Traditional Vietnamese Dishes That Win Over Foreign Visitors

Many traditional Vietnamese dishes have won over countless diners at home and abroad, earning a place on lists of must-try foods. Over the years, they have become a cultural hallmark and a source of national pride for the Vietnamese people. Join VN Cooking to discover these traditional Vietnamese dishes! 

Banh chung

Vietnamese Tet just wouldn't feel the same without banh chung. The square cake symbolizes the earth where we live. 

Through centuries of ups and downs, the green banh chung has stood alongside red couplets as a familiar sign that Tet has arrived.

Pho

One of Vietnam's best-loved traditional dishes, pho has made its way to many places on the world map. Pho originated in northern Vietnam. A proper bowl of pho is made up of rice noodles, a sweet, savory broth simmered from bones, thinly sliced beef or chicken, fresh herbs, lime, chili sauce and a few other seasonings. 

Pho used to appear only on important occasions such as death anniversaries, funerals and feasts, but today Vietnamese people eat it as a familiar, nourishing everyday meal.

Goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) 

Goi cuon are a healthy choice after you've had your fill of fried food in Vietnam. They are wrapped with lettuce, a slice of meat or seafood and a layer of herbs, then rolled up neatly and dipped in fish sauce, the Vietnamese people's favorite condiment. 

Their rich, distinctive flavor stays with you long after the meal. 

Bun cha

Bun cha is another traditional Vietnamese dish with a long history, born in Hanoi. Anyone who has tried it will hardly forget the pork patties grilled over charcoal, filling the air with their aroma, and the bowl of dipping sauce that blends sour, spicy, salty and sweet flavors you won't find anywhere else. The rice vermicelli is eaten with this sweet-sour-spicy-salty fish sauce dip and fresh herbs. 

During his visit to Vietnam in early 2016, former US President Barack Obama enjoyed this dish with the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.

Bun bo Hue

When visiting the old imperial capital, don't miss the chance to savor a richly flavored bowl of bun bo Hue. Bun bo Hue captures the character of Central Vietnamese cuisine, with a broth simmered from beef bones, a little fermented shrimp paste and bird's eye chili for a bold, intense flavor.

For an even tastier bowl, enjoy bun bo Hue with some fresh greens such as bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime, banana blossom and other herbs.

We hope this article from VN Cooking has given you useful information about traditional Vietnamese dishes that are rich in national identity and popular with foreign visitors.