VietnamFood and Drink

Vietnam's culinary diversity shines through its countless dishes, which have found worldwide popularity. It’s a mix of local noodle creations that make the most of the fresh produce and contrasts created by Vietnam’s various climate zones. From a steaming hot (or cold) bowl of pho to a tasty banh mi, to more decadent roast meat dishes and delicious desserts, things tend to get richer the further south you go. But you’ll find great Vietnamese treats all through the country.

Vietnamese coffee is served with a small metal drip filter that slowly releases the rich, aromatic brew into a glass containing sweetened condensed milk. The result is a bold and robust coffee with a touch of sweetness. It's the perfect pick-me-up at any time of day. If you're looking for a sweeter coffee option, try creamy coconut coffee. This delectable drink combines the intense flavour of Vietnamese coffee with the creamy richness of coconut, often having coconut chunks for an added layer of texture. You can also indulge in an egg coffee that features a frothy egg yolk whisked with condensed milk and robust Vietnamese coffee. The result is a velvety, indulgent beverage that's often likened to liquid tiramisu.

A favourite among both locals and tourists, boba tea is a delightful concoction of tea or fruit-based beverages with chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom. It's a refreshing, playful drink with a range of flavours to choose from. You can also enjoy a cold glass of simple, delicious beer starting at 15,000 VND (about USD $0.90) to unwind and socialize with locals and fellow travellers alike.

What is Vietnam’s traditional cuisine

One of the most familiar Vietnamese staples is pho, a fragrant noodle soup with fresh herbs. Cơm tấm is another everyday favourite, serving broken rice with grilled meats and savoury sauces. Don't miss goi cuon, rice paper rolls with fresh herbs and shrimp, served with peanut sauce. For a delicious mix of smoky and herbal flavours, try bo la lot, with beef or pork wrapped in fragrant betel leaves and grilled to perfection.

Breakfast options include banh mi, a French-inspired baguette sandwich, bun moc, a noodle soup made with pork meatballs, or a hearty bowl of pho. Bun, featuring cold vermicelli noodles with grilled meat and herbs, is perfect for a quick lunch. Dinner offers an array of choices, from fresh rolls packed with shrimp and herbs to bun cha, a savoury combination of grilled pork and vermicelli.

What is the dining etiquette in Vietnam?

Seniority matters at the Vietnamese dining table. Serve the oldest person first and wait for them to start eating before you start. Knowing how to use chopsticks will endear you to your Vietnamese hosts, but don’t double dip with any cutlery (including chopsticks) in communal bowls. Those sticks by the way go in your right hand while your left is for a spoon. Vietnamese cuisine is all about blending flavours, so use your chopsticks to lift ingredients into your spoon, then your spoon to lift ingredients to your mouth. That’s after putting your chosen portion on your own plate (not the communal ones). 

Slurping and burping are frowned upon, but chewing with your mouth open is perfectly acceptable. The Vietnamese also encourage leaning over your bowl to avoid spillage. You also won’t insult anyone by spicing up a bland dish with sauces or condiments. Seasoning and mixing to taste is the name of the game with many Vietnamese dishes! It’s also perfectly okay, even expected, to slurp the last liquid from your bowl. Honestly, it’s sometimes the best part!

What is the drinking etiquette in Vietnam?

Lightweights beware. Men in particular are expected to drink what the host is drinking in Vietnam. Being able to hold your booze is a sign of strength, so guests are also expected to keep up. Always drink after cheers! If you need to dial it back or don’t want to drink, say you’re the designated driver. Older people may not buy this, but it’s becoming more common as the country takes road safety more seriously. 

Assuming you are drinking, steady yourself with food (often bar snacks) as you go. You’ll be surprised just how much the Vietnamese can drink without showing signs of drunkenness, and they will absolutely be watching you to make sure you don’t beat them at this game.

Does Vietnam cater to dietary restrictions?

Vietnamese cuisine is incredibly varied, and chances are, you’ll find a pho, banh mi, or other Vietnamese staple to suit your needs. Vegetarian options abound, while the variety of meats used in Vietnamese cooking make it easy to avoid pork, beef, or other ingredients. Restaurants in the cities are used to it, and vendors, even in small towns, will try to accommodate you. The trick is sometimes being understood. Learn a phrase like Tôi ăn chay (I am vegetarian) or carry a card with your dietary restrictions. Nuts are a common ingredient in Vietnamese cooking, so those with an allergy should absolutely do this.

What do meals typically cost in Vietnam?

Vietnam is one of the world’s best places to eat on the cheap! Even in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, USD $3 will buy you a tasty, inexpensive meal, while a three-course dinner for two won’t cost much more than USD $25. Tasty, local beers often cost less than USD $1 a glass and hit just the right spot on a hot Vietnam day.