Vietnamese cuisine is a beautiful blend of bold flavors, aromatic herbs, and fresh ingredients. For those new to the rich world of Vietnamese food, navigating the vast array of dishes can feel like an exciting adventure. From savory broths to crispy snacks, Vietnamese food offers something for everyone.
If you’re just starting to explore, this guide will introduce you to nine must-try dishes that will help you get a feel for the diverse and flavorful world of Vietnamese cuisine.
Pho
When it comes to Vietnamese food, Pho is probably the first dish that comes to mind. This iconic noodle soup is the perfect introduction to Vietnamese flavors, combining aromatic herbs, rich broth, and tender meat. Pho typically comes in two varieties, Pho Bo (beef) and Pho Ga (chicken).
The broth is simmered for hours, resulting in a complex flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet. For beginners, Pho Bo is a great choice. The thinly sliced beef cooks gently in the hot broth, creating a tender, flavorful dish.
Garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and bean sprouts, Pho is a comforting, refreshing, and always satisfying soup. Don’t forget to squeeze in a bit of lime, drizzle some hoisin sauce, and add a dash of sriracha for an extra punch of flavor.
Banh Mi
If you love sandwiches, Banh Mi is a must-try. This Vietnamese sandwich brings together French colonial influences with Vietnamese ingredients, creating a perfect fusion of flavors. Served in a crispy baguette, Banh Mi is filled with a variety of meats such as pork, chicken, or beef, and is topped with pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, cucumber, and a spread of mayonnaise or pate.
Bun Cha
Bun Cha is a flavorful dish of grilled pork (pork patties or pork belly slices) served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a side of dipping sauce. The grilled pork is smoky and tender, with a caramelized exterior that contrasts beautifully with the herbs’ freshness and the softness of the noodles.
For those new to Vietnamese food, Bun Cha is an excellent choice because it’s balanced, salty, sweet, savory, and tangy all in one bowl. The dish is typically served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and lime, which you can drizzle over your noodles and pork to enhance the flavor.
Bun Cha is light yet satisfying, offering a real taste of Vietnam’s street food culture.
Goi Cuon
If you’re looking for a healthy, fresh, and satisfying dish, Goi Cuon (Vietnamese Spring Rolls) should be at the top of your list. These fresh rolls are made with shrimp, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, mint, cilantro, and other herbs, all wrapped tightly in translucent rice paper.
They’re often served with a side of hoisin peanut dipping sauce or a tangy fish sauce. For beginners, the shrimp Goi Cuon is a perfect starting point. The freshness of the ingredients, along with the lightness of the rice paper wrapping, makes these rolls a refreshing dish that won’t overwhelm your palate.
The combination of crisp vegetables, tender shrimp, and creamy peanut sauce is absolutely delicious.
Com tam
Com Tam, or “broken rice,” is a traditional Vietnamese dish that features a bed of broken rice, typically served with grilled pork (often ribs or pork chops), but can also be enjoyed with grilled chicken or fish. The rice is typically served with pickled vegetables, a fried egg, and a side of fish sauce for dipping.
What makes Com Tam special is the texture of the rice and how it complements the smoky, savory grilled pork. The grilled pork has a delicious char and is often marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and garlic, which gives it a sweet-and-salty flavor.
This dish is hearty and comforting, perfect for beginners who want a simple yet flavorful meal.
Hu Tieu
If you enjoy Pho but are looking for something with a bit more variety, Hu Tieu is another noodle soup that’s worth exploring. This dish hails from southern Vietnam and features a variety of meats, such as pork, shrimp, and beef, served with rice noodles in a savory broth.
The key to Hu Tieu’s flavor lies in its broth, made from simmered pork bones, which yields a rich, deep profile. For beginners, the Hu Tieu Nam Vang is a great choice. It’s a Southern-style variation served with an assortment of meats, including pork, shrimp, and quail eggs.
The fresh herbs and vegetables that come with Hu Tieu help balance the rich broth, making each bite a delightful experience.
Cha Gio
If you prefer something crispy, then Cha Gio (Vietnamese fried spring rolls) is a fantastic option. These rolls are filled with a mixture of minced pork, shrimp, and vegetables, then wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
Served with fresh lettuce and herbs, Cha Gio is often enjoyed by wrapping the fried rolls in lettuce leaves and dipping them in a tangy nuoc cham (fish sauce-based) dip. The crispy texture and savory filling make Cha Gio a fun and satisfying dish.
It’s a popular appetizer in Vietnam and a great choice for beginners who want something indulgent yet still packed with vibrant Vietnamese flavors.
Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo, or Vietnamese savory pancakes, are a delicious and unique dish to try. These pancakes are made from rice flour and turmeric, which gives them a vibrant yellow color. The pancakes are filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs, then folded into half-moons and fried until crispy.
Bánh Bao
For those who love dim sum or steamed buns, Bánh Bao is a Vietnamese twist on this popular snack. Bánh Bao is a fluffy, soft steamed bun filled with pork, mushrooms, and a quail egg, creating a savory and satisfying bite. The filling is hearty and flavorful, while the steamed bun is light and soft.
Conclusion
Vietnamese cuisine is an exciting world of vibrant flavors, fresh herbs, and comforting dishes. As a beginner, these nine dishes, Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha, Goi Cuon, Com Tam, Hu Tieu, Cha Gio, Banh Xeo, and Bánh Bao, will give you a well-rounded introduction to the culinary delights of Vietnam.
From savory soups to crispy snacks, each dish offers something unique, making it easy to fall in love with the complexities of Vietnamese flavors.
By exploring these dishes, you’ll begin to understand the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami that defines Vietnamese food. Whether you’re dining at a local restaurant or cooking at home, these dishes will offer you an unforgettable taste of Vietnam, one bite at a time.
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