Vietnam is full of surprises when it comes to food, with each dish having its own special story. If you love trying new and interesting dishes, you’re in for a treat.
From snacks you can munch on while walking through busy streets to traditional meals that families enjoy together, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s take a fun journey through some of the most unusual yet tasty dishes Vietnam has to offer.
Contents
- 1 1. Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese Grilled Rice Paper)
- 2 2. Balut (Trứng Vịt Lộn)
- 3 3. Blood Pudding (Tiết Canh)
- 4 4. Snake Meat (Rắn)
- 5 5. Offal Stew (Phá Lấu)
- 6 6. Grilled or Stir-fried Field Mouse (Chuột Đồng Nướng, Chiên)
- 7 7. Bánh Căn (Mini Pancake Bites)
- 8 8. Bánh Bột Lọc (Clear Shrimp and Pork Dumplings)
- 9 9. Cà Phê Muối (Salt Coffee)
- 10 10. Bánh Lọt (Silky Worm-Like Jelly)
- 11 11. Vietnamese Snails (Ốc)
- 12 12. Vietnamese Flan (Bánh Flan)
- 13 13. Coconut Jelly (Rau Câu Dừa)
- 14 14. Tuna Eyeball (Mắt Cá Ngừ Đại Dương)
- 15 15. Civet Coffee (Cà Phê Chồn)
- 16 16. Offal Rice Porridge (Cháo Lòng)
- 17 17. Mini Savory Pancakes (Bánh Khọt)
- 18 18. Steamed Rice Rolls (Bánh Cuốn)
- 19 19. Teochew-style Durian Pastry (Bánh Pía)
- 20 20. Bánh Bò (Spongy Rice Cakes)
- 21 Last Words
1. Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese Grilled Rice Paper)
Bánh Tráng Nướng, often described as Vietnamese pizza, is a street food favorite that originally comes from the cool, picturesque city of Da Lat.
This snack features grilled rice paper topped with quail eggs, dried shrimp, and seasonings, creating a crispy, savory, and slightly spicy treat.
You can enjoy it as a quick, tasty treat while wandering through the bustling markets or as an evening snack from a roadside stall.
Its popularity among locals and tourists alike makes it easy to find in the busy streets of Vietnam’s major cities.
2. Balut (Trứng Vịt Lộn)
Balut, a fascinating fertilized duck egg, is a testament to Vietnam’s adventurous culinary spirit. Gently crack the top, sip the warm, savory broth, and then savor the rich flavors of the egg, seasoned with just a hint of salt and herbs.
This unique dish is a common delight in Vietnam’s night markets, where bold flavors come to life.
3. Blood Pudding (Tiết Canh)
For the culinary adventurers, Tiết Canh offers an unforgettable experience. Made with fresh animal blood and herbs, this cold dish is a traditional delicacy best enjoyed in the local eateries of Vietnam’s rural heartlands.
4. Snake Meat (Rắn)
Dive into the exotic with various snake meat dishes, whether stewed, stir-fried, or grilled. Each cooking style unveils different aspects of this unique meat’s flavor.
Northern Vietnam’s specialty restaurants are the go-to places for these exotic treats.
5. Offal Stew (Phá Lấu)
Phá Lấu, a comforting stew of spices and offal, often served with bread, is a staple in Southern Vietnam.
It’s the perfect dish for a fulfilling and heartwarming meal, easily found in local eateries around Ho Chi Minh City.
6. Grilled or Stir-fried Field Mouse (Chuột Đồng Nướng, Chiên)
In Vietnam’s countryside, grilled field mouse is a delicacy not to be missed. The meat is tender, usually grilled to a perfect crisp.
Beyond just grilling, these field mice are also delicious when fried or stir-fried with coconut water, which adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish. Each cooking method brings out different aspects of the meat’s flavor, making it tender and savory.
Often found in rural areas, this dish reflects the adventurous nature of Vietnamese cuisine.
7. Bánh Căn (Mini Pancake Bites)
Bánh Căn is a delightful treat, especially popular in southern Vietnam. These mini pancake bites are made with rice flour and typically filled with egg, shrimp, or squid.
Cooked in small clay pots, they’re crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Best enjoyed hot, dipped in a savory fish sauce, they’re perfect for a light snack or breakfast.
You’ll find them in the bustling morning markets or at cozy street-side stalls.
8. Bánh Bột Lọc (Clear Shrimp and Pork Dumplings)
Bánh Bột Lọc is a must-try for dumpling lovers. Made from tapioca flour, these clear dumplings are filled with shrimp and pork, offering a chewy and savory experience.
Traditionally wrapped in banana leaves, they’re steamed to perfection.
Served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce, they’re a common sight at family gatherings and in local food markets across Central Vietnam.
9. Cà Phê Muối (Salt Coffee)
Cà Phê Muối, or Salt Coffee, is a unique twist on the traditional Vietnamese coffee. Originating from Hue, this intriguing blend combines the rich bitterness of coffee with a hint of saltiness, topped with creamy froth.
It’s an intriguing balance of flavors that coffee aficionados should not miss. You can look for this unique coffee experience in the trendy cafes of major cities.
10. Bánh Lọt (Silky Worm-Like Jelly)
For a truly unique dessert, try Bánh Lọt. These worm-like green jelly strips are made from rice flour and pandan, giving them a silky texture and a gentle, sweet flavor.
Often served in a bowl with coconut milk and ice, it’s a refreshing treat to beat the heat. Bánh Lọt is widely available in dessert shops and street food stalls, particularly in southern regions of Vietnam.
11. Vietnamese Snails (Ốc)
For those who love to share food and stories, Vietnamese snails, or Ốc, are a must-try. From the sweet and tender Ốc Hương to the robust Ốc Mỡ, each variety offers a unique taste.
Gather with friends and use small forks or toothpicks to enjoy these delectable morsels. The best places to indulge in these are the popular snail restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
12. Vietnamese Flan (Bánh Flan)
Bánh Flan is a smooth, creamy dessert, similar to the classic flan but with a Vietnamese twist. It’s made by gently steaming a mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar, topped with a layer of soft caramel.
The result is a silky, rich custard with a sweet, caramel flavor that melts in your mouth. This beloved dessert is a staple in Vietnamese cafes and dessert shops, offering a delightful finish to any meal.
13. Coconut Jelly (Rau Câu Dừa)
Rau Câu Dừa, a delightful coconut jelly, is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
Made with refreshing coconut water and agar-agar, it’s the perfect way to cool down on a warm day. You can look for this wobbly wonder in dessert shops, especially along the scenic coastal areas.
14. Tuna Eyeball (Mắt Cá Ngừ Đại Dương)
Don’t let the name intimidate you – tuna eyeball is a true delicacy. Stewed to perfection, it offers a surprisingly delightful taste and nutritional value.
Seafood markets and specialty restaurants are the best spots to give this unique dish a try. In Tuy Hoa City, Phu Yen province, this specialty is known for its rich, savory flavor.
15. Civet Coffee (Cà Phê Chồn)
For coffee lovers, civet coffee is a must-try. Known for its smooth and distinct flavor, this unique coffee is made from beans processed by civets. Discover this rich brew in specialty coffee shops, particularly in Vietnam’s urban areas.
16. Offal Rice Porridge (Cháo Lòng)
Cháo Lòng, a warm and hearty rice porridge mixed with various types of offal, is a comforting choice for breakfast or a late-night meal. You can find this nurturing dish in most local food stalls.
17. Mini Savory Pancakes (Bánh Khọt)
Bánh Khọt are small, round pancakes that are a delightful part of Vietnamese cuisine. Made with rice flour and coconut milk, these mini pancakes have a crispy edge and a soft center.
Besides, they’re also topped with shrimp and a sprinkle of green onions, giving them a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
Served with fresh herbs and a tangy dipping sauce, they’re a popular snack, especially in the coastal regions of Southern Vietnam.
18. Steamed Rice Rolls (Bánh Cuốn)
Bánh Cuốn, light and delicate steamed rice rolls filled with meat, are a delight. Often accompanied by a flavorful dipping sauce, this dish is a staple in Northern Vietnam, found in many local eateries.
19. Teochew-style Durian Pastry (Bánh Pía)
Bánh Pía is a special kind of Vietnamese pastry with a mix of Vietnamese and Chinese styles. It has a soft filling made from durian – a strong-smelling fruit – and smooth mung bean paste. There’s often a tasty salted egg yolk in the middle.
The outside is a soft, thin layer that’s really nice to bite into. This pastry, which is very popular in the Mekong Delta area, is a great example of how Vietnam mixes different food styles to make something yummy.
20. Bánh Bò (Spongy Rice Cakes)
Bánh Bò are delightful, spongy rice cakes that will make your taste buds dance. They’re sweet, airy, and have a unique texture, often infused with the subtle aroma of pandan.
These cakes are a popular dessert and can be found in many sweet shops and street food stalls, especially in the Mekong Delta region.
Last Words
As our exploration of Vietnamese cuisine concludes, the journey into its rich flavors doesn’t have to end here. For the curious and hungry, these articles will deepen your culinary adventure:
- Uncover why Vietnamese cuisine is a global favorite in “Vietnamese Food Among 100 Best in the World.“
- Dive into Vietnam’s unique coffee culture with “10 Famous Vietnamese Coffee Types You Should Try.“
- Embark on a flavorful tour of Saigon’s streets with “23 Best Street Foods In Saigon.“
These reads offer a gateway to more delicious discoveries, taking you beyond the tastes explored today. Happy culinary travels!