10 Must-Try Dishes and Drinks in Vietnam Recommended by an Australian Website

When it comes to street food, Vietnam offers an array of delicious flavors. The Australian website delicious.com.au has compiled a list of the top ten dishes and drinks to try in Vietnam:

First on the list is Banh mi. Although the French may have introduced baguettes to Vietnam, the country’s renowned banh mi is a distinctly Vietnamese creation.

Roasted Pork Bánh Mì.

Different vendors have their own take on this globally loved sandwich, but the general concept includes a fresh baguette, influenced by earlier French colonization. It is typically stuffed with pate, pork floss, pork belly, cucumber, and pickled vegetables. This combination of flavors and textures creates a crunchy, soft, and unforgettable taste, as stated in the article published on the website.

Second, ‘Pho’ (rice noodle soup with beef or chicken) is another must-try. Pho was originated in the northern part of the country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The popularity of pho extended to the southern region in the 1950s when the country was divided and millions of northern Vietnamese migrants brought their soup recipe with them to the south.

December 12th has been designated as the Day of Pho, commemorating the beloved national dish of the country.

A bowl of beef Pho. Photo: Hoang Khanh Duy

The article posted on the web describes Pho as a renowned dish that needs no introduction. Pho is a popular noodle soup that can be found throughout Vietnam, with each region adding its own unique touches. Originating from the northern part of the country, phở is a delicious combination of flat rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, aromatic herbs, all immersed in a flavorful beef broth.

The third dish in the list is Bánh Xèo, which is a Vietnamese rice pancake.

The crispy pancake is highly regarded by both locals and tourists in Vietnam. This delectable treat resembles a crepe in terms of its lightness and texture. Made with a combination of rice flour, water, turmeric (and sometimes coconut cream), the pancake is lightly fried. It is typically filled with prawns and bean sprouts, and enjoyed by wrapping it in lettuce or rice paper and dipping it in a sweetened fish sauce.

Crispy Vietnamese pancake (Bánh xèo) tops the list of 10 most popular Southeast Asian pancakes as compiled by TasteAtlas. Photo courtesy of TasteAtlas

The term “xèo” refers to the sizzling sound made when pouring the rice batter into a hot skillet. While some individuals may choose to eat bánh xèo directly with chopsticks, the optimal way to savor it is by using your hands.

The fourth place is Cơm Gà (Chicken Rice), a specialty of the riverside district of Hoi An town, renowned for its vibrant street food scene. This dish features beautifully presented turmeric rice accompanied by tender shredded chicken, enhanced with aromatic fish sauce, pickled shallots, and fragrant herbs such as coriander and mint. Local patrons often opt to add a spoonful of spicy chili jam for an extra kick.

The fifth spot in the list is reserved for our first drink, Vietnamese iced coffee.

Vietnam’s distinctive iced coffee has been praised as one of the highest-rated coffees in the world.

According to an article, Vietnam takes great pride in being the world’s second largest producer of beans. Unsurprisingly, coffee holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Among their popular coffee choices is the renowned condensed milk iced coffee, a delightful treat enjoyed in the afternoons. This delectable concoction involves pouring hot water through coffee grounds into a cup already equipped with a generous amount of condensed milk. It is safe to say that this drink goes beyond being just a pick-me-up.

Vietnamese iced coffee originated in Ho Chi Minh City, where it was traditionally sold on street corners. Today, it can be found throughout the country, including in luxurious five-star hotels and Vietnamese-style coffee shops abroad.

Green papaya salad is consumed in Thailand as Som Tam, where as in Cambodia it becomes bok l’hong and in Vietnam it is Gỏi đu đủ.

Next is Gỏi Đu Đủ (green papaya salad). Even though there are plenty of Southeast Asian nations which claim their own version of this dish, the Vietnamese take is known for being spicy. It consists of shredded unripe papaya tossed with carrots, coriander, Thai basil, peanuts, chili, shallots, and a sweet and sour sauce. Traditionally, it is sprinkled with Vietnamese beef jerky or dried squid. Don’t knock it until you try it!

Vietnam is one of the main sugar cane producers in the world. This is why sugarcane juice is such a popular drink in Vietnam, especially on tough summer days. Photo: Delicious Vietnam

The seventh popular choice is a well-known beverage called nước mía, or sugarcane juice. This much-loved Vietnamese refreshment can be easily found on almost every street corner. Nước mía is served icy cold and has a delightful sweetness to it. As the name suggests, it is primarily made from freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, but sometimes kumquat and Vietnamese pickled lime are added for extra flavor.

Recently, on August 25th, the northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh successfully exported a shipment of 17.3 tonnes of fresh sugarcane to the United States.

Avocado Ice Cream. Source: bachuaviahe

Avocado ice cream is another scrumptious dessert to try. In Vietnam, avocados are not just for toast but also for creating delightful desserts. This creamy treat, originating from Da Nang city, is like a post-dinner sundae with layered goodness. It features a base of mashed avocado, topped with a scoop of coconut ice cream, drizzled with sweetened coconut milk, and garnished with toasted coconut flakes.

Vietnamese Avocado Mousse Ice Cream is a signature dish of Da Lat, a renowned tourist destination in the Central Highlands. This delectable dessert boasts a rich and creamy texture, and is incredibly easy to prepare.

Banh beo in Hue is steamed in small, flat bowls. On top of banh beo in Hue are toasted shrimp flakes, pork cracklings and fried shallots. Photo: Liz Phung

The next dish is Bánh bèo (steamed rice cake) – a delightful snack that can be enjoyed as a sweet or savoury treat. Bánh bèo is beloved by individuals of all ages and offers a multitude of flavors and textures. These thin steamed rice cakes are elegantly presented in bite-size bowls and feature various fillings depending on the region. In Hoi An, for instance, Bánh bèo is typically served with a delectable combination of minced shrimp or pork, accompanied by crispy shallots.

A country with a rich tradition of tropical agriculture, Vietnam is renowned for its extensive variety of unique farm produce that serve as essential ingredients for a diverse range of delectable cakes. Within the realm of Vietnamese cuisine, one exceptional creation stands apart: Banh beo. Distinguished by its distinctive appearance, intricate preparation techniques, and unparalleled flavor profile, banh beo exhibits an unparalleled level of diversity, with no two versions found across the different regions of Vietnam being completely alike.

The final item on the list is Gỏi Cuốn, also known as rice paper rolls. According to the article, these rolls may have various names such as spring rolls, summer rolls, or rice paper rolls, depending on where you are in Vietnam. However, regardless of the name, these wholesome snacks consist of pork, prawn, cucumber, carrot, rice vermicelli, and herbs wrapped in Vietnamese rice paper. The specific ingredients and dipping sauces may vary between regions.

Fresh, light, healthy, and summery Vietnamese salad rolls are packed with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, fresh vegetables and herbs and dipped in a homemade peanut dipping sauce. Photo: Netspace

Goi Cuon is a popular appetizer in Vietnamese restaurants. It is served fresh at room temperature or cooled, without being deep-fried or cooked on the outside.

These spring rolls are a delightful alternative to the typical fried variety and have quickly become a beloved family favorite. They serve as a refreshing appetizer, particularly during the summer months, and are truly delicious when paired with one or both of the accompanying sauces.

The fillings for spring rolls can vary greatly. Some of the standard options include pork slices, pork sausage slices, and shrimp. However, there are many other choices available, such as fish, pan-fried seafood like squid, beef poached in a lemongrass broth, tofu for vegetarians, grilled sausages, braised pork, and egg. These are just a few of the popular variations of spring rolls.

Hannah Nguyen

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