Vietnamese street food possesses an irresistible charm that makes every traveler want to dive right in. However, the fear of digestive troubles from sidewalk dining sometimes holds people back. Don't worry-you don't have to trade your health to taste original flavors. This article serves as a safe “culinary map,” designed especially for cautious and picky eaters, helping you fully explore the must try food in Vietnam without the worry.
What Makes Vietnamese Cuisine Different?
Have you ever wondered why Vietnamese people can eat many fried dishes without gaining weight or feeling too heavy? The secret lies in two golden rules that make Vietnamese food unique:
1. The Art of Yin-Yang Balance
Vietnamese dishes are not just about tasting good; they must make the body feel light and healthy after eating. That is why "hot" (Yang) dishes are always accompanied by "cold" (Yin) ingredients.
- Example: A hot, greasy Fried Spring Roll (Yang) must be eaten with fresh cool herbs and sweet & sour dipping sauce (Yin). This combination balances the palate and digestion, creating a feeling that you could “eat it every day without ever getting tired of it."
2. Fish Sauce - The Soul of the Meal
Without fish sauce, Vietnamese food loses half its soul. It is not merely a salty condiment. Fish sauce acts as an invisible thread, turning a bowl of white rice, braised meat, and boiled vegetables into a harmonious symphony of rich, unified flavors.
Top 13 Specialty Dishes for First-Time Visitors
Below is a curated list by local culinary experts, featuring the absolute must try food in Vietnam, ranging from street favorites to family staples:
Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup) - The Essence of Vietnam
More than just breakfast, Pho is a ritual. Hanoi Pho conquers the world with its clear but deeply sweet broth, simmered from beef bones for 12 hours with cinnamon, star anise, and grilled ginger. When eating, don't rush to add hoisin sauce or lime at first. Sip a spoonful of the original broth first to feel the elegant sweetness spreading on your tongue.
- Tip: Order "Phở Bò Tái" (Rare Beef Pho) to enjoy the tenderness and sweetness of beef just cooked in the boiling broth.
Bun Cha - The Choice of President Obama
Ever since President Barack Obama and Chef Anthony Bourdain sat on blue plastic stools to enjoy it, Bun Cha has become a global icon. The highlight lies in the seductive scent of charcoal smoke on the grilled pork, floating in a bowl of sweet and sour dipping sauce with crunchy green papaya, served with fresh rice vermicelli. 
Banh Mi - The "Best Sandwich in the World"
Why does the international media call this common dish the "best sandwich in the world"? The answer lies in how completely different it is from its Western counterparts.
If a hamburger is dominated by a soft bun and ground meat with fatty cheese, Banh Mi is a game of freshness. The Vietnamese bread crust is thin and crispy, shattering upon touch rather than being thick and chewy.
Inside, we don't use ketchup; we use a savory signature sauce. Especially, the appearance of cilantro and pickled cucumber helps balance perfectly, cutting through the grease of the meat. This is truly a must try food in Vietnam for any sandwich lover. 
Nem Ran (Fried Spring Rolls) - Perfect Crispiness
Unlike the thick dough of Chinese Egg Rolls, Hanoi Nem Ran uses wafer-thin rice paper from traditional craft villages. When fried, the wrapper turns golden and shatters instantly upon biting, embracing the flavorful filling of minced meat, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and glass noodles inside. 
Mien Luon / Chao Luon (Eel Glass Noodles & Porridge)
For those seeking something unique, this is a hidden gem of Hanoi cuisine. Don't be afraid of the word "eel" in Hanoi, we deep-fry the freshwater eel until it is as crunchy as snacks, removing any fishy smell completely.
- The experience: Enjoying the crispy texture of the eel mixed with soft, transparent glass noodles (Miến) or smooth, hot porridge (Cháo), Vietnamese coriander (rau răm). It is a warming, nutritious dish perfect for refueling your energy.
Nom Bo Kho (Green Papaya Salad with Dried Beef)
If you want a burst of flavor without the heavy carbs, this is the ultimate salad. It features thin strips of crunchy green papaya, marinated dried beef (similar to jerky but softer), and roasted peanuts. The magic ingredient is the dressing, a perfect blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy that wakes up all your taste buds instantly.
Bun Bo Nam Bo (Southern Beef Noodle Salad)
Despite the name, this dish is a massive favorite in Hanoi. It is a "dry" noodle dish (no broth) featuring stir-fried beef with garlic, fresh lettuce, bean sprouts, and herbs. Everything is tossed in a sweet and sour fish sauce dressing and topped with fried shallots and roasted peanuts. It tastes fresh, cool, and incredibly light, ideal for a hot summer lunch.
Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)
Watch the chef spread a ladle of rice flour batter onto a steam cloth it’s thin as silk. These delicate rolls are filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, then topped with fried shallots and dipped in mild fish sauce. It is the definition of a delicate, light meal that melts in your mouth.
Bun Thang (Hanoi Combo Noodle Soup)
Known as the most sophisticated dish in Hanoi cuisine, Bun Thang requires meticulous preparation. The toppings omelet, chicken, and Vietnamese ham (giò lụa) are sliced into thin, matchstick-sized strands with incredible precision. The broth is clear but rich with the subtle scent of shrimp paste (mắm tôm) , a dish for the patient and refined eater.
Xoi (Vietnamese Sticky Rice)
Forget cereal; this is the traditional power breakfast of Vietnam. Sticky rice in Hanoi is versatile and hearty. It is often paired with savory toppings like braised pork, pâté, Chinese sausage (lạp xưởng), or shredded chicken. The texture is chewy, fragrant, and satisfying, keeping you full for a long day of exploring the Old Quarter.
Must-try Hanoi desserts & signature drinks
No culinary journey in Hanoi is complete without tasting its legendary coffee and sweet treats. Here are the iconic desserts to perfectly satisfy your sweet tooth after a savory meal.
Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung)
A Hanoi invention born from milk scarcity in the 1940s. Whisked egg yolks and condensed milk form a creamy, meringue-like foam that sits atop robust Robusta coffee. It tastes less like coffee and more like a liquid Tiramisu. Rich, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable.
Che (Vietnamese Sweet Soup)
"Chè" is a general term for traditional sweet soups/beverages, perfect for cooling down. You can try Chè Sen (Lotus seed sweet soup) for a calming, noble taste, or a mixed cup with jelly, beans, and coconut milk for a fun texture experience.
Banh Troi Tau (Warm Floating Rice Cake)
Best enjoyed on a chilly evening, this is a heartwarming dessert. It consists of large glutinous rice balls filled with black sesame or mung bean, floating in a hot, ginger-infused syrup and topped with crushed peanuts. One bite warms your entire body.
Where to Eat Authentically in a Beautiful & Clean Space?
Located at 153 Hang Bong, just a few steps from Hoan Kiem Lake, May Tre Dan restaurant is the ideal stop for you to recharge after wandering around the Hanoi Old Quarter.
Instead of running around everywhere to find single dishes, you only need to visit one place to enjoy most of these famous dishes mentioned above. From a hot bowl of Pho, a tray of charcoal-grilled Bun Cha to a creamy Egg Coffee... everything converges in a cozy bamboo architecture space, completely separated from the dust and smoke.
Convenient for travel, authentic in taste, and absolutely safe regarding hygiene, this is a reliable and welcoming stop for all food lovers searching for the must try food in Vietnam.
Contact Information:
- Address: 153 Hang Bong St., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Opening Hours: 11:30 - 22:00.
- Hotline: +84 886 028 558
FAQs about must try food in Vietnam
Here are answers to the most common concerns of tourists when experiencing cuisine in Hanoi for the first time:
Is eating raw vegetables in Vietnam safe?
At street stalls, there is a risk. However, at a reputable Vietnamese restaurant like May Tre Dan, raw vegetables go through a multi-step washing process and are soaked in sterilized salt/ozone water, ensuring food safety standards for diners.
I am a Vegetarian; is there anything for me?
Vietnamese cuisine is extremely friendly to vegetarians. You can try Tofu with Tomato Sauce, Stir-fried Morning Glory with Garlic, Banana Flower Salad, or Mushroom Hotpot. At May Tre Dan, we have a separate and very rich vegetarian menu.
Is the ice in drinks clean?
You should limit using crushed block ice at sidewalk stalls. At May Tre Dan, we use pure ice cubes produced from high-tech ice machines, safe for digestion.
I don't know how to use chopsticks, what should I do?
Don't worry! Our staff are happy to guide you on how to hold chopsticks properly. If you still find it difficult, we are always ready to provide Western-style spoons and forks.
What is the tipping culture in Vietnam?
Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam but is always appreciated. If you are satisfied with the must try food in Vietnam and the service here, a small tip (about 5-10%) will be a meaningful thank you to the staff.
Vietnamese cuisine is an exciting adventure of the senses. Don't let small worries stop you from experiencing these amazing flavors. Let May Tre Dan restaurant be your trusted companion, bringing you the most authentic, cozy, and safe family meal in the heart of Hanoi.