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Vietnamese National Dish: A Culinary Tour of Iconic Flavors

Explore Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage with our guide to its most iconic national dishes. From the fragrant Pho to the savory Chung Cake, each dish offers a unique taste of Vietnamese culture. This culinary tour will take you through essential Vietnamese foods, showcasing the flavors that define the country’s exceptional cuisine. Dive into this guide to enhance your Vietnam discovery travel experience.

Vietnamese cuisine is exceptionally diverse (Source: Collected)
Vietnamese cuisine is exceptionally diverse (Source: Collected)

1. Which Food is Widely Recognized as the Vietnamese National Dish?

1.1 Pho – The Reputable Vietnamese National Dish

Description:
Pho is perhaps the most iconic Vietnamese dish, renowned for its aromatic broth, tender noodles, and a choice of beef or chicken. This noodle soup is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine and is enjoyed across the globe.

Pho - the worldwide famous Vietnamese national dish (Source: Collected)
Pho – the worldwide famous Vietnamese national dish (Source: Collected)

Top Places to Enjoy Pho:

  • Pho Gia Truyen
    Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
    Phone: +84 24 3828 0496
    Price: VND 50,000 – 70,000 per bowl
    Details: Famous for its rich, flavorful broth and tender meat, Pho Gia Truyen offers an authentic pho experience in the heart of Hanoi.
  • Pho 2000
    Address: 1-3-5 Phan Chu Trinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
    Phone: +84 28 3829 7929
    Price: VND 55,000 – 75,000 per bowl
    Details: Known for its quality ingredients and traditional preparation, Pho 2000 is a popular spot for pho lovers in Ho Chi Minh City.

1.2 Chung Cake – The Indispensable Vietnamese National Dish During Tet

Description:
Chung Cake is a traditional Vietnamese cake made from glutinous rice, pork, and mung beans, wrapped in banana leaves. It is an essential part of Tet celebrations and symbolizes the earth.

Chung Cake - an unmissable food during Tet Holiday (Source: Collected)
Chung Cake – an unmissable food during Tet Holiday (Source: Collected)

Top Places to Enjoy Chung Cake:

  • Chung Cake Huong Sen
    Address: 64 Hang Duong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
    Phone: +84 24 3928 2468
    Price: VND 100,000 – 150,000 per cake
    Details: Specializes in traditional Chung Cake, offering a taste of authentic Tet flavors.
  • Banh Chung Hanh Trung
    Address: 89 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
    Phone: +84 28 3929 2495
    Price: VND 120,000 – 160,000 per cake
    Details: Known for its traditional preparation and quality ingredients, this place is perfect for experiencing Chung Cake during Tet.

2. Other Renowned Vietnam’s National Dishes in the World’s Culinary Map

2.1 Pho Rolls

Description:
Pho rolls are an innovative take on traditional pho, featuring rice paper rolls filled with pho ingredients such as beef, noodles, and herbs, often served with a dipping sauce.

Pho cuon - a tasty food made of pho noodles (Source: Collected)
Pho cuon – a tasty food made of pho noodles (Source: Collected)

Top Places to Enjoy Pho Rolls:

  • Pho Rolls Street Food
    Address: 92B Ly Nam De, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
    Phone: +84 24 3934 6717
    Price: VND 40,000 – 60,000 per roll
    Details: A popular spot for trying unique pho rolls, offering a modern twist on classic pho flavors.

2.2 Banh Mi – A Popular Vietnamese Food

Description:
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette filled with various ingredients such as pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Banh Mi is another reputable Vietnamese national dish (Source: Collected)
Banh Mi is another reputable Vietnamese national dish (Source: Collected)

Top Places to Enjoy Banh Mi:

  • Banh Mi Huynh Hoa
    Address: 26 Le Thi Ri, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
    Phone: +84 28 3825 1588
    Price: VND 30,000 – 50,000 per sandwich
    Details: Famous for its delicious and generously filled banh mi, a must-try for sandwich enthusiasts.
  • Banh Mi Phuong
    Address: 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An
    Phone: +84 235 3861 581
    Price: VND 35,000 – 55,000 per sandwich
    Details: A renowned spot in Hoi An for authentic banh mi with a variety of fillings and flavors.

2.3 Vietnamese Noodles – The Most Famous Vietnamese National Dish

Description:
Vietnamese noodles encompass various styles such as bun (vermicelli), banh canh (thick noodles), and hu tieu (clear noodles), each offering a unique taste and texture.

Vietnamese National Dish: A Culinary Tour of Iconic Flavors
A variety of noodle dishes in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Top Places to Enjoy Vietnamese Noodles:

  • Bun Cha Hanoi
    Address: 74 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
    Phone: +84 24 3928 2748
    Price: VND 50,000 – 70,000 per bowl
    Details: Known for its flavorful noodle dishes and traditional preparation methods.
  • Banh Canh Cua 5
    Address: 43A Le Lai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
    Phone: +84 28 3838 2122
    Price: VND 60,000 – 80,000 per bowl
    Details: Specializes in banh canh cua (crab noodles), offering a rich and satisfying noodle experience.

2.4 Spring Rolls

Description:
Vietnamese spring rolls come in two main types: fresh (goi cuon) and fried (cha gio), each with its own distinct flavor and preparation style.

“Cha gio” - a must-try in any Vietnam food tour (Source: Collected)
“Cha gio” – a must-try in any Vietnam food tour (Source: Collected)

Top Places to Enjoy Spring Rolls:

  • Goi Cuon Tan Binh
    Address: 160 Ly Tu Trong, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
    Phone: +84 28 3949 3626
    Price: VND 20,000 – 40,000 per roll
    Details: Offers a variety of fresh spring rolls with different fillings, perfect for a light and flavorful snack.
  • Cha Gio Ba Long
    Address: 67A Le Lai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
    Phone: +84 28 3825 4539
    Price: VND 30,000 – 50,000 per roll
    Details: Famous for its crispy fried spring rolls, a must-try for fans of this classic Vietnamese dish.

2.5 Egg Coffee – Highlight of the Coffee Culture of Vietnam

Description:
Egg coffee is a unique Vietnamese creation featuring a creamy, frothy mixture of egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, and robust coffee.

Egg coffee - the signature drink of Hanoians (Source: Collected)
Egg coffee – the signature drink of Hanoians (Source: Collected)

Top Places to Enjoy Egg Coffee:

  • Cafe Giang
    Address: 39 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
    Phone: +84 24 3928 7162
    Price: VND 40,000 – 60,000 per cup
    Details: The birthplace of egg coffee, offering an authentic and rich experience.
  • Cafe Dinh
    Address: 13 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
    Phone: +84 24 3928 7767
    Price: VND 35,000 – 55,000 per cup
    Details: Known for its delightful egg coffee with a perfect balance of flavors.

2.6 Broken Rice – Southern Vietnamese National Dish

Description:
Broken rice, or com tam, is a Southern Vietnamese specialty made from fractured rice grains, often served with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg.

A “com tam” stall in Southern Vietnam (Source: Collected)
A “com tam” stall in Southern Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Top Places to Enjoy Broken Rice:

  • Com Tam Ba Ghien
    Address: 84 Dang Van Nghe, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
    Phone: +84 28 3865 3695
    Price: VND 50,000 – 70,000 per plate
    Details: Famous for its flavorful broken rice dishes with a variety of toppings.
  • Com Tam Moc
    Address: 180 Le Lai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
    Phone: +84 28 3825 2016
    Price: VND 45,000 – 65,000 per plate
    Details: Offers a classic broken rice experience with tender grilled pork and fresh accompaniments.

2.7 Pancakes

Description:
Vietnamese pancakes, or banh xeo, are savory crepes filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs, served with lettuce and a tangy dipping sauce.

Vietnamese sizzling pancakes (Source: Collected)
Vietnamese sizzling pancakes (Source: Collected)

Top Places to Enjoy Vietnamese Pancakes:

  • Banh Xeo 46A
    Address: 46A Dinh Cong Trang, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
    Phone: +84 28 3822 9303
    Price: VND 60,000 – 80,000 per pancake
    Details: Known for its crispy and flavorful banh xeo, a must-try for pancake lovers.
  • Banh Xeo Minh Tam
    Address: 24 Le Lai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
    Phone: +84 28 3825 2988
    Price: VND 50,000 – 70,000 per pancake
    Details: Offers delicious banh xeo with a perfect combination of ingredients and textures.

2.8 Steamed Rice Rolls

Description:
Steamed rice rolls, or banh cuon, are delicate rolls made from rice flour, often filled with minced pork and mushrooms, and served with a savory dipping sauce.

Banh cuon Thanh Tri - one of the most famous Vietnamese steamed rice rolls (Source: Collected)
Banh cuon Thanh Tri – one of the most famous Vietnamese steamed rice rolls (Source: Collected)

Top Places to Enjoy Steamed Rice Rolls:

  • Banh Cuon Thanh Van
    Address: 14 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
    Phone: +84 24 3824 8345
    Price: VND 40,000 – 60,000 per plate
    Details: Offers soft and flavorful steamed rice rolls with traditional fillings.
  • Banh Cuon Gia An
    Address: 56 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
    Phone: +84 28 3824 5678
    Price: VND 35,000 – 55,000 per plate
    Details: Known for its fresh and tasty banh cuon with a variety of toppings and sauces.

2.9 Quang Noodles – A Famous Vietnamese Food in the Central Region

Description:
Quang noodles, or bun quang, are a Central Vietnamese specialty featuring rice noodles in a flavorful broth with pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs.

Mi Quang ech (Quang noodles with frog) (Source: Collected)
Mi Quang ech (Quang noodles with frog) (Source: Collected)

Top Places to Enjoy Quang Noodles:

  • Bun Quang Ba Mua
    Address: 89 Nguyen Hue, Da Nang
    Phone: +84 236 3826 989
    Price: VND 50,000 – 70,000 per bowl
    Details: Famous for its rich and aromatic Quang noodles, a highlight of Central Vietnamese cuisine.
  • Bun Quang Tuan
    Address: 25 Le Duan, Da Nang
    Phone: +84 236 3822 111
    Price: VND 45,000 – 65,000 per bowl
    Details: Known for its traditional preparation and flavorful broth.

2.10 Bun Dau Mam Tom

Description:
Bun dau mam tom is a Northern Vietnamese dish featuring rice vermicelli with fermented shrimp paste, often accompanied by fried tofu, pork, and fresh herbs.

A tray of bun dau mam tom (Source: Collected)
A tray of bun dau mam tom (Source: Collected)

Top Places to Enjoy Bun Dau Mam Tom:

  • Bun Dau Mam Tom Ba Sao
    Address: 101 Tran Nhan Tong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
    Phone: +84 24 3868 2499
    Price: VND 50,000 – 70,000 per plate
    Details: Offers an authentic bun dau mam tom experience with flavorful shrimp paste and fresh ingredients.
  • Bun Dau Mam Tom 123
    Address: 85 Ly Nam De, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
    Phone: +84 24 3933 8001
    Price: VND 45,000 – 65,000 per plate
    Details: Known for its balanced flavors and traditional preparation.

Conclusion

Embark on a culinary journey through Vietnam with our guide to its national dishes. From the iconic Pho to the beloved Chung Cake, discover the flavors that make Vietnamese cuisine exceptional. Each dish tells a story and adds to the rich tapestry of Vietnam’s food culture. Whether you’re exploring Hanoi’s bustling streets or Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant markets, this guide is your key to experiencing the best of Vietnamese cuisine. For more tips and recommendations, connect with us on WhatsApp for real-time travel advice.

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