Vietnamese cuisine is diverse and rich, with specialties varying from region to region. Here’s a guide to some of the must-try Vietnamese specialties and where you can find them:
### 1. Phở
- Description: A fragrant noodle soup with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, typically beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà).
- Where to Find:
- Hanoi: Try the famous phở bò at Phở Gia Truyền, Phở Thìn Hồ Gươm, Phở Bát Đàn or Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Visit Phở 2000 or Phở Hòa for a delicious bowl.
### 2. Bánh Mì
- Description: A Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with a variety of ingredients such as pork, pate, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
- Where to Find:
- Hanoi: Check out Bánh Mì 25 or Bánh Mì Hào Sản.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Head to Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa or Bánh Mì 37 Nguyễn Trai.
### 3. Bún Chả
- Description: Grilled pork (chả) served with rice noodles (bún), fresh herbs, and a side of dipping sauce.
- Where to Find:
- Hanoi: Try Bún Chả Obama or Bún Chả Hương Liên and many restaurants in Old Quater.
### 4. Gỏi Cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)
- Description: Fresh spring rolls made with rice paper, filled with shrimp, herbs, pork, and rice noodles, often served with a dipping sauce.
- Where to Find:
- Hanoi: Visit Phở Cuốn or Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Try Gỏi Cuốn Cô Ba or Bánh Xèo 46A.
### 5. Bánh Xèo
- Description: Crispy Vietnamese savory pancakes made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
- Where to Find:
- Ho Chi Minh City: Enjoy Bánh Xèo 46A or Bánh Xèo Cô Ba.
### 6. Cao Lầu
- Description: A specialty of Hội An, this dish features thick rice noodles with pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers.
- Where to Find:
- Hội An: Try Cao Lầu Ba Le or Cao Lầu Thanh.
### 7. Hủ Tiếu
- Description: A noodle soup with a clear broth, rice noodles, and various toppings such as pork, shrimp, and vegetables.
- Where to Find:
- Ho Chi Minh City: Visit Hủ Tiếu Mực or Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang.
### 8. Chè
- Description: A sweet dessert soup or pudding made from various ingredients like beans, fruits, and coconut milk.
- Where to Find:
- Hanoi: Check out Chè Sen or Chè Ba Màu.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Try Chè 3 Miền or Chè Ngọt.
### 9. Bánh Cuốn
- Description: Steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms, typically served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
- Where to Find:
- Hanoi: Visit Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền or Bánh Cuốn Thanh Vân.
### 10. Bánh Bèo
- Description: Small steamed rice cakes topped with dried shrimp, scallions, and crispy pork skin.
- Where to Find:
- Hue: Try Bánh Bèo Bà Đỏ or Bánh Bèo Bà Đệ.
### 11. Bún Bò Huế
- Description: A spicy beef noodle soup from Huế, featuring lemongrass, chili, and tender beef slices.
- Where to Find:
- Huế: Visit Bún Bò Huế Hương or Bún Bò Huế O Xuân.
Each region in Vietnam offers its unique specialties, and exploring local markets, street food stalls, and restaurants will provide a rich culinary experience. Enjoy your food adventures!
