#1 Pho – Vietnam’s National Dish
Pho (pronounced ‘fuh’) is a fragrant noodle soup made with slow-simmered bone broth, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. Traditionally, raw beef is placed in the bowl and gently cooked by the steaming hot broth.
🧭 Where to try Pho:
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I Love Pho
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Pho Hung Vuong
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Pho Chu The
#2 Banh Mi – The Vietnamese Baguette
Vietnam is the only Asian country where the French left behind the baguette, and the Vietnamese have turned it into a flavour-packed street food icon. In the North, Banh Mi is simple — meat, pate, and sauce. In the South, expect a colourful mix of pickled carrots, cold cuts, pork floss, fried egg, coriander, chilli, and hot sauce.
🧭 Where to try Banh Mi:
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Banh Mi Phuoc Thanh
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Aime Bakery
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Phuoc Hung
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Lee Lee Bakery
#3 Bun Cha – Grilled Pork with Noodles (Hanoi Style)
Hailing from the streets of Hanoi, Bun Cha is a comforting dish of smoky grilled pork patties, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a sweet-sour dipping sauce. It’s balanced, aromatic, and super satisfying.
🧭 Where to try Bun Cha:
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Co Thu Quan
#4 Cha Gio – Fried Spring Rolls
Crispy on the outside, savoury on the inside — these golden bites are packed with minced meat, shrimp, and vegetables. Dip them into nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) for the ultimate snack.
🧭 Where to try Cha Gio:
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Van Mai
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Thy Thy 1
#5 Bun Bo Hue – Spicy Hue Beef Noodle Soup
From Central Vietnam, Bun Bo Hue is a bold and spicy noodle soup with lemongrass-scented broth, thick round rice noodles, and slices of beef and pork. Rich and complex, it's a must-try for pho lovers wanting something punchier.
🧭 Where to try Bun Bo Hue:
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Co Do
#6 Goi Cuon – Fresh Rice Paper Rolls
Also known as Vietnamese summer rolls, these are healthy, fresh, and perfect for warmer days. Inside: prawns, pork, vermicelli, herbs, all wrapped in soft rice paper and served with hoisin-peanut or fish sauce dip.
🧭 Where to try Goi Cuon:
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Chan Chan
#7 Nom Hoa Chuoi – Banana Flower Salad
This vibrant salad features shredded banana blossom, herbs, and vegetables like carrot and green papaya, topped with crispy shallots, peanuts, and a zingy lime dressing. It’s crunchy, fresh, and full of texture.
🧭 Where to try Banana Flower Salad:
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Co Thu Quan
#8 Bo La Lot – Grilled Beef in Betel Leaf
Minced beef seasoned with lemongrass and garlic is wrapped in betel leaves and grilled to perfection. The smoky, peppery flavour of the leaf gives the meat a deliciously unique taste.
🧭 Where to try Bo La Lot:
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Van Mai
#9 Ca Tim Kho To – Braised Eggplant in Clay Pot
This dish is slow-cooked comfort in a pot: tender eggplant with tomato, soy sauce, and sometimes minced pork, all caramelised together. It’s a favourite vegetarian-friendly option that pairs beautifully with steamed rice.
🧭 Where to try Eggplant Claypot:
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Van Mai Restaurant
#10 Com Suon Nuong – BBQ Pork Chop on Rice
A Saigon classic! This dish features marinated pork chops grilled over charcoal, served with broken rice, pickles, and sometimes a fried egg. It’s hearty, smoky, and soul-satisfying.
🧭 Where to try Pork Chop Rice:
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Van Mai
Explore Vietnamese Cuisine with Otao Kitchen
Craving more than just eating? Join our Vietnamese cooking classes at Otao Kitchen and learn how to make these dishes from scratch! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned home cook, we offer hands-on experiences that connect you to the heart of Vietnamese food and culture.
👉 Check out our Vietnamese Cooking Classes and master the flavours of Pho, Banh Mi, and more!