What is Vietnamese street food?
Vietnamese street food offers a vibrant and diverse culinary experience, celebrated for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and regional variations. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the markets of Ho Chi Minh City, vendors serve up iconic dishes like: Pho, Banh Mi, Bun Cha, Banh Cuon, Cha Ca, Nem, Banh Xeo, Hu Tieu, Bun Bo Hue…
These accessible, delicious, and affordable meals are deeply rooted in the country’s cultural heritage, showcasing a blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes. Each dish tells a story of local traditions and communal dining, making famous Vietnamese street food a beloved aspect of everyday life and a must-try for food lovers.
Famous Vietnamese street food celebrated as regional specialties
Famous street food in the northern Vietnam
The famous Vietnamese street food in the north of country is known for its subtle flavors and fresh ingredients, featuring iconic dishes like Pho, Bun Bha, and Banh Cuon, Nem… This cuisine emphasizes the use of herbs, minimal spices, and a balance of salty, sweet, and sour tastes, reflecting the region’s cooler climate and culinary traditions.
- Pho (Noodle Soup)
Iconic Pho (Phở) is a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of savory broth, rice noodles, herbs, and typically beef or chicken. Known for its fragrant, aromatic flavors, phở is enjoyed as a comforting meal at any time of day, especially breakfast in the morning.
- Places to eat:
- Pho Thin Lo Duc:
- Address: No 13 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
- Average price: 65,000 VND/bowl.
- Opening hours: 6:00 – 21:00
- Pho Ganh Hang Chieu – night Pho restaurant:
- Address: No 4 Hang Ma, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Average price: 40,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl
- Opening hours: 3:00 am – 6:00 am
- Pho Bat Dan:
- Address: No 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Average price: 40,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl
- Opening hours: 6:00 to 10:00 and 18:00 to 20:30
- Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su:
- Address: No 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Average price: 70,000 – 100,000 VND/bowl
- Opening hours: 6:00 – 21:00
- Pho Nguyet – The best chicken pho in Hanoi:
- Address: No 5B Phu Doan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Average price: 40,000 VND – 90,000 VND/bowl
- Opening hours: 6:00 to 10:00 and 17:00 to 6:00
- Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Noodles)
Bun Cha (Bún Chả) is a popular Vietnamese dish featuring grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. This Hanoi specialty is known for its flavorful combination of marinated meat, fragrant herbs, and a balance of sweet, sour, and savory tastes.
- Places to eat:
- Bun cha Dac Kim:
- Address: No 1 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 8:30 – 21:00
- Reference price: 20,000 – 150,000 VND/set
- Bun cha Huong Lien:
- Address: Branch 1: No 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi or Branch 2: No 14 Lane 59 Lang Ha, Dong Da, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00
- Reference price: 40,000 – 60,000 VND/set
- Bun cha Tuyet 34:
- Address: No 34 Hang Than, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 8:30 – 17:30
- Reference price: 35,000 – 55,000 VND/set
- Bun cha 41:
- Address: No 41 Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 10:30 – 20:00
- Reference price: 20,000 – 50,000 VND/set
- Bat Su Bun cha:
- Address: No 23 Bat Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 7:00 – 22:00
- Reference price: 35,000 – 80,000 VND/set
- Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)
Banh Cuon (Bánh Cuốn) are delicate steamed rice rolls filled with seasoned ground pork and wood ear mushrooms. Served with a side of fresh herbs, crispy shallots, and a tangy dipping sauce, this northern Vietnamese dish is known for its light, savory, and fragrant flavors.
- Places to eat:
- Banh cuon Gia An:
- Address: 21A Lo Duc – Hai Ba Trung & 61 Huynh Thuc Khang – Dong Da & 70 Trung Hoa – Cau Giay
- Opening hours: 6:00 a.m – 9:00 p.m
- Banh cuon Ba Xuan:
- Address: 16 Doc Hoe Nhai, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 6:30 am – 1:30 pm & 3:30 pm – 22:00 pm
- Banh cuon Ba Hoanh:
- Address:
- CS1: 66 To Hien Thanh – Hai Ba Trung
- CS2: 6 lane 50 Dang Thai Mai – Tay Ho
- CS3: 52 Ngoc Lam – Long Bien
- CS4: 6 Nguyen Huu Tho – Hoang Mai
- Opening hours: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Banh cuon Phuong:
- Address: 68 Hang Cot – Hoan Kiem
- Opening hours: 6:30 am – 2:00 pm
- Banh cuon Thanh Van:
- Address: No 12-14 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 6:30 a.m – 10:00 p.m
Famous street food in the central Vietnam
- Bún Bò Huế (Hue’s Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
Bún Bò Huế is a fiery Vietnamese noodle soup originating from the central region of Huế. It features thick rice noodles in a spicy beef broth, often flavored with lemongrass and shrimp paste, and garnished with tender slices of beef, pork hock, and fresh herbs. This aromatic and flavorful dish is renowned for its bold and robust taste.
- Places to eat:
- Bun bo Hue My Tam:
- Address: 5 Tran Cao Van, Vinh Ninh, Hue City
- Opening hours: 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm
- Reference price: 25,000d – 40,000 VND
- Bun bo Hue Ba Tuyet:
- Address: 47 Nguyen Cong Tru, Phu Hoi, Hue City
- Opening hours: 6:00 am – 11:00 am
- Reference price: 25,000 – 40,000 VND
- Bun bo Hue Ong Vong – O Phung
- Address: No. 5 Nguyen Du, Phu Cat, Hue City
- Opening hours: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Reference price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND
- Bu bo Hue Mu Roi:
- Address: 40 Nguyen Chi Dieu, Thuan Thanh, Hue City
- Opening hours: 6:30 a.m – 9:30 a.m
- Reference price: 25,000 – 35,000 VND
- Bun bo Hue Hem:
- Address: Kiet 29/1 Hung Vuong Street, Phu Hoi, Hue City
- Opening hours: 7:00 am – 9:00 am
- Reference price: 30,000d – 40,000 VND
- Bánh Bèo (Water Fern Cakes)
Bánh Bèo are small, steamed rice cakes topped with savory ingredients like minced shrimp, crispy pork skin, and scallions. Served in tiny dishes, these delicate Vietnamese treats are known for their soft texture and flavorful toppings, making them a delightful snack or appetizer.
- Places to eat:
- Banh beo Suong:
- Address: 4 Doan Huu Trung, Hue city
- Reference price: 10,000 – 12,000 VND/set
- Banh beo at Dong Ba market:
- Address: Tran Hung Dao Street, in the middle of Truong Tien Bridge and Gia Hoi Bridge, Hue city
- Reference price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND/set
- Banh beo Ba Do:
- Address: No. 8 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Phu Cat Ward, Hue city
- Reference price: 10,000 – 50,000 VND/set
- Banh beo Chen:
- Address: 38 Tran Huy Lieu, Hue city
- Reference price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND/set
- Banh beo O Lé – Kiet:
- Address: Kiet 104 Kim Long Street, Hue city
- Reference price: 15,000 – 25,000 VND/set
- Com Hen (Clam Rice)
Com Hen (Cơm Hến) is a Vietnamese dish consisting of rice served with small clams, herbs, peanuts, and crispy pork rinds. This specialty of central Vietnam is known for its contrasting textures and flavors, blending the sweetness of clams with the crunch of peanuts and pork rinds, creating a satisfying and unique culinary experience.
- Places to eat:
- Com hen Hoa Dong:
- Address: 64 Kiet 7 Ung Binh, Hue city
- Opening hours: 07:00 – 22:00
- Price: 7,000 – 10,000 VND
- Com hen Ba Cam:
- Address: 49 Tung Thien Vuong, Vy Da, Hue city
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 20:00
- Reference price: 10,000 – 50,000 VND
- Com hen Quan Nho:
- Address: 28 Pham Hong Thai, Hue city
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 10:00
- Reference price: 20,000 VND – 39,000 VND
- Com hen Dap Da:
- Address: 01 Han Mac Tu, Vi Da, Hue city
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 21:00
- Reference price: 10.000 VNĐ – 20.000 VNĐ
- Com hen – 17 Han Mac Tu:
- Address: 17 Han Mac Tu, Vy Da, Hue city
- Opening hours: 07:00 – 21:00
- Reference price: 20,000 – 45,000 VND
- Mì Quảng (Quang noodles)
Quang noodles, also known as Mi Quang, are a Vietnamese dish from Quang Nam Province, featuring turmeric-infused rice noodles, pork, shrimp, herbs, and a small amount of savory broth, often garnished with peanuts and rice crackers.
- Places to eat:
- Mi Quang Nom:
- Location: No. 01 Street 2/9, Hai Chau, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
- Mi Quang Ba Mua:
- Location: There are 9 restaurants in Da Nang – 95A Nguyen Tri Phuong, 40 Ngu Hanh Son,….
- Opening hours: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Mi Quang Ba Vi:
- Location: 166 Le Dinh Duong, Hai Chau, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 6:30 am – 10:00 pm
- Mi Quang Ech:
- Location: 30 Le Dinh Duong, Hai Chau, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Mi Quang ong Hai Hoi An:
- Address: 6A Truong Minh Luong, Cam Chau, Hoi An
- Opening hours: 6:00 – 22:00
- Reference price: 15,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl
- Mi Quang ba Minh Hoi An:
- Address: Cam Ha, Hoi An
- Opening hours: 7:00 – 21:00
- Reference price: 25,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl
- Mi Quang co Sinh Hoi An:
- Address: 202 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoi An
- Opening hours: 6:00 – 13:00
- Reference price: 25,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl
- Cao Lau (Hoi An’s noodle dish with pork)
Cao Lau is a traditional dish from Hoi An, Vietnam, featuring thick rice noodles, slices of barbecued pork, fresh greens, and crispy croutons, all lightly dressed with a savory broth and often garnished with herbs and lime.
- Places to eat:
- Cao Lau Hoi An’s Green Space:
- Address: No. 687 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoi An
- Opening hours: 9:30 – 21:00
- Reference price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/set
- Cao Lau Hoi An Trung Bac:
- Address: No. 87 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam
- Oening hours: 7:30 – 22:00
- Reference price: 40,000 – 60,000 VND/set
- Cao Lau ba Thanh Hoi An:
- Address: No. 26 Thai Phien, Hoi An, Quang Nam
- Opening hours: 7:00 – 19:00
- Reference price: 30,000 – 45,000 VND/set
- Cao Lau Lien Hoi An:
- Address: No. 16 Thai Phien, Hoi An, Quang Nam
- Opening hours: 13:00 – 21:00
- Reference price: 25,000 – 45,000 VND/set
- Cao Lau vegetarian Tam Quang Minh:
- Address: No. 33 Ly Thai To, Son Phong, Hoi An, Quang Nam
- Opening hours: 6:00 – 22:00
- Reference price: 15,000 – 50,000 VND/set
Famous street food in the southern Vietnam
- Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich)
Bánh Mì is a Vietnamese sandwich filled with a variety of ingredients such as grilled meats, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and sauces, all served on a crusty French baguette. This fusion of French and Vietnamese flavors creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it a beloved street food favorite worldwide.
- Places to eat:
- Banh mi Huynh Hoa:
- Address: No. 26 Le Thi Rieng, Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, HCM city.
- Opening hours: 14:00 – 23:00
- Reference price: 38,000 VND
- Banh mi 362:
- Address: No. 25 Tran Cao Van, Da Kao, District 1, HCM city.
- Opening hours: 06:15 – 20:30
- Reference price: 20,000 – 30,000 VND
- Banh mi Ngoc Mai:
- Address: No. 275 Phan Xich Long, Phu Nhuan, HCM city.
- Opening hours: 24/24
- Reference price: 12,000 – 15,000 VND
- Banh mi Ga An An (chicken sandwich):
- Address: No. 593 Nguyen Trai, District 5, HCM city.
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 22:00
- Reference price: 10,000 – 25,000 VND
- Banh mi Breadtalk:
- Address:
- Breadtalk – 3rd Floor Vincom Center – 72 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe, District 1, HCM city.
- Breadtalk – 1st Floor Vincom Plaza Quang Trung – 190 Quang Trung, Go Vap, HCM city.
- Opening hours: 09:00 – 21:00
- Reference price: 13,000 – 300,000 VND
- You also find delicious Binh mi in other cities in Vietnam such as:
- Hanoi: Bami Bread – 98 Hang Bac street. Banh mi Phượng -11 Hang Dau street. Banh mi 25 – 25 Hang Ca street…
- Hoian old town: Banh mi Madam Khanh – 115 Tran Cao Van street. Banh mi Phuong – 2B Phan Chau Trinh street. Banh mi Co Lanh – 430 Cua Dai…
- Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Gỏi Cuốn are Vietnamese fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in rice paper. These translucent rolls are light, healthy, and bursting with flavors, making them a refreshing appetizer or snack.
- Places to eat:
- Gỏi Cuốn Tôm Nhảy (Shrimp Spring Roll) LLQ:
- Address: 424 Lac Long Quan, District 11, HCM city
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00
- Goi Cuon, Bi Cuon, Bo Bia (Fresh Spring Rolls & Shredded Pork Skin Rolls) – Tran Van Dang:
- Address: 186 Tran Van Dang, District 3, HCM city
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 19:00
- Goi Cuon Hanh Restaurant:
- Address: 420A Hoa Hao, District 10, HCM city
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00
- Goi Cuon Que – Ton That Thuyet:
- Address: 19 Lot M1 Ton That Thuyet Apartment, District 4, HCM city
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 18:00
- Tu Loan Restaurant – Grilled Pork Noodles with Grilled Meat and Spring Rolls:
- Address: 664/10 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 3, HCM city
- Opening hours: 11:30 – 17:00
- Hủ Tiếu (Rice Noodle Soup)
Hủ Tiếu is a Vietnamese rice noodle soup featuring a clear broth, topped with various meats such as pork, beef, shrimp, or offal, and garnished with fresh herbs and vegetables. This comforting dish is known for its light yet flavorful broth and tender noodles, making it a popular choice for breakfast or any meal of the day.
- Places to eat:
- Hu Tieu Oc chu Tun (Snail noodle soup):
- Address: 57/21 Ho Thi Ky, District 10, HCM city
- Opening hours: 11:30 – 22:00
- Reference price: 38,000 VND – 58,000 VND
- Hu Tieu Saigon – Hu Tieu Hong Phat:
- Address: 389 – 391 Vo Van Tan, District 3, HCM city
- Opening hours: 06:30 – 22:00
- Reference price: 60,000 VND – 110,000 VND
- Hu Tieu Tran Quang Khai (Beef ball noodle soup):
- Address: 40 Tran Quang Khai, Tan Dinh, District 1, HCM city
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 13:30 | 15:00 – 23:00
- Reference price: 35,000 VND – 50,000 VND
- Hu Tieu Saigon – Hu Tieu Nam Vang Quynh:
- Address: A65 Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh, District 1, HCM city
- Opening hours: 05:30 – 21:30
- Reference price: 69,000 VND – 80,000 VND
- Hu Tieu Nam Loi (Fish noodle soup):
- Address: 43 Ton That Dam, Nguyen Thai Binh, District 1, HCM city
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 12:00 | 13:00 – 16:30
- Reference price: 70,000 VND – 165,000 VND
Vietnamese popular snacks and desserts
- Bánh Xèo (Sizzling Pancake)
Bánh Xèo is a sizzling pancake made from a batter of rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, and water, filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and green onions. When cooked, it produces a crispy, golden-yellow exterior and a savory filling, served with fresh herbs and lettuce for wrapping.
- Places to eat:
- Banh xeo Co Minh:
- Address: 12 Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 19:00
- Reference price: 20,000 – 75,000 VND
- Banh xeo Thanh Sang:
- Address: 55 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 10:30 – 14:00; 16:00 – 21:00
- Reference price: 20,000 – 200,000 VND
- Banh xeo An:
- Address: 71/5-71/6 Mac Thi Buoi, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Reference price: About 60,000 – 150,000 VND
- Opening hours: 9:00 am – 10:30 pm
- Banh xeo Ba Hiu:
- Address: 46/9 Street 12 Tran Nao, Binh An Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
- Reference price: About 25,000 – 50,000 VND
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 21:00
- Hoi An Spring Roll – Hoi An’s famous delicious Banh xeo restaurant:
- Address: 87 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
- Opening hours: 8:00 – 21:30
- Banh xeo Ba Tien Hoi An:
- Address: 409 Hai Ba Trung, Cam Son Ward, Hoi An City
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 21:00
- Banh xeo Lang Chuon Hang Lien:
- Address: 97 Nguyen Sinh Cung, Hue
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 21:40
- Banh xeo Ca Kinh O Loi:
- Address: Lang Chuon Market, Phu Vang District, Hue
- Opening hours: 06:00 – 20:00
- Banh xeo ba Duong:
- Address: 280/23 Hoang Dieu, Binh Hien, Hai Chau, Da Nang
- Reference price: 17,000 – 55,000 VND
- Opening hours: 9:30 am – 9:00 pm
- Banh xeo ba Tuyet:
- Address: 25 Tran Quoc Toan, Phuoc Ninh, Hai Chau, Da Nang
- Reference price: 20,000 VND – 50,000 VND
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 20:30
- Banh Trang Tron (Rice paper salad with shrimp, eggs, and tangy sauce)
Banh Trang Tron is a famous Vietnamese street food made from shredded rice paper mixed with ingredients like dried shrimp, quail eggs, peanuts, beef jerky, fresh herbs, and a tangy, spicy sauce.
- Places to eat:
- Banh trang tron chi Ba Beo – Ly Quoc Su:
- Address: 24B Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Banh trang tron co Toan – 86 Hang Trong:
- Address: 86 Ward Hang Trong, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Opening hours: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Banh trang Long An (satay rice paper):
- Address: 286/29A Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: About 20,000 – 50,000 VND
- Opening hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Banh trang dieu thu 7:
- Address: 68/281 Tran Quang Khai, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Price: About 5,000 – 25,000 VND
- Opening hours: 13:00 – 21:00
- Nem Rán or Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)
Nem Rán or Chả Giò are Vietnamese fried spring rolls filled with ground meat, vermicelli noodles, mushrooms, and vegetables, wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried until crispy. Served with a dipping sauce, these golden-brown delights are a popular appetizer or snack, offering a satisfying crunch and savory filling.
- Places to eat:
- Nem Ran ngo Tam Thuong (Fried spring rolls in Tam Thuong alley):
- Address: 36 Tam Thuong alley, Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Price is about: 6,000 VND/piece
- Ta Hien fried spring rolls:
- Address: 29a Ta Hien, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Price: 5,000 VND/piece
- Hanoi Ngon:
- Address: 1 Huynh Thuc Khang, District 1, HCM city.
- Opening hours: 14:30 – 23:00
- Nao An Uong Ngay Nao:
- Alley 391 TK43/2 Tran Hung Dao, District 1, HCM city.
- Opening hours: 14:00 – 22:00
- Chè (Sweet Soup)
Chè is a Vietnamese sweet soup dessert made with various ingredients such as beans, fruits, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk, sweetened with sugar or condensed milk. Served hot or cold, Chè offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a popular treat for satisfying sweet cravings.
- Places to eat:
- Che Bon Mua:
- Address:
- 4, Hang Can, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- 643 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Reference price: 15,000 – 22,000 VND
- Che Co Giang:
- Address: 85 Co Giang, Co Giang, District 1, HCM city.
- Opening hours: 17:00 – 22:30
- Price: About 14,000 – 20,000 VND
- Che Cung Dinh Hue (Hue Royal Sweet Soup):
- Address: Le Loi, Hue city
- Reference price: 10,000 – 20,000 VND
- Che Ba Tho:
- Address: 3 Nguyen Hue, Cam Chau, Hoi An
- Che Co Mai:
- Address: 1 Nguyen Hoang, Minh An, Hoi An
- Oopen from 5:00 p.m
- Che Lien Da Nang:
- Address:
- Branch 1: No. 175 Hai Phong, Tan Chinh, Thanh Khe, Da Nang.
- Branch 2: No. 80 Le Thanh Nghi, Hoa Cuong Bac, Hai Chau, Da Nang.
- Branch 3: No. 320 Dien Bien Phu, Chinh Gian, Thanh Khe, Da Nang.
Try the must-taste Vietnamese street food for first-time travelers!
Embark on a culinary adventure and savor the rich, diverse flavors of famous Vietnamese street food! From the sizzling Banh Mi to the fragrant Pho, these iconic dishes are a must-try for every first-time traveler. Don’t miss out on the authentic taste of Vietnam’s vibrant street food culture. Dive in and explore a world of unforgettable tastes and textures!