Vietnam is a country that truly has it all – from the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), where scooters outnumber people (or at least it feels that way!), to the peaceful, postcard-worthy countryside of rice terraces, rivers, and beaches.  

If you’ve ever had pho or bánh mì, you already know it’s a game-changer. And if you haven’t? Well, you’re in for a treat. From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s food scene is off the charts.  

But it’s not just us saying that –  

UNESCO even recognized Vietnamese food as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. And if that doesn’t convince you, let’s talk about the fact that Vietnam has been named one of the world’s top 10 food destinations by Lonely Planet and CNN Travel. Yep, it’s kind of a big deal. 

But where do you even start? That's where we come in! In this blog we're taking your taste buds on a wild ride! We’ve got 30 foods — street food, mains, desserts, and drinks — that you absolutely cannot miss. 

FOOD IN VIETNAM: STEET FOOD YOU MUST TRY 

Street food in Vietnam? Heck yes! We know what you're thinking — Is it safe? What if I get sick? Don’t worry, this is an adventure worth taking. The food is fresh, flavorful, and cooked right before your eyes. 

And hey, if you're nervous, no need to stress — on our bike tours in Vietnam, your expert tour leader knows all the best spots for a food tour you’ll never forget (or... regret). 

Bánh Mì - Bah-n Mee

This is the OG Vietnamese street food. Imagine a crispy, crunchy baguette packed with juicy pork, creamy pate, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs. It’s messy, it’s saucy, and it’s so worth it. Breakfast, lunch, or late-night snack—Bánh Mì is always the right choice. Trust us. 

Gỏi Cuốn - Goi Coo-on (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)  

Fresh, light, and totally addictive. Gỏi Cuốn is the roll that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about spring rolls. Packed with shrimp, fresh veggies, and herbs, all wrapped up in rice paper — dipped in peanut sauce, of course. Snack on these all day, no shame. 

Bánh Xèo - Bah-n Say-ow 

Crispy, sizzlin’, and totally satisfying! Bánh Xèo is a savory pancake that’ll make you hear the sizzle before you taste the crunch. Filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, this dish is like a crispy hug for your taste buds. Fun fact: "Xèo" litearally means "sizzle" in Vietnamese — just wait ‘til you hear it! 

Bánh Căn - Bah-n Can

Tiny, but mighty! These mini rice pancakes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor. Topped with pork or seafood and dipped in a rich sauce, they’re bite-sized bits of happiness. Warning: It’s hard to stop at just one. Or two. Or... you get it. 

Chả Cá Lã Vọng - Cha Kah Lah Voh-ng 

Fish lovers, this one’s for you! Chả Cá Lã Vọng is grilled fish marinated with turmeric and dill, served with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs. It’s a Hanoi classic that’s been around for over a century! Pro tip: Don’t skip the dipping sauce — it’s magic. 

Nem Chua - Nem Choo-ah 

Ready for a flavor bomb? This one is a bit more adventurous. Nem Chua is a fermented pork dish that’s tangy, spicy, and totally unique. It’s wrapped in banana leaves and usually served with garlic, chili, and herbs. It’s often eaten as a snack or appetizer, and it's a popular party food! 

Xôi Xéo - Soy Say-ow 

This is not your average rice dish. Xôi Xéo is sticky rice topped with mung beans, crispy shallots, and a drizzle of savory oil — simple, yet irresistible. It may come as a surprise that it’s a breakfast favorite in Vietnam, often served with a side of pork or chicken for that extra oomph. 

Bánh Bao - Bah-n Bow 

Bánh Bao’s origins come from China, but it’s been fully embraced and given a tasty Vietnamese twist. A steamed bun that’s soft, fluffy, and stuffed with juicy pork, egg, and mushrooms—what’s not to love? Think of it as the Vietnamese version of comfort food on the go. 

Hủ Tiếu - Hoo Tee-ew 

Slurp-worthy, savory, and totally customizable. Hủ Tiếu is a noodle soup that’s like a flavor adventure in a bowl—beef, pork, seafood, or all of the above! This dish is believed to have originated in southern Vietnam, but now you can find it everywhere. Whether you like it dry or soupy, it’s always a win. 

FOOD OF VIETNAM: MAIN DISHES YOU MUST TRY

Vietnam’s main dishes are a whole different level of delicious, and trust us, they deserve their own spotlight! While street food is all about quick, casual bites (hello, snacks on the go!), the main dishes are heartier, often perfect for sitting down and savoring with friends, family, or fellow Grasshoppers.  

Whether you're gathering around a hot pot or digging into a comforting bowl of stew, these meals bring people together. Ready to feast? Our tours will take you straight to the heart of these flavors—let’s dig in, Grasshopper style! 

Phở - Fuh 

Let’s talk about the dish that’s basically Vietnam’s national treasure: Phở. This steaming bowl of noodle goodness comes with either beef or chicken, fresh herbs, and a rich, aromatic broth that’s been simmering for hours. It’s the perfect breakfast, lunch, or anytime meal.

Phở was even named one of the world’s 50 most delicious foods by CNN Travel. Yeah, it’s that good. You’ll find locals slurping it up at all hours of the day. No judgment here! 

Bánh Chưng - Bah-n Chung 

A hearty, square-shaped rice cake stuffed with sticky rice, mung beans, and pork. Traditionally eaten during Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), it’s a festive main dish that packs a flavorful punch. Bánh Chưng symbolizes the Earth in Vietnamese culture—talk about eating your way through tradition. This one’s a true Vietnamese classic! 

Cao Lầu - Cow Lau 

This is the noodle dish that’ll transport you straight to Hội An. With thick, chewy noodles, crispy pork, fresh herbs, and a savory broth, Cao Lầu is a must-try when in central Vietnam. Fun fact: The unique noodles are made using water from a secret local source in Hội An, which gives them their distinct texture—so you won’t get the same dish anywhere else in Vietnam! 

Visit Hội An on our bike tours in Vietnam! 

Bún Thịt Nướng - Boon Teet Noo-ong 

Grilled pork, fresh herbs, rice noodles, and crispy veggies all come together in one perfect bowl. Bún Thịt Nướng is a Vietnamese favorite that's savory, refreshing, and packed with flavor. The dish is typically served with nước chấm, a tangy-sweet fish sauce-based dressing that you pour over your bowl. Some variations include spring rolls (Bún Thịt Nướng Chả Giò) for an extra crispy element or even different proteins like shrimp or chicken. I mean, what's not to love? 

Mi Quang - Mee Kwah-ng 

Found in Central Vietnam, it’s packed with turmeric-flavored noodles, herbs, peanuts, and shrimp or pork. It’s topped with crispy rice crackers for that extra crunch. You’ll often see it served with just a little broth, keeping it more like a noodle salad than a soup! 

Canh Chua - Cahn Choo-ah 

A sweet and sour fish soup is as refreshing as it is flavorful. Made with fish, pineapple, and tomatoes, Canh Chua is the perfect balance of tangy and savory. It’s a dish from the Mekong Delta region in the south, made using fresh, local ingredients that give it its unique taste! 

Eat your way through the Mekong Delta on our Vietnam and Cambodia bike tours! 

Bò Kho - Baw Kaw 

A rich, beef stew that’s been slow-cooked to perfection with lemongrass, ginger, and spices. Served with bread or noodles, Bò Kho is comfort food at its best. It’s like Vietnam’s version of beef stew, but with a fragrant, aromatic twist that’ll make you crave it again and again. 

Lẩu - Lau 

Hot pot, Vietnamese-style. Lẩu is a communal dish where you cook your own meats and veggies in a flavorful broth right at the table. 

Gà Kho Gừng - Gah Kaw Goong 

Tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory ginger sauce, Gà Kho Gừng is simple, yet absolutely delicious. The combination of ginger and chicken is known for its warm, comforting qualities — perfect for any day of the week. 

FOOD IN VIETNAM: TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE SWEETS AND DESSERTS  

Vietnam’s traditional sweets and desserts are the perfect end to any meal (or, let’s be real, just the perfect snack any time of day). Think sweet, creamy, fruity, and sometimes a little chewy. Many of these treats are made with fresh tropical fruits like coconut, mango, and rice (yes... rice in desserts!), giving them that refreshing vibe that pairs so well with the country’s hot weather. 

Chè - Cheh 

The ultimate sweet treat! Chè is Vietnam’s version of dessert soup — yes... soup! It’s a colorful mix of beans, sticky rice, fruit, and coconut milk, served chilled or warm. There’s a ton of different kinds of Chè, so you’ll always find a new combo to try. Dessert goals, anyone? 

Bánh Flan - Bah-n Flan 

Craving a smooth, creamy, caramelized delight? Bánh Flan’s your answer. It’s a Vietnamese twist on the classic flan — rich, silky, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s loved by everyone, from kids to grandparents, so you know it’s a crowd-pleaser! 

Dừa Dầm - Yoo-ah Dahm

Coconut lovers, this one’s for you! Dừa Dầm is a tropical treat with coconut, jelly, and fruit, all smothered in sweet coconut milk. It’s like a mini tropical vacation in a bowl (that’s the only way to describe it!). 

Sữa Chua Lú - Soo-ah Choo-ah Loo 

It’s the Vietnamese version of frozen yogurt — cool, refreshing, and totally addicting. This dessert is creamy, sweet, and tangy, topped with fruit or sweet syrup. 

Mít a.k.a Jackfruit 

Meet Mít — the king of tropical fruit! This sweet, sticky, and slightly chewy fruit has a flavor that’s a little like a mix of banana, pineapple, and mango. Mít is often used in desserts like smoothies or sweet cakes, so you can enjoy it in many forms — life just got a little sweeter! 

Chuối Nướng - Choo-ee Noo-ong 

Grilled bananas wrapped in sticky rice and roasted to perfection—yep, that’s Chuối Nướng. This dessert is warm, sweet, and just a little smoky. The banana gets super caramelized on the grill, making it the perfect balance of crispy and gooey (in a good way!). 
 
No matter your taste for food or thirst for adventure, update your travel bucket list with these 5 best foodie vacation bike tour packages. 

FOOD IN VIETNAM: TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE DRINKS AND BEVERAGES 

From strong, energizing coffees to refreshing, fruity sips, these drinks are more than just thirst-quenchers — they’re part of the cultural experience! They’re light, sweet, and packed with personality. 

Cà Phê Sữa Đá - Gah Feh Soo-ah Dah (Vietnamese Iced Coffee) 

Welcome to your new caffeine obsession. Cà Phê Sữa Đá is the Vietnamese iced coffee that’ll wake you up and keep you buzzing for hours! It’s strong, sweet, and full of flavor. It’s made with condensed milk — so you get all the sweetness without the hassle of sugar. Pure magic in a glass! 

Cà Phê Trứng - Gah Feh Troong (Egg Coffee) 

Eggs in your coffee? Yes, you read that right! Cà Phê Trứng is a creamy, frothy Vietnamese specialty made by whisking egg yolk with sugar, condensed milk, and coffee. Protein, anyone?  

Nước Mía - Noo-uhk Mee-ah 

Sugarcane juice! Sweet, cool, and oh-so-satisfying — perfect for a hot day. You’ll often find street vendors pressing sugarcane right in front of you, making this drink extra fresh. 

Trà Chanh - Chah Chahn (Lemon Tea) 

Vietnam’s favorite chilled, sweetened lemon tea that’ll hit the spot on a hot day. It’s refreshing, light, and zingy, with just the right balance of tart and sweet. 

Bia Hơi - Bee-ah Hoy 

Vietnamese beer! Do we need to say more? Actually... we do.  

What makes Bia Hơi so different is its brewing process—it’s made daily without preservatives, which gives it a super fresh and “young” character. Unlike most beers that age and ferment for weeks or months, Bia Hơi is brewed in just a few days. This quick turnaround results in a light, crisp taste with a low alcohol content (usually around 3%), making it incredibly refreshing and easy to drink, especially in Vietnam’s humid heat. 
Since it’s preservative-free, Bia Hơi has to be consumed quickly, adding to its charm as a hyper-local, ultra-fresh experience. 
 
Learn how to say cheers in Vietnamese, the right way! 

Nước Dừa - Noo-uhk Yoo-ah 

Fresh coconut water, served straight from the shell! The perfect electrolyte after a day in the saddle, biking across Vietnam.

RIDING THROUGH THE FLAVORS OF VIETNAM 

At the heart of every culture is its food, and Vietnam’s food? It’s next-level delicious! There’s no better way to experience the essence of this country than by biking through its stunning landscapes, chatting with the locals, and diving into a feast of flavors that’ll blow your mind. 

If you’re like us and your travel plans revolve around eating your way through a country, our bike tours in Vietnam are your golden ticket. Grab your helmet, bring your appetite, and let’s pedal our way through a foodie adventure you won’t forget!