Vietnam food tourism: 11 perfect destinations for culinary travel

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Are you wondering what to eat in Vietnam? Discover in this article

Let’s embark on a mouthwatering journey with Vietnam food tourism through the 11 perfect destinations suggested in this article. In this unforgettable Vietnam food trip, you can discover the heart of Vietnamese culture through its delectable dishes while immersing yourself in the captivating landscapes of Vietnam travel. Are you ready now?

1. What is food tourism?

Culinary tourism is a popular form of travel that revolves around experiencing and savoring local delicacies that are closely intertwined with the culture and uniqueness of each destination. Through various trends, culinary tourism has continuously evolved to offer travelers exciting experiences and help them understand the cultural background and distinctiveness of each dish.

Opting for Vietnam food travel is highly recommended (Source: Collected)

Some food tourism trends in Vietnam that you should not miss include:

• Local culinary experiences: This means you will enjoy some traditional dishes on your way to discovering one destination. From these dishes, you can learn more about local cuisine and culture. For example, in Vietnam food tourism, there is a wide range of local food in Vietnam like pho, bun cha, and banh mi for visitors to enjoy.
• Joining various culinary activities: This experience allows you to look into the culinary philosophy and eating and cooking habits of one region. Some activities include cooking classes or culinary tours that provide information about the ingredients, the stories behind them, and the preparation and cooking methods of each local dish.
• Street food tour: This tour gives travelers a chance to walk around a tourist destination and then explore many eateries and vibrant night markets on the streets. Exploring street food culture has been a rising trend recently. And if you love eating street food in Vietnam, make sure to visit cities like Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc.

2. Why is Vietnam an ideal destination for food tourism?

Vietnam is regarded as one of the most captivating culinary destinations in the Asian region. Alongside its breathtaking natural landscapes and culturally rich historical sites, Vietnam boasts a unique, enticing, and delicious culinary scene. This is why many travelers opt to enjoy Vietnam food tourism.

Vietnam food customs are special to discover (Source: Collected)

On food tours in Vietnam, wherever travelers set foot, they can indulge in the diverse delicacies of each locality and region. The nation’s culture is rich with 54 ethnic groups, divided into three geographic areas with distinct cultures and climates. Furthermore, Vietnamese cuisine bears influences from China and France. This intriguing history turns Vietnam into a melting pot of culinary heritage, making it an alluring destination for gastronomic tourists. Vietnam food tourism caters to every desire, from traditional dishes like bun cha and pho in Hanoi to Chinese-inspired dishes in Ho Chi Minh City, the imperial cuisine of Hue, seafood delights, and the fiery flavors of Central Vietnam’s coastal region.

Moreover, Vietnamese foods stand out with their unique ingredient combinations. Flavors are meticulously balanced among the elements of spiciness, sourness, and saltiness. Foreigners trying Vietnamese food also delve into Eastern mysteries, as crafting Vietnamese cuisine is an art of harmonizing the “five basic elements of Eastern philosophy” to provide the most nutritious and delectable meals. For instance, foods with a cooling nature are paired with hot and spicy dishes to create balance; otherwise, they might be deemed harmful to health.

3. Top places to discover the best of Vietnam food tourism

If you are planning a Vietnam food trip and want to know which Vietnam food to try, check out these detailed 11 recommendations below!

3.1. Hanoi food tours

A food tour Vietnam Hanoi takes you on a discovery of traditional food Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Culinary delights are an experience you cannot miss in Hanoi besides its romantic and ancient beauty. The unique essence of Hanoi’s culinary culture is its refinement, sophistication, and elegance. Hanoi’s must-try dishes include bun cha, bun dau mam tom, pho, and shrimp cake. To meet the demands of Vietnam food tourism and to make Hanoi street food scene more vibrant, the city has established numerous streets dedicated to culinary businesses. For example, you can visit Tong Duy Tan Food Street (Hoan Kiem District) and the Night Food Street and Walking Area at Ngu Xa Street (Ba Dinh District) to vividly experience Vietnam food and culture.

3.2. Northwest Vietnam food tourism

Visiting Vietnam food markets in the Northwest region is a must (Source: Collected)

For foodies seeking to explore Vietnam’s diverse culinary culture, a Northwest food tour in places like Sapa and Ha Giang is a great choice. These tours allow you to try region-specific dishes and immerse yourself in the local culture. Visiting highland markets and savoring local delicacies such as dried buffalo meat, grilled pork, and thang co (horse organ stew) with local people is a truly unique experience.

3.3. Hai Phong food tour

One of the food trends in Vietnam is going on a Hai Phong City food tour (Source: Collected)

Vietnam’s young generation has shown their interest in the Hai Phong Vietnam food tourism in recent years. There are many must-try dishes when coming to this city, including banh da cua (crab noodle soup), spicy mini bread, coconut coffee, and snails. If you want to enjoy various delicious dishes of Hai Phong and understand the culture and friendly people here, head to places like Luong Van Can Market and Cat Bi Market.

3.4. Nghe An Vietnam food tourism

Nghe An is among the top places to visit for perfect Vietnam culinary tourism (Source: Collected)

A less familiar destination in Vietnam food tourism yet a hidden gem within Vietnam’s culinary landscape is Nghe An – a city in central Vietnam. Here, a treasure trove of flavors awaits, unveiling rustic yet delectable dishes that resonate with the region’s rich heritage. Amidst bustling markets and charming streets, the aroma of porridge noodles, grilled jumping squid, and various dishes made from eel, peanut candy, and beef paste tantalizes. A journey through Nghe An’s culinary landscape is a holistic experience that immerses you in history, stories, and the heartwarming hospitality of central Vietnam, unveiling a hidden culinary haven that resonates with authenticity.

3.5. Hue Vietnam culinary tourism

Coming to Hue for Vietnam food tourism to discover Vietnam food and culture (Source: Collected)

Hue, the famous ancient capital, is renowned for its elaborate imperial cuisine presentation and delicate flavors. Therefore, if you want to have a completely different Vietnam food tourism experience, don’t miss this place. Must-try dishes with rich and affordable flavors include com hen (clam rice), banh bot loc (tapioca dumplings), che bot loc heo quay (pork and tapioca dumpling sweet soup), and banh mi thit nuong (grilled pork sandwich). There are also many cooking classes available where you can learn about the ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques that make Hue’s cuisine unique.

3.6. Hoi An food tourism

What foods are popular in Vietnam? – Hoi An cuisine (Source: Collected)

Hoi An‘s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. While indulging in Hoi An street foods and dishes like banh mi Hoi An and cao lau (a noodle dish), Hoi An chicken rice, and mi Quang (Quang noodles), you can also delve into Vietnam’s rich history. Participating in market-to-table cooking experiences offers a fantastic way to explore both the culture and cuisine of the region.

3.7. Da Nang Vietnam gastronomy tourism

Da Nang Vietnam food travel experience offers various popular Vietnamese food (Source: Collected)

When in Central Vietnam, exploring Da Nang‘s culinary scene is a must for your perfect Vietnam food tourism. This vibrant city offers an array of flavors, from seafood specialties to Vietnamese classics. Don’t miss some iconic Da Nang foods like mi Quang (Quang noodles) and Vietnamese pancakes. Engaging in cooking tours with local chefs adds a cultural dimension to your experience, blending culinary exploration with immersion into the region’s traditions. Da Nang’s diverse dishes and interactive culinary activities create a memorable and authentic Central Vietnam food tourism journey.

3.8. Nha Trang Vietnam food tourism

People who love healthy food Vietnam cannot ignore Nha Trang (Source: Collected)

If you are a tropical fruit and seafood lover, Nha Trang is a must-go culinary haven. This beautiful beach city gives travelers a chance to immerse themselves in flavorful and freshly caught seafood as well as many types of tropical fruits. Indulge in some of the best foods in Nha Trang like bun ca (fish noodle soup), banh canh cua (crab soup cake), and succulent grilled beef, which capture the essence of Nha Trang’s coastal lifestyle. The highlight that no one cannot miss here is the exquisite lobster, which praises the city’s maritime charm. Every local dish in Nha Trang offers a taste of the tropics and the ocean in every bite, leaving a deep impression on every traveler.

3.9. Mekong Delta Vietnam food tourism

Mekong Delta is a perfect destination for Vietnam culinary tourism (Source: Collected)

If you want to discover Vietnam food in a unique way, come to the Mekong Delta region. This region is a culinary haven, allowing visitors to enjoy an authentic taste of Vietnam’s diverse cuisine. You can join local tours with local people to fruit orchards and enjoy traditional meals here, such as sour fish soup, fish sauce hotpot, braised fish, coconut candy, and more. You can also visit many floating markets here and enjoy various dishes sold on boats, which is a unique experience that you will never forget.

Phu Quoc Island is an alluring tourist spot that captivates travelers with its beautiful beaches, islands, and cuisine. Besides fresh seafood from offshore fishing, some other dishes you can try are bun quay (noodle soup with fish cake), bun ken (noodle soup with grilled pork), and goi ca trich (raw herring salad). Immersing yourself in the majestic natural scenery while savoring delicious food is an unforgettable experience.

3.10. Saigon food tour

Vietnam food tour Saigon is full of surprises for tourists (Source: Collected)

No Vietnam food tourism is complete without immersing in Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic food scene. Exploring bustling street markets is a must, offering insight into Saigon’s daily life and diverse cuisine. Iconic foods like banh mi Saigon beckon with their harmonious flavors and textures, reflecting the city’s gastronomic essence. Another essential experience is indulging in Vietnam’s renowned coffee culture and savoring strong and aromatic brews in charming cafes.

Beyond the tastes, Saigon Vietnam food culture mirrors its vibrant culture and traditions. In Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling food scene, you don’t just taste food – you encounter art, a celebration, and the heartbeat of the city itself.

>>> Discover the top 20 exquisite Vietnamese food souvenirs to bring home!

3.11. Dalat Vietnam food tourism

Treat your taste buds with the top 10 Vietnamese dishes and more in Dalat (Source: Collected)

Da Lat, with its picturesque landscapes and pleasant climate, emerges as an ideal destination to embark on captivating food tours in Vietnam. Despite its modest size, the city boasts an astonishingly varied assortment of culinary delights that cater to every palate. Whether it’s the bounty of fresh, locally-sourced produce or the enchanting medley of main courses and street foods, Da Lat leaves no stone unturned. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the allure of beef hotpot and chicken hotpot, the enticing aroma of grilled rice paper, the savory indulgence of a pork meatball sandwich, and the natural sweetness of dried fruits and avocado ice cream. You need not venture far to discover the essence of the city’s flavors; a visit to the vibrant Da Lat night market promises an exploration of local specialties that tantalize the senses and reveal the heart and soul of this enchanting destination.

To experience all the popular Vietnamese food in Vietnam food tourism, don’t forget to visit cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. When you are here, besides enjoying eating street food in Vietnam, take time to relax with friends and family at VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc. These are the most modern entertainment complexes, featuring water parks, thrilling rides, vibrant festivals, and a diverse array of cultural and natural wonders.

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In the realm of travel, Vietnam food tourism stands as a gateway to an unforgettable exploration of the nation’s culinary treasures. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the charming alleys of Hoi An and the coastal delights of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, every bite tells a story of Vietnam food culture and customs. Beyond the vibrant flavors lies a deeper connection to the local way of life, inviting travelers to savor not only the dishes but also the heart and soul of a nation through Vietnam food tourism.