Vietnam’s cuisine is fresh, balanced and full of herbs, and every region has its own signature dishes. Travel from north to south and eat your way along the coast.
Hanoi and the north
Start with phở, the fragrant beef noodle soup that locals enjoy for breakfast, then try bún chả, grilled pork served with rice noodles and herbs. Finish with egg coffee, a creamy Hanoi speciality invented in the 1940s.
Hue and Hoi An
Hue is known for spicy bún bò Huế and delicate royal-style dishes. In Hoi An, cao lầu noodles and a warm, crisp bánh mì from a street cart are both must-tries.
Ho Chi Minh City and the south
Order cơm tấm, or broken rice with grilled pork, and sizzling bánh xèo pancakes wrapped in lettuce and herbs, then cool off with a fresh fruit smoothie.
Enjoy it like a local
Sit on a small plastic stool, add herbs and lime to taste and dip in a little chilli or fish sauce. A cooking class in Hoi An or Hanoi is a fun way to learn the flavours.
Our Vietnam itineraries include local food experiences alongside Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Hue.
