Do you love good food? Vietnam is this way!
Vietnam is heaven for any foodie with a huge variety of dishes, from meaty meals: beef, pork, chicken, seafood, to fresh veggie options. And it's not just about savoury food. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Vietnam is also the place to be with tons of sweets and desserts to try, and the fruits are also great and extremely affordable.
And it's not everything, Vietnamese food is also one of the most healthiest food in the world! Vietnamese flavours are usually based on four main tastes: sour, spicy, savoury, and sweet. And when it comes to ingredients, there's always a focus on balancing protein, fibre, and everything the body needs. Mentioning about Vietnamese food, the best words besides of 'tasty' and 'delicious' are 'balance', 'fresh', and 'YUM!'. Let's discover what kind of food you should note down to try for your upcoming trip to Vietnam!
Whether you’ve had little or no idea about Vietnamese food, it’ll quickly come to you, social media is always posting about it.
There are so many dishes that fall into the "Vietnamese signature" category. Here are five of the top signature Vietnamese foods you should try and you can easily find almost anywhere along the trip, from the North all the way down to the South.
TOP 1: PHO - FLAT NOODLES
Pho
Pho Bo - Beef Pho
Pho is a type of rice noodle made from rice flour. The dough is steamed into thin sheets and then cut into thin strands. There are numerous of ways to serve pho: a big bowl of hot noodles soup is the most popular Pho, however, Pho is also stir-fried, wok-fried, salad mixed, rolled or deep fried.
Northerner Pho Bo
Southerner Pho Bo
Pho Dac Biet - Special Beef Pho
Beef Pho is the most popular version of Pho, however, while the Northern Vietnamese prefer Pho Bo with lots of spring onions and rice vinegar, Southerner love to serve it with a lot of sweet onions, add more boiled bean-sprout, basil, and chilli with hoisin sauce.
1. Pho Gau - Fatty beef brisket
2. Pho Sot Vang - Red Wine Beef Stew Pho
There are also different kinds of Pho, enough to switch things up and enjoy a new variation every day of the week. Remember to order the meat based on your preference. For example, my go-to is always Pho Bo Gau (fatty beef brisket) and Pho Bo Gan (beef tendon). You can also go for Pho Dac Biet (the special bowl), which usually comes in a large size and includes all the toppings.
Another must-try is Pho Sot Vang , a unique version made with red wine beef stew. It has a rich red broth, and the beef is simmered for hours in five spices, making it super tender and flavorful.
3. Pho Ga - Chicken Pho
4. Pho Xao - Wok-fried Pho
5. Pho Tron - Pho mixed salad
6. Pho Cuon & Pho Chien Phong
Rolled Pho & Pho Pillow
I'm sure Pho collection is making you so excited for your trip already! A good news is Hanoi's the hometown of Pho, which allows you to try all of those variety during your trip to the Capital of Vietnam. Check out for my suggested list of restaurants that you should visit in Hanoi for Pho
Classic Pho Bo: Pho Thin, Pho Bat Dan, Pho Bien, Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su, Pho Suong
Pho Sot Vang: Pho Dung Yen Phu
Pho Ga: Pho Ga Dac Biet - 1 Hang Dieu, Hanoi; Pho Ga Nguyet - 5b Phu Doan
Pho Xao: Pho Xao Phu My - 45 Bat Dan, Pho Xao 32 Bat Dan
Pho Tron: Pho Ga - 22 Hang Hom, Pho Ga Nguyet - 5b Phu Doan
Pho cuon & Pho Chien Phong: Pho Cuon Huong Mai - 27 Ngu Xa; Pho Cuon Chinh Thang - 7 Mac Dinh Chi
Price: Start from 35k VND - 2$ or £1
TOP 2: BANH MI - VIETNAMESE BAGUETTE
Banh Mi
Banh Mi Thit Xien Nuong - Grilled Pork Banh Mi
Banh Mi is a type of bread that originated from French cuisine during the colonial period, but over time, it became a true part of Vietnamese daily life. Because it was cheap and easy to make, the Vietnamese adapted it using local ingredients and preferences, turning it into their own signature dish and eventually sharing it with the world. Banh Mi is more than just food, it’s a witness of history, a reminder of the tough times Vietnam has been through, and how the people found creativity in simplicity.
Banh Mi itself is made from a mix of wheat flour and rice flour, giving it that iconic light, crispy crust with a soft, airy interior, creating the perfect vessel for mouthwatering fillings like grilled pork, all kinds of Vietnamese cold cuts, sausages, butter, lard, pate, eggs… basically, anything you like.
One of the most popular versions is Banh Mi Thit Xien Nuong - grilled pork banh mi, which is packed with smoky, savory flavor in every bite.
Bulking Banh Mi Huynh Hoa
Banh Mi Madam Khanh
Banh Mi is available everywhere in Vietnam with different fillings and variation, if you visit Vietnam, don't for get to try the giant Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh City - Banh Mi Huynh Hoa, Banh Mi Madam Khanh in Hoi An
1. Bo Ne
2. Banh Mi Sot Vang
3. Banh Mi Hai Phong
Although the sandwich version is the most popular, there are many other types of Banh Mi that food lovers shouldn’t miss. Here are a few unique ones:
Bo Ne – Banh Mi with sizzling beef on a hot plate: Bo means beef, Ne means to dodge. Because this dish comes out sizzling and splattering! Despite the mess, it’s worth it for the rich, meaty flavor and nutrition.
Banh Mi Sot Vang – Beef Stew Banh Mi: Instead of stuffing the bread, you dip it into a flavorful, comforting beef stew. The beef is slow-cooked until tender, making every bite melt in your mouth.
Banh Mi Hai Phong: A specialty from Hai Phong, the Harbour City of Vietnam. Banh Mi Hai Phong is the ultra-thin bread that’s all about crunch. The only fillings are pork pate and their signature chili sauce. Locals used to buy 200–300 at a time to take away, but now they don't have to travel to Hai Phong because it's popping up in cities across Vietnam!
TOP 3: BÚN - FERMENTED RICE NOODLES
Bún
Bún Bò Huế
Bún Chả
Bún is a type of rice noodle that has been a staple in Vietnamese cuisine for centuries. Light, springy, and versatile, it’s deeply woven into everyday life across Vietnam. While it may seem simple, bún reflects the Vietnamese approach to food: fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. Bún in Vietnam is special because it's hard to find anywhere else with the fresh and newly made one.
Made from rice flour and water, bún noodles are soft yet chewy, often served cold or at room temperature, making them perfect for the tropical Vietnamese climate. These noodles form the base of countless beloved dishes, from street food to home cooking
The most popular are Bún Bò Huế and Bún Chả. Bún Bò Huế is a noodle soup dish that originated from Hue with very beefy, bold and savoury broth. While Bún Chả is paired with the smoky pork meat, herbs, dipping into salty and sweet fish sauce, creates a flavor harmony that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Bún Thịt Nướng with grilled pork and pickeled salad
Bún riêu - Southerner Crab Meat Hot Soup Bun
Bún riêu - Northerner Crab Meat Hot Soup Bun
For Vietnamese, Bún is as important as Rice, Pho, or Banh Mi, that's why there are numerous of Bún's variation that you seriously cannot miss. I'm not saying this because Bún is my soul food (or maybe yes), it's also because of its uniqueness that you cannot find anywhere else outside of Vietnam, so you better making the most of it here! Check out my favourite list of must try Bún in Vietnam:
Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm - Shrimp paste
(real Tourist challenge)
Bún mắm - Fermented Fish Bún with pork ear
Bún mắm miền Tây - Westerner Fermented Hot Soup Bun with seafood
Bún ốc - Snail Hot Soup Bún
Bún Sứa - Jelly Fish Bún
Bún Thang - Chicken Mushroom Hot Soup Bún
TOP 4: CƠM - RICE
Cơm Tấm Bình Dân - Commoner Broken Rice
Full version of Cơm Tấm
Luxury Cơm Tấm
You might be surprised it took this long to mention Cơm, but here it is! Rice is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, whether it’s part of a family meal or a quick lunch at work. Even though Vietnam has so many amazing dishes, many locals still believe that only rice can truly fill you up!
As the second-largest rice exporter in the world, Vietnam has so many versions of Cơm that are worth trying. The most famous rice dish is Cơm Tấm - Broken rice topped with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, and a fried egg, all drizzled with nước mắm and scallion oil, YUM!
Cơm Nhà - Vietnamese Family Meals
My family holiday meal with traditional cuisines
Besides of those eat out dishes, there is one thing in Vietnam called Cơm Nhà - Family Meals. Family meals are a strong part of Vietnamese culture, valued as precious time to bond and learn from each other. Most families eat together at least once a day, making meals diverse and balanced. They usually follow a simple rule: one meat dish, one vegetable, one soup, and one dipping sauce, a perfect mix of nutrition and harmony. Read more about family meals here
TOP 5: NEM & GỎI - ROLLS
Nem Rán - Spring Rolls
Gỏi Cuốn - Summer Rolls
Vietnamese Nem & Goi are Summer and Spring Rolls that you can see on every menu of Vietnamese restaurants whether it's inside or outside of Vietnam. Nem and Gỏi are essential parts of Vietnamese cuisine, known for their freshness, vibrant flavors, and perfect balance of textures.
Nem refers to spring rolls - Nem Rán (fried spring rolls). Nem Rán are golden and crispy, typically filled with minced pork, mushrooms, and glass noodles. Spring rolls are often paired with dishes like Bún Chả or Bún Nem. To enjoy them the traditional way, dip the crispy, savory rolls into a sweet and tangy fish sauce, served alongside soft bún (rice noodles) and smoky, charcoal-grilled pork. It’s a dish that balances richness and lightness in every bite.
Gỏi Cuốn (fresh summer rolls) are light and refreshing, packed with shrimp, herbs, lettuce, and vermicelli, all wrapped in delicate rice paper and served with peanut or fish sauce.
Together, Nem and Gỏi offer a refreshing and flavorful experience that beautifully showcases the balance and creativity in Vietnamese cuisine.
If the top 5 already have you drooling, why not take it a step further? Let’s expand the list with some more exotic and lesser-known local dishes to diversify your food adventure in Vietnam. These hidden gems might not be tourist-famous, but they’re deeply loved by locals, and they just might become your new favorites! Here is the list of 20 must try food in Vietnam for food lover:
Bánh Cuốn - Steamed roll rice pan cake
Chả Cá Lã Vọng - Grilled La Vong Tumeric Grilled Fish
Xôi - Sticky rice with all kind of toppings
Cháo Sườn - Pork bone congee with breadstick and pork floss
Bánh Giò - Vietnamese Pyramit Rice Cake
Mỳ Gà Tần - Oriental Herbal Chicken Noodles Soup
Nôm Bò Khô Hà Nội - Beef Jerky Papaya Salad
Bánh Đa Trộn - Red Banh Da mixed with crab and Vietnamese sausage
Bún Ngan Trộn Măng Cay - Spicy Bamboo with Goose meat Bún
Cơm Âm Phủ - Hue Hell Rice
Bánh Gối - Pillow cake
Hoi An Cao Lầu
Bánh Xèo Nem Lụi - Vietnamese crispy pancake and pork lemongrass skewers
Thịt trâu sốt tiêu xanh - Green pepper sizzling buffalo meat
Hue Speciality Set
Bò Kho - Beef stew
Bánh Căn - Mini Pancakes
Kho Quẹt
VIETNAMESE LẨU - HOT POT
Lẩu bò - Beef hotpot
Lẩu Riêu Cua Bắp Bò - Crab and Beef hotpot
Lẩu Gà Lá É Đà Lạt - É leaf and chicken hotpot
Lẩu, or Vietnamese hotpot, is loved by locals when it comes to social gatherings or celebrations, as the portion is huge and shareable. Gathered around a simmering pot of flavorful broth, friends and family cook a variety of fresh ingredients like thinly sliced meats, seafood, tofu, and leafy greens right at the table.
Each region in Vietnam brings its own twist, from the spicy and sour broth of the Mekong Delta to the rich, herbal flavors in the North. It can be a chilly evening or a festive gathering, lẩu is all about warmth, conversation, and connection, one dip at a time.
There are many kinds of lẩu, with the base mainly made from beef, pork bones, or crab meat. For the vegetarian version, the broth is cooked from mushrooms and fruits and veggies like pineapple, tomato, onion, or even coconut water. The most popular lẩu are Lẩu Bò (Beef Hotpot) and Lẩu Riêu (Crab Hotpot).
It’s super versatile when it comes to add-ons and dipping sauces, as long as everyone in the group likes it! Lẩu is great, but even greater when you have someone to share it with because it’s not really a solo dish. However, nothing’s impossible, so even if you’re a traveler, order it for one and give it a try!
NOTE: If you're enjoying lẩu with others, it’s customary (and polite!) to have a separate set of utensils just for cooking. Avoid dipping your personal chopsticks or spoons directly into the shared pot, it's all about keeping things hygienic and respectful for everyone at the table.
Lẩu Tôm Bầu - Shrimp and Gourd hotpot
Lẩu bò nhúng giấm - Beef hotpot with vinegar broth
Lẩu Nấm - Mushroom Hot Pot
1. Tiết Canh - Fresh Blood Pudding
2. Trứng Vịt Lộn - Balut Egg
3. Ốc - Snails
Besides the 40+ must-try dishes we've already mentioned, here are a few exotic Vietnamese foods that locals absolutely love, though we're not sure you will! 😅 These dishes might challenge your taste buds, but they’re all part of the rich and adventurous food culture in Vietnam.
Tiết Canh is a bold Vietnamese delicacy made from fresh duck or pig blood mixed with cooked meat, herbs, and peanuts. It’s served cold and jelly-like. It's loved by locals, especially when it come to Nhậu, but definitely a challenge for adventurous eaters, it stirs up curiosity and hesitation among tourists. Try it if you dare, it’s a bold bite of tradition you won’t forget!
Trứng Vịt Lộn so called Balut Egg, is a fertilized duck egg with a nearly developed embryo inside. It's boiled and eaten with herbs, salt, and lime. Popular across in South East Asia in general, and particularly Vietnam, it’s packed with protein and believed to boost energy, but definitely not for the squeamish. Vietnamese has Balut egg for breakfast, afternoon quick-bite, or whenever the craving hits. The only time they avoid it? Right before an exam. It’s believed to bring bad luck and symbolize getting a “zero” on the test!
Ốc refers to a variety of snails, commonly enjoyed as street food in Vietnam. These snails are usually boiled or grilled, served with a zesty dipping sauce made from lime, chili, ginger and sweet spicy fish sauce. It's a popular snack for social gatherings, with each type of snail offering a different texture and flavor, a must-try for adventurous eaters!
4. Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm - Boiled Pork, fried tofu, and Bún with fermented shrimp paste
5. Cháo lòng - Pork Intestine Congee
6. Pork Intestines with Shrimp Paste
The food adventure in Vietnam is far from over, we’re only halfway through! Vietnamese people have a habit of craving desserts, often using the excuse of “cleaning the palate” after savoury meals. When it comes to desserts, it could be anything from fresh fruits and yogurt to traditional sweet treats that are very unique. Here are the top Vietnamese desserts that you should try:
ICE CHÈ DESSERT
1. Traditional Chè with Green Rice Cake
Chè 1976, Hanoi
2. Chè Dừa Dầm - Coconut Che
3. Chè Khúc Bạch - Khuc Bach Che
It’s funny how “Chè” means tea in Vietnamese but is also used to refer to these sweet icy desserts. That’s Vietnamese language for you, learn one word and you might discover five meanings! Chè is a beloved dessert, especially among vegetarians, since it is mostly made with plant-based ingredients. The only exception is the Hue-style Chè with roasted pork. Common bases include coconut, corn, green rice, beans, fruits, and jelly, all paired with rich coconut cream and shaved ice. It is a local favorite, especially during hot summer days.
Chè can be found all over Vietnam. Just open Google Maps, sort by reviews, and you will easily discover a spot worth trying. Here are my top three favorites:
Traditional Chè at Chè Thập Cẩm 1976, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hà Nội: This massive mug costs about three times more than regular Chè and is also three times the size. If you have a sweet tooth, this one is a must. It is incredibly tasty and satisfying. It is not widely known among tourists but definitely worth a try.
Coconut Chè, also known as Chè Dừa Dầm
This dessert first became popular in Hai Phong and is now found in many cities. It is perfect for coconut lovers. It features shredded coconut meat, coconut cream, coconut jelly, pearls, and more. If it is coconut and delicious, it is in this Chè.
Khuc Bach Chè
This light and refreshing dessert includes almonds, longan, and cubes of milk panna cotta served with shaved ice. It has a delicate flavor and is perfect when you want something sweet but not too heavy.
NOTE: Prices usually range from 10000 VND to 60000 VND or about 30 cents to 2.50 USD.
4. Chè Cà Phê Cốt Dừa - Coconut Coffee Chè
5. Chè Huế - Hue Imperial Che
6. Chè Sen - Lotus Seed Che
7. Pomelo Che
8. Chè Cốm - Green Rice Che
9. 3 layers pomegranate Che - Chè Sương Sa Hạt Lựu
HOT CHÈ DESSERT
1. Xoi Che - Sticky rice Che
2. Che San - Tapioca Che
3. Banh Troi Nuoc - Rice Cake with Ginger Che
Vietnamese people do not stop treating themselves to sweet desserts just because the weather changes. In the summer, they enjoy iced Chè, so naturally, when the air gets cooler, they turn to hot Chè. There is no break when it comes to sweet, comforting treats.
Hot Chè is not as common in the South due to the warm weather, but in the North, it is deeply loved. Some special hot Chè dishes include:
Xôi Chè: A beautiful combination of sticky rice and sweet ginger syrup, sometimes with pearls added. Xôi Chè is a symbol of Hanoi's elegance and refinement. Traditionally served during Tet, holidays, or death anniversaries, it has become more widely available thanks to its appeal. Many regions now have their own variations while still preserving the original essence.
Chè Sắn: This is a thick, warming tapioca dessert often enjoyed in colder months. The chewy texture and subtle sweetness make it a soothing treat.
Bánh Trôi Nước: These are soft rice flour balls with sweet mung bean filling, served in hot ginger syrup. It is comforting, fragrant, and a favorite winter dessert in the North.
ANYTHING COCONUT AS A DESSERT
Coconut by the beach
Kem Xoi - Coconut ice cream with pandan sticky rice
Coconut Jelly
With its tropical climate, Vietnam is blessed with rich land that produces high-quality, sweet, and juicy coconuts. Vietnamese coconuts are generally smaller than those of neighboring countries, but they're known for being the sweetest. That sweetness becomes a huge advantage when turning coconuts into desserts that are unique, flavorful, refreshing, and even healthy.
One beloved dessert is Kem Xôi. "Kem" means ice cream and "Xôi" means sticky rice. It’s a small but deeply satisfying treat that perfectly combines the fragrant pandan flavour of sticky rice with creamy coconut ice cream and crunchy coconut flakes.
Aside from Kem Xôi, coconut jelly is another favourite. It’s not overly sweet but still hits the spot. Light, cooling, and refreshing, it's especially popular in the scorching summer heat.
VIETNAMESE COLD ICE-CREAM FOR SUMMER TREATS
Kem Bơ - Avocado Ice-cream
Kem Xôi - Coconut ice cream with pandan sticky rice
Kem Dừa - Coconut Ice-cream
Hạ Long Yogurt Ice-cream with tapioca pearls
Kem Ca-ra-men - Flan
Tào Phớ - Soya Pudding
MUST TRY VIETNAMESE ICED COFFEES
As the second-largest coffee exporter in the world, the Vietnamese don't just grow great coffee, they also make perfect coffee drinks!
It’s common to hear tourists say they’re coming to Vietnam specifically for the coffee. A coffee adventure in Vietnam is one of the most exciting activities you should include in your Vietnam travel plans.
Vietnamese coffee is extremely strong and dense, with a flavour that leans more towards cacao and chocolate notes. This makes it perfect for enjoying black coffee on its own or pairing it with other ingredients to create delicious coffee combinations. The most popular coffee are:
1. Ca Phe Phin (filter coffee): This is the most iconic Vietnamese coffee, brewed slowly through a metal filter. The result is a rich, dense coffee that is bold and full of flavor. It’s often served black or with condensed milk for a sweet twist.
2. Bac Xiu (coffee with more milk): For those who prefer their coffee on the sweeter side, Bac Xiu is a delicious choice. It’s a strong Vietnamese coffee mixed with a generous amount of condensed milk, making it creamier and more indulgent than regular filter coffee.
3. Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee): A unique and rich coffee experience, Ca Phe Trung features a creamy egg-based foam topping made from egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk, creating a velvety texture. Inspired by the Italian cappuccino during the war, Ca Phe Trung was born out of necessity, locals couldn’t afford expensive milk or espresso machines, so they crafted their own version that was rich and foamy in texture. More than just a signature Vietnamese coffee, Ca Phe Trung is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people during the colonial period, a true witness to the struggles and creativity that emerged from hardship.
1. Cà Phê Phin - Black Filter Coffee
2. Bạc Xỉu - Vietnamese Coffee
3. Cà Phê Trứng - Egg Coffee
However, these classic coffees are the ones most commonly mentioned in blogs and YouTube videos. But the list of must-try coffees in Vietnam is much longer and even more exciting, especially for coffee lovers. Let me introduce you to more signature Vietnamese coffees that you should try at least once in your lifetime!
4. Coconut Coffee: A tropical twist on the classic Vietnamese coffee, Coconut Coffee combines rich, strong coffee with creamy coconut milk and sometimes coconut cream. The result is a smooth, icy drink with a perfect balance of bold and sweet flavors. This is a must-try for anyone looking for something refreshing and unique. Coconut Coffee varies across regions, with the "smoothie" version being the most popular. In some areas, you'll find a fresh version made with coconut water and coconut rice, while in others, it’s made extra creamy with coconut cream for a smooth, satisfying texture.
5. Avocado Coffee: This is more a dessert than a drink. This is an indulgent treat that combines the creamy richness of ripe avocado with the boldness of strong Vietnamese coffee. Blended with sweetened condensed milk, it creates a smooth, buttery texture that balances the coffee’s intensity with a subtle sweetness. The result is a refreshing and satisfying unique coffee experience.
6. Fatty Cream Coffee: This is a simple yet perfect combination: coffee and cream. When quality meets simplicity, it creates the highest standard of minimalism. The result is a creamy, chocolaty coffee drink that’s smooth and comforting, this is an option you can enjoy anytime, anywhere.
4. Cà Phê Cốt Dừa - Coconut coffee
5. Cà Phê Bơ - Avocado Coffee
6. Cà Phê Kem Béo - Fatty Cream Cofee
And here's another caffeine bomb that’s sure to become one of your favorite coffees soon: Cà Phê Muối (Salt Coffee). Originating from the ancient Citadel of Hue, this unique coffee has gradually made its way to every corner of Vietnam, thanks to its simple yet surprising concept.
It combines strong, rich Vietnamese coffee with a twist: a pinch of salt. The salt enhances the coffee’s natural flavors, adding depth and a subtle sweetness that balances out its bitterness. Often topped with a creamy, whipped salt cream, and a light spray of cacao powder on the top. This coffee offers a silky, velvety texture that gently melts on your taste buds.
Simple in concept yet packed with flavor, Cà Phê Muối has become a must-try for coffee lovers seeking a unique and unforgettable twist on traditional coffee.
Salt Coffee in Hue
Salt Coffee in Hanoi
Salt Coffee in Hoi An
Salt Coffee in Danang
The coffee selections in Vietnam are wild! While the list is already long, there are still more unique options you might want to save for your next trip, such as Ginger Coffee, Banana Coffee, and Yogurt Coffee, among others. I hope that after reading this list, you'll have some great ideas for what to try on your next trip to Vietnam for a coffee experience you won’t forget!
TRÀ ĐÁ - VIETNAMESE TEA
Trà Chanh Nhà Thờ - St. Joseph's Cathedral Lime Tea
Trà Đá - Iced Green Tea
Trà Mạn - Traditional loose-leaf tea
Did you know that young Vietnamese love Trà Chanh, middle-aged people love Trà Đá, and the elderly love Trà Mạn? It's the tea culture in Vietnam.
In this beautiful country, you don't drink tea alone. Tea in Vietnam isn't just a drink, it’s woven into daily life.
In Hanoi, you’ll see crowds gathered to have trà chanh nhà thờ - a very simple and affordable lime tea with a hint of jasmine flowers. It's also the place where young locals hang out near St. Joseph’s Cathedral, sipping sweet lime tea, cracking sunflower seeds, and chatting on tiny stools. It’s as much about the vibe as it is about the flavor.
You’ll find trà đá (iced green tea) served for free or for just 5,000 VND at street food stalls or local coffee shops. It offers a cool, refreshing break from the heat and helps cleanse the palate after the bold flavors of food or coffee. It’s easy to overlook, but trà đá is a quiet essential. It's always there, always refreshing.
Then there’s trà mạn, a strong, bitter green tea deeply rooted in northern tradition, often brewed in ceramic pots and sipped slowly in moments of calm or conversation. Whether it’s casual or cultural, tea in Vietnam is always about connection.
Tea cultures in Vietname is great, it's not just a drink, it's also the method of bonding and connecting people.
VIETNAMESE ALCOHOL
1. Bia Hơi - Fresh Draft Beer
2. Rượu thuốc - Infused Medicinal Wine
3. Rượu Cần - Traditional Communal Wine
Vietnam’s drinking culture is as diverse as its food, from communal traditions to quirky infusions and laid-back street scenes. Here are 3 most common local alcohol experiences that you might encounter on the way discovering Vietnam:
Bia Hơi - Vietnam’s famous fresh draft beer: Bia Hơi is very light, cheap, and the social drink of choice on hot afternoons, locals like to enjoyed ice-cold Bia Hơi on tiny stools with friends no matter it's cold or sunny.
Rượu Thuốc - Vietnamese bold medicinal wine infused with herbs, roots, or even exotic animals. Locals believe it is the magic of boosting energy and making you feel stronger. I've not tried it, but you'd be probably offered on your way to Sapa or Vietnamese rural areas.
Rượu Cần - Vietnamese traditional rice wine sipped through long bamboo straws from a ceramic jar, shared among friends during festivals in the Central Highlands.
From ancient rituals to everyday street life, each drink tells a story of Vietnam’s rich culture and hospitality.
OTHER VIETNAMESE TRADITIONAL DRINK
Soya Milk
Đá Me - Ice and Tamarind Drink
Sugarcane Juice
Vietnamese people are very particular about their food and drinks, and there are unbeatable selections and combos that they've grown up with, becoming an integral part of their daily lives and culture. For example, Hanoians always love to have their breakfast with soya milk, while people from Central Vietnam reach for Da Me when the weather is fuming hot. And in the South, Sugarcane Juice is the go-to sweet and refreshing treat after a long day of hard work. Food and drinks in Vietnam are so incredibly diverse, yet, it’s funny how one of the most common sayings is still "Hôm nay ăn gì?" which means "What to eat today? I'm running out of ideas!" Despite the endless options, the daily food dilemma is real!
Mót - Hoi An Signature Herbal Lemonade
Vietnamese smoothies and juices are everywhere
Red Artichoke flower tea
Vietnamese food culture is rich and diverse. While it's not mandatory to learn about it, doing so will certainly enrich the value and experience of your trip, maybe it will make you love Vietnam even more! Here are the top 3 aspects of Vietnamese food culture that are not only interesting but will also deepen your understanding of this beautiful country and its people.
Family meals are as important to Vietnamese people as rice is to Asians, they simply cannot live without them.
In Vietnamese society, one of the top qualities a man looks for in a wife is her ability to cook. It's so important that many women wake up at 5:30 AM every morning to buy the freshest ingredients from the wet market for their families. There's even a saying, 'chuẩn cơm vợ nấu,' or 'không đâu cho bằng cơm nhà,' which reflects the belief that no matter where you go or what you do, nothing compares to the meals cooked by your mother or wife. Read more about family meal here
Northern Family Meal
Central Vietnam Family Meal
Sounthern Family Meal
No matter how different the food is across Vietnam’s regions: from the light, delicate flavors of the North, to the spicy, bold dishes of the Central coast, to the sweet and savoury balance found in the South, one thing remains consistent: the structure and spirit of the Vietnamese family meal.
Typically served on a low table with everyone seated on the floor or small stools, the meal is all about sharing. A typical spread includes a variety of dishes like a savoury main (often meat or fish), stir-fried vegetables, a clear soup, and a bowl of rice for each person. Everyone eats together from shared plates, which not only reflects a sense of community but also the deeply ingrained cultural value of togetherness. Regardless of where you are in Vietnam, this daily meal brings people in the family together, reinforcing bonds and preserving tradition.
Nhậu Beer with Nhắm snack
Nhậu Wine with hotpot
Nhậu mixed with pan sizzling food
“1, 2, 3, zô!” is how you nhậu (verb) in Vietnam. Nhậu means drinking together, but it’s not just about the alcohol. It’s a social ritual, a way of bonding with friends, family, or colleagues over food, drinks, and loud laughter.
You’ll often find small groups gathered around low tables filled with shared dishes like grilled meats, seafood, or hotpot, accompanied by endless rounds of beer or rice wine. Every toast is met with a cheerful “một, hai, ba, zô!” (one, two, three, cheers!), and the atmosphere is all about fun, connection, and letting loose. To truly experience Vietnamese culture, you can’t skip a night of nhậu! Good news is if you're planning to join some travel tour groups in Vietnam, you'll definitely have a chance to nhậu like a local! Vietnamese love nhậu, and they love to include more people, and it's just their hospitality!
Food in Vietnam symbolizes many things: love, care, tradition, and connection.
For Vietnamese people, food is a love language. Instead of saying “I love you,” they often say “Ăn cơm chưa?” (Have you eaten yet?) or “Đói không?” (Are you hungry?). These phrases aren’t about curiosity, they’re quiet gestures of affection, passed down from grandparents to grandchildren, from a father to his kids, from a host to their guests. It’s a cultural habit deeply rooted in the idea that feeding someone is one of the most sincere ways to show you care. In Vietnam, love is often served on a plate, one warm meal at a time.
Food in Vietnam is more than just sustenance. It’s tradition, culture, and national identity. Vietnamese people are deeply proud of their cuisine and love sharing it with guests and international friends alike. After a thousand years of Chinese rule and centuries of Western colonisation, Vietnamese food stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and cultural pride. While it has absorbed and adapted foreign influences over time, Vietnamese cuisine has never lost its authenticity. It remains uniquely its own, a beautiful blend of history, heritage, and heart, served in every bowl and on every plate.
Food in Vietnam is all about connection. It brings families together at the dinner table, bonds colleagues over shared meals, and creates meaningful moments between locals and travelers. It’s not just about eating; it’s about sharing, caring, and building relationships. Through food, Vietnam connects with the world, offering a taste of its culture, warmth, and hospitality to anyone who comes to the table.
One month isn’t enough, even after two more months, we still haven’t seen it all! Vietnam is an incredible destination for slow travel, and it’s super budget-friendly too.
If you’re considering Vietnam, go for it! The country has a solid tourism infrastructure, great value for money, and everything you need to travel comfortably at a reasonable price.
Just make sure you’ve taken note of all the tips I’ve shared, and don’t forget to use the Free Slow Travel Planner to map everything out! I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Vietnam. Let’s stay in touch, I’d love to hear all about your adventure!
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