Top 21+ Vietnamese Street Foods You Must Try
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If you’re heading to Vietnam and wondering what to eat first, this list is for you. After three months eating our way through Vietnam with my partner and tween daughter (a budding foodie in her own right), we found so many dishes that were both amazing tasting and family-friendly.
In Vietnam, “street food” isn’t strictly about being sold on the sidewalk. It’s more about being casual, affordable, quick to prepare, and part of everyday local eating culture.
From street corner stalls in Hanoi, to night markets in Hoi An, and hidden away family restaurants with tiny stools, we’ve tried it all. So this guide will highlight the 21+ must-try Vietnamese street foods we found that are flavorful, kid-approved, and easy to find.
We’ll start with familiar favorites like Phở and Bánh Mì, then dive into lesser known gems like Bún chả, Bánh xèo, Vietnamese pizza and of course a touch of sweet Chè and Flan for dessert.
Whether you’re traveling with family or flying solo, these dishes will leave you full and happy. Let’s eat our way through Vietnam, one street corner and night market at a time.
PRO TIP: Take a private street food tour when you first arrive in the country. We loved and highly recommend this Ho Chi Minh Street Food Man Tour. So much great food, and it gave us an intro into their cuisine, and understanding of some of Vietnam’s history. Just don’t eat before hand, as it’s a lot of food!
1. Phở Bò (Beef noodle soup) or Phở gà (Chicken noodle soup)
Vietnam’s most beloved comfort food, Pho (sounds like “fuh”), is a fragrant rice noodle soup with either tender slices of beef (bò) or juicy chicken (gà).
The broth is slow-simmered with spices for a rich yet clean flavor, topped with fresh herbs, lime, and bean sprouts.
We loved starting our mornings with a steaming bowl, which was usually offered at each of the hotels we stayed in.
Plus in every city, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, and small towns in between, you’ll find small restaurants and street stalls ladling out bowls that warm you from the inside out.
Our favorite places for Phở: For chicken Pho try Phở gà Nguyệt and for beef Pho at Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su in Hanoi. For local ambiance, the Ba Le Market in Hoi An is fun. I also had a surprisingly delicious bowl at the Mosaic Cafe at the Hon Thom Cable car station on Phu Quoc.
LOCAL TIP: Eat where the locals eat! We found the best & freshest meals at the stalls, street vendors and tiny restaurants that the locals frequented. They were also usually the cheapest, so bring smaller VND bills.
2. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwich)
A crispy, airy baguette stuffed with a mix of savory meats, pâté, pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, and a smear of mayonnaise or chili sauce. This French-meets-Vietnam creation is endlessly customizable and perfect for eating on the go.
You can find them everywhere, from bakeries, small shops, markets, to even the malls.
In Hoi An, we grabbed them from local stalls before heading to the beach or ordered via Grab after a long day when we didn’t want to leave our hotel.
Each bite balances crunch, freshness, and flavor in the most satisfying way. But don’t just stop at Bánh Mì and Phở, as there are so many other tasty dishes we fell in love with.
Our favorite places for Bánh Mì: Banh Mi Phuong & the Bahn Mi Queen Madam Kahn’s in Hoi An, as well as checking out the local street corner stalls, as that’s often where we often found the best ones, without all the hype.
👉 Also check out all our other Vietnam travel ideas from guides and itineraries, to the best things to do and our honest hotel reviews.
3. Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh spring rolls)
Light, fresh, and fun to eat, these rice paper rolls are stuffed with shrimp or pork, rice vermicelli, lettuce, and herbs, then dipped in a sweet peanut sauce or tangy fish sauce. Fish sauce is ubiquitous in Vietnam.
They’re assembled fresh to order, so the textures stay crisp and the flavors vibrant.
For kids or picky eaters, they can be made without herbs or with just noodles and protein. I prefer the fresh rolls, and Miss S. our tween preferred the fried ones, so we ate those more often. However, I find the fresh spring rolls a more refreshing choice for hot days or a healthy snack between meals.
We love to make them at home, but nothing beats sitting on tiny stools at a corner stall, with traffic whipping by, for a true authentic experience.
Our favorite places for Gỏi cuốn: Gỏi Cuốn Lê Văn Sỹ in Ho Chi Minh, but we really had good one’s all over the country.
4. Bún Chả (Grilled pork with noodles)
One of our Hanoi favorites, bún chả pairs smoky grilled pork patties and meat slices with cool vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a light dipping sauce.
The sweet-savory pork and fresh greens make each mouthful balanced and bright. We often ordered it for a late breakfast or lunch, and even our tween loved picking and mixing her own portions.
It’s a dish that perfectly captures Vietnamese cuisine’s harmony of flavors and textures.
If I’m being honest, Vietnamese food completely wormed its way into my heart—and these days, I often crave it more than Thai, especially Bún chả. There’s a quiet elegance to it: clean flavors, fresh herbs, crunchy greens, and savory broths.
Our favorite places for Bún chả: Bun Cha Dac Kim and Bun Cha Huong Lien in Hanoi.
5. Bánh Xèo (Crispy pancake)
Named for the sizzling sound it makes on the pan, bánh xèo is a thin, crispy rice-flour pancake colored golden with turmeric.
Inside, you’ll find shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then wrap it yourself in lettuce with herbs and dip into tangy fish sauce.
In Da Nang, we tried beef-filled versions at the Michelin guide recommended Ẩm Thực Năm Hiền and the famous bánh xèo tôm nhảy with fresh shrimp at Jan Restuarant in Hoi An.
We also got to try them on our Ho Chi Minh Street Food Man Tour, which I highly recommend. (Sooo many delicious foods, just make sure not to eat for a few hours before!)
I have to say, our experience at Restaurant JAN in Hoi An was one of my favorites. A small 2 table family restaurant where they didn’t really speak English, and we didn’t speak Vietnamese.
They didn’t take our order so much as throw a menu at us that said they’ll just bring us their food. Which they did, in between filling orders for Grab drivers. It’s also a super popular takeout place for locals too.
And so many yummy meat skewers you wrapped in a rice paper wrap along with the bahn xeo, herbs and veggies. We were stuffed and happy. So darn good my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
It’s interactive, messy, and absolutely delicious. First date material….probably not, but definitely a not to miss meal.
Favorite places for Bánh xèo: Top choice Restaurant JAN in Hoi An. Followed by the Banh Xeo Thit Bo (beef) & Bánh xèo tôm nhảy (shrimp) at Ẩm Thực Năm Hiền in Da Nang and Bahn Xeo 335 in Saigon.
⭐️ Also check out the best places to visit in Vietnam and more fun things to do on Phu Quoc Island
6. Chè (Sweet dessert soup)
A colorful and often layered dessert, chè can be served warm or cold and combines jellies, beans, tapioca, fruit, and coconut milk, or sometimes soft tofu.
Street vendors display the ingredients in glass jars, letting you choose your favorites. We loved the cold versions with sweetened coconut, chewy pearls, and various jellies, which felt like dessert and a drink all in one.
It’s a fun way for kids to pick and taste new textures.
Our favorite places for Chè: Hoi An Ancient town street vendors (our youngest made us go each time), and at Chè Phước Trang in Da Nang.
7. Bánh Kẹp Phô Mai (Grilled dollar pancake with cheese)
Bánh Kẹp Phô Mai is a fun Hanoi street snack that starts as a thin, round pancake grilled to golden perfection, then folded around a generous layer of melty mozzarella or processed cheese.
Sold around Vietnam hot from night market stalls, it’s the kind of grab-and-go comfort food that’s impossible to resist for kids, especially when you get that satisfying, stretchy cheese pull.
Look for it at the Hanoi Weekend Night Market or street carts near Hoàn Kiếm Lake, where the smell of toasting batter will pull you in before you even spot the stall.
Our favorite places for Bánh Kẹp Phô Mai: Street vendors around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi on the weekend.
8. Bánh Khọt (Mini savory coconut pancakes)
Bánh Khọt are tiny, golden pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, usually topped with shrimp or quail egg. The outside is crispy while the center stays soft and slightly sweet from the coconut milk.
Served with lettuce, herbs, and dipping sauce, they can be eaten plain for a milder, kid-friendly bite.
We ate these as part of our amazing street food tour in Saigon (what most locals use instead of Ho Chi Minh City) one of our first few days in Vietnam, and we were hooked. Watching them cook on a special griddle was half the fun.
Favorite places for Bánh Khọt: Bahn Xeo 335 in Saigon, night markets throughout Vietnam.
9. Gà Xiên Nướng (Grilled chicken skewers)
Gà Xiên Nướng are chunks of chicken marinated in honey, soy sauce, and lemongrass, then grilled over charcoal until tender and slightly caramelized.
These skewers are mild, juicy, and easy for kids to eat straight off the stick. You’ll often find them at night markets, filling the air with an irresistible smoky aroma. Along with many other meat and seafood options like octopus, squid, and gigantic prawns.
Perfect as a snack or paired with sticky rice for a simple meal. I think our tween ate a few hundred of these over our 3 months, as they were her local favorite throughout Southeast Asia.
Favorite places for Gà Xiên Nướng: Night markets & street vendors all over Vietnam (Son Tra Night Market in Da Nang, Hội An Night Market (Chợ đêm Hội An), & Phu Quoc Night Market to name a few).
10. Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese “pizza”)
Bánh Tráng Nướng is a large sheet of rice paper grilled until crisp, then topped with egg, dried meat or sausage, potatoes, green onions, and sauces.
Folded into a handheld snack, it’s crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet all at once.
Popular with teens and young locals, it’s a fun street food to watch being made and even more fun to eat fresh off the grill.
This is another dish our daughter (& myself to be fair) often opted for as a quick snack at a night market. It was a fun grab and go snack, that was fairly easy to eat as we walked around, looking at all the souvenir and street food vendors.
Her other night market faves included fried bananas, banana or fruit crepes, and deep fried cheese.
Favorite places for Bánh Tráng Nướng: We enjoyed all the one’s we tried in various night markets around Vietnam including Phu Quoc, Hoi An, and Hanoi.
11. Kem (Vietnamese ice cream)
Whether scooped, rolled, or served in a coconut shell, Vietnamese ice cream comes in flavors from mango to durian.
Rolled ice cream, made by spreading the mixture on a frozen plate and scraping it into curls, was our tween’s favorite.
On hot evenings, we’d wander markets with cones or cups in hand, savoring the cool sweetness after a day of sightseeing.
Favorite places for Kem: Phu Quoc Night Market (because it was sooo hot!). Popular in most of the night markets we went to throughout Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Hanoi etc.).
12. Bánh Cuốn (Steamed rice rolls)
Bánh Cuốn are silky rice sheets steamed until tender, then rolled around minced pork, mushrooms, and shallots. Popular in Hanoi and more northern regions it’s often eaten for breakfast.
Our youngest wasn’t too big of a fan due to all the mushrooms, but they were a hit with both Derek and I as they were so flavorful, and a made for a great breakfast.
In Ninh Binh, our host served them without fillings for breakfast, just topped with dried onions and dipping sauce, which was a favorite breakfast for both Miss S and Derek.
Topped with crispy fried shallots and served with dipping sauce, they’re soft, savory, and melt in your mouth.
Watching the paper-thin sheets being made on a cloth covered steamer is part of the charm.
Our favorite places for Bánh cuốn: Bahn Cuon Ba Huanh in Hanoi.
13. Bún Bò Huế (Spicy beef noodle soup)
From Central Vietnam, Bún Bò Huế is a delicous noodle soup which has a fragrant lemongrass broth, thick round noodles, and slices of beef. Sometimes it will also have blood cubes, and of course the usual serving of herbs, bean sprouts and greens to add in to your soup.
Traditionally it’s served spicy enough the broth is red, but asking for không cay gives you a gentler version with the same depth of flavor.
It originated in Huế, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, where it’s considered a regional specialty.
We had the best Bún Bò Huế in a small local restaurant near our AirBNB in Da Nang. It was lighter and less spicy than other versions we had later in our travels, but still so delicious.
It’s often richer than phở and incredibly satisfying on cooler nights or rainy days.
Favorite places for Bún Bò Huế: Quán Bún Bò huế cô My in Da Nang (the also do cooking classes apparently).
14. Chả Giò (Fried egg rolls)
Chả Giò are crispy, golden egg rolls often filled with minced pork, mushrooms, glass noodles, and carrots.
Served with dipping sauce, they’re crunchy on the outside and savory inside.
They make a great starter or street snack and are almost always a hit with kids thanks to their finger-food appeal.
My partner Derek & our daughter ate their weight in these I swear, over our 6 month Southeast Asia trip. And when she was tired of trying new things, the fried egg rolls were always a good fall back to something she’d actually eat without complaints. The healthiest? No. But sometimes you gotta know when to pick your battles.
Favorite places for Chả giò: So many places as they’re served in pretty much every restaurant we tried. But Hủ Tiếu Hồng Phát in Ho Chi Minh and the vegan one’s at Peanuts in Hoi An stuck out for me.
15. Lạp Xưởng (Stone Grilled Sausages)
Lạp xưởng is a sweet-savory Vietnamese sausage, usually made from pork and lightly seasoned, then grilled over hot stones until the casing blisters and caramelizes.
You’ll spot it at night markets and street stalls, where vendors flip the sausages constantly so they cook evenly without burning.
The result is smoky, a little sticky on the outside, and juicy inside. But I think the best part is the spicy chili, dry herb mix they give you to dip the sausages in.
Favorite places for Lạp xưởng: Son Tra Night Market in Da Nang, and near the Hội An Night Market (Chợ đêm Hội An).
16. Nem Nướng (Grilled pork skewers)
Nem nướng are grilled pork skewers cooked over charcoal until glossy and caramelized. The pork is finely ground and seasoned, giving it a bouncy, juicy texture that’s very different from a typical Western sausage.
Often served alongside rice paper, herbs, and noodles for wrapping, they’re also delicious eaten straight from the stick.
Markets selling them fill the air with an inviting barbecue aroma you can smell from down the street.
Favorite places for Nem Nướng: Local eateries, markets and street stalls throughout Vietnam….they’re everywhere!
17. Bánh Dừa Nướng (Vietnamese Coconut Pancake Sandwich)
Bánh Dừa Nướng are sweet, handheld treat made from a thin, golden pancake folded around freshly grated coconut, mango (or banana) and a sweet syrup (maybe condensed milk). Not to be confused with the crispy coconut sheet cookies of the same name you can buy throughout Vietnam.
In Hoi An, vendors make them fresh on small griddles, so the outside is warm and slightly crisp while the inside stays soft and chewy.
The rich coconut aroma and lightly sweet flavor make it delicious for both both kids and adults.
Look for the bicycle stalls near the night market around the bridges, where the scent of toasted coconut fills the air. They move around, so aren’t always in one spot.
They’re hard to resist (unless you’re already full of other night market food). This was the only place we noticed them on our travels, but I’m sure variations of these can be found elsewhere.
We also really liked the Bánh Bò Nướng Lá Dứa (pandan honeycomb cake) with coconut cream we found at the Ba Le Market in Hoi An. There was a bicycle vendor peddling around with various desserts for sale, and we just had to try one.
Favorite places for Bánh Dừa Nướng: Hoi An Ancient Town street vendors at night.
18. Bò Lá Lốt (Beef in betel leaves)
Bò Lá Lốt is a seasoned ground beef “sausage,” wrapped in dark green betel leaves and grilled for a smoky, herbaceous flavor.
The leaves become slightly crisp on the outside while keeping the beef juicy. Often served with noodles or rice paper, it’s a unique taste that’s still mild enough for adventurous kids.
It wasn’t our tweens favorite, but both Derek & I really enjoyed the unique taste of the beef with the betel leaf wrapper.
Favorite places for Bò Lá Lốt: Cô Liêng in Ho Chi Minh and night markets throughout Vietnam.
19. Bánh Bao (Steamed buns)
I can still hear the bicycle vendors calling out on the street Bánh Bao….Bánh Bao…… as they rode around selling their wares in the Da Nang neighbourhood we stayed in.
Bánh Bao are fluffy white buns filled with seasoned pork, boiled egg, and sometimes mushrooms or vegetables.
The dough is soft and slightly sweet, contrasting with the savory filling. Portable and filling, they’re an easy snack for bus rides or market wandering.
Favorite places for Bánh bao: Local street vendors and small bakeries in Da Nang, but they can be found throughout Vietnam.
20. Cơm Tấm (Broken rice plate)
Cơm Tấm is a tender grilled & sliced pork chop or other meats served over “broken” rice grains, usually topped with a fried egg and a side of pickled vegetables.
It’s hearty, satisfying, and a Ho Chi Minh City breakfast favorite. The chewy texture of broken rice makes it stand out from regular steamed rice.
We didn’t stay in Ho Chi Minh City long enought for me to try it there, but my most memorable place for Cơm Tấm was eating it for breakfast at the local, morning only food stalls in Hoi An, near the fabulous Trendy Life Villa we stayed at.
Right on the river, sitting on those tiny stools Vietnam is known for, no tourists (except for Derek & I) and a tasty plate of Cơm Tấm for me, and Chao (rice porridge) for Derek.
Favorite places for Cơm Tấm: Local Morning markets (just keep your eyes out, they pop up in local neighbourhoods).
21. Mì Quảng (Turmeric noodles)
Mì Quảng is a central Vietnamese noodle dish made with wide rice noodles lightly coated in turmeric, topped with pork, shrimp, chicken, or beef, and finished with herbs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers.
Unlike soup-heavy noodle dishes, Mì Quảng is served with just a small ladle of rich, savory broth, enough to coat the noodles without turning it into a soup.
Colorful, fragrant, and easy to adapt for kids, this Quang Nam specialty is as beautiful as it is tasty.
One of my favorite memories of this dish are eating it under a tarp, sitting on tiny stools in the crowded and smoky Da Nang Son Tra Night Market. Not because it was the best I had on my trip, but the atmosphere, and experience made it super memorable.
Favorite places for Mì Quảng: Son Tra Night Market in Da Nang and NGA Vietnamese Food at 424 Cua Dia in Hoi An.
22. Cao Lầu (Hoi An pork noodles)
Cao lầu is a regional noodle dish found almost exclusively in Hội An, and nearby towns of central Vietnam. It’s made with thick, chewy noodles, slices of roast pork, fresh herbs, and crunchy rice crackers.
Cao lầu is served with just a splash of savory broth, more noodle bowl than soup.
Its distinct texture and flavor come from water drawn from specific local wells orginally. It’s a must-try for any Hoi An visit.
Favorite places for Cao Lầu: #1 choice was at Cao lầu Không Gian Xanh in the Ancient Town part of Hoi An. Phố Xưa Riverside in Hoi An was also great for the view at sunset along the river.
23. Sinh Tố (Smoothies)
Fruit smoothies were our go-to on hot days, and when we needed a little hydration after all the amazing Vietnamese coffee we drank.
You’ll find them everywhere from the mall, to street vendors. At markets, they’ll often have plastic cups filled with cut fresh fruit, and you can just point to the one you want.
Sinh Tố Dừa is a creamy blend of fresh coconut flesh, coconut water, ice, and a touch of condensed milk or yogurt. Sweet, tropical, and refreshing, it’s perfect for Vietnam’s hot afternoons.
Derek preferred the nước dừa (fresh coconut water straight from the shell) sold alongside smoothies as it was lighter, less filling and was great for replenishing electrolytes on hot days. I actually preferred the passionfruit smoothies for that sweet and sour mix or fresh pineapple juice.
Here are a few other popular smoothies to try:
- Sinh tố xoài – mango smoothie
- Sinh tố bơ – avocado smoothie (very popular in Vietnam)
- Sinh tố dâu – strawberry
- Sinh tố chuối – banana
- Sinh tố chanh dây – passionfruit
Favorite places for Sinh Tố Dừa: Everywhere from markets, to local restaurants, food stalls and the mall. One fun place was at the Cafe apartments in Ho Chi Minh City because of the view, and quaintness of all the coffee shops there.
Final Thoughts: The Best Street Food in Vietnam
Vietnamese street food was one of the biggest highlights of our time in the country, and honestly, it shaped our days more than we expected.
Meals weren’t just something we squeezed in between sightseeing, they were part of our experience, whether that meant early morning noodle soups, afternoon snacks from street carts, or wandering night markets deciding what looked and smelled the best.
Trying the best street food in Vietnam gave us a real sense of place, from regional specialties you can only find in certain cities to familiar favorites that show up everywhere.
If you’re planning your Vietnam itinerary, leave room to eat often, follow the locals, and stay curious.
Vietnam travel is richer, warmer, and far more memorable when you experience it one bite at a time through tasty Vietnamese street food.
