Discover the vibrant flavors and fresh herbs that make up typical Vietnamese dishes.
Known for its balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors, Vietnamese cuisine is influenced by geography, climate, and cultural diversity.
From street food to fine dining, there’s no shortage of delicious Vietnamese dishes to enjoy.
In this article, we’ll discuss Vietnamese cuisine, including what is typical Vietnamese food.
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Typical Vietnamese food for breakfast
Pho

One of the most popular Vietnamese foods is pho, a hearty noodle soup commonly consumed for breakfast or lunch. This dish comprises savory beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and a blend of fragrant herbs and spices like coriander, mint, and lime.
It is usually served alongside beef or chicken slices, chili peppers, and bean sprouts, making it a satisfying and warming meal, especially on chilly mornings.
Banh Mi

Banh Mi, a traditional Vietnamese dish, consists of a crunchy baguette filled with a medley of ingredients like pork belly, pate, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs.
This delicious breakfast food is popular in Vietnam because it is convenient and easy to eat on the go.
Bun

Bun is a type of Vietnamese noodle dish usually served with various toppings, such as grilled pork, spring rolls, and fresh herbs.
The dish is light and refreshing, making it a great breakfast option for hot summer days. It’s considered to be one of the most famous Vietnamese dishes.
Typical Vietnamese food for lunch
Banh Xeo

If we’re talking about what is typical Vietnamese food, you should include Banh Xeo. It’s a savory pancake made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric and filled with various ingredients like pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.
It is served with fresh herbs and a sweet and sour dipping sauce, making it a filling and delicious lunch option.
Bun Cha

Bun Cha is a traditional Vietnamese dish that consists of grilled pork meatballs, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs, such as mint and coriander.
The dish is usually served with a side of dipping sauce and pickled vegetables. Bun Cha is a flavorful and satisfying lunch option that is perfect for meat lovers.
Bot Chien

A popular Vietnamese appetizer, Bot Chien is a street food made with fried rice flour cakes and scrambled eggs. The cakes have a crispy exterior and a chewy interior and are typically served with green onions, soy sauce, and chili sauce on the side.
These appetizers are available at street food vendors and restaurants across Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
Typical Vietnamese food for dinner
Bo Luc Lac

Bo Luc Lac, also known as “shaking beef,” is a delicious stir-fry made with cubed beef, garlic, soy sauce, and fish sauce. The beef is cooked until it’s browned and crispy on the outside, and it’s usually served with a side of lettuce and tomatoes.
Thit Kho

Thit Kho is a popular dish made with caramelized pork and boiled eggs. The pork is cooked in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and garlic until tender and flavorful.
The dish is usually served with a side of steamed rice and pickled vegetables.
Ga Roti

Ga Roti, or roasted chicken, is a popular dinner dish in Vietnam that is both flavorful and satisfying. The marinating process is key to this dish, as it infuses the chicken with a savory blend of soy sauce, sugar, and garlic, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
If you’re a fan of succulent and flavorful chicken, then Ga Roti is a must-try when visiting Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vietnamese food the same as Thai food?
While both Vietnamese and Thai cuisine uses similar ingredients like rice, noodles, and herbs, they have distinct differences in their flavor profiles.
Vietnamese cuisine tends to be lighter and fresher, while Thai cuisine is often spicier and more complex.
What is a unique food in Vietnam?
A distinctive Vietnamese dish that sets it apart from other Southeast Asian cuisines is Bun Rieu, a soup that incorporates crab meat, tomatoes, and rice noodles.
This flavorful and tasty soup is not typically found in neighboring countries. In addition to Bun Rieu, Vietnam is famous for dishes made with broken rice, such as Com Tam, and rice paper, used to make dishes like spring rolls and Banh Trang.
What is the Thai version of pho?
The Thai version of pho is called Kuai Tiao. While it’s similar to pho in that it’s a noodle soup, it has its own distinct flavor profile and is often spicier than pho.
Conclusion
Overall, Vietnamese foods are a great representation of what is typical Vietnamese food, highlighting the country’s rich culinary heritage and cultural traditions.
With an emphasis on using fresh ingredients and various herbs and spices, Vietnamese foods are delicious and nutritious, making them a perfect choice for those who value a healthy diet.
So, be sure to explore the flavors of Vietnam and try some of these amazing dishes for yourself!