Ranked highest among the four Vietnamese dishes, bun cha was praised by Taste Atlas as a "symphony" of flavors, with the refreshing coolness of the rice noodles and accompanying fresh vegetables combined with the rich aroma of the charcoal-grilled pork.

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Bun cha is becoming increasingly popular among foreign tourists visiting Hanoi . Photo: Obuncha

This traditional dish, reminiscent of Hanoi, has become particularly popular with foreign tourists after its appearance on the show Parts Unknown in 2016. In that episode, host Anthony Bourdain chose bun cha to enjoy with former US President Barack Obama.

Following bun cha is another famous representative of the Southern region, com tam suon nuong (broken rice with grilled pork ribs).

Besides the elaborately marinated pork ribs, this dish is special because it's made with broken rice and served with a variety of other accompaniments such as fried eggs, egg patties, shredded pork skin, etc. It also includes chopped scallions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled vegetables. A garlic and chili fish sauce is served in a separate bowl, to be drizzled over the rice and other dishes according to taste.

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Broken rice (com tam) is famous for its wide variety of side dishes. Photo: BHX

Nem lụi is a famous and delicious dish originating from Hue . To make nem lụi, minced pork is mixed with ground pork paste, onions, and garlic, then wrapped around lemongrass stalks. A seasoning mixture, usually fish sauce, oyster sauce, annatto oil, ground pepper, sugar or honey, is then brushed on and grilled until slightly charred and an appealing brown color.

Finally, there's braised pork, a common dish on Vietnamese dinner tables.

The main ingredients of this dish include thick slices of pork belly, eggs, and caramel sauce. The marinated pork belly and pre-boiled eggs are braised together with the caramel sauce (a mixture of sugar and water boiled until it turns a reddish-brown color), coconut milk is added, and then seasoned to taste.

Founded in 2015, Taste Atlas (headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia) is known as a map compiling traditional dishes from around the world .

According to Matija Babić, founder of Taste Atlas, food and drink ranking lists are based on opinions and reviews from experts and food critics to ensure the credibility of the awards.

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