1. Vietnamese bread
Bread (Image source: Collected)
As a familiar dish associated with daily life, Vietnamese bread has long been a source of pride in the national culinary treasure. Not simply a crispy and fragrant loaf of bread, this dish is a harmonious combination of a golden-brown crust and rich fillings such as pate, ham, grilled meat, fried eggs, accompanied by raw vegetables, pickles and rich sauces. That unique flavor has conquered not only Vietnamese people but also international tourists. Easily found on all large and small streets, bread deserves to be considered a typical representative of Vietnamese street food, both quick and convenient, traditional and full of creativity.
2. Balut
Balut (Image source: Collected)
As one of the indispensable dishes in the list of Vietnamese street foods, balut has long been a favorite dish of many people, especially on chilly evenings. Along the streets, you can easily find small stalls selling hot, fragrant balut.
This dish can be prepared in many attractive versions such as: traditional boiled, stir-fried with sour and spicy tamarind, grilled with salt and chili, or cool stewed with squash. When eating, it is often indispensable to have fresh Vietnamese coriander, a few slices of shredded ginger and a bowl of salt, pepper, lemon and chili - spices that bring out the unforgettable characteristic flavor.
Not only nutritious, balut is also associated with the street food memories of many generations - where the aroma, hot smoke and the lively chatter on the sidewalk create a truly Vietnamese culinary experience.
3. Mixed rice paper
Mixed rice paper dish (Photo source: Collected)
In the world of Vietnamese street food, mixed rice paper is a “fever” that has never cooled down, especially among young people. This dish originated in the South, but has quickly spread throughout the provinces with its irresistible appeal.
Rice paper is cut into thin strips, mixed with many attractive toppings such as beef jerky, fried shrimp, shredded mango, Vietnamese coriander, boiled quail eggs, fried onions, peanuts and special sauce - creating a harmonious combination of salty, sweet, sour and spicy flavors. The chewy texture of rice paper, the crunchy taste of peanuts, the aroma of Vietnamese coriander, all blend together like a symphony of taste.
Not only delicious, this dish also has a “student” price of 10,000-20,000 VND, easily found at school gates, sidewalks or night markets. Mixed rice paper is not only a snack, but also a part of student memories - associated with school days and gatherings with close friends.
4. Tea
Vietnamese dessert (Photo source: Collected)
Che is one of the Vietnamese street foods with strong national identity, not only popular in the summer but also appearing all year round in markets, carts and street vendors. With a sweet taste and a unique combination of ingredients such as mung beans, lotus seeds, tapioca flour, coconut milk or jelly, che brings a cool and pleasant feeling.
Depending on the region, sweet soup is transformed into many types such as sweet soup with floating rice balls, mixed sweet soup, sweet soup with three-leafed rice balls or sweet soup with black bean and coconut milk. With a reasonable price of only 10,000 - 20,000 VND, you can enjoy a delicious cup of sweet soup, both quenching your thirst and experiencing the sophistication of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. This is not only a familiar snack but also an indispensable culinary culture in daily life.
5. Banh xeo
Banh xeo (Image source: Collected)
When it comes to Vietnamese street food, banh xeo is one of the prominent names that cannot be ignored. In the West, banh xeo is usually large in size, with a thin, golden, crispy crust, embracing the full filling inside such as fresh shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, sometimes with green beans, stir-fried bamboo shoots or coconut tubers - all blending to create an irresistible delicious flavor. The dish is often served with raw vegetables and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce, highlighting the rustic yet rich countryside flavor.
Unlike the Western region, the Central region’s banh xeo is smaller in size and is usually poured into mini cast iron pans. The batter is thicker, but still ensures crispiness thanks to the high heat. The fillings vary from pork, shrimp, squid to fresh bean sprouts. When you take a bite, you will feel the refreshing “crispy” taste, combined with the rich dipping sauce typical of the sunny and windy Central region.
6. Banh beo
As a typical representative of Vietnamese street food, banh beo leaves an impression on diners with its small, pretty appearance and unforgettable rich flavor. Made from finely ground rice flour, steamed to a perfect softness, banh beo brings a light but still full feeling.
In the South, banh beo is usually served on a plate, covered with a rich layer of toppings including pork roll, spring rolls, pork skin, mashed green beans, bean sprouts, roasted peanuts and raw vegetables. When eating, people pour sweet and sour fish sauce mixed with garlic and chili on top, mix gently to blend the ingredients to create a unique delicious taste.
On the contrary, banh beo from the Central region is usually poured into small bowls, when steamed, a thick sauce made from fragrant stir-fried shrimp and meat is poured over. The fatty taste combined with the rich fish sauce makes the dish full of the homeland, making anyone who has enjoyed it easily carry it in their memory.
7. Spring rolls
Spring rolls (Image source: Collected)
Spring rolls are one of the quintessential Vietnamese street foods, a harmonious combination of the freshness of raw vegetables and vermicelli, the rich flavor of shrimp, pork and thin rice paper. This dish scores points for its lightness, purity but still full of flavor, highlighted by the sweet and sour dipping sauce mixed according to a traditional recipe, creating an unforgettable culinary experience for both locals and international visitors.
Thanks to its simplicity in preparation and ease of enjoyment, spring rolls easily appear everywhere from luxury restaurants to street vendors. You can find this dish at any time of the day, an ideal choice for snacks, picnics or on street food discovery trips.
8. Fried flour
Fried dough dish (Image source: Collected)
Deeply influenced by Chinese cuisine, fried dough has quickly become an indispensable part of Vietnamese street food culture, especially in Saigon - where this dish has become a familiar culinary symbol. It is not difficult to find fried dough on every street corner: from street carts, crowded markets to small shops in alleys. This dish is popular all year round, especially among students and those who love rustic, street-style flavors.
The main ingredient to make fried dough is steamed rice flour, cut into small square pieces, then fried with chicken eggs and fragrant scallion oil on a hot pan. When eating, people often eat it with shredded green papaya and a bowl of soy sauce mixed with a little spicy chili, creating a harmonious flavor that is both crispy and rich. On light rainy days, enjoying a plate of hot fried dough is an unforgettable experience for many Saigon food lovers. The extremely attractive bowl of spicy chili sauce is very suitable to eat on rainy days.
9. Spring rolls
Being on the list of the most favorite Vietnamese street foods, bo bia always makes people curious right from the name. Although it is called “beef”, in fact this dish has nothing to do with beef. Bo bia originated from Chaozhou (China) and then was introduced to our country, then flexibly transformed according to each region, becoming a familiar snack for many generations of students.
In the North, sweet spring rolls are a popular choice, especially at school gates or playgrounds. Each spring roll is a harmonious combination of a thin, soft rice paper layer made from wheat flour, rolled with shredded coconut, roasted sesame, condensed milk and a crispy malt candy bar. The light fatty taste of coconut and the sweetness of the candy make this dish a part of many people's "childhood".
In stark contrast to the North, Southerners prefer salty spring rolls – a colorful and flavorful version. The filling includes cassava, Chinese sausage, fried eggs, dried shrimp, carrots, lettuce and herbs, all sliced and wrapped in thin rice paper. When eaten, dip in black soy sauce mixed with pickled plums, crushed peanuts and fragrant fried onions. The rich, sweet and sour flavors make this dish an ideal choice for afternoon hangouts with friends.
10. Crab soup
As one of the ideal choices for a snack, crab soup is not only attractive because of its sweet, easy-to-eat flavor but also because of its rich nutritional content. This is a Vietnamese street food that is loved by many people, especially children and the elderly because of its smooth texture and healthy ingredients.
The main ingredients of the dish include fresh crab meat, beaten chicken eggs, quail eggs, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, shredded chicken... all cooked until smooth, creating a mild aroma, just the right amount of fat, and easy to digest. Nowadays, crab soup is not only limited to the traditional version but has also been created into many new variations such as: crab soup with pig brain, crab soup with century eggs or crab soup with hairy crab - each has its own unique characteristics but still retains the soul of the original crab soup.
Often served as an appetizer at parties or as a morning and afternoon snack, crab soup is the perfect choice for those who need to supplement nutrition without feeling heavy. This dish is especially good for the digestive system, helping to supplement calcium, protein and essential omega-3 for the body.
11. Hu Tieu Go
As one of the familiar symbols of Vietnamese street food, Hu Tieu Go is not just a dish, but also a late-night memory of many Saigon people. This dish is often sold on small carts, weaving through each alley with a characteristic knocking sound - which is also the origin of the name.
A bowl of authentic Hu Tieu often has soft noodles, clear broth made from pork bones, and a natural sweetness. Accompanied by thinly sliced meat, green onions, bean sprouts, and indispensable spices such as fish sauce, chili, lemon, and raw vegetables to enhance the flavor. Each serving is simple but always hot, affordable, and suitable for the city's nightlife.
With its familiar taste, affordable price and rustic service, Hu Tieu Go is not only a popular late-night dish but also an indispensable culinary cultural experience when exploring Saigon cuisine.
12. Grilled rice paper
Grilled rice paper is one of the most popular dishes when it comes to Vietnamese street food. You can easily find this dish on the sidewalks, especially in Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh City or crowded night markets. Considered as “Vietnamese pizza”, grilled rice paper has a thin rice paper base, grilled crispy on hot coals and covered with many toppings such as quail eggs, fried onions, sausages, cheese, beef jerky, or pate.
Each region has its own variation, bringing unique and unmistakable flavors. Some places add chili sauce mixed with satay, others roll the cake into a triangle shape for easy holding when walking around town. When enjoying, the crispy taste of the cake layer blends with the fatty, spicy and fragrant taste of the filling, making anyone who has tried it once want to come back.
Grilled rice paper is not only a simple snack, but also a symbol of Vietnamese street food, bringing creativity and sophistication in every small piece.
Grilled rice paper is a popular street food in Vietnam, with a delicious and attractive flavor, a delicate combination of different ingredients. The price is relatively cheap, so this is a favorite snack of students.
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-duong-pho-viet-nam-v17522.aspx
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