Vietnamese food: The TOP 10 must-try dishes in 2024

1.Banh mi, or the Vietnamese sandwich, is one of the most popular street foods in Vietnam that many tourists want to try. It is considered one of the most prominent remnants of the French colonial period in the South, aside from architectural works, because it was first created in the 19th century and inspired by the French baguette.

Over many years, the locals have changed this Vietnamese food in many ways to adapt to Vietnamese culture. Specifically, inside banh mi, they fill it with many ingredients like pork, egg, cucumber, pickled carrot, daikon radish, scallion and cilantro, depending on the demands of food enthusiasts.

For a lot of people, banh mi is a great suggestion for breakfast, especially for those who have to go to work or school early in the mornings. It is such a cheap and tasty food that it can give people a great start to any busy day. Although banh mi is available across the country, tourists will find the best one in the southern cities, Ho Chi Minh City, for instance.

2. Bun cha - The Vietnamese grilled meat noodles A staple of Hanoi cuisine, bun cha features grilled pork served with rice vermicelli, herbs, and a flavorful fish sauce. Enjoyed for lunch, this dish encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese flavors, creating a satisfying meal for visitors exploring the capital.

3. Pho - The Vietnamese rice noodle soup Pho, a symbol of Vietnamese culinary heritage, is a comforting rice noodle soup renowned for its aromatic broth and tender meat. Savor this iconic dish, originating from Hanoi, as a nourishing breakfast option before embarking on your sightseeing adventures.

4. Goi cuon - Fresh spring rolls Goi cuon, delicate fresh spring rolls filled with greens and meat, offer a refreshing alternative to traditional fried spring rolls. Dip these translucent rolls in a flavorful sauce for a delightful culinary experience.

5. Bun bo Hue - The Hue style beef noodles Experience the regal flavors of bun bo Hue, a dish that combines beef, pork blood, and aromatic broth with hearty rice noodles. This specialty hails from the historic city of Hue, making it a must-try for those seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

6. Cao lau - The Hoi An noodles When visiting Hoi An, Vietnam, make sure to savor cao lau, the signature dish of this historic town and a renowned Vietnamese cuisine. The name "cao lau" translates to "high storey," reflecting its exclusive past as a dish reserved for the upper class dining on upper floors in the 17th century. Originating in Hoi An, cao lau is a fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and local flavors. This dish consists of Japanese udon-like noodles, roasted pork, herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy croutons, with a standout sauce crafted uniquely by locals. The authentic taste of cao lau is attributed to organic herbs from Tra Que Vegetable Village and water from Ba Le Ancient Well, drawing many tourists to Hoi An to indulge in this specialty.

7. Mi Quang - The Quang style noodle soup Mi Quang is a staple of Da Nang and Quang Nam cuisines, embodying the essence of these culinary traditions and often served at significant events. Made from rice flour like vermicelli or Pho, mi Quang boasts a distinct flavor profile. Cooking mi Quang involves multiple stages, resulting in various versions such as shrimp, chicken, frog, duck, or snakehead fish noodles. Each variation offers a unique dining experience based on the primary ingredients used. Typically consumed for dinner, mi Quang features raw vegetables beneath the noodles, including basil, bean sprouts, coriander, lettuce, laksa leaves, scallions, and banana flowers. Sesame rice paper and crispy roasted peanuts complement this Vietnamese dish.

8. Bun cha ca - Fish cake noodle soup Nha Trang is renowned nationwide for its bun cha ca, a grilled fish cake noodle soup with a flavorful clear broth. The delectable taste of the fish cakes, typically made from mackerel and sailfish bones, captivates visitors to this coastal city. Variations of bun cha ca can be found in different locales, with Nha Trang's version featuring a light, slightly sweet broth and chewy, fragrant grilled fish cakes. Adding fresh peppers, fried onions, and herbs enhances the savory experience of this Vietnamese dish, evoking the seaside essence of Nha Trang.

9. Banh xeo - Crispy pancakes Banh xeo, inspired by French crepes and originating in Central Vietnam, is a popular Vietnamese dish favored by many foreigners. This versatile dish has evolved to suit diverse tastes and regional customs while preserving its distinctive flavor. Filled with a mix of pork, shrimp, and vegetables, banh xeo can be customized with eggs based on diners' preferences. Enjoy this crispy treat by wrapping it in rice paper and dipping it in a unique pork liver and peanut sauce for a delightful crunch.

10. Com tam - Broken rice While Hanoi is renowned for Pho, Saigon is famous for com tam, a beloved Vietnamese dish that appeals to both domestic and international visitors. Often served with grilled pork or fried eggs, com tam features a harmonious blend of ingredients including grilled pork chops, green vegetables, scallion oil, and tangy elements like lime juice and assorted pickled vegetables. The distinctive flavor of com tam is enhanced by its sauce, a mixture of fish sauce, water, and sugar that can be customized according to individual preferences. Some may opt to include garlic and chili in the fish sauce for added depth of flavor.

Have you tried the medicinal dishes mentioned above? This is a list based on my opinion. If anyone has tried it or has suggestions, please let me know!