One of the best things about Vietnam is the incredible food. With vibrant fresh ingredients, plenty of fabulous flavors, and a lively street food culture, expect to spend a lot of time eating. Here are a few iconic dishes that you can’t leave Vietnam without trying.
Banh Mi
Available all over the country, Banh Mi is one of Vietnam’s national dishes. It comprises a crusty-on-the-outside, pillowy-on-the-inside baguette (a hangover from French colonial rule) stuffed with grilled meats or tofu, pate, pickled veggies, herbs, and chilis. Fresh, colorful, and packed with amazing flavors and textures, this sandwich is the perfect anytime-of-day meal.
Pho
Another iconic Vietnamese dish, pho (pronounced fuh) has got to be one of the best noodle soups on the planet. This nourishing dish consists of clear broth, slurpable rice noodles, rare beef flank and a garnish of aromatic herbs and fresh chili which are commonly added at the table. This complete meal in a bowl is filling, comforting and delicious!
Nem Cuon/Goi Cuon
Known as Nem Cuon in the North and Goi Cuon in the South, these Vietnamese spring rolls are stuffed with vermicelli noodles, herbs, shrimp, pork and chili and encased in Vietnamese rice paper. They are served cold, usually with a hoisin-peanut dipping sauce. This dish is perfect as a starter or for when you fancy something a little lighter.