Top 10 Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes for First-Time Travelers in 2026
One of the greatest pleasures of traveling in Vietnam is its rich and diverse food culture.
From street food stalls to restaurants, Vietnamese cuisine is affordable, flavorful, and approachable, even for first-time visitors.
In this article, we introduce 10 classic Vietnamese dishes you should absolutely try when traveling to Vietnam in 2026.
For each dish, we explain its key characteristics and the best situations in which to enjoy it.
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1. Pho
Pho is Vietnam’s most iconic noodle soup, made with flat rice noodles served in a light, aromatic broth.
It is typically prepared with beef or chicken and topped with fresh herbs.
Pho is commonly eaten for breakfast and is an excellent first meal after arriving in Vietnam.
You can find pho everywhere, from casual local eateries to well-known specialty restaurants.
2. Banh Mi
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese-style sandwich made with a crispy baguette filled with meat, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
It is perfect for a quick meal while sightseeing or traveling between destinations.
Affordable and widely available, banh mi is ideal for trying multiple variations during your trip.
3. Bun Cha
Bun Cha consists of grilled pork served with rice noodles and a sweet-and-sour dipping sauce.
It is especially famous in Hanoi.
The combination of smoky grilled meat and refreshing sauce makes this dish particularly appealing to international travelers.
4. Fresh Spring Rolls
Fresh spring rolls are made by wrapping shrimp, pork, vegetables, and rice noodles in rice paper.
They are light, refreshing, and widely loved for their healthy balance of flavors.
In Vietnam, they are usually served with peanut sauce or a fish sauce–based dip.
They are ideal as an appetizer or a light meal in warm weather.
5. Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo is a crispy Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour and turmeric, giving it a bright yellow color.
It is filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
The pancake is typically wrapped in leafy greens and dipped in sauce before eating.
It is well-suited for sharing, making it a great option when dining with others.
6. Com Tam
Com Tam is a southern Vietnamese dish made with broken rice, topped with grilled pork, a fried egg, and various sides.
It is especially popular in Ho Chi Minh City.
This dish is filling and flavorful, making it a popular choice for lunch or dinner.
7. Bun Bo Hue
Bun Bo Hue is a spicy beef noodle soup that originated in central Vietnam.
Compared to pho, it has a richer broth and a deeper, spicier flavor profile.
It is highly recommended for travelers who enjoy bold and spicy dishes.
8. Hu Tieu
Hu Tieu is a versatile rice noodle dish commonly eaten in southern Vietnam.
It can be served with soup or as a dry noodle dish with sauce.
Its light and clean taste makes it suitable for breakfast or a lighter meal.
9. Banh Cuon
Banh Cuon consists of thin steamed rice sheets filled with minced pork and mushrooms.
The texture is soft and delicate, and the flavor is mild and comforting.
It is often enjoyed as breakfast or brunch and is easy to eat even for those new to Vietnamese cuisine.
10. Che
Che refers to a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese desserts made with beans, fruits, and coconut milk.
There are many regional variations, each offering unique flavors and textures.
Che is perfect as a refreshing dessert after a meal or a sweet break on a hot day.
Summary | Vietnamese Cuisine Makes Your Trip More Memorable
Vietnamese cuisine is incredibly diverse, yet many dishes are approachable and well-suited to international tastes.
The ten dishes introduced here are classic choices that are unlikely to disappoint first-time visitors.
If you are unsure where to try these dishes, VIETGOHAN helps you find carefully selected restaurants by area and cuisine type.
Make the most of your 2026 Vietnam trip by fully experiencing the country’s outstanding food culture.
