Top 30 Vietnamese traditional foods with cultural essence

Contents

Explore the fascinating Vietnamese food traditions (Source: Collected)

1. List of the well-known Vietnamese traditional foods

In the map of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, there are many delicious dishes that are widely enjoyed across the country and even famous abroad.

1.1. Chung cake, Tet cake (banh chung, banh tet)

Banh chung and banh tet are considered the souls of the Tet holiday. They are made from sticky rice, pork, and green beans, wrapped in dong leaves, and then boiled until fully cooked. The cakes have a sticky texture from the rice, a rich taste from the pork and green beans, and an appealing aroma. Symbolizing the earth and sky, these Vietnamese traditional foods represent family reunions and the wish for a prosperous new year.

Banh chung, a traditional Vietnamese food for Lunar New Year (Source: Collected)

1.2. Braised pork belly (thit kho tau)

When talking about the traditional Vietnamese Tet holiday, one of the first dishes that comes to mind is Vietnamese braised pork belly, symbolizing family reunion and paying homage to ancestors. This Vietnamese traditional food is simply made with pork belly simmered in caramelized sugar and coconut water until the meat is tender and rich, served with rice and pickled vegetables. In the South and Central regions, this dish is often cooked with boiled duck eggs, adding more flavor and texture.

1.3. Pho – among the Vietnamese classic dishes

Among the most famous Vietnamese traditional foods, pho undoubtedly tops the list. This is a delicate dish, combining soft and chewy rice noodles, a broth made from bones simmered for hours, topped with delicious beef or chicken, and accompanied by fresh herbs. You can enjoy Pho anywhere in Vietnam, with different variations such as pho Hanoi, which emphasizes the natural sweetness of the broth, or pho Saigon, which uses more herbs and spices.

1.4. Banh mi – a famous traditional food in Vietnam

Vietnamese sandwich, or banh mi, is a national pride and a quintessential representation of Vietnamese cuisine. From the first baguettes brought by the French, Vietnamese chefs made them uniquely Vietnamese. This Vietnamese traditional food is a delightful combination of crispy baguette and a variety of flavorful fillings like sausages, meatballs, roasted pork, liver pate, pickles, and herbs. An indispensable part is the sauce, which is salty, spicy, sweet, and rich, creating a delicious taste.

What is the famous food of Vietnam? Banh mi, of course! (Source: Collected)

1.5. Sticky rice (xoi)

Vietnamese sticky rice is not only an essential part of traditional Vietnamese feasts but also a daily dish. Made from sticky rice, this Vietnamese traditional food highlights Vietnam’s thousand-year-old wet rice civilization. There are many savory versions of xoi, such as peanut, mung bean, black bean sticky rice, etc. You can enjoy them with pork floss, paté, and pickled vegetables to experience the balance of flavor. Meanwhile, the most famous and tempting sweet variation is young sticky rice (xoi com), which includes fragrant fresh coconut shreds and soft lotus seeds.

1.6. Sweet and sour soup (canh chua)

Among the most famous traditional Vietnamese foods, Vietnamese sweet and sour soup cannot be overlooked. This dish is a blend of sweet, sour, and mildly spicy broth with tender and fatty fish. Depending on the region, the sourness of the broth can come from tamarind, pickled bamboo shoots, pineapple, and so on. This soup can also be made with various types of fish, each offering a unique flavor. 

Canh chua is often enjoyed in traditional Vietnamese meals (Source: Collected)

1.7. Pickled vegetables (dua hanh)

During Tet in all regions of Vietnam, the flavorful pickled vegetables are indispensable. Dua hanh combines various ingredients like onions, papaya, carrots, radishes, and cucumbers, soaked in a mixture of fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar. This Vietnamese traditional food offers a blend of salty, sour, and crunchy flavors, balancing the richness of dishes like banh tet and banh chung during the Tet holiday.

1.8. Fermented pork rolls (nem chua)

Fermented pork rolls are another Vietnamese traditional food. This dish is made from finely ground pork mixed with pork skin, chili, garlic, and pepper, wrapped in banana leaves, and left to ferment for 3-5 days. Nem chua has a harmonious blend of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. Notably, nem chua is also a common dish during the Tet holiday in some provinces of Vietnam.

1.9. Boiled chicken (ga luoc)

In the list of Vietnamese New Year’s foods, one simple yet delicious item is boiled chicken. This dish is a staple on traditional Vietnamese feasts, whether for holidays, New Year celebrations, weddings, or ancestral offerings. Although it seems simple, achieving perfectly boiled chicken with crunchy skin and tender meat requires selecting high-quality chickens and using meticulous techniques.

1.10. Vietnamese salad (goi)

One who loves traditional food in Vietnam cannot ignore Vietnamese salad (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese salad ranks 40th among the best salads in the world, according to Taste Atlas. This Vietnamese traditional food is known for its healthy and fresh flavors, featuring various fresh vegetables like cabbage, papaya, and banana blossom, mixed with boiled pork or seafood. The highlight is the dressing, which has a distinctive sweet, sour, salty, and spicy taste, and toppings like roasted peanuts and aromatic herbs.

1.11. Fresh spring rolls (goi cuon)

Vietnamese spring rolls are well-known among Vietnamese people. This dish showcases the creativity of Vietnamese chefs, who freely combine various ingredients such as rice noodles, meats, seafood, tofu, aromatic herbs, and vegetables, all wrapped in soft, chewy rice paper. Depending on the region, the dipping sauce for this dish can be garlic chili fish sauce, peanut sauce, or mam nem (a type of Vietnamese fermented fish sauce), adding a rich flavor.

1.12. Sweet soup (che) – Vietnamese traditional desserts

During Vietnam’s hot summers, Vietnamese sweet soup becomes an extremely popular treat. This dessert is widely available, offering a range of delicious and affordable varieties. From simple black bean and green bean soups to more elaborate creations like roasted pork-filled tapioca balls, crafted in the unique style of Hue, each option delivers delightful tastes. Enjoying sweet soups at street vendors also lets you experience the lively atmosphere of Vietnam’s bustling streets.

Sweet soup is a delicious traditional Vietnamese street food (Source: Collected)

Discover: Top 12 Vietnamese rice dishes to enjoy the essence of the country’s cuisine

2. Most popular Vietnamese traditional foods by region

Traditional Vietnamese cuisine is incredibly diverse. To fully appreciate its abundance and richness, be sure to explore the traditional dishes from various regions listed below.

2.1. Northern traditional foods

In northern Vietnam, there are delicious and refined dishes that truly represent the charm and sophistication of Vietnamese cuisine.

2.1.1. Jellied meat (thit dong)

In the North, the Tet holiday would not be complete without jellied meat. This Vietnamese traditional food consists of pork and pork skin, stir-fried with wood ear mushrooms and black pepper for enhanced flavors. Thanks to the collagen from the pork skin, the dish solidifies like jelly, creating a one-of-a-kind texture. On northern Tet dining tables, when families gather, thit dong is often paired with pickled onions or pickled mustard greens, bringing a perfect harmony of savory and freshness.

2.1.2. Dried bamboo shoot soup (canh mang kho)

Dried bamboo shoot soup is a must-have Vietnamese traditional food during Tet in the North. While the preparation is not too complicated, the dish boasts a rich flavor and an irresistible aroma. Made from dried bamboo shoots simmered in bone broth, the soup also includes pork hocks, meatballs, and wood ear mushrooms, served with rice vermicelli. Despite its simple ingredients, this dish embodies the soul of the nation’s cuisine.

On the traditional Vietnamese food list, canh mang kho stands out (Source: Collected)

2.1.3. Chicken combo noodle soup (bun thang)

What sets bun thang apart from the other Hanoi chicken noodles is the inclusion of dozens of ingredients, showcasing the sophistication of northern Vietnamese cuisine. From rice noodles, shredded chicken, pickled radish to omelet slices, shiitake mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, all the ingredients come together harmoniously in a bone broth. Beyond its intricately prepared ingredients, this Vietnamese traditional food is also visually stunning, offering a wonderful culinary experience.

2.1.4. Kebab rice noodles (bun cha)

For generations, the people of Hanoi have considered bun cha an indispensable part of their culture and culinary scene. The sauce for this dish, with fish sauce as the main ingredient, is meticulously crafted to achieve a perfect balance of flavors. However, the true star of the dish is the meat, featuring two types: tender pork slices and flavorful minced pork patties, both grilled over charcoal for a smoky aroma and mouthwatering taste. Enjoying bun cha at a sidewalk stall while watching the bustling streets of Hanoi is an unforgettable experience for any visitor.

Bun cha is a must-try Vietnamese traditional food (Source: Collected)

More on: Northern Vietnam food: Top 26 irresistible culinary gems

2.2. Central traditional foods

Moving to central Vietnam, the list of traditional Vietnamese dishes becomes even more tempting with bun bo Hue, Cao Lau, mi Quang, and banh xeo.

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

To explore the essence of Vietnamese traditional foods, you should savor bun bo Hue right where it originates from—the royal city of Hue. A bowl of bun bo Hue includes fresh rice noodles, beef, pork blood pudding, crab cakes, and a savory broth. The heart of the dish lies in the broth, simmered from bones, with the addition of Hue’s fermented shrimp paste and lemongrass. When enjoying the dish, you not only enjoy unforgettable flavors but also discover the culinary artistry of the ancient capital.

2.2.2. Quang-style noodles (mi Quang)

Mi Quang is a Vietnamese traditional food that will leave a lasting impression after just one taste. Signature Mi Quang recipes include a combination of chewy rice noodles and just enough broth, topped with various sautéed ingredients like chicken, pork, shrimp, quail eggs, or snakehead fish. The pork and shrimp-based broth is rich and flavorful, while other ingredients like crunchy roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and pepper add even more layers of texture and taste to this dish.

A not-to-be-missed traditional food in Vietnam is mi Quang (Source: Collected)

2.2.3. Vietnamese pancake (banh xeo)

Another Vietnamese traditional food with an irresistible flavor is the Vietnamese pancake, which has a crispy crust filled with fresh local seafood and bean sprouts, all served with a refreshing mix of greens. What sets Central Vietnam’s banh xeo apart is the dipping sauce, made from fermented fish sauce with intense flavors, mixed with lime and chili. You can also opt for a sweet fish sauce if you’re feeling less adventurous.

2.2.4. Cao Lau – a highlight of Vietnamese traditional cuisine

Quang Nam is home to many delicious dishes, but Cao Lau stands out as one of the best. Dating back to the 17th century when Hoi An was a thriving trading port, this traditional Vietnamese dish offers a perfect blend of flavors. It combines fresh herbs, crisp lettuce, hot and chewy rice noodles, and marinated char siu pork, all brought together by a flavorful broth. This dish promises an unforgettable culinary experience for any traveler.

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

2.3. Southern traditional foods

Southern Vietnam is vibrant not only with a wide range of entertainment and activities but also with its rich culinary scene. Don’t miss out on these must-try Vietnamese traditional foods below!

2.3.1. Saigon broken rice (com tam)

A colorful and flavorful dish of com tam (Source: Collected)

For those visiting Ho Chi Minh City, com tam (Vietnamese broken rice) is a must-try dish. It features broken rice grains served with a variety of toppings, including fried eggs, fragrant grilled pork ribs, egg meatloaf, and crispy pork skin. The dish is beautifully complemented by scallion oil, garlic-chili fish sauce, and pickled vegetables. Savoring com tam at a local street stall, with the mouthwatering aroma of grilled meat filling the air, is an experience you won’t forget.

2.3.2. Braised fish in clay pot (ca kho to)

In the Mekong Delta, ca kho to is not just a traditional dish featured at every meal; it also provides a glimpse into the history and culture of the region. This Vietnamese traditional food is distinguished by its presentation in an old clay pot filled with succulent fish pieces bathed in a golden-brown caramelized sauce. Whether made with snakehead fish or catfish, the dish captivates with its enticing aroma and flavor.

2.3.3. Fish sauce (mam ca)

The Mekong Delta has long been known as the “kingdom of fish sauce,” with traditional production dating back centuries. Among Vietnamese traditional foods, mam ca stands out for its unique, strong flavors and aromas. Visiting a local market, you can find various types of mam ca, such as linh fish, sac fish, fish intestines, and fish heads. These sauces can be enjoyed fresh, as a dipping sauce, or used as seasoning in dishes like hot pots and stews.

2.3.4. Thin rice noodle soup (hu tieu)

Enjoy a bowl of hu tieu and explore Vietnamese traditional cuisine (Source: Collected)

For fans of Vietnamese noodles, hu tieu is a must-try. This popular dish features a tasty broth and is topped with ingredients like shrimp, pork, minced meat, liver, rice noodles, fresh greens, and crispy garlic. Over time, three renowned varieties of hu tieu have emerged: My Tho, Nam Vang, and Sa Dec. Each version offers slight moderations while preserving the essence and delicious flavors of this traditional Vietnamese food.

3. Lesser-known Vietnamese traditional foods from ethnic groups

Vietnam’s ethnic minorities also boast a rich culinary tradition with many unique and flavorful dishes. You should not miss them when traveling to the northern provinces like Sapa and Ha Giang.

3.1. Thang co – A traditional dish of the H’Mong ethnic group

Thang co is a traditional dish of the H’Mong people and one of the most popular Sapa foods. It is made by slow-cooking various parts of a horse, buffalo, cow, or pig, such as intestines, liver, blood, meat, and bones, along with 12 types of mountain herbs, resulting in a unique aroma and rich texture. Gathering around a simmering pot of Thang co at a highland market is an experience you will not forget.

Visiting a highland market is a good way to understand Vietnamese food traditions (Source: Collected)

3.2. Smoked buffalo meat (thit trau gac bep)

When mentioning Vietnamese traditional foods, smoked buffalo meat is an essential dish. The buffalo meat is marinated with various spices and then hung in the kitchen to be smoked over a wood fire, giving it an irresistible taste and smell. When eating, you tear the buffalo meat into small pieces and chew thoroughly to savor the sweet flavor of the meat along with the unforgettable scent of the herbs.

3.2. Bamboo-tube rice (com lam)

Com lam is a simple yet beloved dish of Vietnam’s northwest region. Made from freshly harvested sticky rice, the rice is packed into bamboo tubes and grilled over a fire. When you eat it, the soft, fragrant rice is infused with the rustic scent of bamboo. This Vietnamese traditional food can be enjoyed plain, dipped in sesame salt, or paired with grilled pork or chicken.

3.3. Pa pinh top – a unique food of Northwest Vietnam

Pa pinh top is the name of a grilled fish dish, a specialty of the Thai people. Fish are caught from mountain streams and then stuffed with regional ingredients before being grilled over hot coals. As the fish cooks, the aroma spreads, and the sweet, fatty taste of the fish combined with the refreshing flavors of the herbs will make you want to keep eating.

Pa pinh top – A traditional Vietnamese dish (Source: Collected)

3.4. Grilled rock moss (reu da nuong)

Grilled rock moss is a particularly special dish that you can only find in the northwest region. The moss is gathered from rocks by streams, cleaned, seasoned with various spices, and then grilled over charcoal. When you taste grilled moss, you will notice the refreshing flavor of the dish. This Vietnamese traditional food is best enjoyed with tube wine during festivals—an opportunity to explore the highland culture.

3.5. Au tau porridge (chao au tau)

From au tau, a naturally toxic root, the H’Mong people of Ha Giang have skillfully crafted au tau porridge. After careful preparation, the au tau root is simmered with sticky rice and pork hocks and then served with minced pork and aromatic herbs. This creates a rich dish with a slight bitterness and a unique taste. Beyond its distinctive flavor, this dish is known for its ability to restore vitality.

3.6. Men men – one of the must-try Vietnamese traditional foods

The final dish on the list is men men, closely tied to the living conditions on the high rocky slopes of the H’Mong people. After the corn is ground into flour, it undergoes two rounds of steaming, resulting in a yellow, fragrant, slightly sticky dish. You need to eat slowly and chew thoroughly to fully appreciate the sweet and rich flavor of this dish.

In traditional Vietnamese meals of the H’Mong people, you can find men men (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese traditional foods offer a diverse and rich culinary experience that reflects the country’s deep cultural heritage. From flavorful street food to iconic dishes enjoyed at celebrations, each bite tells a story. Exploring traditional Vietnamese dishes is a journey through history, flavor, and tradition—one that you will not want to miss!

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