Vietnam is renowned for its vibrant street food culture, offering a tantalizing array of flavors and textures that captivate food lovers from around the world. As we look ahead to 2024, the country’s culinary scene continues to evolve while maintaining its rich traditions. In this article, we’ll explore ten must-eat street foods that should be on every traveler’s list when visiting Vietnam in 2024.
1. Pho (The Quintessential Vietnamese Dish)
No list of Vietnamese street food would be complete without mentioning Pho. This iconic noodle soup has become synonymous with Vietnamese cuisine and remains a beloved staple in 2024.
What is Pho?
Pho is a hearty soup consisting of a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and tender meat, typically beef (Pho Bo) or chicken (Pho Ga). The broth is the star of the dish, simmered for hours with bones, spices, and aromatics to create a deep, complex flavor.
How to enjoy it
To fully appreciate Pho, add fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime to your bowl. Don’t be shy about slurping the noodles – it’s considered a compliment to the chef!
Where to find it
While Pho is available throughout Vietnam, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is particularly famous for its Pho offerings. Look for bustling street stalls with steaming pots and long queues of locals.
2. Banh Mi (The Perfect Handheld Meal)
Banh Mi has gained international recognition and continues to be a go-to street food option in Vietnam in 2024.
What is Banh Mi?
This Vietnamese sandwich features a crispy baguette filled with a variety of ingredients. Common fillings include pate, various meats (such as grilled pork or chicken), pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a generous spread of mayonnaise or chili sauce.
How to enjoy it
Banh Mi is best enjoyed fresh and warm. The contrast between the crusty bread and the savory, tangy fillings creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Where to find it
Banh Mi vendors can be found on nearly every street corner in Vietnamese cities. Look for stalls with displays of fresh ingredients and a constant stream of customers.
3. Bun Cha (Hanoi’s Lunchtime Favorite)
Bun Cha has been a lunchtime staple in Hanoi for generations and remains popular in 2024.
What is Bun Cha?
This dish consists of grilled pork served with a plate of cold rice noodles (bun), a basket of fresh herbs, and a bowl of dipping sauce. The pork is typically served in two forms: small patties and thin slices, both grilled to perfection.
How to enjoy it
To eat Bun Cha, take some noodles and herbs, dip them in the sauce, and enjoy with a piece of grilled pork. The combination of flavors and textures is truly delightful.
Where to find it
While Bun Cha is available throughout Vietnam, it’s particularly associated with Hanoi. Look for busy lunchtime spots with the unmistakable aroma of grilling pork.
4. Banh Xeo (The Sizzling Pancake)
Banh Xeo, with its distinctive golden color and crispy texture, continues to be a favorite among locals and tourists alike in 2024.
What is Banh Xeo?
Banh Xeo is a savory pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. It’s typically filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs.
How to enjoy it
The best way to eat Banh Xeo is to wrap a piece of the pancake in lettuce or rice paper along with fresh herbs, then dip it in a sweet and tangy fish sauce.
Where to find it
While Banh Xeo originated in the Mekong Delta, it’s now popular throughout southern and central Vietnam. Look for street vendors with large, sizzling pans.
5. Cao Lau (Hoi An’s Signature Dish)
Cao Lau, a specialty of Hoi An, has gained popularity beyond its hometown and is a must-try dish in 2024.
What is Cao Lau?
This unique noodle dish features thick, chewy noodles served with slices of pork, crispy crackers, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs. What makes Cao Lau special is that traditionally, the noodles are made using water from a specific well in Hoi An.
How to enjoy it
Mix all the ingredients together before eating to get a perfect blend of flavors and textures in each bite.
Where to find it
While Cao Lau is now available in other parts of Vietnam, the most authentic version can still be found in Hoi An. Look for busy food stalls in the city’s ancient town.
6. Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Goi Cuon, also known as fresh spring rolls, offer a light and healthy option among Vietnam’s street foods in 2024.
What is Goi Cuon?
These translucent rice paper rolls are filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs. Unlike their fried counterparts (Nem Ran), Goi Cuon is served fresh and uncooked.
How to enjoy it
Goi Cuon is typically served with a peanut dipping sauce. Simply dip and enjoy the fresh, crisp flavors.
Where to find it
Goi Cuon can be found throughout Vietnam, often at street food stalls specializing in various types of rolls.
7. Xoi (Sticky Rice Delights)
Xoi, or sticky rice, has been a staple of Vietnamese cuisine for centuries and remains popular in 2024.
What is Xoi?
Xoi comes in both sweet and savory varieties. Savory versions often include toppings like chicken, pork floss, fried shallots, and peanuts, while sweet versions might include coconut or fruit.
How to enjoy it
Xoi is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack. It’s typically served in small portions wrapped in banana leaves.
Where to find it
Look for Xoi vendors early in the morning at local markets or on busy street corners.
8. Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
Bun Bo Hue, originating from the imperial city of Hue, has gained popularity throughout Vietnam and is a must-try dish in 2024.
What is Bun Bo Hue?
This spicy beef noodle soup features thick rice noodles in a lemongrass and shrimp paste broth. It’s typically served with beef and pork, as well as a variety of herbs and vegetables.
How to enjoy it
Add the fresh herbs and vegetables to your liking, and don’t be afraid of the spice – it’s an integral part of the dish’s flavor profile.
Where to find it
While originally from Hue, Bun Bo Hue can now be found throughout Vietnam. Look for specialty shops or street vendors with signs advertising “Bun Bo Hue.”
9. Banh Cuon (Delicate Rice Rolls)
Banh Cuon, with its delicate texture and subtle flavors, continues to be a beloved street food in Vietnam in 2024.
What is Banh Cuon?
These thin, steamed rice rolls are typically filled with ground pork and wood ear mushrooms. They’re served with a side of fried shallots and a dipping sauce.
How to enjoy it
Banh Cuon is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Dip each piece in the sauce before eating to enhance the flavors.
Where to find it
Banh Cuon is particularly popular in northern Vietnam. Look for vendors with steaming trays early in the morning, as it’s often eaten for breakfast.
10. Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)
While not strictly a food, Ca Phe Sua Da is an integral part of Vietnam’s street food culture and remains a must-try beverage in 2024.
What is Ca Phe Sua Da?
This strong iced coffee is made with robusta beans and sweetened with condensed milk. The result is a rich, sweet, and highly caffeinated drink.
How to enjoy it
Ca Phe Sua Da is typically served in a tall glass with ice. Stir well before drinking to mix the coffee and condensed milk.
Where to find it
Ca Phe Sua Da can be found at nearly every street corner in Vietnam. Look for small plastic stools and tables set up on the sidewalk – these are often the best places to enjoy this iconic Vietnamese drink.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s street food scene in 2024 continues to offer a rich tapestry of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions. From the comforting warmth of a bowl of Pho to the crispy delight of a Banh Mi, these ten must-eat street foods provide a comprehensive taste of Vietnam’s culinary heritage.
When exploring Vietnam’s street food, remember to follow some basic guidelines:
- Look for busy stalls with high turnover – this usually indicates fresh food and local approval.
- Observe how locals eat the dish and follow their lead.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things – some of the best culinary experiences come from stepping out of your comfort zone.
- Always carry hand sanitizer and be mindful of food hygiene.
By trying these ten street foods, you’ll not only satisfy your taste buds but also gain insight into Vietnam’s rich culture and history. Each dish tells a story, whether it’s the French influence evident in Banh Mi or the regional specialties like Cao Lau and Bun Bo Hue.
As you embark on your culinary adventure in Vietnam in 2024, remember that street food is more than just sustenance – it’s a way of life. It’s where families gather, friends socialize, and communities come together. By partaking in this vibrant food culture, you’re not just eating; you’re experiencing the heart and soul of Vietnam.
