If you’re planning to visit Vietnam and are looking for an authentic experience, then you’re in luck! There’s an amazing variety of local dishes that will provide an unforgettable culinary journey. From steaming hot bowls of Pho to vibrant salads, and tantalizing desserts, here are 14 dishes in Vietnam you never knew existed!

1. Banh Cuon – Steamed Rice Rolls

Banh Cuon is a steamed rice roll that is usually filled with a mixture of ground pork, mushrooms, and wood ear fungus. The mixture is wrapped in a thin sheet of steamed rice paper and served with a delicious fish sauce. This simple dish is a staple at many Vietnamese restaurants and can be found in markets throughout the country.

2. Goi Cuon – Fresh Spring Rolls

Goi Cuon or fresh spring rolls are filled with a combination of vegetables, herbs, and proteins such as shrimp and pork. They are wrapped in moistened rice paper and served cold with a fish sauce or sweet chili dip. This light and healthy dish is a great way to sample the flavors of Vietnam.

3. Canh Chua – Sour Soup

Canh Chua or Sour Soup is a popular dish in Vietnam. This soup is made with a variety of vegetables, including pineapple, tomatoes, okra, and bean sprouts, and flavored with fish sauce, tamarind, and a variety of spices. It is served with fresh herbs and prawns or fish.

4. Nem Ran – Fried Spring Rolls

Nem Ran or fried spring rolls are very popular in Vietnam. These deep-fried rolls are packed with a ground pork filling and served with a variety of dips and sauces. These crunchy treats are a favorite among locals and make a great snack.

5. Bun Cha – Grilled Pork

Bun Cha is a dish made of grilled pork patties served on top of vermicelli noodles. The patties are marinated in a combination of fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and sugar. It is usually served with a variety of fresh herbs, pickles, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

6. Banh Mi – Sandwich

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, sauces, and pickles. The bread is usually a French baguette and the fillings vary from region to region. This delicious sandwich is a must-try if you’re in Vietnam.

7. Xoi – Sticky Rice

Xoi is a type of sticky rice that is a staple in Vietnam. The sticky rice is steamed and served with a variety of toppings such as mung beans, pork, chicken, and eggs. This simple dish is often served for breakfast or as a snack.

8. Banh Xeo – Savory Pancake

Banh Xeo is a savory pancake made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric. It is filled with a variety of ingredients such as bean sprouts, pork, shrimp, and mushrooms. This delicious dish is often served with lettuce and herbs and dipped in a fish sauce.

9. Cha Ca La Vong – Charcoal-Grilled Fish

Cha Ca La Vong is a popular specialty dish in Hanoi. It is made by char-grilling a marinated white fish served with a variety of herbs and a fish sauce. This dish is so popular that it has been immortalized in a famous street in Hanoi.

10. Pho – Rice Noodle Soup

Pho is probably the most famous dish in Vietnam. This delicious soup is made with rice noodles, beef or chicken, and a variety of herbs and spices. It is usually served with a side of bean sprouts and lime wedges.

11. Bun Bo Hue – Spicy Soup

Bun Bo Hue is a spicy soup made with rice noodles, beef, pork, and a variety of herbs and spices. It is served with fresh herbs and a side of chili sauce and lime wedges. This popular dish is a great way to sample the spicy flavors of Vietnam.

12. Banh Khot – Crispy Rice Pancake

Banh Khot is a popular snack in Vietnam. This crispy rice pancake is made with coconut milk and filled with shrimp, pork, and mushrooms. It is served with a tasty fish sauce dip.

13. Banh Tom – Shrimp Fritters

Banh Tom is a type of shrimp fritter that is popular in Vietnam. It is made with a mixture of shrimp, sweet potato, and bean sprouts, and then deep-fried to a golden crisp. This tasty treat is usually served with a fish sauce dip.

14. Che – Sweet Treats

Che is a type of sweet treat found in Vietnam. This dessert is made from a combination of beans, fruits, tapioca, and coconut milk. It is a popular way of enjoying a sweet treat in Vietnam and is often served with a side of ice cream.

Whatever your food preferences, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy in Vietnam’s culinary landscape. To ensure you get the most out of your experience, consider using Tripfany to plan your itinerary. We take all the hassle out of planning your trip and can help you create an unforgettable travel experience.

So what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the amazing local dishes of Vietnam! From flavorful soups to crispy rice pancakes and sweet treats, there’s something for everyone.