25 Best Vietnamese Street Foods To Try in 2025

Vietnamese street food continues to captivate locals and travelers alike with its authenticity, sweet-spiced flavors, depth and variety. It's no wonder that many travelers take dedicated food tours to experience the true essence of Vietnam’s street food culture. From the energetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi’s bustling markets, the real question is: where do you begin your culinary adventure? 

This guide highlights the 25 best Vietnamese street foods, helping you narrow down the must-try dishes and where to find them. Whether you’re a fan of hearty noodle soups or crave a syrupy dessert for an end-of-day treat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this culturally rich cuisine. 

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• What Is Typical Vietnamese Street Food Like?
• The 25 Most Popular Vietnamese Street Foods
• Learn To Cook Vietnamese Street Food

What Is Typical Vietnamese Street Food Like?

Vietnamese street food is an integral part of daily life in Vietnam. Created with busy workers in mind, it’s now enjoyed by locals and tourists seeking quick, affordable meals influenced by various cultures.

The country’s French colonial history is evident in pastries and baguettes, while Chinese immigrants introduced staples like rice noodles, tofu and soy sauce. Many Vietnamese street food dishes, such as bánh bao, adapted from Chinese steamed buns, and cha giò, inspired by spring rolls, reflect these cultural blends. 

So what does typical Vietnamese street food look like? It varies based on what you’re craving and the time of day. For a hearty breakfast, enjoy a comforting bowl of rice porridge (cháo gà). At lunchtime, noodles take center stage and bún bò nam bo, a flavorful dish featuring delicate vermicelli noodles, is a must-try.

As evening approaches, the streets transform into a vibrant food oasis. The enticing aromas of freshly made Vietnamese dishes waft through the air, while small stools line the sidewalks, inviting diners to enjoy an evening meal. This is when the fun begins and you can try dishes like pho, bánh mì and more, reflecting the heart and soul of Vietnamese street food.

The 25 Most Popular Vietnamese Street Foods

1. Pho

It’s impossible to walk the streets of Vietnam without finding pho on the menu. It’s more than just a garnished noodle soup; it’s a quintessential part of Vietnamese street food culture that lovers of authentic dishes must try. This flavorful dish features silky rice noodles, tender slices of beef or chicken and a balanced garnish of fresh herbs and vegetables like crisp and crunchy bean sprouts. 

Each ingredient swims in a fragrant, savory broth infused with spices. Pho’s comforting warmth and rich flavors make it a perfect meal any time of day, showcasing the balance, depth and vibrant harmony of Vietnamese street food.

2. Bánh Mì

This is where French influences blend with local ingredients to make the most delicious and restorative Vietnamese street food. Tangy pickled vegetables, fiery chilies and succulent chicken, pork or tofu are piled inside an airy baguette topped with creamy mayonnaise and chile sauce that adds to the richness and heat.

Bánh mì is an essential eat for its delightful balance of piquant, sweet and savory flavors in every bite, made even better by its contrasting textures. Its affordability and widespread availability have made it an unbeatable staple among Vietnamese street food.

3. Bún Bò Nam Bo

If you’re craving noodles without the broth, bún bò nam bo (Vietnamese beef noodle salad) is the perfect choice. Delicate vermicelli noodles are tossed with tender beef, earthy bean sprouts, fresh herbs, crispy fried shallots and crunchy peanuts. The ingredients harmonize with a drizzle of tangy, slightly sweet fish sauce dressing — a staple accompaniment for Vietnam street food. 

This beloved Vietnamese street food offers a light yet satisfying balance of flavor and texture. Bún bò nam bo is an ideal option when you're looking for something refreshing and light in the middle of the day. You can enjoy your meal with garlic, lime and chile served on the side.

4. Bún Cha

A Vietnamese twist on classic meatballs, bún cha is a popular dish from Hanoi that pairs smoky, grilled pork patties with vermicelli noodles and vegetables. It’s all brought together with a bold, savory fish-sauce broth, making for a satisfying, comforting meal.

The contrast of smoky grilled pork and fresh ingredients makes it a Vietnamese street food favorite among locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy it two ways: dipping the meatballs, rice and vegetables into the fish broth or submerging them to soak up all the flavors. Either way, your tastebuds will thank you.

5. Bánh Xèo

To experience crispy pancakes the Vietnamese way, visit one of the many tempting street stalls and order bánh xèo. These savory pancakes are filled with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts encased in a golden crust made from rice flour, coconut milk and turmeric for added color.

For the full experience, cut bánh xèo into pieces, wrap them in lettuce or rice paper and dip them in a sweet and sour sauce for a satisfying bite. This Vietnamese street food is a favorite for its crispy texture, savory filling and the fun, hands-on experience of assembling your food.

6. Bánh Mì Op La

Bánh mì op la is a Vietnamese street food where a crispy fried egg (op la) takes center stage. This sandwich features a crunchy baguette filled with fried egg, cucumber, carrots and a chosen dressing like soy sauce, mayonnaise or hot chile sauce.

Some stalls also offer this crave-worthy sandwich with added liver pâté or giò thu (Vietnamese head cheese), adding extra layers of flavor and, again, nodding to Vietnam’s French colonial chapter.

Often served for breakfast, this sandwich offers a satisfying and affordable meal that combines traditional Vietnamese street food flavors with the comforting simplicity of a fried egg. 

7. Goi Cuon

Next on this list of the best Vietnamese street food is goi cuon, a spring roll that’s light, irresistible and exactly what you need to refresh your palate. Made with translucent rice paper, these traditional rolls are neatly packed with fresh ingredients like herbs, lettuce, vermicelli noodles and shrimp, pork or tofu. 

Served cold, this Vietnamese street food offers a clean, crisp and unforgettable taste that will leave you reaching for more than just one. Enjoy these delicious rice paper rolls served with a nutty peanut or aromatic hoisin dipping sauce and experience fresh flavors taken to new heights. 

8. Chè Ba Màu

Satisfy your sweet tooth with chè ba màu (three-color dessert), a sweet dish that is a feast for the eyes and stomach. This vibrant and refreshing Asian dessert drink features layers of crushed ice, mung bean paste, red beans, coconut milk and pandan-flavored jelly.

Like many Vietnamese desserts, chè ba màu offers an intriguing mix of textures — smooth, chewy and coarse — paired with a harmonious balance of sweetness and richness. It’s a widely-loved Vietnamese street food, perfect for a sweltering day — or any time, as far as the local children are concerned.

9. Bánh Tráng Nuong 

Not your typical pizza, bánh tráng nuong or Vietnamese pizza, uses a crispy rice paper base grilled over charcoal. It's often topped with a generous medley of minced pork, dried shrimp, green onions and quail eggs, plus a generous drizzle of mayonnaise or chile sauce.

Loved for its crunchy texture and flavorful toppings, this customizable Vietnamese street food snack is prepared fresh to order. It can be found throughout the streets of Vietnam, especially in the bustling hub of Ho Chi Minh City which is one of the best foodie cities in the country.

10. Cháo Cá

Cháo cá brings a fishy twist to the comforting classic of porridge. Made with sticky rice, fish stock and fish sauce, it’s topped with crispy shallots, aromatic dill and a generous portion of fish. The result is a robust and flavorful bowl of Vietnam street food that is as satisfying as it is unique.

This hearty Vietnamese street food is fragrant and hits the spot every time. It’s a popular choice for breakfast, a soothing meal to warm you up on cool days or the perfect introduction to Vietnam's comforting home-style cuisine.

11. Cà Phê Trung

Eggs in your coffee, anyone? Cà phê trung, also called Vietnamese egg coffee, is a unique and indulgent beverage that some would even call a dessert. This heavenly blend combines strong Vietnamese black coffee with egg yolks, condensed milk and sugar, creating a creamy, frothy and unforgettable experience.

You can enjoy your cà phê trung hot or cold as its sweet, velvety taste remains just as indulgent either way. If you're a coffee lover exploring Vietnamese street food, this unique treat should be at the top of your list when you crave that mid-morning caffeinated pick-me-up.

12. Bánh Bot Chiên

If you’re craving a Vietnamese street food dish that perfectly combines interesting textures and flavors, bánh bot chiên is a must-try. This satisfying dish features crispy rice flour cakes pan-fried with eggs until golden. It creates an irresistible contrast of crunchy on the outside and chewy in the middle.

Bánh bot chiên is typically topped with fresh green onions, ripe papaya slices and crispy shallots, served alongside a tangy soy-vinegar dipping sauce. It’s a popular Vietnamese street food, often drawing crowds of students who love the delicious and budget-friendly appeal.

13. Com Gà

Com gà is the go-to meal when you’re on the hunt for a classic chicken and rice dish, made the Vietnamese street-food way. Simple yet packed with exceptional flavor, it features caramelized onions, papaya, fragrant turmeric rice cooked in chicken broth, aromatic herbs and roasted chicken.

Tuck into your com gà with a savory dipping sauce to enhance the dish's flavors. Its simplicity and heartiness make it an unmissable dish for anyone exploring authentic Vietnamese home-style cooking on the busy streets of Hanoi.

14. Cha Cá

Another standout Vietnamese street food, especially popular in Hanoi, is cha cá or Vietnamese fried fish. Traditionally made with catfish, the fish is marinated in turmeric, salt, dill and ginger, then fried to golden-brown perfection. It’s served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, peanuts and crispy fried shallots for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Enjoy your cha cá two ways: wrap the fish, noodles and other ingredients in moist rice paper and dip them in a sauce or savor them as they’re served in a bowl. Both options will make your tastebuds very happy.

15. Bánh Khot 

Keep an eye out for stalls selling bánh khot to enjoy a beloved Vietnamese street food bursting with big flavors in a bite-sized package. Made with rice flour, these savory pancakes are brought to life on a traditional cast iron pan until crispy on the outside and tender inside.

The pancakes are topped with shrimp, green onions and, occasionally, mung beans. Bánh khot is served with fresh herbs, lettuce and a tangy dipping sauce. Their distinct golden, crispy texture, portability and rich, crave-worthy flavor make them an essential snack food for anyone exploring the vibrant Vietnam street food scene.

16. Bánh Tráng Tron

Craving a light yet satisfying meal? Treat yourself to bánh tráng tron, a refreshing salad made with thinly sliced rice paper. This popular Vietnamese street food often features shredded green mango, mint, basil, beef jerky, shrimp, fresh herbs, peanuts and a distinctly tangy tamarind dressing. It delivers a burst of bold flavor in every bite. 

The combination of textures — crunchy, crispy and soft — paired with its sweet, spicy and piquant flavors makes bánh tráng tron an irresistible treat that’s widely enjoyed.

17. Ốc

Let’s journey to the sea while staying grounded in Vietnam’s vibrant streets with oc or fresh-caught sea snails. A staple in Ho Chi Minh City, this distinctive and flavorful Vietnamese street food is so popular that some restaurants specialize in serving it as the only dish.

Order your oc sautéed with onions, stir-fried with garlic or steamed with aromatic ginger and lemongrass — any choice is a winner. The dipping sauces are just as enticing, with options like sweet and sour tamarind, tangy fish sauce and zesty lime pepper. Pull up a seat at one of the many bustling street stalls serving this delectable Vietnamese street food and dive in!

18. Bánh Bao Bánh Vac

Typically found in the markets of Hoi An, bánh bao bánh vac, affectionately known as white rose, is a bite-sized snack shaped like a blooming flower. Spiced, minced pork or shrimp is carefully wrapped in thin, translucent dough, creating an elegant, delectable bite-sized morsel.

This eye-catching Vietnamese street food is steamed and served with a spicy sweet chile sauce, making it a flavorful and visually stunning treat. It’s perfect on its own as a midday pick-me-up snack or as an appetizer before a hearty meal.

19. Cao Lau

Who's in the mood for cao lau noodles, a popular dish from Hoi An? Exclusive to this historic city, lye-rich water gives the noodles a distinctive soft texture and delightful elasticity.

The thick, chewy noodles are topped with mouthwatering slices of seared pork, fresh herbs and deep-fried rice crackers. The steamy broth has a subtle smokiness, as burnt wood ash was historically added to the water. This special preparation style is key to what makes cao lau a unique and cherished Vietnamese street food.

20. Com Hen

Com hen is another flavorful Vietnamese street food hailing from the city of Hue, celebrated for its simple yet captivating flavors. While deeply rooted in Hue's culinary traditions, this dish can also be found at street stalls outside the city. It offers seafood lovers a taste of its regional charm, no matter where they are.

This irresistible Vietnamese street food features baby clams stir-fried with garlic, chile and onions atop a bed of steamed rice. Com hen is garnished with crispy pork rinds, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs and a medley of vegetables. It’s then served alongside a comforting bowl of warm clam broth.

21. Bún Bò Hue

No list of Vietnamese street food is complete without mentioning bún bò hue, a hearty beef noodle soup with a delightfully earthy, steamy broth. This comforting dish is crafted from beef, pigs feet and shrimp paste simmered with lemongrass and chile oil, creating a fragrant and mildly spicy base. 

Bún bò hue is served with thick rice noodles, tender beef slices and rich blood cubes. It’s then garnished with crunchy chiles, bean sprouts, fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime. The culinary balancing act of savory, spicy and robust flavors, paired with heavenly aromas, makes this Vietnamese street food truly irresistible.

22. Bánh Khoái

Experience crêpes the Vietnamese way with bánh khoái — savory, pan-fried crêpes reminiscent of tacos. Made with rice flour and turmeric for their signature golden hue, each crêpe is generously filled with shrimp, pork and an array of soulful ingredients.

This Vietnamese street food is served with fresh herbs, lettuce and a rich peanut or soy-bean dipping sauce. The crispy yet delicate crust and savory filling make bánh khoái a standout dish served sizzling hot off the pan at most stalls.

23. Goi Đu Đủ Bò Khô

Unbelievably refreshing, vibrant and crisp goi du du bò khô is a spectacular Vietnamese street food salad. This fresh salad combines shredded unripe papaya with dried beef (bò khô), peanuts, herbs and a from-scratch umami-rich soy salad dressing. 

The unique blend of textures and bold flavors makes this dish a must-try for healthy street food lovers. So, next time you’re in Vietnam, be on the lookout to experience the perfect combination of savory, sour and spicy notes with this wholesome salad.

24. Chè Khúc Bach

Another treat for dessert lovers on this list of top Vietnamese street foods is chè khúc bach, a creamy and luscious dessert soup. This indulgent treat features jelly-like vanilla cubes floating in a refreshing lychee and coconut-infused syrup. Make sure to ask for toasted almonds or fresh fruit on top.

Best enjoyed chilled, chè khúc bach is perfect for hot days, offering a refreshing and subtle sweetness paired with creamy, nutty and fruity flavors. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your new favorite Vietnamese street food treat.

25. Cá Kho To

Your foodie bucket list isn’t complete without cá kho to, a classic Vietnamese street food featuring catfish braised in a traditional clay pot. This aromatic dish is slow-cooked to perfection until the fish soaks up the inviting flavors from the caramelized sugar, garlic, fish sauce and black pepper. 

Cá kho to perfectly embodies traditional Vietnamese cuisine, from its meticulous cooking process to its bold, complex flavors. Be sure to add this dish to your list while exploring the spirited streets of Vietnam for a comforting taste of home-cooked essence in every bite.

Learn To Cook Vietnamese Street Food

Recreating traditional Vietnamese dishes, including iconic street food, becomes second nature with cooking classes near you led by talented chefs. These hands-on classes will teach you regional techniques behind Vietnamese street food favorites like nutritious pho, versatile bánh mì and crispy goi cuon. If in-person classes don’t work for you, check out online cooking classes where the culinary fun and confidence-building begins in your own kitchen.

By now, you should have a good idea of what to tick off your foodie bucket list when exploring Vietnamese street food. With a wide variety of flavors, from mild to piquant, sweet to fiery, you'll be spoiled for choice. While deciding which to try first may not be the easiest task, it certainly isn’t the worst problem to have.

As you explore the best of Vietnam’s street food, remember to dive into each dish with curiosity and an open palate — you’ll discover true culinary gems along the way.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.