Vietnamese food offers a world of tasty flavors and dishes to try. From noodle soups to fresh spring rolls, there are many delicious recipes to explore.

Vietnamese cooking uses lots of herbs and veggies for light, healthy meals.

You can easily make many popular Vietnamese dishes at home. With some basic ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy authentic Vietnamese flavors in your own kitchen.

Whether you want to make pho, banh mi sandwiches, or Vietnamese coffee, there are recipes for all skill levels to try out.

1. Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup)

Pho Bo is a beloved Vietnamese beef noodle soup. It’s a comforting dish you’ll want to try.

The heart of Pho Bo is its rich broth. You make it by simmering beef bones, spices, and aromatics for hours. This creates a deep, flavorful base.

Rice noodles form the foundation of the soup. You add thinly sliced beef on top. Fresh herbs and veggies like basil, bean sprouts, and lime wedges come on the side.

To enjoy Pho Bo, add the herbs and squeeze some lime juice into the hot soup. The mix of flavors and textures makes each bite exciting.

You can find Pho Bo at Vietnamese restaurants or make it at home. It’s a filling meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

2. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)

Banh mi is a tasty Vietnamese sandwich you’ll love. It’s made with a crispy baguette filled with flavorful ingredients.

The bread is spread with mayo and pate. Then it’s stuffed with meat like pork belly or chicken.

Fresh and pickled veggies add crunch. Cilantro, green onions, and chili peppers give it a kick.

This sandwich blends French and Vietnamese flavors. It’s a popular street food in Vietnam and around the world.

You can make banh mi at home too. Use crusty bread and your favorite fillings for a quick, delicious meal.

3. Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls)

Goi Cuon are fresh Vietnamese spring rolls filled with tasty ingredients. You can make these at home with rice paper wrappers, rice noodles, shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs.

To assemble, dip the rice paper in warm water to soften it. Add the fillings and roll it up tightly.

The rolls are often served with a peanut dipping sauce.

These spring rolls are light and perfect for warm weather. They’re a great appetizer or light meal. You can customize the fillings based on your preferences.

Try making Goi Cuon for a fun and tasty Vietnamese dish. They’re easier to make than you might think and very rewarding.

4. Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Noodles)

Bun cha is a tasty Vietnamese dish from Hanoi. You’ll love the mix of grilled pork, noodles, and fresh herbs.

The star is the pork. You can use pork shoulder or belly. Grill it over charcoal for a smoky flavor.

Serve the meat with rice noodles, lettuce, and herbs. Don’t forget the dipping sauce! It’s sweet and tangy.

To make it, you’ll need fish sauce, lime, and sugar. Some recipes add a bit of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

Bun cha is perfect for a summer meal. It’s light, fresh, and full of flavor.

5. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepe)

Banh Xeo is a crispy Vietnamese crepe that’s sure to delight your taste buds. These savory pancakes are made with a simple batter of rice flour, turmeric, and coconut cream.

The filling typically includes shrimp, pork belly, and bean sprouts.

To make Banh Xeo, you’ll pour the batter into a hot skillet and swirl it to coat the bottom.

Cook until the edges turn golden and crispy.

Serve your Banh Xeo with fresh herbs and a sweet Nuoc Cham sauce for dipping.

This dish is perfect for a fun and interactive meal with friends and family.

6. Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee)

Ca Phe Trung is a unique Vietnamese coffee drink. It combines strong coffee with a creamy egg mixture.

To make it, brew strong coffee using a phin filter or your preferred method.

In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with condensed milk until light and fluffy.

Pour the hot coffee into a cup, then gently spoon the egg mixture on top. The heat from the coffee slightly cooks the egg, creating a custard-like layer.

Sip the coffee through the creamy egg topping for a rich, indulgent treat. Ca Phe Trung offers a perfect balance of bitter coffee and sweet, silky egg cream.

7. Bun Rieu (Crab Noodle Soup)

Bun rieu is a tasty Vietnamese noodle soup you can make at home. It features crab, pork, and tomatoes in a flavorful broth.

You’ll love how quick this soup comes together compared to other Vietnamese noodle dishes. The base is rice noodles topped with a savory crab and pork mixture.

Tomatoes add a nice tangy flavor to the soup. You can also add tofu for extra protein. Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime finish it off perfectly.

This comforting soup is great for weeknight dinners. You can have a steaming bowl ready in about 30 minutes.

8. Banh Khot (Mini Pancakes)

Banh khot are tasty Vietnamese mini pancakes. These crispy treats are made with rice flour batter and topped with shrimp.

To make banh khot, mix rice flour, coconut milk, and water. Let the batter rest for at least 20 minutes. This helps create a fluffy texture.

Cook the pancakes in a special pan with small round wells. Add oil to each well and pour in the batter. Top with marinated shrimp.

Serve banh khot hot with fresh herbs like lettuce, mint, and basil. Dip them in a sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar.

These mini pancakes are crispy outside and soft inside. They’re perfect as a snack or light meal.

9. Che Ba Mau (Three-Color Dessert)

Che Ba Mau is a popular Vietnamese dessert that will cool you down on hot days. Its name means “three-color dessert” in English. The three colors come from red beans, yellow mung beans, and green pandan jelly.

To make Che Ba Mau, you layer these ingredients in a glass. Then you top it with shaved ice and coconut sauce. The result is a sweet, refreshing treat with different textures and flavors.

You can find Che Ba Mau in many Vietnamese restaurants and cafes. It’s also fun to make at home. The prep takes some time, but the steps are simple. You’ll love the bright colors and tasty mix of ingredients in this classic Vietnamese dessert.

10. Com Tam (Broken Rice)

Com Tam is a popular Vietnamese dish featuring broken rice. This unique rice is made from grains that break during processing.

You’ll find Com Tam served with grilled pork chops, fried egg, and pickled veggies. A tangy fish sauce often tops the dish.

The broken rice has a softer texture than regular rice. It soaks up flavors well, making each bite tasty.

To make Com Tam at home, cook the broken rice like normal rice. Pair it with grilled meats and fresh veggies for an authentic meal.

This filling dish is a favorite in Southern Vietnam, especially in Saigon. Give it a try for a taste of Vietnamese comfort food.

11. Mi Quang (Turmeric Noodles)

Mi Quang is a popular noodle dish from Central Vietnam. It features wide rice noodles tinted yellow with turmeric.

The dish is known for its flavorful broth made with chicken, pork, or shrimp. You’ll find it topped with a variety of proteins, herbs, and crunchy peanuts.

To make Mi Quang, start by preparing the broth. Cook chicken or pork with shallots and garlic. Add turmeric for color and flavor.

Boil the wide rice noodles and mix them with turmeric and oil. This gives them their signature yellow hue.

Serve the noodles in a shallow bowl with broth, meat, and shrimp. Top with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts for added texture.

12. Goi Ngo Sen (Lotus Stem Salad)

Goi Ngo Sen is a fresh and crunchy Vietnamese salad. It features lotus stems as the main ingredient. You’ll love the mix of textures and flavors in this dish.

The salad often includes shrimp and pork for protein. It’s topped with herbs, veggies, and a tangy dressing. Fried shallots and peanuts add extra crunch.

This salad is easy to make at home. It’s healthy and perfect for warm days. You can serve it as an appetizer or a light meal.

To keep the salad crisp, add the dressing right before eating. This will stop the veggies from getting soggy.

13. Hu Tieu (Clear Noodle Soup)

Hu Tieu is a tasty Vietnamese noodle soup you’ll love. It has a light, clear broth made from pork or chicken bones.

The soup comes with wide rice noodles and yummy toppings. You can add pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and fresh herbs.

To make Hu Tieu, start by cooking the broth. Then prepare the noodles and toppings separately. Add them to bowls and pour the hot broth over top when ready to eat.

You can customize Hu Tieu with your favorite mix-ins. Try chili sauce, fried onions, or extra veggies for more flavor.

14. Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)

Banh cuon are delicate Vietnamese steamed rice rolls. These thin, translucent sheets are filled with savory ground pork and wood ear mushrooms.

To make banh cuon, you’ll need a special steamer with a cloth stretched over the top. Pour the rice batter onto the cloth and steam until set.

Serve your banh cuon with bean sprouts, fried shallots, and fresh herbs. Don’t forget the nuoc cham dipping sauce for extra flavor.

These rolls make a tasty breakfast or light meal. With some practice, you can master the art of making these delicious Vietnamese treats at home.

15. Thit Kho To (Caramelized Pork)

Thit kho to is a tasty Vietnamese dish of caramelized pork belly. You’ll love its sticky-sweet flavor with a hint of fish sauce.

To make it, you start by melting sugar until it’s golden brown. Then add cubed pork belly, shallots, garlic, and fish sauce.

The pork cooks slowly, getting tender and soaking up the sweet sauce. Some recipes include hard-boiled eggs too.

This dish is popular for everyday meals in Vietnam. It’s also served during New Year celebrations.

You can use pork shoulder instead of belly if you prefer. Serve it with rice to soak up the yummy sauce.

16. Nem Ran (Fried Spring Rolls)

Nem ran are crispy Vietnamese fried spring rolls. You’ll love their golden-brown exterior and flavorful filling.

To make nem ran, mix ground pork, shrimp, carrots, and rice noodles. Wrap this mixture in rice paper and fry until crisp.

Serve these rolls with lettuce leaves and herbs. Dip them in nuoc cham, a tangy fish sauce-based dressing.

Nem ran are perfect as an appetizer or part of a larger meal. You can also add them to noodle dishes or salads for extra crunch.

Try making these at home for a tasty Vietnamese treat. They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

17. Canh Chua (Sour Fish Soup)

Canh Chua is a tasty Vietnamese soup you’ll love. It blends sour, sweet, and savory flavors in one bowl.

The main ingredient is fish, often catfish or snakehead. You’ll also find tomatoes, pineapple, and okra in the mix.

The soup gets its sour kick from tamarind. Fish sauce adds saltiness, while sugar balances it out with sweetness.

Fresh herbs like Thai basil and rice paddy herb give the soup a nice aroma. You can garnish it with fried garlic for extra flavor.

Canh Chua is easy to make at home. Serve it with steamed rice for a filling meal. It’s perfect for warm days or when you want something light and refreshing.

18. Ca Kho To (Caramelized Fish)

Ca Kho To is a tasty Vietnamese dish of fish cooked in a clay pot. The fish is simmered in a rich sauce made with fish sauce, sugar, and caramel.

To make this dish, you’ll first marinate catfish or other firm white fish in fish sauce and sugar.

Next, you’ll create a caramel sauce in the clay pot. Add the fish to the pot along with garlic, shallots, and black pepper.

Let it simmer until the fish is cooked through and the sauce thickens. The result is a flavorful dish with tender fish in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce.

Serve Ca Kho To hot with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

19. Cha Ca (Grilled Fish with Turmeric)

Cha Ca is a tasty Vietnamese dish from Hanoi. It features fish cooked with turmeric and dill.

You’ll need white fish fillets, like catfish or cod. Cut them into strips and marinate them in turmeric, fish sauce, and other spices.

Cook the fish in a pan with oil. Add fresh dill and green onions near the end. The result is a flavorful, golden-colored fish dish.

Serve Cha Ca with rice noodles, peanuts, and fresh herbs. You can also add a dipping sauce made with fish sauce and lime juice.

This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s both healthy and delicious.

20. Bo La Lot (Grilled Beef in Betel Leaves)

Bo La Lot is a tasty Vietnamese dish of grilled beef wrapped in wild betel leaves. You’ll love the unique flavor these leaves give the meat when grilled.

To make Bo La Lot, mix ground beef with spices like garlic, shallots, and lemongrass. Wrap small portions in betel leaves and secure with toothpicks or skewers.

Grill the wrapped beef until the leaves are lightly charred and fragrant. The leaves impart a distinctive taste to the meat as it cooks.

Serve Bo La Lot as an appetizer or snack. It pairs well with rice noodles and fresh herbs. This dish is popular at Vietnamese gatherings and restaurants.

21. Banh Bao (Steamed Pork Buns)

Banh bao are fluffy Vietnamese steamed buns filled with savory pork. You’ll love these soft, pillowy treats for breakfast or a snack.

To make banh bao, you’ll need to prepare a yeasted dough and a pork filling. The dough uses milk, flour, sugar, and yeast. For the filling, mix ground pork with onions, eggs, and seasonings.

After letting the dough rise, you’ll wrap the filling inside and steam the buns. It takes some practice to shape them neatly, but don’t worry if they’re not perfect.

When cooked, banh bao have a slightly sweet, tender exterior and a flavorful meat center. Serve them hot from the steamer for the best taste and texture.

22. Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork Noodle Salad)

Bun Thit Nuong is a tasty Vietnamese dish that combines grilled pork with rice noodles and fresh ingredients. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures in this meal.

To make it, you’ll need to marinate pork tenderloin or pork belly in a flavorful mix. Then grill the meat until it’s perfectly charred.

Serve the pork over a bed of thin rice noodles. Add fresh herbs, vegetables, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. The result is a light yet satisfying meal.

You can prep parts of this dish ahead of time, making it great for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends.

23. Cha Gio (Egg Rolls)

Cha gio are crispy Vietnamese egg rolls packed with flavorful ingredients. You’ll love these savory treats filled with pork, shrimp, veggies, and noodles.

To make cha gio, wrap the filling in rice paper and fry until golden brown. The exterior becomes delightfully crunchy while the inside stays juicy.

Serve these egg rolls with a tangy dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, and chili. They’re perfect as an appetizer or part of a larger meal.

You can customize the filling to your taste. Try adding mushrooms or swapping ground chicken for the pork. Cha gio are great for parties and family gatherings.

24. Ca Kho (Braised Fish)

Ca Kho is a Vietnamese dish of braised fish in a caramel sauce. It’s often made with catfish, though other firm white fish can work too.

You’ll marinate the fish in fish sauce and sugar before cooking. Then you’ll make a caramel sauce in the pot and add the fish to braise.

The dish cooks slowly, allowing the fish to absorb the sweet and savory flavors. Ginger, garlic, and chili peppers add depth and spice.

Ca Kho is best served with steamed rice. The rich sauce soaks into the rice perfectly. Try it with some pickled vegetables on the side for a classic Vietnamese meal.

25. Ga Xao Sa Ot (Lemongrass Chicken)

Ga Xao Sa Ot is a tasty Vietnamese dish that combines chicken with lemongrass and chili. It’s quick to make and full of flavor.

You’ll love the mix of citrusy lemongrass and spicy chili in this stir-fry. The chicken soaks up these flavors, becoming tender and aromatic.

To make it, you’ll need chicken, lemongrass, chilies, garlic, and fish sauce. Slice the chicken thin and cook it with the other ingredients in a hot pan.

This dish goes great with steamed rice. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something fast and delicious.

26. Bun Mam (Fermented Fish Noodle Soup)

Bun Mam is a bold Vietnamese noodle soup with a unique flavor profile. The broth gets its distinct taste from fermented fish, giving it a salty and savory base.

You’ll find rice vermicelli noodles swimming in this flavorful soup. It’s loaded with a variety of proteins like shrimp, squid, fish, and pork belly.

Veggies play a big role too. Eggplant is a common addition, along with a side of fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables.

The soup is often garnished with lemongrass, chili, and lime for extra zest. You can adjust the flavors to your liking by adding these toppings.

History of Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine has a rich history spanning thousands of years. It blends native ingredients with influences from other cultures to create unique flavors and dishes.

Cultural Influences

Chinese rule shaped early Vietnamese cooking. It brought new ingredients like noodles and stir-frying techniques. Later, French colonization added baguettes and coffee to the mix.

Neighboring countries like Thailand also influenced Vietnamese food. They shared spices and cooking methods across borders.

Indigenous ingredients remained important too. Rice became the main staple around 2000 BC. Fish sauce developed as a key flavoring.

Regional Variations

Vietnam’s geography created distinct regional cuisines. The north favors simple, savory dishes. Pho originated here as a hearty noodle soup.

Central Vietnam uses more spices in its food. The imperial city of Hue developed many complex dishes.

The south has a tropical climate with abundant produce. This region’s cuisine is sweeter and incorporates more herbs and vegetables.

Coastal areas rely heavily on seafood. Mountain regions use more wild game and foraged plants.

Essential Ingredients in Vietnamese Recipes

Vietnamese cooking uses many fresh, flavorful ingredients. The right mix of herbs, spices, and staples creates the unique taste of Vietnamese dishes.

Herbs and Spices

Fresh herbs are key in Vietnamese food. Cilantro adds a bright, citrusy flavor to soups and salads. Mint gives a cool, refreshing taste to spring rolls and noodle dishes. Lemongrass has a lemony, floral scent that’s great in marinades and curries.

Garlic and ginger are common in many recipes. They give a spicy kick to stir-fries and sauces. Chili peppers add heat to dipping sauces and soups. Star anise and cinnamon bring warm, sweet notes to pho broth.

Fish sauce is a must-have. It gives a salty, umami flavor to many dishes. Look for high-quality brands from Phu Quoc for the best taste.

Staples and Proteins

Rice is the base of many meals. You’ll find it in various forms – steamed, noodles, and paper wrappers for spring rolls.

Rice noodles come in different sizes for soups, stir-fries, and salads.

For proteins, chicken and pork are popular choices. They’re used in soups, grilled dishes, and stir-fries.

Seafood like shrimp and fish are common in coastal areas. Tofu is a great option for vegetarian dishes.

Vegetables play a big role too. Bean sprouts add crunch to pho. Water spinach is tasty in stir-fries.

Cucumber and carrots are often used in salads and spring rolls.