Far more than a simple tourist attraction, Vietnamese street food is an authentic way to explore the country and connect with the local community. Discover the 6 must-try specialties – and the cities renowned for their street gastronomy !

The 6 iconic dishes of Vietnamese street food

1. Hu Tieu Soup

Hu tieu soup is a specialty of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). With Cambodian origins, it has been an emblematic dish of the city since the 1950s. Hugely popular, it serves as a complete meal and is sometimes even enjoyed at breakfast ! Its distinctive feature ? It's made with pork bones, seafood, and occasionally fish !

2. Cha Ca Fish

Native to Hanoi, Cha ca is grilled fish marinated in turmeric, dill, and chives. Made with monkfish fillets or Lang fish (hemibagrus), this dish comes with vermicelli noodles (topped with crushed peanuts, coriander, and fresh basil) or rice pancakes. Everything is enhanced with a sauce made from shrimp paste… A dish that's bold in flavor and utterly delicious !

3. Banh Cuon Crepes

Banh cuon crepes are a hot dish typical of street cuisine. Made with rice flour batter, they're filled with pork, fried onions, black mushrooms, and fish sauce. The filling varies by vendor – and may include chả lụa (a type of mortadella wrapped in banana leaf). Prepared in just minutes, banh cuon is a Vietnamese favorite.

4. Bun Cha Pork

Originating from Hanoi, Bun cha is a beloved lunch option. Made with grilled pork slices, carrots, green papaya, and honey, it's enhanced with aromatic herbs and nuoc cham sauce (savory and sweet). This dish always comes with soft rice vermicelli and a fresh salad.

5. Banh Mi Sandwich

Banh mi emerged from the colonial period of 1887, when the French occupied Indochina – and introduced the famous baguette. Banh Mi is a sandwich made with (warm) bread, the main filling varying by recipe (grilled meat, cheese, eggs, or tofu).

The sandwich also features pickled vegetables and condiments, such as fish sauce or soy sauce. Banh mi is now considered one of the iconic dishes of Vietnamese cuisine !

6. Che Desserts

Che is a term for all liquid desserts (soups) or puddings. These sweet dishes typically feature tapioca, mung beans, coconut milk, and fruit. Served hot or cold, che is available at every street stall, stand, and market !

Among the must-tries ? Che chuối (made with tapioca, sweet bananas, and coconut), Che bắp (featuring sweet corn and cassava), and the delightful che trôi nước (a dessert of glutinous rice balls and red bean paste).

The essential cities for experiencing Vietnamese street cuisine

While street food is found throughout Vietnam, certain cities stand out as essential "destinations." Among them ? The city of Hanoi ! Renowned for its traditional cuisine – and culinary experiences – the capital is ideal for tasting local dishes and discovering new flavors…

If you stop by Hoi An, explore the banks of the Thu Bon River. In Hue ? Take a cyclo ride through the city and stop for culinary treats… Finally, if you visit Ho Chi Minh City, know that it was voted the second best Asian city for street food by The Travel Magazine !

Audrey Denjean