Anastasia Smith
Vietnam is indeed a true haven for foodies, with its extensive street food offerings of varying flavours and textures. From hearty soups and crisp salads to sweet treats, there’s something for every palate. Here are some must-try street foods to sample while on holiday in Vietnam.
Let’s start with the quintessential Vietnamese dish – pho. This delicious noodle soup, usually made with beef or chicken, is a staple breakfast option for locals and features a rich broth, tender meat, soft rice noodles and fresh herbs alongside lime wedges, bean sprouts and sliced red chillies.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s best sandwiches, banh mi is a delicious fusion of Vietnamese and French culinary influences. Bite into a crusty baguette stuffed with a variety of fillings such as grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chilli sauce. For those who don’t consume pork, there are cafes and restaurants, which serve banh mi with beef, chicken, or vegetarian and vegan fillings.
Originating from Hanoi, bun cha is a hearty dish that features grilled and caramelised pork meatballs served on top of vermicelli noodles alongside a plate of fresh, aromatic herbs and a dipping sauce. This combination of smoky grilled meat over noodles, tangy sauce, and fragrant herbs is a must-try for anyone visiting Vietnam!
Com tam is a traditional Vietnamese street dish that has long become a signature staple in Ho Chi Minh City. The flavourful dish features a serving of broken rice grains (a texture that is similar to regular rice grains, but is smaller) and is topped with a fried egg, shredded pork skin, grilled pork chops or deep-fried fish fillets. Com tam is typically served alongside garnishes of fresh lime, chopped spring onions and mint and accompanying dishes of sliced tomatoes and cucumber, pickled vegetables, or a dipping sauce.
A must-do on any list of Mui Ne activities is venturing out for banh xeo. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, banh xeo is a Vietnamese savoury pancake that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty. Made from a batter of rice flour, coconut milk or cream, and turmeric powder, it’s filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs, then folded in half before being served with a side of fresh lettuce and dipping sauce. For those visiting this city for the first time, opt for a stay at a property such as Anantara Mui Ne Resort.
Another absolute must-have street food in Vietnam is goi cuon, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls. These translucent rice paper rolls are usually filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and a variety of fresh herbs, then served with a side of peanut dipping sauce. Light, flavourful, and packed with fresh ingredients, they’re perfect for a snack in between sightseeing or shopping.
If you're in the mood for something truly unique, consider giving banh trang tron a try. This Vietnamese salad is made from shredded rice paper combined together with dried shrimp, squid or beef, strips of unripened green mango, toasted peanuts, hard-boiled quail eggs and fried shallots.
Often referred to as a Vietnamese “sweet soup”, che comes in a variety of flavours and textures. A popular variation is Che Be Mau made with three-coloured beans, agar jelly and coconut milk. It is a refreshing sweet treat best enjoyed on a warm day and is found at almost any street food vendor, local market or restaurant.
