Vietnamese food is known worldwide for its exciting flavours and aromas, and you’re sure to enjoy sampling the local fare. Throughout the country, you’ll find food options ranging from humble street food stalls to posh dining destinations that cater to all taste buds. With so many choices, though, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are a few tips to help new arrivals navigate the various options, as well as some advice on Vietnamese dining etiquette.
Local cuisine in Vietnam
Local cuisine in Vietnam changes markedly from north to south. Restaurants across the country serve Vietnamese dishes that span from fresh seafood and various meats to plant-based options. Rice forms the foundation of most meals (Vietnam ranks among the world’s top rice producers), while noodles feature just as heavily in daily fare.
The flavours shift as you travel: northern dishes (Hanoi) taste more subtle and less sweet, central cooking (Hue) brings the heat with plenty of seafood, while southern food (Ho Chi Minh City) tends toward sweeter flavours with coconut milk making frequent appearances.
A few must-try dishes include:
- Pho – the famous noodle soup, typically with beef or chicken, with distinct regional variations
- Bun Cha – a Hanoi speciality of chargrilled pork patties served with rice noodles and herbs
- Bun Thit Nuong – a southern dish with grilled pork strips over dry noodles with vegetables
- Bun Bo Hue – spicy beef noodle soup from central Vietnam
- Banh Xeo – a crispy rice pancake stuffed with vegetables and your choice of meat
- Banh Mi – a French-influenced crusty baguette filled with pate, meat and pickled vegetables
- Com Tam – a popular lunch option widely available in the south. You’ll receive a plate of broken rice and select your toppings from options like grilled pork, chicken, fish, tofu and fried eggs.
You can find these authentic Vietnamese dishes at proper sit-down restaurants or street stalls, with the latter often delivering the most genuine experience. Every market houses a dedicated food section where local favourites abound.
International cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City
International cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City has boomed over the last decade. The city’s large expat community and growing food tourism scene have transformed the dining landscape.
In Ho Chi Minh City, French restaurants reflect Vietnam’s colonial past, sitting alongside Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Indian eateries. Mexican, Mediterranean and American options fill out the scene. Districts like Thao Dien and Phu Nhuan have become food hubs with diverse culinary offerings.
Don’t miss the ‘Cuisine Moi’ trend – a fresh movement blending Vietnamese cooking with international techniques and presentations. Health-conscious diners will appreciate the growing number of vegetarian restaurants and wholesome food spots popping up across the city.
Dining etiquette in Ho Chi Minh City
Dining etiquette in Ho Chi Minh City remains refreshingly laid-back compared to other Asian cities. Most Vietnamese eateries offer straightforward, efficient service with a first-come, first-served policy, though upmarket venues now take bookings.
Most Vietnamese dishes require chopsticks, but as a foreigner, restaurants often provide spoons and forks too. You’ll rarely see knives, since food arrives already cut into bite-sized pieces.
Many of the very local restaurants look a bit grubby compared to restaurants in the West, but that doesn’t mean the food is as well. Most local Vietnamese restaurants feature simple decor like stainless steel tables and plastic chairs. This no-frills approach puts the spotlight squarely on the food rather than the surroundings.
At high-end international restaurants, service matches global standards. Tipping practices have evolved in recent years – in fancy establishments, a 5 to 10 percent tip rewards good service, though many already include a service charge. In local places, tipping remains uncommon, but rounding up the bill shows appreciation.
Vietnam stands out as one of Southeast Asia’s best-value dining destinations. Street food costs next to nothing, while even top-tier restaurants charge far less than equivalent spots in Western countries or nearby Singapore and Hong Kong.
