Vietnamese Noodles: Endless Dishes to Savor on Your Trip

Discover the rich tapestry of Vietnamese cuisine through its diverse noodle dishes. From the iconic Pho to the flavorful Bun Thit Nuong, each dish offers a unique taste of Vietnam’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re exploring bustling city streets or peaceful countryside, these noodles promise an unforgettable culinary journey. Embark on a Vietnam discovery travel experience and savor endless bowls of deliciousness

1. 7 Varieties of Vietnamese Noodles You Need to Try

1.1 Pho – Steamed Flat Rice Noodles

Description:
Pho is perhaps the most famous Vietnamese noodle dish, consisting of flat rice noodles served in a fragrant broth, typically made with beef or chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh herbs, lime, and chili.

Where to Find Pho:

• Pho Thin
  Address: 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
  Phone: +84 24 3826 5863
  Price: VND 50,000 – 70,000 per bowl
• Pho Hoa Pasteur
  Address: 260C Pasteur, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
  Phone: +84 28 3829 7943
  Price: VND 55,000 – 75,000 per bowl

1.2 Cao Lau – Unique Udon-Like Noodles

Description:
Cao Lau is a specialty of Hoi An, featuring thick, chewy noodles served with slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy fried noodles. It’s typically enjoyed with a small amount of broth and flavored with soy sauce.

Where to Find Cao Lau:

• Ba Be Cao Lau
  Address: 19 Thai Phien, Hoi An
  Phone: +84 90 518 6695
  Price: VND 30,000 – 50,000 per bowl

1.3 Bun – Rice Vermicelli

Description:
Bun, or rice vermicelli, is a versatile noodle used in a variety of dishes, from soups to salads. Popular dishes include Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles) and Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork with vermicelli).

Where to Find Bun:

• Bun Cha Huong Lien
  Address: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
  Phone: +84 24 3943 4106
  Price: VND 40,000 – 60,000 per serving

1.4 Banh Canh – Thick Noodles

Description:
Banh Canh features thick, chewy noodles made from tapioca or a combination of rice and tapioca flour. It’s often served in a hearty broth with toppings like shrimp, pork, or fish cakes.

Where to Find Banh Canh:

• Banh Canh Cua 87
  Address: 87 Tran Khac Chan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  Phone: +84 90 361 3729
  Price: VND 45,000 – 70,000 per bowl

1.5 Hu Tieu – Clear Rice Noodles

Description:
Hu Tieu is a clear rice noodle soup often served with a choice of meats, seafood, and an array of fresh herbs and vegetables. It’s a popular dish in Southern Vietnam.

Where to Find Hu Tieu:

• Hu Tieu My Tho
  Address: 101 Le Van Duyet, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
  Phone: +84 28 3510 3789
  Price: VND 30,000 – 50,000 per bowl

1.6 Mien – Dried Glass Noodles

Description:
Mien, or glass noodles, are made from mung bean starch and are often used in soups or stir-fried dishes. A popular variant is Mien Ga (chicken glass noodle soup).

Where to Find Mien:

• Mien Luon Phu Doan
  Address: 87 Phu Doan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  Phone: +84 24 6683 2888
  Price: VND 40,000 – 60,000 per bowl

1.7 Mi Trung – Vietnamese Egg Noodles

Description:
Mi Trung are yellow egg noodles, often served in a light broth or stir-fried with various meats and vegetables. A popular dish is Mi Quang from the Quang Nam region.

Where to Find Mi Trung:

• Mi Quang Ba Mua
  Address: 19 Tran Binh Trong, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
  Phone: +84 90 350 8338
  Price: VND 35,000 – 55,000 per serving

2. 3 Popular Ways to Enjoy Vietnamese Noodles

2.1 Vietnamese Noodle Soups

Description:
Vietnamese noodle soup is a “wet” dish featuring an abundance of ingredients and is beneficial for digestion due to its low starch content. This category includes various dishes, such as pho (noodles with chicken or beef), different types of bun (rice vermicelli) like bun rieu and bun bo Hue, banh canh, mi, hu tieu, mien, and banh da cua. The standout aspect of these dishes is the broth, which is prepared by simmering pork bones, beef bones, or seafood.

2.2 Vietnamese Noodle Salads

Vietnamese noodle salad represents a category of “dry” noodle dishes, including favorites such as bun cha (vermicelli with grilled pork), bun dau mam tom (vermicelli with shrimp paste and fried tofu), and bun bo Nam Bo (Southern beef noodles).

Bun dau mam tom (vermicelli with shrimp paste and fried tofu) is a simple yet beloved dish in Northern Vietnam. It is a great vegetarian option and can also be accompanied by slices of boiled pork belly, pig’s leg, offal, minced pork, or fried minced pork.

Bun cha or bun thit nuong (vermicelli with grilled pork) is perfect for cooling off during the summer. The cool vermicelli pairs beautifully with hot grilled pork, fresh herbs, and lettuce. The addition of tangy and sweet fish sauce enhances the flavor and balance of this delightful combination

Bun Bo Nam Bo (Southern beef noodles) is another simple yet unforgettable dish. The beef is marinated thoroughly before being stir-fried with a bit of fat. The dish’s distinctive flavor comes from a mix of fish sauce, sugar, lemon juice, chopped chili, and garlic. Fresh lettuce and herbs add a healthy touch, while crispy roasted peanuts enhance the overall flavor.

2.3 Vietnamese Noodles for Spring Rolls

Vietnamese noodles are also used in various types of spring rolls, including popular dishes like banh cuon (steamed rice-flour rolls), pho cuon (rice-flour sheet rolls), and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls).

Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls or summer rolls) typically feature boiled meat, shrimp, fresh herbs, and vermicelli noodles wrapped in rice paper. These rolls are often served with a rich soy sauce or a sweet and tangy peanut sauce with chili and garlic. For vegetarians, tofu and mushrooms can be used as alternatives.

Pho Cuon involves rice-flour noodles, but in this case, they are thin sheets wrapped around stir-fried beef. These rolls are served with a sweet and sour fish sauce, garnished with chopped chili, garlic, and pickled carrot or radish. Pho Cuon is a standout culinary delight of Hanoi.

Banh Cuon (steamed rice-flour rolls) features a warm, rolled sheet of rice-flour noodles encasing minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, onions, and additional mushrooms. These rolls are served with a sweet and tangy fish sauce. To enhance the flavor, they are often topped with fresh herbs and crispy fried onions.

3. Conclusion

Vietnamese noodles are more than just a meal; they are a gateway to understanding the country’s rich culture and diverse flavors. Each dish, from the aromatic Pho to the savory Cao Lau, tells a story of tradition and local ingredients. As you embark on your Vietnam discovery travel, don’t miss the chance to savor these authentic dishes. Ready to explore? Reach out to us on WhatsApp to plan your culinary journey and ensure you experience the best of Vietnam’s noodle offerings