Vietnamese noodles: A symbol of the country’s rich and diverse cuisine

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A long list of eye-catching Vietnamese noodles dishes are waiting for you to try on your upcoming trip to Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese noodles has become a popular must-try dish in the S-shaped country, thanks to its delicate, scrumptious, and nutritious ingredients. One amazing point is that it can be enjoyed in any meal of the day. The list of Vietnamese food is a long one, and Vietnamese noodles is definitely a highlight on it.

1. About Vietnamese noodles

1.1. The origin of Vietnamese noodles

Rice has become a staple of Vietnamese cuisine for such a long time. There is proof that rice was cultivated and harvested as far as 6000 years ago. Various Chinese dynasties used to reign in Vietnam for about 1000 years. The ancient Vietnamese people borrowed the technique of making noodles from China, around the era of the East Han Dynasty, and turned Vietnamese rice noodles into a delicious traditional food full of flavors.

Ingredients are cooked according to various recipes to bring out the most mouth-watering Vietnamese noodles dishes (Source: Collected)

1.2. Types of Vietnamese noodles

Types of noodles in Vietnam are differentiated by the choice of ingredients. Usually, a bowl of Vietnamese rice noodles has broth and many fillings such as shrimp, beef, veggies, etc.

Each region of Vietnam uses their own cooking techniques or ingredients to create their unique Vietnamese noodle bowls (Source: Collected)

2. 10 most popular Vietnamese noodles dishes

2.1. Pho noodle soup (Phở): One of the most well-known Vietnamese noodles bowls

Pho (Phở) is probably the most well-known Vietnamese noodles. This Vietnamese traditional dish is well recognized all over the world. Famous for its rich, delicate, and tasty flavors, it has 3 main ingredients which are: rice noodles, meat (beef, chicken, etc.), and fresh herbs (coriander, green onions, bean sprouts, etc.). Originating in the Northern region of Vietnam, now, it has become a very common and popular dish in other regions. The broth of Pho in the Northern region usually has a delicate taste, whereas that in the Southern region tends to have a sweeter flavor. The taste of Pho is so extraordinary that it has become the soul of Vietnamese food.

The difference between Pho in the Northern region and in the Southern region of Vietnam

2.2. Grilled pork meatballs with noodles (Bún chả)

This is a typical dish in the Northern region of Vietnam. It is an easy-to-find dish that can be found in every corner, especially in Hanoi.

Bun cha is often enjoyed in the morning or for lunch, and even for dinner as well. Served in traditional restaurants and small stalls on the streets, this dish is loved by most Vietnamese people. Ingredients are usually ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, fish sauces and spices, rice noodles, and fresh herbs.

The pork is grilled on charcoal which makes the meat tender, juicy, and even a bit crunchy. The iconic Bun cha will surely satisfy any tourist’s palate.

Bun cha is served with grilled pork, fresh herbs, rice noodles, and dipping sauce (Source: Collected)

2.3. Crab noodles soup (Bún riêu): A popular dish in Vietnam

Bun rieu is a savory soup served with rice noodles, crab, and sour broth, topped up with fried tofu, dried shrimp, fresh herbs, and fried shallots.

This Vietnamese noodles soup is believed to have originated in the Northern region. Now we also have a Central Vietnam version and a Southern Vietnam version of Bun rieu, with changes in its mixture of broth and fillings.

A bowl of crab noodles soup will satisfy your palate with its appetizing and rich broth, flavorful crab meat as well as fresh veggies.

Bun rieu can be found in any Vietnamese noodles restaurant and street stalls (Source: Collected)

2.4. Steamed rice rolls (Bánh cuốn)

Steamed rice rolls (banh cuon in Vietnamese) is a simple and fulfilling dish for breakfast in Vietnam. It is made of thin rolls of steamed rice batters filled with ground pork and minced wood ear mushrooms. It is served with a lot of crispy fried shallots, blanched bean sprouts and herbs, and fish sauce.

This traditional dish has a combination of different flavors (Source: Collected)

2.5. Hue beef noodle soup (Bún bò Huế): A must-try Vietnamese noodles dish in the Central region

If the Northern region of Vietnam has Pho, the Central region has Hue beef noodle soup (Bun bo Hue) as the most recognized dish. This Vietnamese noodles dish has proved that its taste is the quintessence of the Central region’s cuisine.

Hue city is located in the center of Vietnam. This poetic land is known for its picturesque landscapes, friendly people, and fantastic cuisine as it used to be the Imperial Capital in the past.

A bowl of Hue beef noodle soup has thinly-sliced beef, rich broth made by boiling beef bones for many hours with charred onions, lemongrass, and boiled blood pudding. It is served with hot chili paste, rice noodles, bean sprouts, and a handful of fresh herbs and veggies.

The broth of the traditional Hue beef noodle soup is kept in a large boiling pot (Source: Collected)

2.6. Quang-style noodles (Mì Quảng)

The S-shaped country of Vietnam is a paradise for any food lover, as its cuisine will keep you filled thanks to many tasty Vietnamese noodles soup dishes from the North to the South.

Another prominent noodle dish of the Central region is Quang-style noodles which originated in Quang Nam province.The main ingredients of this dish are rice noodles, fresh vegetables and herbs, and a decent amount of pork/chicken/shrimp broth. The highlight of this dish is its little amount of broth, which is just enough for you to dip the noodles in and mix everything up.

Mi Quang is served with roasted peanuts and sesame rice crackers (Source: Collected)

2.7. Roasted pork with cao lau noodles (Cao lầu): an iconic dish of Hoi An

Roasted pork with cao lau noodles is a Hoi An specialty that should not be missed when you visit this ancient town. This Vietnamese noodles dish is made from thick and chewy rice noodles, soaked in rich broth, served with char siu pork, fresh green onions, bean sprouts, pickled veggies, with some chili paste on top.

Go to your nearest restaurant in Hoi An to enjoy this tasty dish (Source: Collected)

2.8. Thick noodle soup (Bánh canh)

This Vietnamese food can mostly be found in the South Central region of the country. The noodles of this dish are mainly made from a combination of tapioca and rice flour to make it thick and chewy.

This Vietnamese noodles dish is rich in nutrition and very easy to make. Similar to any other dishes of Vietnamese noodles, you can enjoy it at any time of the day. This dish is often served with a bowl of rich savory broth which is usually made from pigs’ feet, hocks, and knuckles, or fish bones (in some places, like Hue).

A hot bowl of thick noodle soup has a balance between flavors, colors, and nutritions (Source: Collected)

2.9. Fermented fish noodle soup (Bún mắm)

Fermented fish noodle soup is a specialty of the Southern region of Vietnam. The intense broth, along with the strong smell of slowly-cooked fermented fish, easily makes it an extraordinary dish from the Mekong Delta. This dish is packed with many different flavors that attract tourists with its rustic and wonderful taste.

Enjoying fermented fish noodle soup is an indispensable activity when you visit the Mekong Delta area (Source: Collected)

2.10. Fresh spring rolls (Gỏi cuốn): A delicious traditional dish of Vietnamese noodles

This dish of noodles in Vietnam is usually served as an appetizer to kick off the flavors before the main course. It is a healthy and scrumptious dish that is enjoyed by every Vietnamese person on any occasion.

The ingredients are easily found in any local market. Boiled shrimp, sliced pork, vegetables, herbs, and rice noodles are all wrapped up in pre-soaked rice paper. In addition, the fillings inside the rice paper can be changed to your preferences, which clearly explains why fresh spring rolls have been loved for so long. It is often served with dipping sauce.

This Vietnamese noodles dish is easy for you to make at home (Source: Collected)

In addition to the above Vietnamese noodles dishes, the S-shaped country also has a bunch of other unique and special specialties that will surely blow your mind on your Vietnam travel.

3. Where to enjoy the best Vietnamese noodles

• Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has many traditional values, a vibrant lifestyle, along with diverse cuisine. Here, there are countless of stalls and restaurants that offer various dishes of Vietnamese noodles soup, including Pho noodle soup, grilled pork meatballs with noodles, fish noodle soup (Bún cá), Vietnamese chicken noodle soup (Bún thang), Vietnamese duck noodle soup (Bún ngan), and many other tasty dishes.

Hanoi’s cuisine is known for its sophistication and deliciousness (Source: Collected)

In addition to its cuisine and landscape, Hanoi also attracts tourists with many brand-new entertainment spots. Among which, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium are two of the most worthwhile destinations for you to explore.

Vinpearl Aquarium is a creatively designed place that gives visitors a chance to explore the underwater world. Also one of the most modern aquarium systems in Vietnam, the aquarium is an ideal place for anyone who wants to admire sea creatures through a glass pane.

Explore the ocean’s wonders right from your own eyes

On the other hand, VinKE is a place that helps provide your children with career guidance. Here, children can experience many simulated real jobs to better understand their future prospects. In addition, this place also entertains visitors with a large indoor game area.

A place where your kids can play, learn and explore their future jobs

>>> Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to have some quality time with your beloved friends and families!

• Hoi An

The ancient town of Hoi An has a list of mind-blowing dishes, especially its street food. Some of Hoi An dishes can not be found in any other regions, as the locals here use unique ingredients to make a unique taste. Hoi An chicken rice (Cơm gà Hội An), Vietnamese pancake (Bánh xèo), pancake with quail eggs (Bánh khọt) are some dishes that are definitely worth a try!

What is better than walking through Hoi An ancient town on a sunny day with crispy pork skewers in hand? (Source: Collected)

While you are in Hoi An, don’t forget to check out VinWonders Nam Hoi An amusement park to explore Vietnamese history and challenge yourself with thrilling games. Located about 17 kilometers away from Hoi An city center, VinWonders Nam Hoi An is covered with splendor and modern views. This is an ideal place for those who want to learn more about the cultural values of Vietnam as well as experience an endless selection of entertaining games.

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is your next go-to destination after enjoying Vietnamese noodles in Hoi An

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An for an unforgettable experience near the ancient town!

• Ho Chi Minh City

This largest city in Vietnam surely will not let you down. It is an ideal destination for food lovers, with plenty of street foods that can easily be found anywhere here. Most Vietnamese specialties are present in this city.

Vietnamese rice paper salad is one of the must-try street foods in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese noodles played a vital part in the culinary culture of Vietnam. Throughout the country, there are many variations of Vietnamese noodles. However, no matter what ingredients are used, those dishes always prioritize the balance between flavors and nutrition. Make plans for your upcoming trip to Vietnam right away, and while you are here, don’t forget to try all of the specialties mentioned above!

>>> Book voucher, combo, tour to Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang to see with your own eyes how beautiful and charming Vietnam is!

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An to experience top-rated exciting activities in this wonderful amusement park!