Are you looking for the best restaurants in Vietnam? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll explore the delicious and diverse culinary scene of Vietnam, from street food stalls to fancy fine dining establishments.
The restaurant scene in Vietnam is a vibrant and diverse one, with a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget. From traditional Vietnamese street food to high-end dining experiences, Vietnam has something for everyone.
One of the standout features of Vietnam’s culinary scene is its street food. Street food in Vietnam is cheap, delicious, and can be found on nearly every street corner. Street food vendors in Vietnam typically specialize in one or two dishes, and the quality of their food is often high. Some popular street food dishes in Vietnam include pho (a hearty noodle soup), banh mi (a sandwich filled with meat, vegetables, and herbs), and bun cha (grilled pork served with rice noodles and herbs).
In addition to street food, Vietnam also has a wide range of restaurants and cafes serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine. These restaurants can range from casual and affordable to high-end and upscale. Traditional Vietnamese dishes often feature fresh herbs, vegetables, and rice as the main ingredients, and are known for their delicate flavors and balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Some popular traditional Vietnamese dishes include cha ca (grilled fish with turmeric and dill), banh xeo (a savory crepe filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts), and bun bo hue (a spicy noodle soup with beef and lemongrass).
Vietnam’s culinary scene is also influenced by the country’s colonial history, and there are many restaurants and cafes serving European-style cuisine. French cuisine, in particular, has had a significant influence on Vietnam’s culinary scene, and there are many restaurants in Vietnam serving French dishes such as croissants, quiches, and crepes.
In terms of the best culinary traditions in Vietnam, it is difficult to choose just one. However, one tradition that stands out is the art of pho. Pho is a hearty noodle soup that is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. It is made with rice noodles, broth, and a variety of meats and vegetables, and is typically served with a side of fresh herbs and lime wedges. Pho is traditionally eaten for breakfast in Vietnam.
Popular restaurants
Here are a few highly regarded restaurants in Vietnam:
- Nha Hang Ngon – Located in Ho Chi Minh City, this restaurant is known for its delicious and affordable Vietnamese cuisine. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
- La Verticale – Located in Hanoi, this fine dining establishment serves French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine and has a beautiful setting with a rooftop terrace offering views of the city.
- La Badiane – Also located in Hanoi, this restaurant is known for its elegant atmosphere and creative, sophisticated dishes that incorporate traditional Vietnamese ingredients.
- Com Chay Nang Tam – Located in Ho Chi Minh City, this vegetarian restaurant is highly praised for its flavorful and innovative dishes.
- La Maison 1888 – Located in the city of Da Nang, this luxury hotel restaurant serves French-Vietnamese cuisine and has received numerous accolades for its high-quality food and service.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other excellent restaurants in Vietnam to choose from. It is always a good idea to do some research and read reviews before selecting a restaurant to ensure that you have a enjoyable dining experience. And if you’re wondering what to order, keep reading!
Top 10 dishes in Vietnam
Pho
Pho is a hearty noodle soup that is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. It is made with rice noodles, broth, and a variety of meats and vegetables, and is typically served with a side of fresh herbs and lime wedges. Pho is traditionally eaten for breakfast in Vietnam, but it is also enjoyed throughout the day as a snack or a main meal.
Banh Mi
Banh mi is a delicious sandwich filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and herbs. It is made with a crispy baguette, which is traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven. Banh mi is a popular street food in Vietnam and can be found at street food stalls and restaurants throughout the country.
Cha Ca
Cha ca is a traditional Vietnamese dish made with grilled fish, turmeric, and dill. It is typically served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili peppers. Cha ca is a popular dish in Vietnam and is often served at special occasions and celebrations.
Bun Bo Hue
Bun bo hue is a spicy noodle soup made with beef and lemongrass. It is typically served with rice noodles, beef, and a variety of vegetables, and is flavored with a spicy broth made with chili peppers and lemongrass. Bun bo hue is a popular dish in Vietnam and is often served at street food stalls and restaurants throughout the country.
Banh Xeo
Banh xeo is a savory crepe filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. It is traditionally made with a rice flour and coconut milk batter, and is cooked in a hot skillet until crispy and golden. Banh xeo is often served with a variety of dipping sauces and fresh herbs, and is a popular street food in Vietnam.
Goi Cuon
Goi cuon is a refreshing summer roll made with rice paper, shrimp, pork, and a variety of vegetables. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili peppers, and is a popular appetizer in Vietnam.
Com Tam
Com tam is a popular dish in Vietnam made with broken rice and grilled pork. It is typically served with a variety of side dishes, including pickled vegetables, fried egg, and nuoc cham (a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar).
Xoi
Xoi is a type of sticky rice that is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. It is often served with a variety of toppings, including meat, eggs, and vegetables, and is a popular breakfast food in Vietnam.
Bun Cha
Bun cha is a traditional Vietnamese dish made with grilled pork, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, vinegar, and sugar, and is a popular street food in Vietnam.
Cao Lau
Cao lau is a traditional noodle dish from the city of Hoi An in central Vietnam. It is made with thin, chewy noodles, grilled pork, and a variety of vegetables, and is flavored with a savory broth made with pork and chicken. Cao lau is a unique and flavorful dish that is often enjoyed as a snack or a main meal.
“Chúc bạn ngon miệng khi ăn tại Việt Nam!” (This translates to “May you have a delicious mouth while eating in Vietnam!”)