Vietnamese Dishes: Basic Overview
Common Ingredients
Common Cooking Methods
Courses
Meals
Key Taste
Eating Etiquette
Meal Presentation
Culinary Festivals
Influence and Fusion
Popular Types of Vietnamese Dishes
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Dumplings
Vietnamese dumplings are typically made from a dough of rice/sticky rice flour, which are naturally gluten-free.
Some are filled with a mixture of ingredients, such as shrimp, pork, and vegetables, not ideal for vegan/vegetarian meals.
Common dumpling cooking methods are steaming, frying, or boiling.
They also come in various shapes, like pyramids, round/spherical, or cylindrical.
Some are wrapped in banana leaves.
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Cakes and Pastries
Cakes and pastries in Vietnam are diverse in styles, appearances, tastes, and textures.
They are normally hand-held treats, from savory to sweet tastes. Some are sold as street food.
Common ingredients for cakes and pastries are rice flour, mung beans, and fruits, which reflect Vietnam’s rich agricultural and tropical environment.
Many of them are ideal for vegan and vegetarian diets. Some are often gluten-free, as Vietnamese use rice flour more than wheat flour.
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Pancakes
They are typically savory delights made with various ingredients with different textures, such as soft, chewy, crunchy, or crispy.
Each region in Vietnam has different pancake specialties. They can be steamed, fried, or cooked in special molds over a fire.
Many pancakes contain meat or seafood, which is not ideal for vegan and vegetarian dishes.
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Sandwiches
Vietnamese-style sandwich is a fusion dish made with French baguettes and other ingredients like meats, pâté, pickles, and herbs.
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Rolls
Rolls feature thin sheets made from rice or batter, which are often used to wrap fillings and create rolls.
They can be served fresh or fried with pairing sauce (can be a fish sauce-based dip, hoisin, or peanut sauce).
Most Vietnamese rolls are not vegan-friendly as they include meat or are dipped in fish sauce.
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Rice Paper Dishes
They include rice paper as a main ingredient.
It’s a thin, edible paper-like material made from rice.
They are popular street food in Vietnam, especially in the Southern part.
Rice paper itself is vegan and vegetarian.
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Rice Dishes
Rice is a staple in Vietnamese daily meals, resulting in diverse dishes centered around this ingredient.
Rice dishes are prepared in various styles, ranging from simple dishes to complex ones.
Some are often served with different accompaniments like meat, vegetables, or sauce.
Most rice dishes in Vietnam are gluten-free, except those cooked or served with soy sauce.
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Glutinous Rice Dishes
Glutinous rice is another staple ingredient in the country, which is gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan.
They are used to make both sweet and savory dishes. Some are wrapped in leaves.
It is also an important component to make traditional delights for special occasions, like New Year.
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Soups
They are liquid-based dishes that can be clear, brothy, or thick.
Those brothy, savory soups are called “canh” in Vietnamese. Thicker ones are “súp”, and sweet delights are “chè.”
Savory soups often contain various ingredients, normally meat, vegetables, or seafood.
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Noodle Soups
Vietnamese noodle soups are very popular in the country, known for their flavorful broths made from meat (normally pork, beef, or chicken).
The noodle itself is abundant in types, such as thin rice noodles (bánh phở, bún), thick rice noodles (bánh canh), glass noodles (miến), and yellow noodles (mì).
Many Vietnamese noodle soups are served with lemon wedges, chilies, and fresh vegetables or herbs.
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Dry Noodle Dishes
They feature noodles with a lack of broth. Other components are meat, which can be boiled, fried, or grilled.
These noodle-based delicacies can be tossed with sauces or served with a small amount of broth or dipping sauce.
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Charcuterie and Cheese Boards
They are an assortment of traditional Vietnamese sausages made from ground meat (e.g., pork, chicken, beef) with seasonings.
Vietnamese sausages are often shaped in a big roll and wrapped in leaves. Some are slightly chewy.
Locals enjoy them on their own or as a component in other dishes.
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Snacks
Vietnamese snacks are light and often handheld items.
They are sweet savory treats, perfect for casual eating at a very affordable price.
Therefore, they are easy to find in street vendors, local eateries, or homemade food.
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Condiments and Sauces
These are liquid or semi-liquid seasonings used to enhance flavor or complement other dishes.
They are salty; some with a strong smell.
A common method to make them is fermenting seafood (like fish or shrimp).
Vietnamese Dishes: Signature Culinary Delights
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Most Popular Dishes
They are common dishes that are widely enjoyed across the country and also gain a certain popularity in the world.
Diners can find them in restaurants, eateries, or street stalls.
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National Dish
These specialties are available in various types of dishes, from noodle soups, and rice dishes to rolls, sandwiches, etc.
As national dishes, they are culinary symbols of Vietnam.
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Traditional Dishes
Traditional dishes have been made and enjoyed over a long period.
They show their regional diversity of North, Central, and South areas.
They also contain a diverse range of dishes with a blend of tastes, like sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
Some traditional delights are national ones, as long as they are most recognized by locals and people outside Vietnam.
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Street Food
Vietnamese street food, available at stalls and carts on streets and in local markets.
They range from quick snacks to hearty noodle dishes, offering convenient, affordable, and communal dining experiences.
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Exotic Dishes
It refers to dishes featuring ingredients, cooking methods, or flavor combinations that are not commonly used in a person’s native cuisine.
These dishes offer a unique dining experience to foreigners so they can learn more about Vietnamese food.
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Fusion Dishes
Fusion delights are a blend of traditional Vietnamese culinary elements with influences from other cuisines, such as Chinese, Cambodian, Thai, and French.
Vietnamese dishes reflect the cuisine of this Southeast Asian nation, which has been influenced by ancient traditions, neighboring countries’s cultures, and distant colonial powers.
From the balance of five basic taste senses (salty, sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter) to the use of fresh herbs and ingredients, every meal showcases the richness of the land and its people’s creativity.
Moreover, the history of dishes in Vietnam is as abundant as its flavors, with each region offering its unique specialties and cooking techniques.
So here, you will have a comprehensive view of the culinary treasures of the Vietnamese, starting with the history of their cuisine and the importance of the nation’s special occasions.
Street food is also an interesting feature of this Southeast Asian cuisine; therefore, you shouldn’t miss the details about street food culture.
For more information about pairing food with drink in Vietnam, I’ll also show you some key choices and why they can go well with traditional dishes.
There are other aspects of Vietnamese dining etiquette to consider as well. Lastly, don’t forget to check some FAQs about them to make sure you’ll have a comprehensive understanding.
In case you want to check specific dishes, use the filter below and click on your desired dishes to learn more.
140 Most Popular Vietnamese Dishes with Filters
#1
in Vietnam
Phở
Phở is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup with beef or chicken in an aromatic broth.
Country’s Region: Northern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#2
in Vietnam
Bánh Mì
Bánh mì is a Vietnamese sandwich with meats, pickled veggies, and sauces in a short baguette.
Country’s Region: Southern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#3
in Vietnam
Gỏi Cuốn
Gỏi cuốn is a Vietnamese fresh spring roll filled with pork, shrimp, herbs, rice vermicelli, and wrapped in rice paper.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Anytime
#4
in Vietnam
Bún Chả
Bún chả is a traditional Vietnamese dish of Hanoi with grilled pork soaked in a diluted fish sauce to serve with rice noodles and greens.
Country’s Region: Northern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Lunch
#5
in Vietnam
Bún Bò Huế
Bún bò Huế is a Vietnamese spicy beef noodle soup hailing from the city of Hue in central Vietnam.
Country’s Region: Central Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
#6
in Vietnam
Cơm Tấm
Cơm tấm is a Vietnamese dish featuring broken rice grains, typically served with grilled pork and various accompaniments.
Country’s Region: Southern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Anytime
#7
in Vietnam
Chả Giò
Chả giò is a Vietnamese dish featuring deep-fried rolls filled with ground pork and vegetables, wrapped in rice paper.
Country’s Region: Southern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Anytime
#8
in Vietnam
Bánh Xèo
Bánh xèo is a Vietnamese stuffed pancake consisting of rice flour batter, pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and other toppings.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#9
in Vietnam
Bún Thịt Nướng
Bún thịt nướng is a Vietnamese dish from the southern region, consisting of rice vermicelli, grilled pork, fresh herbs, and nước chấm.
Country’s Region: Southern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#10
in Vietnam
Lẩu
Lẩu is a Vietnamese communal dish with a simmering pot in which diners cook and share meats, seafood, and veggies.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Lunch, Dinner
#11
in Vietnam
Cháo
Cháo is a Vietnamese rice porridge made by simmering rice in water or broth until it becomes soft and smooth.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
#12
in Vietnam
Bánh Cuốn
Bánh cuốn is a Vietnamese dish hailing from the northern region and consisting of various savory ingredients rolled in thin rice noodle sheets.
Country’s Region: Northern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#13
in Vietnam
Hủ Tiếu
Hủ tiếu is a Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, and a variety of meat options, often including both seafood and pork.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Dinner
#14
in Vietnam
Bún Riêu Cua
Bún riêu cua is a Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of rice vermicelli, a clear crab-based broth, crab cakes, and other toppings.
Country’s Region: Northern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#15
in Vietnam
Mì Quảng
Mì quảng is a noodle soup from Vietnam originating from the Quang Nam province, made with wide rice noodles, savory broth, herbs, and meat.
Country’s Region: Central Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#16
in Vietnam
Cơm Chiên
Cơm chiên is a Vietnamese fried rice dish, often mixed with eggs, vegetables, and meats like pork or shrimp.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#17
in Vietnam
Cơm Gà
Cơm gà is a Vietnamese dish consisting of rice cooked with chicken broth and served with shredded chicken.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
#18
in Vietnam
Xôi
Xôi is a traditional Vietnamese dish made from glutinous rice and often mixed with sweet or savory ingredients.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Anytime
#19
in Vietnam
Bò Kho
Bò kho is a spicy South Vietnamese beef stew, made with beef, carrot, lemongrass, and garlic.
Country’s Region: Southern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Anytime
#20
in Vietnam
Cá Kho
Cá kho is a Vietnamese dish of braised fish in a sweet, salty, and umami sauce made from caramelized sauce and fish sauce.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Lunch, Dinner
#21
in Vietnam
Canh Chua
Canh chua is a Vietnamese sour soup, typically featuring tamarind, fish, and tropical vegetables.
Country’s Region: Southern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Lunch, Dinner
#22
in Vietnam
Thịt Kho
Thịt kho is a Vietnamese braised dish normally including pork in a caramelized sauce and other ingredients.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Lunch, Dinner
#23
in Vietnam
Cà Ri
Cà ri is a Vietnamese term for curry, referring to a variety of dishes prepared with a combination of spices, meat or seafood, vegetables, and often coconut milk.
Country’s Region: Southern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
#24
in Vietnam
Thịt Heo Quay
Thịt heo quay is the Vietnamese version of roast pork with crispy skin and succulent flesh.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#25
in Vietnam
Vịt Quay
Vịt quay is a Vietnamese culinary specialty consisting of marinated duck that is slow-roasted to achieve crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#26
in Vietnam
Bánh Trung Thu
Bánh trung thu is a traditional Vietnamese mooncake with two varieties of sticky or baked pastry.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Anytime
#27
in Vietnam
Chè
Chè is a large category of Vietnamese sweet dessert soups that can be made with various ingredients.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Anytime
#28
in Vietnam
Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm
Bún đậu mắm tôm is a Hanoi dish of fried tofu, rice noodles, and various toppings to serve with a pungent shrimp paste as a dipping sauce.
Country’s Region: Northern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Lunch, Dinner
#29
in Vietnam
Bánh Canh
Bánh canh is a Vietnamese noodle soup with thick strands of tapioca or rice noodles, meat toppings, herbs, and broth.
Country’s Region: Southern and Central Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#30
in Vietnam
Cao Lầu
Cao lầu is a Vietnamese noodle dish unique to Hoi An Ancient Town, consisting of chewy noodles, pork or shrimp, and vegetables.
Country’s Region: Central Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#31
in Vietnam
Bún Cá
Bún cá is a fish soup noodle dish with fried pieces of fish on top and a flavorful broth that covers thin rice noodles.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch
#32
in Vietnam
Bún Chả Cá
Bún chả cá is a noodle soup of Vietnam from the Central region, with fish cakes being the main focus, along with vermicelli noodles and a clear broth base.
Country’s Region: Central Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#33
in Vietnam
Bún Mắm
Bún mắm is a Vietnamese dish that consists of rice noodles, various toppings, and a fermented fish broth.
Country’s Region: Mekong Delta
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#34
in Vietnam
Nem Nướng
Nem nướng is a Vietnamese dish consisting of grilled seasoned ground pork skewers, often served with fresh herbs, rice paper, vermicelli noodles, and dipping sauce.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Anytime
#35
in Vietnam
Mì Vịt Tiềm
Mì vịt tiềm is a Vietnamese dish of egg noodles with braised duck and various toppings in a dark and herbal broth that originated from Chinese cuisine.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#36
in Vietnam
Mì Xào Bò
Mì xào bò is a Vietnamese stir-fried dish consisting of instant or egg noodles, thinly sliced beef, and vegetables.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#37
in Vietnam
Gà Kho
Gà kho is a group of Vietnamese braised or stewed chicken dishes seasoned with aromatic components.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Lunch, Dinner
#38
in Vietnam
Trứng Vịt Lộn
Trứng vịt lộn is a Vietnamese specialty of fertilized duck eggs with a developing embryo.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#39
in Vietnam
Bánh Hỏi
Bánh hỏi is a Vietnamese side dish prepared by weaving rice vermicelli into flat, rectangular bundles.
Country’s Region: Central Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#40
in Vietnam
Bánh Bèo
Bánh bèo is a type of small, steamed rice cake from Central Vietnam, often topped with savory ingredients and served with a sweet and spicy fish sauce for dipping.
Country’s Region: Central Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Anytime
#41
in Vietnam
Bánh Bao
Bánh bao is a Vietnamese steamed bun made with yeasted dough and a savory ground pork filling.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#42
in Vietnam
Bánh Chưng
Bánh chưng is a Vietnamese square sticky rice cake made of glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, all wrapped in lá dong leaves.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Anytime
#43
in Vietnam
Bánh Tét
Bánh tét is a Southern Vietnamese cylindrical rice cake with mung bean and pork, wrapped in banana leaves.
Country’s Region: Southern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#44
in Vietnam
Gỏi
Gỏi (or nộm) is a Vietnamese salad featuring a mix of fresh vegetables and meats in a sweet, sour, and savory dressing.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Lunch, Dinner
#45
in Vietnam
Sữa Chua
Sữa chua, a Vietnamese yogurt, is creamy and tangy, often made with sweetened condensed milk.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Anytime
#46
in Vietnam
Bò Lúc Lắc
Bò lúc lắc is a Vietnamese dish consisting of marinated beef cubes that are quickly stir-fried for serving with rice and a side salad.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#47
in Vietnam
Bánh Tráng Nướng
Bánh tráng nướng is a Vietnamese street food made by grilling a thin rice cracker with various toppings.
Country’s Region: Central Vietnam, Southern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#48
in Vietnam
Cơm Cháy
Cơm cháy is a traditional Vietnamese dish made from a bottom layer of rice that is toasted, dried, and then fried until crisp.
Country’s Region: Northern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Anytime
#49
in Vietnam
Bánh Bột Chiên
Bánh bột chiên is a Vietnamese dish of Chinese origin, consisting of fried rice flour dough served with pickles and soy sauce.
Country’s Region: Southern Vietnam
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
#50
in Vietnam
Nem Chua
Nem chua is a Vietnamese fermented pork sausage, tangy and slightly spicy, traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and eaten raw as an appetizer or snack.
Country’s Region: Nationwide Origin
Main Ingredients:
Mealtime: Anytime
Vietnamese Dish Images
What Is the History of Vietnamese Dishes?
Vietnamese dishes are diverse in types and recipes thanks to the country’s rich cultural and historical influences. Here are some key points:
Ancient Influences
The roots of Vietnamese foods can be traced back to ancient agricultural societies, where rice cultivation was crucial.
That’s why many traditional dishes in Vietnamese feature rice or sticky rice as a key ingredient, such as cơm tấm, bánh chưng, bánh tét, and more.
Chinese Influence
Over centuries, particularly during a millennium of Chinese rule, Vietnamese cuisine absorbed various aspects of Chinese cooking, such as stir-frying and the use of soy sauce and noodles.
In Vietnam, the Hoa community, residing predominantly in Cholon (Ho Chi Minh City), has impacted local food habits.
It results in various fusion Vietnamese-Chinese dishes, such as bánh bột chiên, bánh pía, vịt quay, etc.
French Colonization
French colonialism, which began in the 19th century, introduced ingredients like coffee and baguettes, which led to the creation of the bánh mì.
Regional Variations
Vietnam’s geography, stretching from the mountains in the north to the deltas in the south, has created diverse regional cuisines.
The North is known for its simpler, less spicy dishes compared to the South’s sweeter. Central Vietnamese cuisine, particularly from the Hue region, is known for its complexity and spiciness.
In the Mekong Delta region in South Vietnam, which borders Cambodia, some dishes are affected by Cambodian cuisine. Hủ tiếu nam vang is the key example.
Plus, Thai cuisine also has impacts on the Southern region’s cooking practices, in which the natives add coconut milk to their dishes.
Furthermore, some specialties are important parts of many Vietnamese occasions, which will be explained in detail in the following section.
How Are Vietnamese Dishes Important on Special Occasions?
Many Vietnamese dishes are enjoyed on special occasions, reflecting the country’s culinary heritage. Below are some big events in Vietnam and what dishes are normally served during these occasions.
Tết (Lunar New Year) Celebrations
Tết is the most important festival in Vietnam when locals celebrate the new year with their families.
Traditional dishes like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake with pork and mung beans) and bánh tét (a similar dish but in a cylindrical shape) are essential.
Weddings
In Vietnamese weddings, food serves not only as sustenance but also as a symbol of prosperity and happiness.
Bánh phu thê is a common choice for weddings. In fact, the term “phu thê” means “groom and bride.”
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)
This festival is particularly enjoyed by children and is associated with bánh trung thu (mooncakes), which are sweet or savory pastries.
These mooncakes are symbolic and are often shared among family or given as gifts, reflecting unity.
Next, you’ll learn more about the country’s street food with many interesting facts.
What Is the Street Food Culture in Vietnam?
To fully enjoy Vietnamese cuisine, savoring their street foods is a must. Indeed, street dish items here are vibrant with some key characteristics:
Diversity of Dishes
The diversity is based on regions in Vietnam.
It ranges from the refined dishes of the North, like phở, to the spicy flavors of Central’s bún bò huế, and the sweet and complex tastes of the South’s bánh mì and cơm tấm.
Freshness
One of the best things about Vietnamese street delights is the use of fresh ingredients and how the vendors prepare dishes right in front of customers.
Cultural Significance
Eating street food is a way to experience Vietnamese culture, which is woven into the daily rhythm of life.
Many locals consider street dishes as an essential part of their lives due to their convenience and affordability.
Accessibility
They are everywhere, from bustling city streets to quiet rural areas. They cater to the locals’ demands at all hours, from early morning to late night.
Social Aspect
It’s common to see groups of friends and family gathered on small plastic stools around a street vendor, enjoying a meal together.
Moreover, street foods, in particular, or dishes in Vietnam, in general, are normally enjoyed with beverages. So keep reading to learn how to pair them with drinks.
How To Pair Dishes with Beverages in Vietnam?
To complement dishes, some Vietnamese beverages are enjoyed to balance the flavors in both the food and drink. Below are some general guidelines for pairing them.
Trà
Several classic Vietnamese noodle soups (e.g., phở, bánh canh, bún bò huế, etc.) pair well with trà (aka tea).
Trà is also great to enjoy with sweet or savory snacks, such as bánh đậu xanh and bánh trung thu.
Cà Phê Sữa Đá
The famous Vietnamese sandwich, bánh mì, often goes well with Vietnamese coffee, like cà phê đá (iced coffee) or cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with milk).
The strong, slightly sweet coffee balances the savory and sometimes complex and savory flavor of the sandwich.
Bia
Bia (aka beer) is commonly enjoyed with light savory snacks or hearty dishes in Vietnam. The crispness of the beer also complements the freshness of the seafood.
What is Vietnamese Eating Etiquette?
Vietnamese eating etiquette reflects the country’s cultural values of respect, communal harmony, and appreciation for food. Here are five key aspects of it.
Communal Eating Style
Meals are typically served family-style, with shared dishes placed in the center of the table.
Locals commonly take food from these shared dishes and place it directly onto their own rice bowls or plates.
Use of Chopsticks and Spoons
Chopsticks are the primary utensils, used alongside spoons, especially for soups.
Don’t stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice (as this resembles incense sticks used in funerals), or pass food directly from chopstick to chopstick.
Order of Serving
Respect for elders is a key aspect of the country’s culture. Usually, the eldest or most respected person starts the meal or is served first.
Rice Bowl Etiquette
When eating rice, it’s customary to hold the rice bowl close to your mouth. This is a practical approach and is considered polite.
Drinking Etiquette
Vietnamese normally make a toast before starting to drink. When receiving a drink or clinking glasses, especially from the elders or superiors, it’s polite to use both hands.
Finally, let’s have a quick look at some commonly asked queries regarding Vietnamese food specialties for more information.
Most Popular Vietnamese Beverages
Truc Tran (Kris)
Senior Food Editor
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Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.