Last Updated on April 5, 2023
When talking about street food, the first thing that comes to mind is tacos, hot dogs and hamburgers. In most countries, this is what we associate with street food. But in other parts of the world, there’s so much more variety. In Southeast Asia, street food is not just limited to these familiar types of food. There are plenty of unique options too.
If you’re looking for something new when it comes to your next meal – try some of these Vietnamese street foods! Vietnam has a lot of street vendors selling their wares on the sidewalks and alleys throughout cities and towns across the country. These vendors range from ice cream sellers to snack carts to charcoal makers who set up shop for a few hours each day in order to sell their goods directly to passersby. You might be wondering why we mentioned ice cream vendors in a blog post about Vietnamese street food? Well, there are actually several reasons as to why you should give it a shot!
Bánh Mì – Vietnamese Baguette
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Bánh mì is a type of French bread with a toasted exterior and a soft, chewy interior. Picky eaters beware – bánh mì can be extremely messy. It’s customary to dip it in a bowl of noodle broth, or a Vietnamese coffee or sweet iced drink to clean your hands, arms and face. This bread is commonly served with a variety of fillings such as grilled pate or mayonnaise, herbs, sliced vegetables, meat, fish or even dessert items. There are a few well-known bánh mì vendors in Ho Chi Minh City and around Vietnam. These include Banh Mi Vuong, Hanoi Bread, Yen Baguette and Quy Hoang.
Bánh Canh – Vietnamese Stew
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Bánh canh is a type of steamed bread usually served with fish or seafood stew. You can find bánh canh vendors on the streets of Vietnam’s cities and towns. Vendors usually prepare bánh canh in the morning, so they’re usually busiest in the mornings. Bánh canh is a great snack to eat while travelling in Vietnam. It’s also a fine option for enjoying a picnic lunch.
Pho – Vietnamese Noodles
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Pho is one of the most famous Vietnamese dishes and is a staple street food in Vietnam. It is a soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, herbs, and either sliced beef or chicken. It is often served with bean sprouts, chili, and lime wedges on the side. Pho is a perfect dish to have for breakfast or lunch.
Bun Cha – Vietnamese Rice Noodles
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Bun Cha is a dish that originated in Hanoi and is made with grilled pork patties, rice noodles, and herbs. It is often served with a side of dipping sauce, which is made with fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili. Bun Cha is a great option for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Goi Cuon – Vietnamese spring rolls
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Goi Cuon, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls, are made with rice paper filled with a variety of ingredients, such as shrimp, pork, vegetables, and herbs. They are often served with a side of dipping sauce, which is made with fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili. Goi Cuon is a perfect snack or appetizer to have on the go.
Chả giò – Vietnamese egg rolls
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Chả giò, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls or egg rolls, is a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine. It is made by wrapping a mixture of minced pork, shrimp, vegetables, and noodles in rice paper and then deep-frying until crispy and golden brown. Chả giò is typically served with lettuce, herbs, and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili.
Chả giò is a favorite appetizer or snack in Vietnamese cuisine, and it is often served at special occasions or celebrations. It is also a popular dish in Vietnamese restaurants around the world. The dish’s combination of flavors and textures makes it a delicious and satisfying choice for any meal or occasion.
Bột chiên – Fried Dough
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Bột chiên, also known as fried dough, is a popular Vietnamese street food that has become a staple in many parts of the world. The dish consists of dough that is cut into small pieces and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. It is typically served with a tangy dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili.
Bột chiên is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal. It can be eaten on its own or paired with other dishes such as noodle soups or stir-fried vegetables. The dish’s popularity stems from its delicious taste, affordability, and convenience. Whether you are on the go or looking for a quick and satisfying snack, bột chiên is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Banh Xeo – Vietnamese pancake
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This is a toasted rice flour pancake filled with vegetables, meat or seafood. It’s commonly eaten for breakfast or as a snack. Many of these vendors sell banh xeo in an assortment of sweet and savoury flavours. Think of it like a Vietnamese crepe. You can also find vendors that specialize in making only banh xeo which are known as banh xeo hoanh thanh. Banh xeo vendors can be found in towns and cities all over Vietnam. You’ll also find a few in Singapore that serve as Vietnam’s Little Vietnam. You can easily find banh xeo vendors in Singapore’s Chinatown and Little India
Bánh Tiêu – Vietnamese donuts
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These are a type of Vietnamese donut that are made from a type of fermented rice batter. They’re also sometimes referred to as bánh tứ lợn. These vendors sell railroad mi along a certain section of the Saigon-Hanoi train tracks. If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, you can find them near the train station. You can also find them in Hanoi, the country’s capital. You can order railroad mi by the dozen, or you can buy a single one. They’re usually served warm.
Conclusion
Street food is a great way to experience a culture from a different perspective. In Vietnam, you can experience a variety of foods from all over the country. There are plenty of Vietnamese street foods that you can try.
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For pho, I don’t know what kind of soup that is pictures, but it definitely isn’t pho.
Thank you so much for your feedback, very useful! We´ve updated the photo of pho soup.