Vietnamese food is like nothing else in the world…at least in Southeast Asia. While some dishes are favorites among travelers, like Pho or Bahn Mi, many of the dishes are not for the faint of heart. Bún Ốc (rice noodle and snail) might be an adventure to try, but it’s nothing compared to the Ca Loc (snake-head fish), grilled sting ray, or *trigger warning* Dog Meat (thit cay or thit cho). No worries, though. Bánh bao bun dumplings or Bo luc lac (spicy beef and green pepper stir fry) are safe options if you’re not comfortable trying the others. You can also enjoy spring rolls, steamed rice, fried tofu, and Tom Rang Me (prawns in sweet ‘n’ sour sauce). Vietnamese food traditionally comes with spices and sauces to add extra flavor, like peanut sauce, fish sauce, and peppercorns. Don’t miss out on the coconut water, green tea, and sugar cane juice, and for dessert, rice cakes and banana fritters.
Soup
Cháo (Congee/Porridge)
Phở (noodles broth – beef is pho bo)
Bún Bò Huế (beef and pork vermicelli)
Bún Riêu (crab and tomato Noodle)
Canh Chua Ca (sour fish and vegetable)
Súp măng cua (asparagus and crab)
Bún Ốc (rice noodle and snail)
Noodles:
Cau Lau thick noodles (from Hoi An)
My Xao instant noodles
Hủ tiếu (Rice Noodle)
Bánh Canh Bột Lọc (Thick Noodle)
Rice/Cơm:
Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)
Cơm chiên (fried rice) with bò beef or gà chicken
Cơm hến rice with clams
Tom rang me prawns in sweet ‘n’ sour sauce
Xoi sticky rice
Banh Vo’t steamed flat rice
Bánh Cuốn (Steamed Rice Cake)
Bang Trang (sundried rice paper)
Bang Trang Nuong (rice crackers)
Bang Dap (smash)
Rice paper rolls
Mains:
Bun Cha BBQ pork and noodles
Com Suong Nuong tender pork cutlet BBQ
Gỏi tôm thịt pork and prawn salad
Bánh bao bun dumplings
Meat or Fish Claypot
Ca Ri Ga chicken curry with coconut and lemongrass
Bo luc lac (spicy beef and green pepper stir fry)
Dau chien ron (fried tofu)
Seafood:
Nghêu hấp xả clams steamed with lemongrass
Cha Ca Hanoi (Fish pan-fried with turmeric and dill)
Cá Kho Tộ (Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot)
Ca Loc snake-head fish
Fried crab with tamarind
Grilled Stingray
Local treats:
Snake heart
Embryo duck eggs
Chilli frog
Giant water bug
Dog meat (thit cay or thit cho)
Snacks:
Bánh Mì French baguette (often with pâté)
Bánh Xèo (crispy rice crepe), Bánh Khọai (miniature fried crepes)
Gỏi cuốn spring rolls
Vegetarian spring rolls (nem an chay or nem khong co thit)
Banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp
Nom ngo sen (lotus-stem salad)
Sauces and Spice flavours:
Nuoc mam Fish Sauce
Shallots
Peanut Sauce
Vietnamese coriander
Chilli
Sweet soybean
Black and white peppercorn
Lemongrass
Dessert:
Bánh Cam Orange Sesame Ball
Bánh Tét Sticky Rice Cake
Bánh Kẹp Lá Dứa Coconut Pandan Waffles
Banh chuoi banana fritters
Che sweet soups
Fruits:
Pineapple, coconut, papaya, mango, longan, mangosteen, dragon fruit, durian
Beverages:
Vietnamese coffee/iced coffee
Green Tea
Coconut water
Sugar Cane juice
Sinh tố fruit smoothies
Beer:
Bia Hoi draught beer
Saigon Green or Saigon Red, Festival, Bia Huda, 333 (Ba Ba Ba), Bia Hanoi, Larue, Dai Viet
Bia chai bottled beer
Wine:
Vang Da Lat wine
Rice wine
Coconut wine
Spirits:
Hanoi vodka
Rice whiskey
Hana LaRock is originally from New York, though has called other places around the world her home for the last two years. She currently lives in South Korea as an English teacher and freelance travel writer. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her dog, and of course, traveling. You can find her at www.hanalarockwriting.com.
