Vietnam is not only famous for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history but also for its unique culinary culture. For many foreign visitors, Vietnamese cuisine is one of the biggest highlights of their travel experience. With a perfect blend of flavors, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques, Vietnamese specialties have captured the hearts of travelers from around the world. In this article, we’ll explore the Vietnamese specialties most loved by foreigners, uncovering the dishes that consistently top the list of must-try foods and explaining why they are so unforgettable.

Vietnamese Specialties Most Loved by Foreigners: A Culinary Journey You Can’t Miss

Phở – Vietnam’s National Dish That Wins Every Heart

When foreigners think of Vietnamese cuisine, Phở is often the first thing that comes to mind. This traditional noodle soup consists of rice noodles, beef or chicken, and a savory broth made by simmering bones and spices for hours.

Why foreigners love it:

• Comforting and flavorful: The broth is rich and aromatic, infused with star anise, cinnamon, ginger, and onions.

• Customizable: Diners can add herbs, lime, chili, and sauces to suit their taste.

• Widely available: From street stalls to high-end restaurants, phở is everywhere.

Many foreigners fall in love with phở on their first morning in Vietnam and often crave it long after leaving the country.

Phở – Vietnam’s National Dish That Wins Every Heart

Bánh Mì – A Vietnamese Street Food Icon

Bánh mì is a perfect symbol of Vietnam’s colonial past and culinary creativity. This Vietnamese-style sandwich uses a French baguette filled with a variety of ingredients like pork, pate, pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber, and fresh herbs.

Why it’s a foreign favorite:

• Fusion of East and West: Bánh mì combines French and Vietnamese elements in a harmonious way.

• Quick and convenient: Ideal for travelers who want a satisfying meal on the go.

• Affordable: Delicious, nutritious, and usually under $1 USD.

No wonder many tourists find bánh mì irresistible and often rank it among the best sandwiches in the world.

Gỏi Cuốn – Fresh Spring Rolls for the Health-Conscious

Also known as Vietnamese fresh spring rolls or summer rolls, gỏi cuốn are translucent rice paper rolls packed with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, herbs, and lettuce. They are typically served with a peanut or hoisin-based dipping sauce.

Reasons foreigners love gỏi cuốn:

• Light and healthy: Perfect for those watching their diet.

• Flavor-packed: Every bite is a balance of textures and herbs.

• Interactive: Many restaurants allow customers to make their own rolls, adding to the cultural experience.

These rolls are often enjoyed as an appetizer, and many visitors are amazed by how refreshing they are.

Gỏi Cuốn – Fresh Spring Rolls for the Health-Conscious

Bún Chả – The Hanoi Specialty That Won Over President Obama

Made famous globally after former U.S. President Barack Obama dined on it with Anthony Bourdain in Hanoi, bún chả is a beloved dish consisting of grilled pork patties, thin rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce.

What makes it a hit with foreigners:

• Grilled to perfection: The smoky flavor of the meat is unforgettable.

• Complex flavors: The dipping sauce blends sweetness, acidity, saltiness, and spice.

• Great balance: It offers a harmony between proteins, carbs, and greens.

Many foreigners traveling to Northern Vietnam seek out authentic bún chả restaurants just to recreate that famous meal.

Cà Phê Sữa Đá – Vietnamese Iced Coffee That Keeps You Coming Back

Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá) is a strong and sweet beverage made with robusta coffee beans and sweetened condensed milk, typically brewed using a metal drip filter called a phin.

Why travelers are obsessed with it:

• Bold flavor: Stronger than most Western coffee, with a smooth finish.

• Caffeine kick: Perfect for long travel days and jet lag.

• Unique experience: Brewing with a phin is part of the charm.

Many visitors say it’s the best coffee they’ve ever tasted and often try to replicate it back home.

Cà Phê Sữa Đá – Vietnamese Iced Coffee That Keeps You Coming Back

Cao Lầu – The Quintessential Dish of Hoi An

Cao lầu is a regional dish that you’ll only find in Hoi An. It features thick noodles, slices of pork, crispy rice crackers, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a flavorful, slightly smoky broth.

Why it captivates foreign palates:

• Local exclusivity: Authentic cao lầu is made using water from ancient Hoi An wells.

• Distinct texture: The noodles are chewy and unique.

• Cultural depth: Eating cao lầu is like tasting Hoi An’s history in a bowl.

Tourists often regard this dish as a hidden gem of Vietnamese cuisine.

Chè – Vietnamese Sweet Soups and Desserts

Chè is an umbrella term for various sweet Vietnamese desserts made with ingredients like mung beans, tapioca, jelly, coconut milk, and seasonal fruits.

Why chè is popular with foreigners:

• Colorful and fun: Each serving is a visual treat.

• Variety: No two chè dishes are alike; there are hundreds of variations.

• Perfect for hot weather: Many chè varieties are served cold, making them ideal refreshers.

Trying chè is often an unexpected delight for travelers with a sweet tooth.

Chè – Vietnamese Sweet Soups and Desserts

Bánh Xèo – Vietnamese Crispy Pancakes

Bánh xèo are crispy, savory pancakes made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, typically stuffed with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. They are served with lettuce, herbs, and dipping sauce.

Why foreigners find bánh xèo irresistible:

• Interactive eating: You wrap pieces in lettuce and dip them, adding fun to the meal.

• Delightfully crispy: The crunch of bánh xèo is addictive.

• Bold flavors: It’s a perfect blend of savory, herbal, and tangy notes.

Bánh xèo often becomes a favorite among tourists looking for something off the beaten track.

Cơm Tấm – Broken Rice with a Flavorful Twist

A classic Southern Vietnamese dish, cơm tấm (broken rice) is served with grilled pork chops, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of fish sauce.

Why tourists love cơm tấm:

• Filling and flavorful: It’s the ideal hearty meal after a long day of sightseeing.

• Great street food: Available at nearly every corner in Saigon.

• Unexpected texture: Broken rice adds a unique feel that’s pleasantly surprising.

This dish often becomes a comfort food for visitors during longer stays.

Cơm Tấm – Broken Rice with a Flavorful Twist

Bò Lá Lốt – Grilled Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves

Less known internationally but beloved by adventurous eaters, bò lá lốt is minced beef seasoned with lemongrass and spices, then wrapped in betel leaves and grilled.

Why foreigners seek it out:

• Aromatic and smoky: Betel leaves add a peppery, herbal twist.

• Street food staple: Often eaten as part of a DIY rice paper wrap meal.

• Memorable taste: It’s unlike any Western dish, in the best way.

Foreigners who try bò lá lốt often remember it as a bold and exciting culinary adventure.

Why Vietnamese Food Resonates with Foreigners

The reasons behind the global appeal of Vietnamese specialties go beyond taste. Here’s why so many travelers fall in love with Vietnamese cuisine:

• Balance of flavors: Sweet, salty, sour, spicy, and umami all exist in harmony.

• Fresh ingredients: Herbs and vegetables are integral, making dishes feel light and healthy.

• Affordability: Vietnam is a paradise for food lovers on a budget.

• Cultural richness: Every dish tells a story — about the region, the people, and the history.

From the iconic phở to the crunchy bánh xèo and refreshing gỏi cuốn, Vietnamese specialties most loved by foreigners are not just meals—they are experiences. Each dish offers a taste of Vietnam’s soul, and for many travelers, they become cherished memories long after the trip ends.

If you’re planning to visit Vietnam or simply want to discover a new cuisine, let your taste buds lead the way. Vietnamese food is more than just delicious — it’s a cultural treasure waiting to be explored.