Vietnamese cuisine offers a delightful mix of flavors that can transport you to the vibrant streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. From savory soups to fresh spring rolls, these dishes combine herbs, spices, and cooking techniques that create unforgettable meals.
Vietnamese recipes balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements to create dishes that are both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re craving the famous bánh mì sandwich, a steaming bowl of phở, or the delicate bánh cuốn, these recipes will help you bring authentic Vietnamese flavors to your kitchen.
You’ll discover that many Vietnamese dishes are surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
1. Phở Bò (Beef Noodle Soup)
Phở Bò is often called Vietnam’s national dish. This rich beef noodle soup combines aromatic broth with tender rice noodles and thinly sliced beef.
The secret to authentic Phở Bò lies in its broth. Simmer beef bones, oxtail, and yellow onion for hours with spices like star anise and cinnamon to create deep flavor.
When serving, add rice noodles and top with beef slices that cook in the hot broth. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili for a complete experience.
Many Vietnamese families have their own special recipes, often richer and more fragrant than restaurant versions.
2. Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
Bún Bò Huế is a flavorful Vietnamese soup that originates from the central city of Huế. Unlike its more famous cousin phở, this soup packs a spicy punch with its rich, lemongrass-infused beef broth.
The dish features thick round rice noodles topped with tender beef slices and often includes pork knuckles or congealed pig blood for added depth. Lemongrass and chili give the broth its distinctive red color and heat.
When you try Bún Bò Huế, you’ll notice the perfect balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. It’s typically served with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and bean sprouts that you can add according to your taste.
3. Bún Chả Hanoi (Grilled Pork with Noodles)
Bún chả is a quintessential northern Vietnamese dish that originated in Hanoi. It features charred pork patties and pork belly slices bathed in a flavorful dipping sauce.
The dish is served with tender rice vermicelli noodles (bún) and fresh herbs. To prepare it, marinate ground pork and pork shoulder with ingredients like garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and shallots.
Grill the pork until perfectly charred, then serve it in a dipping sauce alongside the vermicelli. The combination of smoky meat, tangy sauce, and soft noodles creates a harmonious balance of flavors that represents Vietnamese cuisine at its finest.
4. Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Vietnamese fresh spring rolls are a refreshing appetizer loved for their light and healthy ingredients. These delicate rice paper rolls contain a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The traditional filling includes pork, shrimp, vermicelli noodles, lettuce, and fresh herbs like mint. Carefully wrap all ingredients in soft, chewy rice paper wrappers.
What makes these spring rolls special is their versatility and the dipping sauce. You can enjoy them with a savory peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or other flavorful options.
You can easily customize these rolls based on your preferences. They’re perfect as an appetizer or light meal on warm days.
5. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)
Bánh mì is a delicious Vietnamese sandwich made with a crispy baguette filled with flavorful ingredients. The bread should have a light, airy interior and crackling crust that makes each bite satisfying.
To create this iconic sandwich, spread mayonnaise on a toasted baguette and layer your choice of protein. Popular options include roasted pork, grilled chicken, or pâté.
Top your bánh mì with fresh cucumber slices and other crunchy vegetables for contrast. The combination of warm bread, savory meat, and cool vegetables creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
You can find authentic bánh mì at Vietnamese restaurants or make your own at home using fresh ingredients from your local grocery store.
6. Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork)
Cơm Tấm is a classic Southern Vietnamese dish featuring broken rice topped with grilled lemongrass pork chops. The dish gets its name from the fractured rice grains that were once considered less desirable but now are sought after for their unique texture.
The star of this meal is the flavorful grilled pork, marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce. It’s typically served with pickled vegetables, fresh cucumber, and a tangy-sweet sauce.
Many Vietnamese families enjoy this dish with a fried sunny-side-up egg on top. Complete your meal with a glass of Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk for an authentic experience.
7. Thịt Kho Tàu (Caramelized Braised Pork)
Thịt Kho Tàu is a beloved Vietnamese comfort food featuring tender pork braised with hard-boiled eggs in a sweet-savory sauce. This iconic dish balances rich flavors perfectly.
The magic happens when pork (often belly) slowly cooks in a mixture of coconut water, caramel sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and shallots until incredibly tender. The eggs absorb all the seasoning too, becoming flavorful bites.
You’ll find this dish in many Vietnamese homes, especially during special occasions. The slow cooking process allows the pork to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while developing deep, complex flavors.
Serve it with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
8. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Savory Pancake)
Bánh Xèo, meaning “sizzling cake,” is a crispy Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric. The name comes from the sizzling sound it makes when the batter hits the hot pan.
These golden-yellow crepes are typically filled with pork, shrimp, mung beans, and bean sprouts. The contrast between the crispy exterior and tender fillings creates a delightful texture experience.
To eat Bánh Xèo, break pieces off with your hands, wrap them in lettuce leaves with fresh herbs, and dip into a savory sauce. This naturally gluten-free dish is perfect for sharing at the table.
You can customize the fillings based on your preference, with some versions using chicken to reduce cooking time.
9. Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)
Chả Giò are crispy Vietnamese fried spring rolls with a delicious filling that will impress your dinner guests. These rolls typically contain a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, glass noodles, and vegetables like carrots.
Wrap the filling ingredients in rice paper, then fry until golden and crispy. This creates a perfect contrast between the crunchy exterior and flavorful interior.
Serve Chả Giò wrapped in lettuce leaves with herbs for a traditional presentation. They make excellent appetizers or can be part of a larger Vietnamese meal when paired with dipping sauce.
10. Gỏi Gà (Vietnamese Chicken Salad)
Gỏi Gà is a refreshing Vietnamese chicken salad that combines shredded chicken with crisp vegetables. This colorful dish features cabbage, carrots, and onions tossed with herbs like cilantro and Vietnamese coriander.
The salad gets its distinctive flavor from a tangy dressing made with fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar. This sweet and savory combination perfectly complements the fresh ingredients.
Enjoy this light meal cold, making it perfect for warm days. The contrasting textures of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and toasted peanuts create a satisfying experience.
Gỏi Gà is both nutritious and simple to prepare, taking about 25 minutes to make.
11. Bánh Cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls)
Bánh cuốn are delicate Vietnamese steamed rice rolls that are thin like crepes. They’re typically filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, onions, and garlic.
Spread a thin layer of rice flour batter over cloth stretched across steaming water to make bánh cuốn. The batter cooks quickly, creating a translucent wrapper that’s carefully rolled around the filling.
If you’re short on time, use rice paper as a hack to cut preparation time in half. These rolls are often served with fish sauce dipping sauce and topped with fried shallots.
12. Bún Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork Noodles)
Bún Thịt Nướng is a beloved Vietnamese dish featuring savory grilled pork served over vermicelli rice noodles. This quintessential Southern Vietnamese meal combines multiple textures and flavors in one satisfying bowl.
Marinate pork (often shoulder or tenderloin) in a mixture of honey, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. After grilling, place the flavorful meat over a bed of rice vermicelli noodles.
Add fresh herbs like mint and basil for brightness, along with pickled vegetables for tanginess. Finish with crunchy roasted peanuts and a drizzle of dipping sauce.
13. Canh Chua (Vietnamese Sour Soup)
Canh Chua is a delicious Vietnamese sweet and sour soup that will brighten your dinner table. This flavorful soup gets its signature sourness from tamarind, similar to Thailand’s Tom Yum but with a unique Vietnamese flavor profile.
The traditional version is often made with catfish, though salmon makes a modern alternative. You’ll find a colorful mix of vegetables like tomatoes, pineapple, and okra swimming in the tangy broth.
Fry onion and ginger until golden, then add garlic and vegetables to prepare the soup. The broth balances sweet and sour flavors perfectly with rock sugar and tamarind.
Fresh herbs add the finishing touch to this comforting Vietnamese classic.
14. Cá Kho Tộ (Caramelized Braised Fish)
Cá Kho Tộ is a Vietnamese classic featuring fish braised in a sweet and savory caramel sauce. Traditionally made with catfish, you can also use salmon or any meaty fish with few bones.
Marinate fish steaks in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and garlic, then slowly braise them until tender, often in coconut juice for added flavor. The sauce caramelizes during cooking, creating a rich, sticky glaze that pairs perfectly with white rice.
You’ll find this dish served in clay pots in Vietnam, which helps retain heat and enhances the flavors.
15. Lẩu (Vietnamese Hot Pot)
Lẩu is a communal Vietnamese dish perfect for gatherings. It features a simmering pot of flavorful broth placed at the center of the table.
You can make different varieties like beef in vinegar hot pot (Lẩu bò nhúng dấm) or the spicy Tom Yum hot pot (Lẩu Thái). The base typically includes chicken stock, lemongrass, and various aromatics.
For a traditional hot pot, prepare a large pot of broth and an assortment of raw ingredients. These might include thinly sliced meats, seafood, vegetables, mushrooms, and noodles.
Everyone cooks their own food by dipping items into the simmering broth. It’s both a meal and a social experience.
16. Bún Riêu (Crab Noodle Soup)
Bún Riêu is a delicious Vietnamese noodle soup with a flavorful tomato-based broth. This popular dish combines round rice vermicelli noodles with crab, pork, and tomatoes.
A mix of crab, tamarind paste, and fish sauce gives the soup its distinctive taste. Soft tofu and pork riblets make this soup hearty and satisfying.
To serve Bún Riêu, arrange cooked rice noodles in a bowl and ladle the rich broth over them. The soup includes chunks of tomato, crab meat, and tofu.
17. Xôi (Sticky Rice)
Xôi is a beloved Vietnamese sticky rice dish with many delicious varieties. The basic preparation involves soaking glutinous rice, then steaming it until soft and sticky.
You can find both sweet and savory versions of xôi throughout Vietnam. Popular varieties include xôi gấc (made with red gac fruit), xôi lạc (with peanuts), and xôi đậu xanh (with mung beans).
For a savory option, try xôi mặn topped with Chinese sausage, egg strips, pork floss, and scallion oil. The classic xôi xéo combines yellow sticky rice with mung beans, meat floss, and crispy fried onions.
When you make xôi at home, stir the rice occasionally during steaming for even cooking.
18. Bánh Bò Nướng (Honeycomb Cake)
Bánh Bò Nướng, or Vietnamese honeycomb cake, is one of the most iconic desserts in Vietnamese cuisine. Its name comes from the distinct honeycomb-like pattern that forms inside the cake during baking.
Pandan paste gives this dessert its beautiful jade color and unique flavor. The outside is slightly crispy while the inside stays soft and airy.
To make this cake, heat coconut milk with sugar and salt before combining with the other ingredients. Preheat the baking pan in the oven to help create the distinctive honeycomb holes throughout the cake.
19. Tôm Rim (Caramelized Shrimp)
Tôm Rim is a Vietnamese dish of shrimp cooked in a sweet and salty fish sauce glaze. The shrimp turns glossy and flavorful as it simmers in the caramelized sauce.
Cooks typically use shell-on shrimp to add extra crunch and flavor. The sauce combines traditional Vietnamese ingredients into a bold, sticky coating that perfectly complements the seafood.
You can prepare this quick and delicious meal in just minutes. It pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, which soaks up the rich sauce.
Many Vietnamese families consider this a comfort food, and it’s frequently ordered at restaurants.
20. Mì Quảng (Quang-Style Noodles)
Mì Quảng is a distinctive noodle dish from Vietnam’s Quang Nam province. Unlike pho, it features just a shallow amount of rich broth—enough to coat the noodles rather than submerge them.
The dish uses thick rice noodles, often yellow from turmeric. These noodles come topped with a variety of proteins including chicken, pork, shrimp, and sometimes quail eggs.
Mì Quảng stands out for its flavorful combination of lemongrass, garlic, and chili. Fresh lettuce and herbs add a refreshing element to balance the savory broth.
You can customize your Mì Quảng with additional garnishes like peanuts, crispy rice crackers, or lime for extra flavor and texture.
21. Bánh Bao (Steamed Savory Buns)
Bánh Bao are fluffy Vietnamese steamed buns with a delicious filling. These pillowy treats contain a mixture of ground pork, quail eggs, woodear mushrooms, onions, and vegetables.
The dough combines milk, yeast, sugar, all-purpose flour, and cornstarch to create its signature soft texture. For the filling, season ground pork with fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
Some traditional recipes also include Chinese sausage for extra flavor. When making these at home, let the dough rise properly to achieve that fluffy consistency.
Key Ingredients in Vietnamese Cooking
Vietnamese cuisine relies on a careful balance of fresh ingredients and unique flavors. The following core components form the foundation of most authentic Vietnamese dishes and are available in markets or international grocery stores.
Essential Herbs and Aromatics
Fresh herbs are the soul of Vietnamese cooking, adding brightness and complexity to every dish. Cilantro, mint, and Thai basil appear in countless recipes, from pho to spring rolls.
Cooks typically add these herbs fresh at the end of cooking or as garnishes. Lemongrass brings a citrusy, floral aroma that’s essential in many marinades and soups.
You often find lemongrass minced or bruised to release its oils. Ginger and garlic form the aromatic base of many dishes, while scallions add a mild onion flavor.
Lime leaves and Vietnamese coriander (rau răm) add distinctive flavors that are hard to substitute. For authentic tastes, grow these herbs at home or find them at Asian markets.
Staple Proteins and Vegetables
Rice is foundational to Vietnamese cuisine, appearing as steamed rice, broken rice (cơm tấm), noodles, and rice paper wrappers. It serves as the perfect canvas for the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cooking.
Popular proteins include pork, beef, chicken, and seafood. Vietnamese dishes often use less meat than Western cuisines, focusing on flavor and texture.
Bean sprouts add crunch to soups and stir-fries. Bok choy and water spinach (morning glory) are common green vegetables.
Mushrooms like shiitake and wood ear add earthy flavors and meaty textures to vegetarian dishes. Daikon radish and carrots are often pickled as side dishes or garnishes.
Unique Sauces and Condiments
Fish sauce (nước mắm) is the cornerstone of Vietnamese flavor. This fermented anchovy sauce adds savory depth to everything from marinades to dipping sauces.
Nước chấm, a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili, accompanies many Vietnamese meals. Adjust its sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness to your taste.
Hoisin sauce adds sweetness to pho and spring roll dipping sauces. Chili sauce or fresh chilies bring heat to dishes.
Pickled vegetables balance rich flavors with acidity and crunch. Shrimp paste (mắm tôm) has a pungent flavor that’s essential in some regional dishes.
Start with small amounts of shrimp paste until you become familiar with its strong taste.
Techniques for Authentic Flavor
Vietnamese cuisine achieves its distinct character through careful balance of flavors and specialized preparation methods. Master these techniques to create dishes that capture the essence of Vietnam’s culinary traditions.
Balancing Sweet, Sour, Salty, and Spicy
The hallmark of Vietnamese cooking is the harmonious balance of contrasting flavors. Sweet elements often come from palm sugar, honey, or fruits like pineapple.
For sourness, rice vinegar, lime juice, and tamarind paste are essential additions to your pantry. Fish sauce (nước mắm) serves as the cornerstone of saltiness in Vietnamese dishes.
Use fish sauce sparingly at first—you can always add more. When recipes call for salt, try fish sauce for an authentic touch.
For heat, fresh chilies work best. Vietnamese food typically offers a moderate spice level that doesn’t overwhelm other flavors.
Bird’s eye chilies provide authentic heat, but you can adjust the amount to your preference. Taste as you cook and adjust these four elements until they complement each other perfectly.
Methods of Cooking and Preparation
Vietnamese cooking relies on quick preparation methods that preserve fresh flavors. Cooks often stir-fry over high heat, cutting ingredients into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Simmering plays a key role in soups like phở. To create a clear, aromatic broth, cooks parboil bones first, then simmer them gently for hours.
Never let the broth reach a rolling boil, as it clouds the liquid.
Important tools to have:
- A sharp cleaver for precise cutting
- A fine mesh strainer for clear broths
- A mortar and pestle for grinding fresh herbs and spices
Add herbs at the last moment to maintain their fragrance. Vietnamese cooks often serve a plate of fresh herbs alongside the main dish.
This approach allows diners to customize their experience.
Marinate meats with lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce to improve flavor penetration. Even a brief 30-minute marinade can transform a dish’s taste profile.
