Vietnam is a rising star in the world’s tourism map not only for its amazing natural landscape, great heritage values, but also its excellent food. Being a cradle of wet rice culture, rice is the ionic symbol and an irreplaceable food in Vietnamese’s daily life. From rice, people can create tons of delicious feast. And one of the delicacies that is made from this magical food is noodles. The transparency and chewy texture of the noodles have captured many hearts and become one of their favs once they are in Vietnam.

For first time travellers to Vietnam, these are noodles dishes you should not miss. Plus the Michelin Guide 2023 to lead you to enjoy full Michelin restaurants and food in Vietnam.

Phở

It’s obvious, Phở is in no.1 in the list since it has been the most famous noodle soup dish of Vietnam. It’s warm, tasty, flavourful and above all, it contains all the quintessence of Vietnamese gastronomy.

Vietnamese Phở is a noodle soup made with rice noodles, beef or chicken clear broth, and various herbs and spices. For the most savoury flavour broth, beef or chicken will simmer in a noodle soup for many hours along with dried spices such as cinnamon, star anise, cloves, cardamom, and coriander. Then, slices of beef or chicken, lime wedges, and fresh herbs, including cilantro, basil, and mint, will frequently be added to the bowl of phở.

Vietnamese people often have Phở as breakfast, it is a truly simple but great food to start your day.

Grilled Pork Meatballs with Vermicelli Noodles (Bún chả)

Fragrant and greasy grilled pork, served with soft vermicelli, herbs such as mint and coriander, and a rich dipping sauce (also known as nước chấm) creating a blend of texture and flavour that makes diners crave for more. Bún chả is a real delight for both locals and international visitors looking for an authentic Vietnamese dining experience. Bún chả holds cultural significance as a symbol of Ha Noi’s vibrant street food culture and the spirit of communal dining in Vietnam. Visitors can enjoy Bún chả with Crab spring rolls (Nem cua bể) – a perfect accompaniment to bún chả, will be a great extra added to this flavourful dish. Crispy, greasy fried spring rolls, in the filling are full with attractive pieces of white crab meat.

Quang-Style Noodles (Mì Quảng)

Rice noodle dishes appear in all of Vietnam. Quang noodle bowl is a famous one that originates in Central Vietnam. This Vietnamese classic consists of a combination of flat yellow or white rice noodles that are served with a small amount of flavorful meat broth and crispy fresh vegetables and herbs such as banana blossoms, lettuce, cilantro, scallions, and Vietnamese coriander.

The dish is incredibly versatile and usually comes topped with pork belly, chicken, shrimps, fish, boiled eggs, roasted peanuts.

Bún Bò Huế (Hue Spicy beef noodle soup)

Hue – a city in Central Vietnam, used to be the seat of Nguyen Dynasty emperors and once the national capital. The city is famous for its unique cuisine inherited from royal families. Bún bò Huế consists of pork and beef bones broth, bun (vermicelli), lemongrass, shrimp paste, lime juice, and a variety of herbs. It is a spicy soup dish and its flavour is often described as rich and complex. You might find some slight variations of Bún bò Huế but the usual additions will have sliced brisket or crab meat balls.

Bánh canh (Vietnamese Thick Noodle Soup)

When you visit Vietnam, don’t miss the opportunity to savor the unique flavors of Bánh Canh, a popular noodle soup that showcases the rich culinary traditions of the South. These thick noodles, crafted from tapioca or rice flour, pair beautifully with a variety of ingredients, including pork trotters (bánh canh giò heo), snakehead fish (bánh canh cá lóc), or crab (bánh canh cua). Unlike other Vietnamese noodle soups, Bánh Canh features a thicker consistency and a chewier texture, with a soup base that resembles gravy rather than a light broth. Typically prepared with pork bones or chicken, this delightful dish is palpable in every bowl.

You can easily find Bánh Canh being served at street stalls throughout Ho Chi Minh City, making it a must-try snack for anyone exploring Vietnamese cuisine. Additionally, don’t forget to sample other regional noodle specialties such as Cao Lau from Hoi An, Bun Mam, and Bun Quay from Phu Quoc.

If you’re planning to travel to Vietnam, ensure you familiarize yourself with visa options and requirements. Obtaining a Vietnam visa is essential for your journey, allowing you to experience all the delectable dishes Vietnam has to offer, including the irresistible Bánh Canh. Start your adventure with the right Vietnam visa today!