Whether you're a novice in Vietnam or already familiar with Vietnamese cuisine, you'll be amazed by the diverse cultural aspects that are reflected in Vietnamese food. With its rich history and numerous amazing small eateries in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, our MICHELIN Inspectors have handpicked 5 notable dishes that you definitely should try during a visit to Vietnam.
Delicious banh cuon at Bánh Cuốn Bà Xuân in Hanoi. (© Bánh Cuốn Bà Xuân)
Banh cuon
Banh cuon, Vietnamese steamed rice rolls, are prepared upon request, allowing diners to witness the lady at the entrance steam the rice sheets and craft the rolls before their eyes. There are two varieties of banh cuon available: the more common type filled with minced pork and black fungus, and another version, the egg banh cuon, featuring a soft poached egg. Diners have the option to add pork meatloaf and sausage, accompanied by a selection of fresh herbs, chilli, lime, or garlic slices to season the fish sauce dip.Try here:
Care for some Phnom Penh style rice noodles? (© Hồng Phát Quận 3)
Hu tieu
In Saigon, it highlights hu tieu (Phnom Penh style rice noodles), a well-liked dish that reflects the historical culinary fusion in Vietnam. This blend combines the culinary traditions of Chaozhou and Khmer and was introduced to the southern part of Vietnam by Cambodian repatriates in the 1970s.Try here:
Bún Chả Đắc Kim's bun cha in Hanoi. (© MICHELIN)
Bun cha
The bun cha eatery situated in the Old Quarter is highly favoured by tourists. Their straightforward menu presents various bun cha (rice noodles with grilled pork) combinations paired with different nem ran (fried spring rolls), each offering a distinct flavour. The grilled pork, with its charred goodness, is irresistible when enjoyed alongside the sweet and sour soup and, naturally, accompanied by a selection of fragrant herbs.Try here:
Enjoy a variety of toppings on sticky rice at Xôi Bát in Ho Chi Minh City. (© Mervin Lee/ MICHELIN Guide Vietnam)
Xoi
A Vietnamese snack known as "xoi," Vietnamese sticky rice, is commonly enjoyed as a compact breakfast or lunch by locals. This establishment is operated by a youthful team, providing a dining area that's cosy and relaxing. It's an excellent spot for breakfast and a light lunch.Try here:
Fancy a hot bowl of pho at Phở Hoà Pasteur? (© MICHELIN)
Pho
Departing Vietnam without savouring several bowls of pho is inconceivable. Both “pho bo” and “pho ga” are not just globally celebrated but also serve as a hearty daily essential for locals. Remember to add a handful of herbs or a squeeze of lime to the piping-hot soup.Try here:
- Phở Bò Ấu Triệu,Hanoi
- Phở Gà Nguyệt, Hanoi
- Phở Minh, Ho Chi Minh City
- Phở Hoà Pasteur, Ho Chi Minh City
CONTINUE READING: MICHELIN Inspectors Reveal Their Favourite Street Food in Hanoi
Illustration image: © Mervin Lee/ MICHELIN Guide Vietnam
Illustration image: © Mervin Lee/ MICHELIN Guide Vietnam
