then grilled to a rich dark brown or red hue. The accompanying dipping sauce, made from fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili, adds a tangy and mildly spicy kick.

• Price: $1.5-$2 per portion of Bun Cha

Traditional bun cha

2. Pho

Pho, Vietnam’s quintessential dish, is a savory beef or chicken noodle soup accompanied by herbs, lime, chilies, and bean sprouts, suitable for any mealtime. The broth, crafted from simmering beef or chicken bones with aromatic spices like star anise, cloves, and cinnamon, infuses the dish with rich flavors. Rice flour noodles, resembling tagliatelle, form the base, complemented by tender slices of meat, onions, and fresh herbs.

• Price: Approximately $2 per serving of Pho

Beef Pho

3. Banh Mi

Banh Mi, a Vietnamese-style baguette sandwich, features an assortment of meats, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili sauce, making it an ideal snack or quick meal option. The baguette boasts a crispy exterior and soft interior, while the filling comprises various meats such as pork, chicken, or beef, combined with pickled carrots, daikon, and cucumber. A touch of chili sauce lends a spicy and tangy kick to this flavorful sandwich.

• Price: Approximately $1 – $2 per serving of Banh Mi

Meat and vegetable sandwiches

4. Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo is a delectable Vietnamese savory crepe crafted from rice flour and turmeric powder, generously filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs, offering a delightful contrast of crispiness on the outside and softness within. The batter, a blend of rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, imparts a vibrant yellow hue to the crepe. Stuffed with a savory mixture of pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, the crepe is served alongside lettuce and herbs, accompanied by a dipping sauce composed of fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili, enhancing its savory flavor profile.

• Price: Approximately $1 per piece of Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo

5. Xoi

Vietnam boasts a diverse array of Xoi varieties, ranging from vegetarian options to meat-based renditions. The sticky rice is expertly steamed to achieve a soft, glossy texture without being overly compacted. Vegetarian Xoi often features ingredients such as mung beans, red beans, peanuts, or coconut, while the meat-based versions, a relatively newer addition, may include stewed pork, chicken, shredded pork, or other protein options. Toppings such as peanut salt, fried shallots, and pickled vegetables like carrots and green papaya (and occasionally daikon) are commonly served alongside Xoi. For rice enthusiasts, this hearty and satisfying dish is simply irresistible, offering warmth and contentment with every bite.

• Price: Approximately $1

Xoi

6. Banh Cuon

Banh Cuon, a beloved breakfast option in Vietnam, consists of steamed rice rolls filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, mushrooms, and shallots. Typically served alongside a side of dipping sauce and fried shallots, this dish is cherished for its delicate texture and savory filling. The rice flour is combined with water to achieve a liquid consistency before being steamed to perfection. The accompanying dipping sauce, made from fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice, imparts a tangy flavor that perfectly complements the dish. A well-executed Banh Cuon is characterized by its tender texture and harmonious blend of flavors.

• Price: Approximately $1

Banh Cuon

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7. Bun Dau Mam Tom

• Price: Approximately $1.5-$2

Bun Dau Mam Tom is a distinctive Vietnamese dish comprising rice vermicelli noodles, fried tofu, and shrimp paste sauce. While its flavor profile may require some getting used to, it’s a culinary adventure worth embarking on. This dish features rice vermicelli noodles accompanied by fried tofu, served alongside a side of pungent shrimp paste sauce made from fermented shrimp. A popular street food in Vietnam, Bun Dau Mam Tom is perfect for those seeking an adventurous culinary experience.

8. Com Tam

Com Tam, a renowned Vietnamese street food, is celebrated for its simplicity yet rich flavor. Translating to “broken rice,” Cơm Tấm was traditionally deemed a humble choice due to its use of broken rice grains, a byproduct of the milling process. However, it has since evolved into a beloved and widely enjoyed dish across Vietnam.

• Price: Approximately $2-$4

Com Tam

This iconic street food typically features grilled pork chops, pork patties, shredded pork skin, fried egg, and steamed egg meatloaf as accompaniments. Served alongside pickled vegetables, sliced cucumber, and a bowl of fish sauce, Cơm Tấm boasts a distinctive and irresistible flavor profile.

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9. Goi Cuon

• Price: Approximately $2-$4

Goi Cuon, often referred to as Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, has garnered acclaim as a beloved street food dish celebrated for its flavorful taste and nutritious ingredients. These delicate and revitalizing rolls are crafted using rice paper and stuffed with a medley of rice vermicelli, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and protein options like egg, shrimp, or pork. Served alongside fish sauce or peanut sauce, these rolls are perfectly complemented by the dipping sauces, enhancing their overall appeal.

Vibrant and colorful bundles of incense sticks

During a food show interview, a YouTuber inquired of Gordon Ramsay, “Where would you say is the No. 1 food destination?” To which the celebrity chef responded with Laos, Vietnam, and Madrid. Ramsay elaborated on Vietnam, describing it as “the extraordinary melting pot of food” and expressing his admiration for its humble approach to eating. Inspired by his love for Vietnamese cuisine, it’s now your turn to explore and form your own opinions. Are you ready to embark on your journey through the vibrant world of Vietnam’s street food? Should you require further assistance with planning your Vietnam package tour, feel free to reach out to Sun Getaways Travel for support.