Vietnamese Street Food: Discover Top 10 Best Dishes Must Try

Top 10 Vietnamese street food for your trip

Vietnam is a street food paradise, offering a rich variety of flavors at every corner. From the iconic Pho and crispy Banh Mi to fried spring rolls, Goi Cuon, Banh Xeo, Banh Cuon, Cao Lau, Banh Beo or Che, these must-try dishes capture the essence of Vietnamese cuisine and are a highlight of any trip.

Banh mi

Banh mi has become one of the most famous Vietnamese street food worldwide. With a crispy outer shell and delicious, hot, and diverse fillings such as chicken, pork, beef, pork rolls, sausages, pate, raw vegetables and typical spices such as pepper, chili sauce and coriander. Banh mi has captured the hearts of diners from all over. No matter which province in Vietnam you go to such as Hanoi, Hoi An or Saigon, you can enjoy delicious breads such as meatball bread, pate bread, fried egg bread…

Some of the most popular types include:

• Traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi: The classic version with roast pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, cucumber, and coriander, balancing crispy bread with rich flavors.

• Grilled Meat Banh Mi (Banh Mi Thit Nuong): Made with marinated pork grilled over charcoal, giving a smoky, savory taste loved by both locals and travelers.

• Vegetarian Banh Mi (Banh Mi Chay): Filled with tofu or sautéed vegetables, combined with pickles and soy-based sauces for a light yet flavorful option.

• Banh Mi Pâté: French-inspired with a creamy spread of pâté, crunchy vegetables and sauces for a rich, satisfying bite.

• Egg Banh Mi (Banh Mi Op La): A simple breakfast with scrambled eggs or omelet, often paired with pâté or cheese.

📍 Recommended famous places to savor "banh mi" in Vietnam: Banh mi Huynh Hoa, Banh mi 25, Banh mi Ong Cuong, Banh mi Thang Dat,...

You can read more: Discover Banh Mi: Vietnam’s must-try street sandwich

Learn more: Top 15 Indispensable Best Tet Cuisine Of Three Regions In Vietnam

Cao lau 

Banh cuon

Price of a part of "banh cuon": about $1 - $3 per serving

When talking about Vietnamese street food, it is impossible not to mention banh cuon. The uniqueness of this dish comes from the way the cake is made, with rice flour spread by the skillful hands of the chef, which must be as thin as paper but still retain its elasticity. The filling is usually a delicious combination of ground pork and the unique flavor of chopped black fungus, accompanied by a bowl of sweet and sour fish sauce to create a unique and attractive flavor. Banh cuon is an extremely convenient dish and diners can enjoy banh cuon anywhere for breakfast, lunch and even dinner.

Across Vietnam, each region has its own way of enjoying banh cuon — from Hanoi’s delicate Thanh Tri style to Cao Bang’s banh cuon with egg and hot broth, or the Southern version served with plenty of herbs and side dishes.

Travel with us on a Vietnam tour and uncover not only iconic sights but also the unforgettable taste of Vietnamese street food.

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Banh beo

Learn more: Exploring Cafes In Hanoi: Top 8 Best Places To Go

Banh trang tron

Should the aforementioned foods still not pique your interest, then “banh trang tron” is an unmissable delicacy. “Banh trang tron” can be described as a kind of Vietnamese rice paper salad. It is prepared with rice paper strips, various dried proteins, including beef jerky, squid and shrimp, as well as tart green mango, fresh mint, sweet basil and, last but not least, its distinctive spicy, sweet and sour dressing. This is definitely a dish you should try during your Vietnam tour

Che - Vietnamese sweet soup

Che is a Vietnamese sweet dessert made with a variety of ingredients, including fruits, beans, rice and tapioca pearls. It is typically served with a sweet coconut milk sauce. “Che” is a popular dessert not only in Hanoi but also all over Vietnam, and it can be enjoyed hot or cold. Che is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for a hot day. It is also a great option for people who are looking for a vegan or gluten-free dessert. Vietnamese street food is truly attractive and has left many memorable memories with international tourists.

Where to eat the best local Vietnamese street food

Vietnam’s street food scene stretches across the country, and each region has its own specialties worth trying:

• Hanoi – The capital is a haven for northern flavors. Don’t miss phở on the sidewalks of the Old Quarter or bánh cuốn in Thanh Tri. Night markets around Hoan Kiem Lake are also perfect for sampling a variety of dishes.

• Hue – Known as Vietnam’s culinary capital, Hue is famous for small yet flavorful bites like banh beo, banh nam, and bun bo Hue. You’ll find the best experiences at local family-run stalls.

• Hoi An – A UNESCO World Heritage town with street food gems such as cao lau, banh mi Phuong, and white rose dumplings. Street vendors in the ancient town offer authentic tastes at great value.

• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Bursting with energy, Saigon’s streets serve up southern favorites like com tam, goi cuon, and endless varieties of che. Popular spots include Ben Thanh Market and vibrant night street food alleys.

Essential notice when savoring Vietnamese street food 

Vietnam’s street food is flavorful, affordable, and a must-try, but to enjoy it safely and fully, here are some essential tips:

• Choose busy stalls: Local vendors with many customers often have fresher ingredients and higher turnover.

• Check hygiene: Look for clean cooking areas and utensils. Avoid stalls where food sits uncovered for too long.

• Start light: If it’s your first time, try lighter dishes (like phở, gỏi cuốn) before moving to heavier or spicier ones.

• Mind your stomach: Street food is safe for most travelers, but if you have a sensitive stomach, skip raw vegetables or uncooked herbs.

• Bring cash: Most street vendors don’t accept cards, and prices are very affordable—usually just a few dollars.

• Embrace the local way: Don’t be shy about sitting on small plastic stools and sharing tables—it’s part of the authentic street food experience.