Vietnamese rice noodles: 23 irresistible dishes to delight your taste buds

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Vietnamese rice noodles are the ingredient for many popular dishes in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese rice noodles, an extremely popular variation of Vietnamese noodles, have long been a staple ingredient in the country’s diverse cuisine. The locals have found virtually countless ways to incorporate this versatile ingredient into different dishes. Below are 23 delectable dishes that make the best use of Vietnamese rice noodles.

1. Pho – Vietnamese flat rice noodles

The best starting point for this journey is no doubt the most iconic Vietnamese rice noodles dish, pho. Though the world is most familiar with the classic version, you will get to see two other very interesting regional variations.

1.1. Classic Vietnamese pho

Pho has made its way into the hearts of many people all around the world thanks to its rich and complex flavor profile. A steaming bowl of pho has flat rice noodles immersed in flavorful broth, accompanied by tender slices of beef or chicken, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime. The harmony of aromatic spices makes each spoonful of pho an explosion of taste.

Start the journey with the classic pho, a symbol of Vietnamese food (Source: Collected)

1.2. Pho Cao Bang

Pho Cao Bang Pho is a regional variant of the classic pho in Cao Bang Province, Vietnam. Although it carries the name of pho, it is drastically different from the original Vietnamese rice noodle soup. Pho Cao Bang is served without broth. The noodles are tossed with a sweet and sour sauce alongside toppings like duck meat, pork liver, pork belly, etc., instead of beef.

1.3. Sour pho

Sour pho, a regional delicacy hailing from Lang Son Province, adds a delightful twist to the classic Vietnamese rice noodles. Known for its unique blend of flavors, this dish offers a refreshing departure from the traditional pho. The highlight is still Vietnamese rice noodles, which are immersed in a distinctive sour sauce with a wide variety of toppings like char siu, shredded chicken, fried shallots, and more. This exquisite dish is especially fitting for a hot summer day.

The distinctive flavor profile of sour pho will keep you coming back for more (Source: Collected)

2. Bun – Vietnamese rice vermicelli noodles

Bun, another type of Vietnamese rice noodles, is a thinner and highly customizable variation that can be found in many Vietnamese dishes. Below are seven incredible dishes made of bun:

2.1. Vietnamese bun thit nuong

Bun thit nuong is a mouth-watering Vietnamese rice noodle salad that showcases the masterful blend of flavors in Vietnamese cuisine. Grilled pork, marinated with a delicate balance of sweet and savory notes, takes center stage in this delightful dish. The smoky aroma of the grilled meat perfectly complements the fresh and chewy Vietnamese rice noodles, creating a harmonious dance of textures alongside herbs, lettuce, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts. The final touch is a drizzle of zesty and tangy fish sauce dressing, bringing the entire dish to life.

2.2. Bun bo Hue

Bun bo Hue noodles are a beloved Vietnamese rice noodles dish that originates from Hue, known for its rich and spicy flavors. The highlight of this dish lies in its beef-based broth, infused with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chili. This combination creates a tantalizing aroma and a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Bun bo Hue is traditionally served with thick rice noodles, beef, pork, and a variety of toppings like banana blossoms, lime wedges, and fresh herbs.

Bun bo Hue will show you why it is one of the most popular soups in the entire country (Source: Collected)

2.3. Bun dau mam tom

Bun dau mam tom is a beloved Vietnamese rice noodles dish that has captivated food enthusiasts worldwide. The ingredients of this unique dish are as diverse as it can get, including rice vermicelli noodles served alongside an assortment of crispy tofu, succulent pork, and refreshing herbs. 

However, the true star of the show is the pungent and flavorful dipping sauce known as mam tom. Made from fermented shrimp paste, this unapologetic sauce adds a distinctive and bold taste to the dish, creating a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that will leave you craving for more.

2.4. Bun thang

The name “bun thang” literally translates to “noodle soup of the ladder” in English, which reflects the intricate arrangement of colorful toppings that resemble the steps of a ladder. This Hanoi specialty is often enjoyed during lunar new year celebrations and symbolizes prosperity and good fortune.

Bun thang delicately blends shredded chicken, thinly sliced egg, and a medley of colorful ingredients with an aromatic chicken broth. Garnished with fresh herbs, shallots, and a drizzle of shrimp sauce, it offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that make it a culinary treasure of Hanoi.

Come for the colors, stay for the flavors of bun thang (Source: Collected)

2.5. Vietnamese bun rieu

Vietnamese bun rieu is another outstanding option among the most delicious Vietnamese rice noodles dishes. Known for its unique blend of flavors and textures, this noodle soup features a tangy tomato-based broth infused with crab and shrimp essence. The dish is generously garnished with delicate rice vermicelli, tender pieces of crab meat, tofu, and fresh herbs, creating a symphony of tastes with every spoonful.

2.6. Bun ken

Bun ken is a culinary gem of Phu Quoc that generally flies under the radar. This dish boasts a myriad of flavors that captivate locals and tourists alike thanks to the flavor of ken, which is the Khmer word for “dishes with coconut milk”. The thing that sets Ken noodles apart is its aromatic and rich broth, infused with coconut milk, ground fish, curry, and spices. As you savor each spoonful of bun ken, you will be transported to the tropical paradise of Phu Quoc and immersed in the authentic flavors of the sea.

The underrated bun ken is a rich and flavorful delicacy of Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

2.7. Bun mam nem

Bun mam nem is a Vietnamese rice noodles dish from the coastal city of Da Nang. The key ingredient, mam nem, showcases its pungent taste in the broth which comes from fermented fish sauce, creating a bold and unforgettable flavor profile. The dish is typically served with rice vermicelli, crispy and succulent roasted pork belly, fermented pork roll, and an array of fresh herbs and vegetables, adding layers of texture and aroma.

3. Banh canh – Vietnamese thick noodle soup

The third variation of Vietnamese rice noodles is the thick and satisfying banh canh. This type of noodles is frequently served with a flavorful broth to showcase the chewy texture and let it absorb all the flavors.

3.1. Banh canh Nam Pho

Banh canh Nam Pho is a delightful dish of Vietnamese rice noodles packed with flavor. Originating from Hue, this dish gets all its flavor from seafood, particularly crab and shrimp. The taste of the seafood-infused broth perfectly complements the hearty texture of the noodles, creating a satisfying and comforting culinary experience.

The thick and chewy banh canh (Source: Collected)

3.2. Banh canh cha ca

Banh canh cha ca takes advantage of cha ca, a signature delicacy of Nha Trang. Cha ca, or grilled fish cake, adds a delectable smoky flavor and tender texture. This specialty features thick Vietnamese rice noodles immersed in a savory fish broth, infused with fragrant herbs and spices. Despite the simplicity, its flavor profile has elevated it to one of the most sought-after dishes in Nha Trang.

3.3. Banh canh Trang Bang

Banh canh Trang Bang is a great Southern Vietnamese rice noodles recipe. The pork bone broth is as simple as it can be, but the flavors are absolutely amazing. The thick rice noodles used in banh canh Trang Bang provide a satisfying chewiness, perfectly complementing the tender meat toppings. It is often served with fresh herbs, making it a visually appealing and flavorful culinary delight.

Banh canh Trang Bang is a simple Vietnamese rice noodles dish (Source: Collected)

3.4. Banh canh cua

Banh canh cua is a mouth-watering Vietnamese rice noodles dish that stands out for its rich crab-based broth. This delicious recipe goes incredibly well with the thick and chewy rice noodles, as the broth will coat the noodles perfectly, making every bite full of flavor. The dish has also seen many variations in recent years, with sliced pork, shrimp, prawn, and even lobster being served as toppings.

3.5. Banh canh ngot – Sweet Vietnamese thick noodle soup

If you have a sweet tooth, banh canh ngot is the perfect choice. This sweet dish is no doubt one of the most creative spins on Vietnamese rice noodles. It is most commonly served with coconut milk and palm sugar, creating an irresistible sweetness. Top it off with roasted sesame seeds and you will have a delectable snack or dessert.

Banh canh ngot is a creative spin on Vietnamese rice noodles (Source: Collected)

4. Hu tieu – Among the must-try Vietnamese rice noodles

The fourth main variation of Vietnamese rice noodles is hu tieu. Check out three notable dishes that feature this satisfying ingredient.

4.1. Hu tieu Nam Vang

Originating from Cambodia, hu tieu Nam Vang has become a beloved dish in Southern Vietnam. The clear and savory broth paired with a variety of meat and seafood toppings makes for a delectable meal. The most common toppings of this dish are shrimp, minced pork, sliced pork, and quail eggs. The highlights of the dish are the broth and the sauce if you enjoy it dry.

4.2. Hu tieu Sa Dec

On the surface, this dish is not that different from the above-mentioned hu tieu Nam Vang. Hu tieu Sa Dec features a balanced broth and a variety of toppings, including prawns, squid, and quail eggs. The dish is also topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a dash of lime, adding a refreshing touch. However, if you manage to try a bowl of hu tieu Sa Dec at its home province of Dong Thap, you will see the distinctive flavors that set it apart.

A bowl of hu tieu Sa Dec will make an amazing meal (Source: Collected)

4.3. Hu tieu My Tho

The people in Southern Vietnam sure love hu tieu, as this variation also comes from a Southern province. Hu tieu My Tho is a renowned Vietnamese rice noodles dish from the picturesque city of My Tho, Tien Giang. It boasts a delectable combination of flavors, featuring a clear and savory broth that is achieved by simmering pork bones for hours. The star of the dish is the chewy rice noodles, generously topped with succulent slices of pork and shrimp.

5. Other famous Vietnamese rice noodles to add to your bucket list

Aside from these four main types of Vietnamese rice noodles, you will find multiple creations unique to their home provinces. Here are five notable examples:

5.1. Banh da cua – Vietnamese crab rice noodles

Banh da cua is a delightful Vietnamese rice noodles dish renowned for its exquisite taste and distinctive red-sh color. The dish features banh da, a type of thick rice noodle that adds a chewy texture to the soup. The broth is the star of the show, infused with the sweetness of crab meat and the richness of aromatic herbs and spices. You will find it mainly served with ribs, la lot cakes, and morning glory (a type of water spinach).

Banh da cua is infused with the sweetness of crab meat (Source: Collected)

5.2. Banh hoi

Banh hoi is a delicate Vietnamese rice noodles dish that you can find almost anywhere. It is nothing too special on its own, but its versatility is off the charts. You can see it served with grilled meats, fresh herbs, and a side of peanut sauce. Moreover, crispy roasted pork belly, spring rolls, and summer rolls also go incredibly well with it.

5.3. Banh tam

Banh tam is a delightful Vietnamese rice noodles dish with a unique twist. It is named after tam (silkworms) due to the presentation. There are a lot of variations of banh tam, the most common being banh tam with pork rinds (banh tam bi), banh tam with curry sauce (banh tam cay), and sweet banh tam (banh tam khoai mi).

Banh tam is mostly found in the Mekong Delta region (Source: Collected)

5.4. Mi Quang

Mi Quang, a renowned Vietnamese rice noodles dish from Quang Nam, has an array of captivating highlights that make it a standout dish in Vietnam’s food scene. Its unique charm lies in the harmonious blend of textures and flavors derived from a medley of exquisite ingredients. The rice noodles are infused with the warm hues of turmeric, complemented by standard toppings often found in other dishes like shrimp, pork slices, and boiled quail eggs.

5.5. Cao lau

Cao lau, a specialty of Hoi An, features smoky pork, crispy rice crackers, and herbaceous greens. This dish embodies the essence of Hoi An’s vibrant culinary heritage. The broth is what truly sets cao lau apart, giving the noodles their signature taste and texture. Topped with fresh herbs and greens, cao lau will offer an unforgettable experience for diners, much like its place of origin.

Cao lau is one of the most unique dishes Vietnam has to offer (Source: Collected)

To try these Vietnamese rice noodles dishes in their full glory, a Vietnam travel is exactly what you need. You can find the most popular restaurants online or discover them yourself to sink your teeth into the best of Vietnam cuisine.

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Vietnamese rice noodles are more than just a simple ingredient. They are a reflection of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and diverse regional flavors, evident with the wide variety of dishes featuring them. From the iconic pho to the refreshing bun and other variations in between, each noodle dish offers a unique experience for food enthusiasts. Make sure to seek out these delectable dishes during your visit in Vietnam to fully understand why they have become such a vital part of the country’s cuisine.

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