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Best Vietnamese Street Food – Top Picks for Foodies 2025

Let's explore the list of the most famous street foods in Vietnam!

Let’s explore the list of the most famous street foods in Vietnam!

Let’s dive into the best Vietnamese street food, showcasing a variety of dishes that are iconic to different regions of the country. From savory noodle soups to crispy snacks, these street food wonders are not to be missed when exploring Vietnam’s streets and markets. Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey that highlights the very best of Vietnamese cuisine with Ula Travel today!

I. Overview of Vietnamese Street Food

1. Vietnamese Street Food Culture

Vietnamese street food culture is a vibrant reflection of the country’s rich culinary heritage, deeply rooted in tradition and daily life. Across Vietnam, from the bustling alleys of Hanoi to the lively markets of Ho Chi Minh City, street food is not just a way to eat but a way to experience the culture.

It is a sensory journey where the sizzle of the grill, the clinking of chopsticks, and the fragrant aroma of fresh herbs fill the air, inviting both locals and tourists to indulge in unforgettable flavors.

2. A Must-Try Experience for Tourists

For international tourists, exploring Vietnamese street food is a must-try experience because it offers a direct connection to the heart of the country’s culinary identity.

Unlike formal dining, street food allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle, sharing communal spaces with residents while enjoying authentic, freshly prepared dishes. The affordability and accessibility of street food also make it ideal for travelers seeking both budget-friendly options and genuine cultural experiences.

II. Highlights of Vietnamese Street Food

1. Fresh Ingredients and Bold Flavors

Vietnamese street food is celebrated for its use of fresh herbs, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Dishes often include a balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy elements, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Ingredients such as mint, coriander, lime, and chili play a crucial role in enhancing the taste. The emphasis on freshness not only ensures vibrant flavors but also supports a healthy diet.

2. Influence of Regional Cuisines

Vietnam’s regional diversity adds to the uniqueness of its street food. Each region offers distinct dishes reflecting local ingredients and cultural influences:

  • Northern Vietnam: Known for subtle and balanced flavors, with iconic dishes like Pho and Bun Cha.
  • Central Vietnam: Spicier and richer, with specialties such as Mi Quang and Bun Bo Hue.
  • Southern Vietnam: Sweeter and more vibrant, featuring dishes like Com Tam and Hu Tieu.

3. Street Food Culture and Social Experience

Street food in Vietnam is not just about eating; it’s a way of life. Small plastic stools, open-air markets, and bustling food stalls create a lively, communal atmosphere. Locals and tourists alike gather around these humble settings to enjoy affordable yet delicious meals while engaging in conversation. This social aspect adds authenticity to the culinary experience, making it memorable beyond just the food itself.

III. Best Vietnamese Street Food 

1. Noodle Dishes

Vietnam’s vibrant street food culture offers a wide array of delicious noodle dishes that captivate both locals and tourists. Here are the top must-try noodle dishes you shouldn’t miss:

a. Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

Pho Thin is a long-standing and famous pho restaurant in Hanoi.

Pho Thin is a long-standing and famous pho restaurant in Hanoi.

Pho is Vietnam’s most iconic dish, known for its aromatic broth, flat rice noodles, and tender slices of beef or chicken. The broth is simmered for hours with beef bones, star anise, cinnamon, and other spices, creating a rich, flavorful base. It’s typically garnished with fresh herbs, lime wedges, bean sprouts, and chili.

Best places to try Pho:

  • Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan Street, Hanoi) – Famous for its traditional northern-style beef pho with a rich, clear broth.
  • Pho Thin (13 Lo Duc Street, Hanoi) – Known for stir-fried beef pho with a smoky flavor.
  • Pho Hoa Pasteur (260C Pasteur Street, Ho Chi Minh City) – Southern-style pho with a sweeter broth and various topping options.

Click here: Private Street Food Tour Hanoi by Walking in 3 Hours

b. Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Noodles)

Remember to enjoy Bun Cha when visiting Hanoi.

Remember to enjoy Bun Cha when visiting Hanoi.

Bun Cha is a signature dish from Hanoi, consisting of grilled pork patties and slices served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. The pork is typically marinated in a mixture of garlic, fish sauce, and sugar before being grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky aroma.

Best places to try Bun Cha:

  • Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu Street, Hanoi) – Made famous after former US President Barack Obama’s visit.
  • Bun Cha Dac Kim (1 Hang Manh Street, Hanoi) – Known for its generous portions and flavorful grilled pork.
  • Bun Cha Hang Quat (74 Hang Quat Street, Hanoi) – A hidden gem with authentic, charcoal-grilled pork.

c. Cao Lau (Hoi An’s Specialty Noodles)

Cao Lau is famous in the central provinces of Vietnam and especially Hoi An.

Cao Lau is famous in the central provinces of Vietnam and especially Hoi An.

Cao Lau is a unique noodle dish from Hoi An, featuring chewy noodles, slices of roast pork, crunchy rice crackers, and fresh local herbs. The dish is distinct because the noodles are made using water from specific local wells, giving them a firm texture.

Best places to try Cao Lau:

  • Ba Le Well (45/3 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An) – Known for its authentic Cao Lau with rich flavors.
  • Thanh Cao Lau (26 Thai Phien Street, Hoi An) – A long-standing eatery specializing in traditional Cao Lau.
  • Central Market Food Hall (Hoi An Central Market) – A great place to experience local street food culture and Cao Lau.

Read more: Explore Hoi An in 1 Day

2. Rice Dishes

a. Com Tam (Broken Rice)

Broken Rice - specialty in Saigon.

Broken Rice – specialty in Saigon.

Originating from Ho Chi Minh City, Com Tam is a famous street food made with fractured rice grains, often served with grilled pork chop (suon nuong), a fried egg, and shredded pork skin (bi).

It’s topped with scallion oil and served with a side of sweet fish sauce (nuoc mam). Some variations include a meatloaf (cha trung) made with egg and pork. The grain’s unique texture and flavorful accompaniments make it a hearty meal.

  • Where to try: Com Tam Ba Ghien (84 Dang Van Ngu, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City) is a renowned spot for authentic Com Tam with generous portions and rich flavors.

Do not miss: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

b. Xoi (Sticky Rice)

Vietnam has dozens of different types of sticky rice for tourists to enjoy.

Vietnam has dozens of different types of sticky rice for tourists to enjoy.

Xoi is a versatile sticky rice dish available across Vietnam with various toppings and flavors. The ingredients and preparation methods vary by region:

  • Northern Vietnam: Xoi Xeo (yellow sticky rice with mung beans and fried shallots) is often paired with boiled chicken or pate.
  • Central Vietnam: Xoi Gac (red sticky rice made with baby jackfruit) has a subtle sweetness and is often served during celebrations.
  • Southern Vietnam: Xoi Man (savory sticky rice with Chinese sausage, dried shrimp, quail eggs, and scallion oil) provides a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.

Where to try: Try Xoi Yen (35b Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi) for a delicious Northern-style sticky rice served with multiple topping options.

3. Rolls and Wraps

a. Banh Xeo (Crispy Pancake)

Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo is a must-try specialty from Central Vietnam, particularly in Da Nang and Hoi An. This crispy, turmeric-flavored pancake is made with rice flour and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It’s folded like an omelet and served with fresh herbs such as lettuce, mint, and perilla, along with a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, garlic, and chili.

  • Where to try: Ba Duong Restaurant (K280/23 Hoàng Diệu, Da Nang) is famous for its authentic Banh Xeo with crispy edges and flavorful fillings.

b. Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)

Many visitors love the freshness of Fresh Spring Rolls' ingredients.

Many visitors love the freshness of Fresh Spring Rolls’ ingredients.

Goi Cuon are light and refreshing rolls made with rice paper, shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs like mint and cilantro. These healthy rolls are often served with a hoisin-peanut dipping sauce. Some variations include adding grilled beef or tofu for a vegetarian option.

  • Where to try: Quan An Ngon (18 Phan Boi Chau, Hanoi) offers a great selection of Goi Cuon prepared with fresh ingredients and served with a rich peanut dipping sauce.

c. Nem Ran (Fried Spring Rolls)

Fried Spring Rolls

Fried Spring Rolls

Nem Ran is deep-fried spring rolls filled with minced pork, mushrooms, vermicelli, and vegetables such as carrots and taro. Hanoi’s Nem Ran is particularly famous for its delicate rice paper and flavorful filling, often enjoyed with Bun Cha. Some variations in Southern Vietnam may include additional ingredients like crab meat for a richer taste.

  • Where to try: Bun Cha Huong Lien (24 Le Van Huu, Hanoi) is known for its famous Nem Ran paired with Bun Cha, offering a perfect balance of crispy rolls and smoky grilled pork.

You will be like: Best Vietnam Travel Guide for the First-Timers 

4. Breads and Snacks

a. Banh Mi (Vietnam’s Famous Baguette Sandwich)

Banh Mi is a favorite dish not only of tourists but also of Vietnamese people.

Banh Mi is a favorite dish not only of tourists but also of Vietnamese people.

Banh Mi is an iconic Vietnamese street food with a crispy, golden baguette filled with a delightful mix of ingredients. Inside, you’ll find rich liver pâté, savory cold cuts, refreshing cucumber slices, tangy pickled vegetables, and aromatic cilantro. The highlight is the signature sauce, a perfect balance of sweet and salty, making each Banh Mi unforgettable.

Best places to try:

  • Banh Mi Phuong (Hoi An): Renowned for its smooth pate and balanced flavors.
  • Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (Ho Chi Minh City): Famous for its generous fillings and rich pate.
  • Banh Mi 25 (Hanoi): Traditional yet tourist-friendly with a full-flavored stuffing.

b. Banh Trang Nuong (Grilled Rice Paper)

Banh Trang Nuong

Banh Trang Nuong

Banh Trang Nuong, often called “Vietnamese Pizza,” is a popular snack originating from Da Lat. A thin rice paper sheet is grilled over charcoal, topped with quail eggs, rich pâté, shredded dried shrimp, green onions, and sliced sausage. As it cooks, the toppings blend together, creating a fragrant, crispy, and slightly spicy treat perfect for enjoying hot.

Best places to try:

  • Banh Trang Nuong Dalat Market: Authentic with quail eggs and dried shrimp.
  • Banh Trang Nuong Co Phuong (Ho Chi Minh City): Wide variety of toppings including cheese, dried beef, and seafood.
  • Banh Trang Nuong Hang Tre (Hanoi): A Hanoi version with subtle yet satisfying flavors.

5. Desserts 

a. Che (Sweet Dessert Soup)

Sweet Dessert Soup

Sweet Dessert Soup

Che is a traditional Vietnamese dessert soup made with a delightful mix of mung beans, red beans, taro, jelly, lotus seeds, and tropical fruits. These ingredients are simmered in a light syrup made from palm sugar and served with creamy coconut milk.

Popular versions include Che Thap Cam (Mixed Beans Che), Che Chuoi (Banana Che), and Che Bap (Corn Che), all offering a refreshing and sweet taste.

Best places to try:

  • Che Muoi Sau (Hanoi): Famous for lotus seed and green bean Che.
  • Che Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City): Offers a wide range of Southern Che varieties.
  • Che Lien (Da Nang): Known for its signature Durian Che.

b. Banh Chuoi Chien (Fried Banana Cake)

Fried Banana Cake

Fried Banana Cake

Banh Chuoi Chien is a simple yet irresistible street snack. Ripe bananas are flattened, dipped in a glutinous rice flour batter, and deep-fried to golden perfection. The result is a crispy, caramelized outer layer with soft, naturally sweet banana inside. The blend of crunchiness and sweetness makes it perfect for an afternoon treat with iced tea.

Best places to try:

  • Co Ut Fried Banana (Ho Chi Minh City): Crispy with thin batter.
  • Nguyen Chi Thanh Street (Hanoi): Slightly caramelized with natural banana sweetness.
  • Con Market (Da Nang): Thicker batter with rich banana flavors.

IV. Best Places to Try Vietnamese Street Food

1. Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter is a culinary paradise in Hanoi.

Hanoi Old Quarter is a culinary paradise in Hanoi.

The Hanoi Old Quarter is a food lover’s paradise, where narrow streets are filled with street vendors offering a wide variety of delicious local dishes. The historic area is not just a cultural hub but also a prime spot for sampling traditional Hanoi street food.

  • Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls): A must-try dish in the Old Quarter. These delicate rice rolls are filled with minced pork and mushrooms, often served with fresh herbs and a side of dipping sauce.
  • Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup): Hanoi is the birthplace of pho, and the Old Quarter is home to some of the most iconic pho shops. The broth is rich and flavorful, with either beef or chicken, and served with rice noodles and fresh herbs.
  • Bun Cha: The iconic Hanoi dish features grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce that combines sweet, salty, and sour flavors. It’s often enjoyed with a side of crispy fried spring rolls.

2. Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market is a bustling marketplace and one of the best places to experience southern Vietnamese street food. The market’s vibrant atmosphere and its food stalls offer an extensive selection of street snacks that are both delicious and authentic.

  • Banh Mi: This Vietnamese sandwich is a must-try in Ho Chi Minh City. The crispy baguette is filled with a variety of fillings like grilled pork, chicken, pâté, or even tofu. Served with pickled vegetables, herbs, and sauces, banh mi is a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
  • Goi Cuon (Vietnamese Spring Rolls): These fresh rolls are made with rice paper and typically stuffed with shrimp, pork, or chicken, along with rice noodles and herbs.
  • Com Tam (Broken Rice): Popular in Ho Chi Minh City, this dish is made with broken rice and usually served with grilled pork, fried eggs, and a variety of pickled vegetables. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal for any time of day.

Ben Thanh Market is also an excellent place to try southern Vietnamese hu tieu (noodle soup) and banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), which are crispy and filled with savory ingredients.

3. Hoi An Night Market

Hoi An Night Market

Hoi An Night Market

Hoi An night market, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is famous not only for its charming old town, where you can sample an array of mouthwatering street foods. The market comes alive in the evening, with vendors selling delicious snacks along the lantern-lit streets.

  • Cao Lau: This is a signature dish of Hoi An. The thick noodles are served with slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons. The broth is rich and flavorful, giving it a distinct taste that can only be found in Hoi An.
  • Banh Bao Vạc (White Rose Dumplings): These delicate steamed dumplings are made with rice flour and filled with shrimp or pork. Shaped like a rose, these dumplings are served with a fragrant dipping sauce.
  • Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancakes): Hoi An’s version of banh xeo is especially delicious. The crispy pancake is filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, making it a satisfying and savory treat

4. Da Nang’s Helio Night Market

Helio Night Market

Helio Night Market

Da Nang’s Helio Night Market is a trendy and modern food destination that has become increasingly popular among locals and tourists alike. The market offers a wide range of street food from both central Vietnam and other parts of the country.

  • Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (Pork Wrapped in Rice Paper): This is a unique dish where thin slices of pork are wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and dipped in a delicious peanut or fermented shrimp sauce.
  • Mi Quang: A noodle dish native to Da Nang, mi quang features turmeric-infused noodles served with a variety of meats, such as chicken, pork, or shrimp. The dish is served with a small amount of broth, allowing the flavors to shine through.

In conclusion, Vietnamese street food is an essential part of your travel experience in Vietnam. The country’s street food scene is bursting with unique flavors, from the savory pho to the crispy banh mi and aromatic bun cha. Each region offers its own specialties, allowing you to explore a variety of tastes and textures that reflect Vietnam’s rich culinary culture.

During your trip, make sure to dive into local markets and street-side eateries to savor these must-try dishes. Every bite brings you closer to the heart of Vietnam, offering a delicious journey through the nation’s vibrant food culture.

See more: Vietnam Overview

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