Central Vietnamese food: 28 famous dishes to try on your trip

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Find out some of the most popular foods in Vietnam from Central Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Central Vietnamese food stands out as a must-try experience for anyone exploring food to eat in Vietnam. This cuisine is characterized by its bold and complex flavors, often featuring a harmonious blend of spicy, sour, and sweet tastes. In this article, let’s discover 28+ dishes that encapsulate Central Vietnam’s vibrant spirit and rich traditions.

1. Overview of Central Vietnamese food

For those who love and want to explore Vietnamese foods, there is an interesting truth that each region of Vietnam contributes to the richness and diversity of Vietnamese food culture. Northern Vietnamese food is known for its harmony and balance in flavor. While Southern Vietnamese food has surprising variations of sweet, spicy, and savory tastes, Central Vietnamese food is relatively intricate, with a touch of sourness, spiciness, and saltiness compared to other regions. 

Central Vietnamese food tapestry will surprise you with a list of popular foods in Vietnam, such as nem lui, nem chua, mi Quang… The geographical and climatic diversity of Central Vietnam, the best place in Vietnam for food, provides a rich source of culinary ingredients. Each region of Central Vietnam has unique culinary characteristics. Some are known for the intense spiciness of chili, some for their royal court-inspired presentation, and some for their seafood specialties.

When discovering Vietnamese food by region, you will be amazed by their unique culinary characteristics (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Restaurants in Vietnam: TOP 32+ recommendations for various choices

2. Popular Central Vietnamese food to try on your trip

If you are pondering what food to eat in Vietnam, don’t overlook the following popular foods in Vietnam originating from Central Vietnam:

2.1. Bun bo Hue

Bun bo Hue noodles, a specialty from the ancient capital of Hue, boast widespread popularity throughout Vietnam. The common ingredients include vermicelli, pig trotter, pieces of blood pudding, and thinly sliced beef. What ties these ingredients together is a broth made from beef bones, lemongrass, and mam nem (Vietnamese fermented anchovy sauce), providing a rich, spicy, and enticingly sweet flavor.

Bun bo Hue, the most famous Vietnamese food in Central Vietnam (Source: Collected)

2.2. Banh canh Nam Pho (Hue)

A must-try dish in Hue food and in Central Vietnamese food is banh canh Nam Pho. It combines rice cake noodles absorbing the viscous and fragrant broth from shrimp and crab, filled with stir-fried shrimp and crab meat. The chewy rice cake noodles and the sweet broth blend to create a hot and aromatic dish that you will not easily forget.

2.3. Mi Quang (Quang Nam)

What foods are popular in Vietnam? When in Hoi An or Da Nang, you cannot miss mi Quang, one of the most popular foods in Vietnam. This flavorful dish features flat rice noodles, tender chicken, pork, and shrimp simmered in a sweet broth. Additional ingredients like roasted peanuts, fresh vegetables, lime, chili, and pepper bring freshness and excitement to this central Vietnamese food.

You can find mi Quang at any Central Vietnamese restaurant (Source: Collected)

2.4. Com ga Tam Ky (Quang Nam)

Tam Ky, Quang Nam, is the land of chicken rice, a must-try specialty of Central Vietnamese food. The simple ingredients—rice, chicken, papaya, cilantro, chili, and purple onion—come together to create an unforgettable taste. The sticky rice, tender chicken, and combination of sour pickled vegetables with spicy fish sauce make for an unforgettable flavor.

>>> Explore: Top 21 must-try Vietnamese chicken dishes on the ultimate culinary journey

2.5. Cha tom Thanh Hoa

Cha tom from Thanh Hoa is a specialty of Central Vietnamese food. The main ingredients include fresh shrimp and minced pork, seasoned with spices, wrapped in pho pastry, and grilled. The sweet aroma of shrimp, the crispy texture of the grilled pho pastry, and the spicy chili sauce make this an irresistibly delicious dish.

Cha tom Thanh – a delicious food to eat in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

2.6. Banh canh he (Phu Yen)

In the diverse treasure trove of Central Vietnamese food, banh canh he is a famous specialty of Phu Yen. A bowl of banh canh he is filled with chewy rice noodles, crispy yellow fish cake slices, quail eggs, and a broth topped with finely chopped chives. The unique aroma of chives sets this dish apart, offering a distinctive flavor.

2.7. Goi ca mai (Quy Nhon)

Goi ca mai is a unique dish in Quy Nhon, enriching the Vietnamese salad repertoire. This dish is prepared with raw white sardines mixed with garlic and chili, wrapped in rice paper, and various wild vegetables, and served with a dipping sauce. The sweet freshness of fish, infused with the rich taste of the dipping sauce and the aroma of wild vegetables, makes this dish refreshing and captivating.

What food do they eat in Vietnam? – Try goi ca mai for a fresh taste (Source: Collected)

2.8. Com hen (Hue)

Com hen is a humble dish from Hue but one of the irresistible delicacies of Central Vietnamese food. The dish is a combination of rice, sautéed baby clams, rice crackers, crispy pork skin, roasted peanuts, fermented shrimp paste, and various raw vegetables. When mixed, it creates a sweet, refreshing, rich, spicy, and unforgettable flavor.

>>> More information: Top 12 Vietnamese rice dishes to enjoy the quintessence of cuisine

2.9. Nem nuong Nha Trang

Nem nuong is one of the best foods in Nha Trang. Made from seasoned pork grilled to perfection, it offers a rich and irresistible flavor. Afterward, it is rolled into rice paper along with herbs and vermicelli, all dipped in a special sauce. The sweetness of the grilled nem, the crispiness of the rice paper, the freshness of the herbs, and the sweet-savory taste of the dipping sauce create an unforgettable flavor.

Nem nuong Nha Trang is one of the most delicious Central Vietnamese foods (Source: Collected)

2.10. Banh trang cuon thit heo (Da Nang)

Banh trang cuon thit heo is the highlight of Da Nang food. The ingredients are simple, consisting of rice paper, pork, and various vegetables such as lettuce, pineapple, etc., all dipped in a flavorful fish sauce. The sweet and fatty taste of pork, the soft texture of rice paper, and the refreshing taste of the vegetables, combined with the rich flavor of the fish sauce, create a unique flavor.

2.11. Cao lau (Hoi An – Quang Nam)

In the vast array of Vietnamese rice noodles, there is cao lau, a delicious specialty that has existed in Hoi An for hundreds of years. This Central Vietnamese food is made from chewy noodles, tender slices of pork, crispy fried pigskin, fresh herbs, and crunchy rice crackers, all bathed in a perfectly balanced sauce. The combination results in a sweet, aromatic, savory, and refreshing taste that is truly enticing.

Cao lau is among the most popular foods in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

2.12. Banh canh ca loc (Hue)

Banh canh ca loc of Hue is a must-try delicacy of Central Vietnamese food. This dish is a harmonious combination of chewy banh canh made from rice flour, along with a rich broth simmered from sweet fish bones and spicy fish meat, offering both tenderness and sweetness. This simple yet delicious dish is reasonably priced and can be found in many places in Hue.

>>> Discover: Vietnamese seafood soups: Guide to making bowls of coastal delights

2.13. Goi ca Nam O (Da Nang)

Goi ca Nam O, a wonderful dish of Central Vietnamese food, showcases the richness of seafood from the Da Nang sea. Made from fresh herring, you can enjoy this dish in two ways: mixed with sesame and peanuts or soaked in fish sauce with spices. The sweetness of the fish meat, the rich and spicy flavor of the spices, the freshness of the wild vegetables, and the flavorful sauce from the fish bones create an explosive taste.

2.14. Pho kho (Gia Lai)

Pho kho Gia Lai is a creative version of pho, one of the most popular foods in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Pho kho (dry pho) is a specialty of the people of Gia Lai that is served in two separate bowls. One bowl includes pho mixed with fried shallots, minced meat, etc., or chicken, while the other is filled with broth, beef, beef meatballs, and green onions, offering a light, sweet taste. When eating, you can mix in the black sauce, a distinctive sauce with a salty-sweet flavor. To fully appreciate this dish, eat a piece of dry pho, followed by a sip of broth, and revel in the distinct flavors.

2.15. Bun do (Dak Lak)

Bun do from Dak Lak is a specialty of Central Vietnamese food and a unique dish among the diverse Vietnamese bun offerings. This dish features large, chewy rice vermicelli in red broth with a sweet taste derived from simmering pork bones, field crabs, and cashews. It is served with flavorful crab and shrimp cakes, thinly sliced pork, quail eggs, water spinach, or mustard greens.

2.16. Mang nuong xao vech bo

Mang nuong xao vech bo is a unique specialty of Dak Lak province. This dish features roasted bamboo shoots, stir-fried with vech bo—the crunchy and aromatic innards of a cow. Seasoned with local spices, the dish offers a spicy, rich, and irresistibly fragrant taste. It is a common dish in the daily meals of the Central Highlands and is especially delicious when enjoyed with rice.

>>> You should not miss: Central Vietnam itinerary: Must-go places & travel guide

2.17. Chao canh Quang Binh

You cannot miss chao canh Quang Binh on your Central Vietnamese food tour (Source: Collected)

One of the most common breakfast dishes in Quang Binh is the simple and flavorful chao canh. The banh canh noodles are slightly chewy and blend perfectly with the broth simmered from pork bones for hours, naturally sweetened with a touch of turmeric. Paired with snakehead fish, shrimp, and crab stir-fried with rich flavors, the dish guarantees an unforgettable experience with its delicious and warm taste.

2.18. Ga nuong Ban Don

If you love Vietnamese grilled chicken, don’t miss the chance to savor ga nuong Ban Don in the Central Highlands, a delicious dish of Central Vietnamese food. The free-range chicken is well-seasoned to create a flavorful and aromatic taste. The chicken is brushed with honey and grilled until the skin turns golden and crispy. The grilled chicken, when done, is juicy, tender, and has a sweet taste. Typically, it is served alongside some chili salt or lemongrass salt and fragrant white rice.

2.19. Heo ray nuong

Heo ray nuong, a flavorful Vietnamese pork dish (Source: Collected)

Heo ray nuong is a delicious dish in Tay Nguyen, closely associated with local festivals. The boar, raised in the wild, has firm and sweet meat, marinated with secret spices for a flavorful and aromatic taste. The boar is then grilled over a charcoal stove until the skin turns golden and crispy. The crispy skin blends with the rich, fatty, and sweet aroma of the meat, making this dish irresistibly delicious.

2.20. Banh muot Dien Chau (Nghe An)

Banh muot is a delicious dish of Central Vietnamese food, originating from Nghe An, often enjoyed for breakfast. It is made from thin, fragrant rice sheets and served with sweet and spicy fish sauce. Grilled pork or a soup made from chicken also complements banh muot well. The soft and chewy texture of banh muot, combined with the rich, spicy, and fatty flavors of the accompanying dishes, will make you want another bite.

>>> Must read: 17 wonderful Vietnamese fish dishes worth adding to a foodie’s bucket list

2.21. Goi la (Kon Tum)

Goi la, with various herb leaves, is a must-try dish in Kon Tum (Source: Collected)

When in Kon Tum, you cannot miss the unique dish of goi la, a specialty made primarily from about 30 different types of leaves, from familiar spices to rare forest leaves. The rich, fatty taste of meat, shrimp, and pig skin, the spicy heat of pepper and chili, and the sourness of fermented rice sauce all come together harmoniously to complement the unique freshness of the leaves, making goi la a refreshing and favored dish in Kon Tum.

2.22. Sup luon Nghe An

Sup luon Nghe An (eel soup) is a delicacy of Central Vietnamese food. Made from selected eels cooked to perfection, this soup is hearty and fragrant, with a beautiful brownish-red broth that gives it a rich and fatty taste. When eaten, the spicy and hot flavor permeates each piece of eel meat, blending with the chewy banh muot (Vietnamese steamed rice pancakes) or bread.

3. Must-try street foods in Central Vietnam

In addition to the delicious dishes of Central Vietnamese food listed among the popular foods in Vietnam, visitors to Central Vietnam will also be treated to an array of light but equally unique snacks.

3.1. Nem chua Thanh Hoa

What famous food in Vietnam has an interesting cultural value? Nem chua Thanh Hoa is a beloved addition in many gatherings (Source: Collected)

Thanh Hoa’s fermented pork rolls are a street food that has established its brand nationwide. Made from finely ground pork mixed with pork skin, fermented with roasted rice powder, and wrapped with garlic, chili, and various leaves, these rolls offer a delightful taste experience. One can savor the sweetness of the pork, a light sourness, the spicy kick of chili and garlic, and the enticing aroma of the leaves. Nem chua Thanh Hoa is a popular “beer snack,” often enjoyed at family or friend gatherings in Vietnam.

3.2. Banh beo (Hue)

Banh beo is a simple yet beloved Central Vietnamese food in Hue. These small cakes are made from steamed rice flour and are served with various toppings, like crispy pork skin and finely minced shrimp. The combination of the soft, chewy texture of the cakes, the crunchy pork skin, and the sweet shrimp flavor blended with the spicy fish sauce makes this dish irresistibly delicious.

>>> Discover more: Vietnamese rice cakes: Top 22 local delicacies to add to your bucket list

3.3. Banh khoai (Hue)

One of the most delicious Vietnamese dishes is banh khoai (Source: Collected)

Banh khoai is a traditional Hue pancake that stands out among the many Central Vietnamese foods. The batter is a blend of rice flour, water, eggs, sugar, and salt, fried until crispy with fillings like bean sprouts, shrimp, firm-fleshed fish, and pork. Served with fresh, pungent herbs and a dipping sauce made from sesame, peanut butter, peanuts, and pork liver, it offers a rich and satisfying taste.

3.4. Banh bot loc (Hue)

Banh bot loc is one of the most delicious Vietnamese cakes and a must-try for any visitor to Hue. The dough is hand-kneaded until smooth and filled with either savory (shrimp and small cuts of pork belly) or sweet (stir-fried mung beans) fillings, then steamed. The combination of the sweet and rich fillings, the chewy dough, and the spicy and salty dipping sauce provides a heavenly experience and unforgettable tastes.

Banh bot loc is a must-try street food for people who love Central Vietnamese food (Source: Collected)

3.5. Banh can Phan Rang

When in Phan Rang, you cannot miss the opportunity to try banh can, a delicious and rich dish. This dish features crispy pancakes with a soft rice flour interior, enriched with the sweet and creamy flavors of shrimp, meat, and eggs, and served with a fragrant, mildly spicy dipping sauce made from braised fish bones, fermented anchovy sauce, a bit of green onion, crushed chili, and crispy pork fat.

3.6. Che Hue

Speaking of Hue’s cuisine, one cannot overlook che Hue (sweet soup). Che Hue is distinctive in flavor, color, sweetness, and fragrance compared to other Vietnamese sweet soups. There are many varieties to choose from, such as corn, mung bean, banana, lotus seed, or roast pork sweet soups. The subtly sweet and appealing flavors of che Hue will leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries them.

Che Hue is a sweet treat that you cannot ignore on your trip to Hue (Source: Collected)

>>> More on: Vietnamese drinks: TOP 20+ exotic and delightful beverages you have to try

Central Vietnamese food not only offers a tantalizing array of flavors that delight the taste buds but also provides a gateway to the cultural richness of the region. From iconic dishes like bun bo Hue to unique specialties, Central Vietnamese food remains a highlight among popular foods in Vietnam. Enjoying diverse culinary offerings is an essential experience for those seeking an authentic and unforgettable taste of Vietnam.

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