Food & Drink

A Culinary Overview of Vietnam

Vietnam’s cuisine is as diverse as its landscapes, shaped by three distinct regions: the North (where subtle flavours dominate and signature dishes include steaming bowls of pho garnished with fresh herbs), Central Vietnam (where the food is bold, spicy, and colourful and dishes like bun bo Hue pack a punch), and the South (home to sweeter notes and abundant tropical ingredients, from fresh seafood to coconut-based curries).

The common threads? Rice is everywhere, from noodles and paper-thin wrappers to fragrant steamed grains. Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint elevate nearly every dish, and fish sauce (nuoc mam) is the backbone of flavour.

French influences linger, too. A bite of banh mi, with its crisp baguette and local fillings, is the perfect East-meets-West snack. Pair it with ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) and you’ve got the ultimate local combo.

“Try ca phe sua da,” Destination Specialist Leo Liu advises, “for a taste of local life. It’s strong, sweet, and best enjoyed on a busy street corner in Hanoi.”

Unique Vietnamese Dining Experiences

In Vietnam, where and how you eat matters as much as what’s on the plate. Start with the blue plastic stools of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where locals gather for bowls of pho at sunrise. These humble settings offer some of the most authentic flavors you’ll ever taste.

Head south for a vespa street food tour in Ho Chi Minh City. Take a thrilling ride weaving through neon-lit alleys, stopping for sizzling skewers, rice cakes, and shellfish grilled to perfection. 

On the coast, savour freshly caught seafood in Danang or Nha Trang, best paired with a sea breeze and an ice-cold Saigon beer.

For something elevated, book a luxury cruise on Halong Bay with curated Vietnamese tasting menus or dine at historic venues like the Sofitel Metropole in Hanoi for a refined culinary journey.

“One of the best ways to explore Vietnam’s food scene,” says Destination Specialist Steve Hope, “is by vespa tour. Riding on the back while weaving through traffic is an adventure in itself.”

For more practical advice on dining etiquette and what to expect, check out our Vietnamese travel tips and etiquette guide.

Vietnam’s Beverage Scene

Vietnam may not be the first place you think of for wine, but its emerging vineyards are creating a buzz. 

The Dalat region, with its cool highland climate, is home to boutique wineries producing varieties like Vang Dalat, Vang Ninh Thuan, and experimental blends that pair perfectly with local cuisine. Visiting a vineyard here is a unique way to see the agricultural side of Vietnam and sample wines that rarely leave the country.

Beer, however, is king in Vietnam. Pull up a low stool at a bia hoi corner in Hanoi and sip freshly brewed draft beer for a few cents a glass. Also try local favourites such as Saigon Special or 333, which pair beautifully with street food.

For something stronger, sample some ruou can, a traditional rice wine often shared communally through bamboo straws during festivals, or explore craft cocktail bars in Ho Chi Minh City for a modern twist on Vietnamese flavours.

“Vietnamese hospitality, says Destination Specialist Steve Hope, “often starts with a drink, whether it’s a cold beer on a Hanoi street or rice wine shared with a hill tribe family.”

Dining Etiquette in Vietnam

Dining in Vietnam is almost always family-style, with a spread of dishes placed in the centre of a table for everyone to share. Expect rice or noodles to be the base, surrounded by colourful plates of vegetables, meat, and dipping sauces. In rural homes, meals often happen on the floor, while city dining can range from bustling markets to refined restaurants.

Casual dining is the norm. Don’t be surprised if your “table” is a plastic stool by a street vendor, which is part of the charm. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change for excellent service can be appreciated.

When eating in traditional settings, use your right hand, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (it’s a funeral symbol), and wait for the eldest person to begin before you dig in.

For more tips on etiquette in Vietnam, visit our guide to Vietnamese cultural traditions.

Accommodating Dietary Needs in Vietnam

Vietnamese cuisine is remarkably adaptable, making it a dream for travellers with dietary needs. Vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful thanks to Buddhist traditions. Look for dishes labeled “chay” at markets and restaurants. Staples such as fresh spring rolls, tofu stir-fries, and noodle soups are naturally plant-based and bursting with flavor.

“Even in small towns, vegetarian options abound,” says Destination Specialist Leo Liu. “It’s a country where freshness and simplicity make every meal accessible.”

Gluten-free travelers will also find rice-based dishes everywhere, from steaming bowls of pho to banh cuon (rice noodle rolls). If you’re avoiding meat entirely, coastal regions and urban centres offer creative plant-forward menus at boutique cafés and upscale restaurants.

During Buddhist fasting periods, entire towns shift toward vegetarian dining, creating a wealth of choices for mindful eaters. Just remember to communicate your preferences. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but having a note in Vietnamese for allergies or strict diets can be helpful.

Plan Your Vietnam Culinary Adventure

Vietnam’s culinary scene is a journey in itself, a flavourful mosaic of street eats, home-style dishes, and refined dining experiences. For the ultimate immersion, start with a market-to-table tour, where you’ll shop for fresh herbs, spices, and produce before joining a local chef to prepare traditional recipes like pho, banh xeo, or fresh spring rolls.

Spice things up with a street food vespa tour in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City by zipping through bustling neighbourhoods to taste everything from sizzling bánh mì to smoky grilled pork skewers. 

For a more intimate experience, book a private chef dinner in a luxury villa or enjoy a curated wine-pairing menu at a boutique resort in Danang or Phu Quoc.

And don’t miss the chance to visit a coffee farm in the Central Highlands or savour a sunset cocktail on a Halong Bay cruise. Each meal tells a story of history, geography, and the people who make it unforgettable.

Start planning your custom Vietnam food and wine journey with Goway today.

FAQs

What are some of Vietnam’s most famous foods?

The most famous Vietnamese dish is pho, an aromatic noodle soup with herbs, beef or chicken in a flavourful broth. Other iconic dishes include banh mi, fresh spring rolls, and bun cha.

What is the traditional drink of Vietnam?

Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) is a must-try, but traditional rice wine (ruou) is also deeply rooted in local culture, often shared during celebrations.

What do the Vietnamese drink at breakfast time?

Most locals start the day with strong coffee, either black or with sweetened condensed milk. Tea is also common, and it’s often served free in small cups at eateries.

What is the most popular street food in Vietnam?

Banh mi—Vietnam’s take on the French baguette sandwich—is the ultimate street snack. Pho, grilled skewers, and crispy pancakes (banh xeo) are also street-food staples.

What is a typical meal like in Vietnam?

Meals are usually shared family-style, with rice or noodles as a base, accompanied by vegetables, meat or seafood, and dipping sauces like fish sauce (nuoc mam).

Is Vietnamese food spicy?

Generally, Vietnamese food is milder than Thai cuisine, focusing on fresh herbs and balance rather than heat. Chili is often served on the side, so you can spice it up to taste.

What do Vietnamese people usually eat?

Rice is the cornerstone of the Vietnamese diet, served with vegetables, herbs, fish, and meat. Noodle soups, fresh rolls, and seasonal fruits are also common in daily meals.