7 Great Places to Visit in Vietnam for Foodies

When planning a trip to a country with a totally different culture, in addition to the attractive must-see destinations to put on the list, we must also find out about the cuisine because it also represents very different customs and way of life. As a country that is divided into 3 distinct regions, Vietnam offers us quite rich and diverse culinary experiments. With this article, we discover 7 Great Places to Visit in Vietnam for impressive Vietnamese culinary experiences.

1. The cuisine of Vietnam

The popularity of Vietnamese cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is as famous for its unique workmanship as it is for its special flavours. The famous travel website The Travel ( of Canada) just announced a list of the top 10 countries with the most attractive cuisine in the world in 2022, among which Vietnam was honored to be ranked 5th for its unique cuisine, distinctive footprints, and especially appreciated by international friends.

If you are a lover of gastronomic programs on television, surely the name Gordon Ramsay will be no stranger to you. In 2013, this famous chef took a trip to "discover and learn about" Vietnamese cuisine through the reality TV show "The Great Escape." Since, Gordon was completely won over by Vietnamese cuisine. He once said, "Thank God I wasn't born in Vietnam, I'm just a bad cook here."

Gordon Ramsay in Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Features of Vietnamese cuisine

Diversity and richness

The diversity of Vietnam's cuisine is demonstrated according to geography varying from the North to the South. In addition, that Vietnam is home to as many as 54 ethnic groups that each have distinct culinary specialties, makes a huge treasure trove of typical dishes in Vietnam.

Variety of dishes

Rich in flavor

"Nuoc mam" - The fish sauce is a typical tasting dish that is often added to dishes by Vietnamese people during processing, creating an irresistible flavour. In addition, each different dish comes with a suitable dipping sauce.

Ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking

Less fat

Vietnamese people really like vegetable dishes, fruits, so they are usually low in fat, do not use as much meat as Western countries, nor do they use as much fat as Chinese Vietnamese dishes.

Different types of wraps

Use of chopsticks

Like other Asian countries, the use of chopsticks when enjoying food is also a feature of Vietnamese culinary culture.

Delicious and healthy

Vietnamese cuisine is processed according to the principle of yin and yang balance, it is interesting. Welding ingredients will be combined with hot spices and vice versa, thus creating a delicious and healthy dish.

Healthy and delicious cooking

Collectivity

Collectivity is very evident in Vietnamese culinary culture. There is always a bowl of communal sauce or soup on the Vietnamese rice tray. Then people will take it separately from that communal bowl.

Set menu

Unlike Westerners, who eat each dish at a time, Vietnamese people serve all dishes on a tray at once.

Vietnamese daily meals

2. Top Places to Visit in Vietnam for an Awesome Food Experience

Hanoi: Traditional cuisine

Hanoi has long been renowned for its incredibly rich culinary traditions. Visitors can find delicious food everywhere, from small street-side restaurants and stalls with amazing dishes to vibrant tropical fruits in local markets. With so many iconic options like Pho, spring rolls, various kinds of Bun (rice vermicelli soup), Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls), Banh Goi (pillow-shaped cakes), and Banh Tom (shrimp cakes), it's almost impossible to choose a single "best dish" in Hanoi.

In Hanoi, visitors can also find a diverse cafe scene with unique coffee creations like egg coffee (Cà phê trứng), coconut milk coffee, black coffee, and green bean coffee. Highly recommend trying them!

See more: The Top 10 Hanoi Dishes You Cannot Miss

Cha ca - specialty of Hanoi

Mai Chau: The cuisine of the valley, of the North-West mountain

Mai Chau, nestled in the mountains of Northern Vietnam, is home to the Thai people and their unique cuisine. Known for its fresh, flavorful dishes and minimal use of oil, Thai cuisine in Mai Chau offers a delightful culinary adventure. Savor delicious freshwater fish, "Ga Doi" (a local roasted chicken with secret spices), tender bamboo shoots, and "Com Lam" (sticky rice cooked in bamboo). Sticky rice of different flavour forms the foundation of many meals, enjoyed with savory dishes or transformed into delectable desserts.

Also, don't miss the chance to try the local rice wine, traditionally shared from a communal jar with long straws.

Ruou Can - the local rice wine

Cao Bang: The cuisine with the scent of the North-East mountain

The mountainous landscapes of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark, where forests blanket 90 percent of the land, yield a cuisine as distinctive as the terrain itself. In these villages, Cao Bang culinary traditions intertwine with the bounty of the natural world, resulting in unique and flavorful specialties. Savor the smoky aroma of local sausages, the vibrant hues of "Dam Deng" sticky rice (colored naturally with herbs and vegetables), the meticulously prepared "Khau Nhuc" pork dish, and the rich flavors of smoked buffalo meat, among many other delicacies.

Cao Bang sausages

Hue: The imperial kitchen

Hue's culinary tradition, born from its imperial past, captivates visitors with its exquisite flavors and intricate preparation. Unlike other regions, Hue cuisine emphasizes a harmonious balance of spicy and salty flavors, often accompanied by a medley of fresh herbs. A trip to Hue wouldn't be complete without savoring these iconic dishes: Bún bò Huế (A flavorful beef noodle soup with a rich broth and aromatic herbs); Cơm Hến (A delicate dish of rice topped with tiny mussels, peanuts, and a fragrant sauce); and a variety of savory cakes like "Bánh bèo," "bánh khoái," "bánh ram ít," and "bánh nậm", which offer unique textures and fillings, showing the diversity of Hue's culinary heritage.

Hue specialties

Hoi An: Simply don't forget the Ancient town cuisine

Hoi An's cuisine is a highlight of any trip to Vietnam, a delicious fusion of Hoi An culinary traditions with Chinese influences, reflecting the town's rich history as a trading port. Explore the diverse flavors of this culinary melting pot with must-try dishes like:

• Cao Lầu: This signature Hoi An dish features chewy noodles, tender pork slices, fresh herbs, and a unique broth, said to be made with water from an ancient Cham well.
• Wonton (Hoành Thánh): These delicate dumplings, filled with savory pork and shrimp, showcase the Chinese influence on Hoi An's cuisine.
• Bánh Vạc ("White Rose" Dumplings): These intricately folded dumplings, resembling white roses, are filled with shrimp or pork and served with a flavorful dipping sauce.
• Bánh Mì: Hoi An offers its own delicious take on the classic Vietnamese baguette sandwich, filled with grilled meats, pickled vegetables, and fragrant herbs.

Chicken rice - a specialty of Hoi An 

See more: Hoi An Cooking Tour & Thu Bon River Boat Trip - 01 Day

Saigon: a culinary interaction from many different countries

While Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) may not be a bastion of traditional regional cuisine, its culinary scene is an exciting adventure in itself. This vibrant metropolis offers a global tapestry of flavors, from Western to Eastern, from upscale restaurants to bustling street food stalls. You'll find everything here, from classic Vietnamese dishes to international fare, and even unique dining experiences like dining in the dark or ordering mystery menus. This richness, diversity, and creativity make Saigon a must-visit for any food lover.

In Saigon, you can also have a good street food experience with these dishes:

• Hủ Tiếu: A flavorful noodle soup with various toppings and a rich broth.
• Bánh Canh: A thick, chewy noodle soup often featuring seafood or pork.
• Bánh Mì Saigon: Saigon boasts its own unique take on the iconic Vietnamese sandwich.
• Cơm Tấm: Broken rice served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and various accompaniments.
• Phá Lấu: A rich and flavorful stew made with beef offal.

The culinary diversity of Saigon

Mekong Delta: The rustic cuisine

Mekong Delta cuisine is deeply intertwined with the region's riverine lifestyle and agricultural abundance. Its dishes are simple yet flavorful, showcasing the freshness and diversity of local ingredients.

The Mekong Delta's specialties include Mắm (fermented fish) - a staple condiment, particularly in An Giang province, known for its fishing communities; Dien Dien flower hotpot - a unique hotpot featuring the edible Dien Dien flower and small river fish; Bánh Xèo - crispy pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts; stewed fish - various fish preparations, often simmered in clay pots with aromatic herbs and spices and fried giant gourami.

Hotpot of the Dien Dien flowers & fish at the Mekong Delta

Besides, the Mekong Delta is remembered for coconut Specialties. Ben Tre province is particularly renowned for its coconut-based treats, such as coconut candy, honeycomb cake, coconut worms and coconut rice paper.

The Mekong Delta also boasts the country's largest orchards, nourished by the fertile silt of the Mekong River. The result is an abundance of incredibly sweet and flavorful fruits, including rambutan, mangosteen, dragon fruit, pineapple, jackfruit, durian, pomelo, star apple, and longan.

Delicious tropical fruits in Vietnam

We've explored some of the top culinary destinations in Vietnam, each offering unique and unforgettable experiences. But the country's food scene is vast and diverse, with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. What are your favorite foodie hotspots in Vietnam? Share your recommendations in the comments below!

>> Enjoy Vietnamese food while exploring Vietnam on a private guided tour

See more:

• Top Local Favorite Drinks To Try
• Traditional Vietnamese New Year's Food
• The Importance of Rice in Vietnamese Life
• Vietnamese coffee - a Must Try for Food Lover
• Vietnam Trip Itinerary: What to Do? How many Days?