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Vietnamese beef dishes

Vietnamese beef dishes: 15 irresistible picks that you should try

29/12/2023 1.129 views

In Vietnam’s rich culinary landscape, beef emerges as a cherished and indispensable ingredient. We will show you 15 of the finest Vietnamese beef dishes to savor on your flavorful food tour across Vietnam.

Beyond stunning scenery and rich culture, Vietnam travel beckons with tasty cuisine. Among a variety of delightful Vietnamese food, Vietnamese beef dishes stand out. Due to their fantastic flavors and diverse variations, these dishes are loved by both locals and foreigners.

1. Beef pho (pho bo) – one of the best Vietnamese beef dishes

Beef pho is a light dish suitable for all ages

Beef pho is a light dish suitable for all ages (Source: Collected)

As one of the most famous dishes of Vietnamese rice noodles, beef pho is an irresistible magnet, pulling in travelers who are keen to discover the diverse flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. This Vietnamese beef stew recipe is prepared with a variety of beef cuts and parts. Its broth is crafted from beef bones, shank, tail, and neck. The toppings consist of thinly sliced fatty brisket, flank, eye-round steak, tripe, cooked and raw beef, tendon, or beef balls. Beef pho is a delightful fusion of tender beef, chewy rice noodles, and flavorful broth enhanced with the refreshing citrusy notes of fresh lime, the gentle warmth from chili, and the fragrant aroma from scallions.

2. Vietnamese beef stew (bo kho)

Bo kho is commonly served with steamed rice, vermicelli, or baguette

Bo kho is commonly served with steamed rice, vermicelli, or baguette (Source: Collected)

Bo kho distinguishes itself among various Vietnamese beef dishes. More than just a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine, it embodies an artistic creation demanding culinary expertise and dedication. This dish harmoniously combines a sweet and savory sauce with tender beef, vegetables, basil, and cilantro. To cook this Vietnamese beef recipe, sauté marinated beef with garlic and chili for an aromatic base. Add carrots, lemongrass, cinnamon, and coconut water, then simmer until the meat is tender. The crucial step is to balance the sweetness, spiciness, saltiness, and tanginess of the sauce to achieve a harmonious taste.

3. Hue-style beef noodle (bun bo Hue)

Bun bo Hue is among the renowned Vietnamese beef dishes

Bun bo Hue is among the renowned Vietnamese beef dishes (Source: Collected)

Bun bo Hue, one of the most beloved Vietnamese beef dishes, is known for its diverse ingredients that make it a true standout. It features a flavorful combination of pork hock, pork blood pudding, sausage, beef bone broth, vermicelli, lemongrass, shrimp paste, lime juice, and herbs. Renowned for its complex taste, this dish is notably spicier than most other Vietnamese beef noodle dishes. Originating from the old imperial city of Hue, many believe that this delectable dish became popular through royal decree, drawing inspiration from the imperial court’s culinary traditions.

4. Vietnamese bread with beef (banh mi bo)

Banh mi bo has become a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine

Banh mi bo has become a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine (Source: Collected)

Among various banh mi recipes, Vietnamese bread with beef stands out as a nutritious delight that offers a rich and savory flavor for everyone in the morning. This Vietnamese sandwich is a great blend of succulent grilled beef and the harmonious interplay of sweet and tangy components, creating a distinctive experience. The beef is grilled to perfection, ensuring tenderness and preserving its natural flavor. When combined with seasoned bread, sauce, and fresh vegetables, it not only enhances the deliciousness but also contributes to the nutritional completeness of the dish.

5. Vietnamese sizzling steak and eggs (bo ne)

Bo ne is a famous street food in Vietnam

Bo ne is a famous street food in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Bo ne is among the traditional Vietnamese beef dishes that are especially popular in Nha Trang. To prepare this dish, a cast-iron skillet is heated with cooking oil, followed by the addition of sliced beef, fried eggs, onions, pate, and other ingredients on top. When served, the beef skillet is placed on a wooden board while the hot sizzling oil may splatter around, prompting diners to “ne” (dodge) the splatters. This dish is best enjoyed with soy sauce and chili sauce, paired with tomatoes and cucumbers for a balanced flavor profile. The ideal dish features harmoniously marinated beef, soft pate, a mildly tangy salad, and a crispy yet soft baguette.

>>> Explore: Vietnamese vermicelli noodles: Top 21 local delicacies you must try

6. Vietnamese beef in vinegar hotpot (bo nhung dam)

Bo nhung dam is a suitable dish during the winter season

Bo nhung dam is a suitable dish during the winter season (Source: Collected)

Bo nhung dam is a Vietnamese beef noodle recipe in the style of a hot pot, traditionally served in a communal style. This dish comprises a vinegar-infused broth which can be enriched with coconut milk or coconut water, lemongrass, onions, and other ingredients. Accompaniments usually consist of thinly sliced raw beef alongside an array of fresh vegetables and herbs like bean sprouts, daikon, lettuce, cucumbers, mint, basil, and perilla leaves. Unlike other Vietnamese beef dishes, it can feature other proteins such as squids or shrimps. Additional components involve rice paper sheets utilized as wrappers and served with dipping sauces.

7. Beef salad (goi bo) – among the top Vietnamese beef dishes

Goi bo is among the easy-to-make Vietnamese beef dishes

Goi bo is among the easy-to-make Vietnamese beef dishes (Source: Collected)

Goi bo is a commonly seen appetizer at gatherings. If you want to enjoy it at home, it can be easily made using easily accessible ingredients and following simple instructions. The blend of beef with a variety of fragrant herbs, green banana, star fruit, figs, onions, and more imparts a distinctively allure to the dish. In addition to its delicious taste, Vietnamese beef salad boasts vibrant colors from fresh vegetables and a unique flavor enhanced by fish sauce. It showcases the chef’s culinary creativity, blending ingredients and spices for a distinct Vietnamese culinary experience.

8. Rare beef in lime juice salad (bo tai chanh)

Bo tai chanh is influenced by the cuisine of Laos and Cambodia

Bo tai chanh is influenced by the cuisine of Laos and Cambodia (Source: Collected)

Unlike other Vietnamese beef dishes, bo tai chanh represents a Vietnamese culinary creation inspired by the flavors of Cambodian and Lao dishes. The beef is seasoned with salt, pepper, and chicken stock, then combined with lemon or lime juice and sugar. The citrus acidity serves to effectively cook the beef, which is later blended with fried garlic. Typically, it is presented on a bed of fresh herbs, layered with onions, and marinated rare beef, adorned with red pepper, crushed peanuts, and fried shallots. It is complemented with fish sauce for dipping and often enjoyed alongside alcoholic beverages.

9. Vietnamese beef curry (ca ri bo)

Ca ri bo is one of the most delicious Vietnamese beef dishes

Ca ri bo is one of the most delicious Vietnamese beef dishes (Source: Collected)

If you have a genuine appreciation for Vietnamese beef dishes, be sure to include Vietnamese beef curry in your list of must-try dishes during your Vietnamese trip. This is a harmonious fusion of flavors and textures, featuring fragrant curry, hearty broth, fresh vegetables, and tender beef. Unlike curry dishes from other countries, this Vietnamese delicacy is known for its mild spiciness. Rather, it is characterized by its rich, sweet, and creamy flavor, courtesy of the use of coconut milk. Ca ri bo is typically served with bread, white rice, and vermicelli, along with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and cucumber.

10. Grilled beef wrapped in wild betel leaf (bo la lot)

Grilled beef wrapped in betel leaf is a symbol of creativity in Vietnamese cuisine

Grilled beef wrapped in betel leaf is a symbol of creativity in Vietnamese cuisine (Source: Collected)

Bo la lot is among the favorite Vietnamese beef dishes. This dish is prepared by wrapping finely minced beef in fresh betel leaves, forming compact rolls. These rolls are grilled to perfection, delivering a distinctive flavor and a crispy exterior. This specialty has transcended its delectable taste to become a symbol of ingenuity within traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Each piece of grilled beef, when paired with condiments like fermented shrimp paste, garlic, chili, and herbs, forms a harmonious blend of flavors that is irresistible. It is frequently accompanied by vermicelli, rice paper, or even warm baked bread, elevating the meal with fascination.

>>> Read more: Vietnam rice noodle recipes: 7 popular variations that are worth sampling

11. Vietnamese beef pho rolls (pho cuon bo)

Vietnamese beef pho rolls feature a delicately refreshing flavor

Vietnamese beef pho rolls feature a delicately refreshing flavor (Source: Collected)

Pho cuon bo is a creative twist on traditional Vietnamese beef dishes, distinguished by its innovative and exquisite flavors. Unlike the traditional beef pho (a steaming bowl of hot noodle soup) or the mixed pho (a medley of toppings without soup), pho cuon bo is much more refreshing. The thinly sliced beef is rolled together with soft rice paper, accompanied by fresh vegetables such as lettuce, vermicelli, and various spices. This Vietnamese beef pho recipe is not only visually appealing but also delicious, with the distinctive additions of fish sauce, garlic, and chili.

12. Beef stir-fried with lemongrass and chili (bo xao xa ot)

Bo xao xa ot captivates with its spicy kick

Bo xao xa ot captivates with its spicy kick (Source: Collected)

Beef stir-fried with lemongrass and chili stands out as a captivating dish in Vietnamese cuisine, especially for those who appreciate spicy flavors. The beef is cooked until tender and quickly stir-fried with lemongrass and chili. The aroma of lemongrass and the spiciness of chili create a harmonious combination. Typically paired with white rice or vermicelli, this dish offers a nutritionally balanced dining experience that is especially favored on a cold winter day. Bo xao xa ot is also visually appealing, thus becoming another symbol of creativity in Vietnamese cuisine.

13. Beef noodle salad (bun bo xao) – one of the healthiest Vietnamese beef dishes

Bun bo xao is a light dish suitable for both lunch and dinner

Bun bo xao is a light dish suitable for both lunch and dinner (Source: Collected)

Beef noodle salad is one of the most flavorful Vietnamese beef dishes, known for its harmonious blend of flavors and the diversity of its ingredients. This dish combines the savory taste of quickly stir-fried beef with the excellent flavor of rice vermicelli noodles and the freshness of raw Vietnamese vegetables. The main ingredients include beef, rice vermicelli noodles, garlic, and various types of fresh greens like lettuce, cilantro, and mint. The dish is often served with a uniquely crafted fish sauce and can be enjoyed with additional condiments such as chili and lime. 

14. Vietnamese beef skewers (nem bo nuong)

Nem bo nuong - one of the must-try Vietnamese beef dishes

Nem bo nuong – one of the must-try Vietnamese beef dishes (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese beef skewers feature beef marinated in a rich combination of lemongrass, garlic, and various spices. The marinated beef is then meticulously rolled onto the top section of lemongrass stalks and expertly grilled, resulting in a harmonious blend of smoky, aromatic, and succulent flavors. Served with a side of dipping sauce, typically a mix of fish sauce, lime, garlic, and chili, these skewers offer a captivating culinary experience that captures the essence of Vietnamese street food. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a main course, Vietnamese beef skewers showcase the country’s culinary mastery and continue to be a beloved choice among food enthusiasts.

15. Vietnamese shaking beef (bo luc lac)

Bo luc lac expertly harmonizes beef and spices

Bo luc lac expertly harmonizes beef and spices (Source: Collected)

Bo luc lac, one of the renowned Vietnamese beef dishes in Vietnamese cuisine, is an exquisite fusion of the sophistication of beef and the distinctive flavors of spices. This dish stands out with finely marinated beef, which is quickly seared in a pan and elegantly presented with watercress and tomatoes. Additionally, complementaries like bell peppers and sauce contribute to the flavorful profile of the dish. This delicious delicacy is another symbol of refinement in Vietnamese gastronomy, often gracing the tables in special gatherings and significant occasions.

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

The exploration of Vietnamese beef dishes invites diners to indulge in the inventive flavors of Vietnamese culinary traditions. These dishes not only exemplify the skillfulness of Vietnamese chefs but also depict intricate stories of culture. The harmonious blend of traditional spices with innovative techniques results in extraordinary culinary encounters.

Besides its delightful cuisine, Vietnam is home to stunning tourist destinations such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and more. Visiting these destinations is sure to elevate your travel experience to new heights.

As you embark on a fantastic Vietnamese trip, don’t miss the chance to indulge in relaxation at VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc. These entertainment complexes provide an array of thrilling games, spectacular shows, and cultural activities set amidst a lively carnival atmosphere. Here, you and your loved ones can enjoy numerous engaging experiences to unwind and rejuvenate.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at VinWonders

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at VinWonders

And if finding accommodations for your holiday in these cities proves challenging, opt for the exceptional hotels and resorts of Vinpearl. As a leading brand in the hospitality industry in Vietnam, Vinpearl promises to bring you luxurious rooms with breathtaking views, along with a myriad of all-inclusive services like spas, gyms, fine dining, etc.

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park for an exceptionally fun time in Vietnam!

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