10 Facts About Vietnamese Food Culture That Will Surprise You

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Vietnamese food culture is in a class of its own. On our authentic food quest through Southeast Asia, we learned firsthand about this amazing cuisine. 

Traveling throughout Vietnam, starting in Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, we noticed differences in the food and food culture.

The Vietnamese are extremely proud of their cuisine. And, they are happy to share their food culture and popular dishes with you.

To guide your culinary travels in Vietnam, here are 10 surprising facts about Vietnamese food to know for tasty travels.

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1. Vietnamese Food Across Regions

Hue Food Specialties Vietnamese food facts by Authentic food quest
Sample platter of specialties from Hue -Bánh Khoai, Bánh Nam, Bánh Loc

The cuisine in Vietnam is influenced by the geography of the country. While the majority of the country is hilly and mountainous, there is a long coast along the South China Sea that provides fish and other seafood that are staples in Vietnamese food culture. 

Vietnamese cuisine is divided into three distinct regions: North, Central, and South. Our culinary journey took us to each of the regions to explore the distinctive flavors.

As we traversed through the country, we noted regional differences. 

Map Vietnam for the best Food in Vietnam Authentic Food Quest
Vietnam food culture varies per region

Northern Vietnamese food: The north is mountainous and much cooler, so soups play a large role in the cuisine. Pho, a famous Vietnamese soup, is a prime example of a northern dish. 

Central Vietnamese cuisine: The distinct cuisine of the central region is made up of several smaller dishes. Huế was once the imperial Capital of the country and many delicate, creative dishes dedicated to the kings were invented here. 

Southern Vietnamese foods. Vietnamese cuisine in the southern region is influenced by Thai cuisine and tends to be spicier. Coconut-based curries served with rice noodles and rice, as well as a wide range of tropical fruits and vegetables, are abundant.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Exploring the regional differences in Vietnamese cooking can be experienced on a food tour with a local guide. If your travels take you to the south, here are  the Best 7 Food Tours In Saigon For Authentic Vietnamese Culinary Experiences

2. Lots of Fresh Herbs for Flavor in Food

Herbs Facts about vietnamese food by Authentic Food Quest
Huge bowl overflowing with fresh herbs

One observation you’ll immediately make about Vietnamese cuisine is just how fresh and flavorful the food is. 

Traditional Vietnamese cooking uses mounds of herbs in their dishes, which make for very fresh and fragrant meals. 

Raw herbs are served in a huge bowl and they are chopped, tossed, rolled, and wrapped into dishes. 

The herbs used are diverse and plentiful and accompany practically all meals in combination with fresh ingredients. 

From soup, rice, stir fry, sandwiches, rolls, and noodles, the fresh and simple herbs bring forth the delicious flavors of the foods.

RELATED: Your Guide to Vietnamese Street Food: 20 Local Foods Worth Trying

3. Vietnamese Sauces Are Part of Vietnamese Food Culture

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Vietnamese pork skewers go great with nuoc mam sauce

The two main symbols of Vietnamese cuisine are rice and a very specific fish sauce to Vietnam called nuoc mam.

Sauces are an important part of Vietnamese dishes. They’re found on nearly every table and food stall and used to accompany a typical meal.

Fish sauce, or nuac mam, is commonly used in dishes and dipping sauces alike. 

Popular dipping sauces include nuac chom, a chili-based sauce containing fish sauce and lime juice.

Vietnam Sauce Facts About Vietnamese Food by Authentic Food Quest
Sauces are an important part of Vietnamese food culture

Another popular dipping sauce made with fish sauce is nuoc mam sa ot, which is made with lemongrass, lime juice, chili, and garlic.

Our favorite Vietnamese sauce is a widely used Vietnamese peanut sauce. Made with peanuts, garlic, chilies, and spices, this sauce is used on banh xeo, which are amazing Vietnamese sizzling pancakes.

With sauces being part of the local traditions, expect to experience them regularly as you savor flavorful dishes.

READ MORE: 5 Best Authentic Vietnamese Sauces That Will Amaze You

4. Be Prepared to Eat Low to the Ground

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Family eating low to the ground at a street side restaurant

The typical restaurant culture in Vietnam is not what you might typically expect coming from the U.S. or Europe. 

Yes, you will find restaurants with waiters, normal-sized chairs, and air-conditioned places, but this is not where you want to eat.

The cheapest and the most delicious places to eat are on the city sidewalks in casual Vietnamese restaurants.

When you see crowds of locals sitting on small stools, slurping delicious bowls of soup, that’s the spot you want to try.

In Vietnam, people eat very close to the floor, about 30 inches from the ground, so the small stools are the chairs. 

Small Stool Sharing Che facts about Vietnam food by Authentic Food Quest
Sitting on small stools while eating chè dessert with locals in Hanoi

And, if you look closer, you’ll notice local women sitting on even smaller stools that are about half the size (around 15 inches) when cleaning dishes.

Some say the better the restaurants, the lower the seats. What is also true is that the cheaper the restaurants, the lower the seats. 

Get comfortable, eat low, and while you are at it, forget about the knives, forks, and spoons as well.

RELATED: Top 17 Authentic Food in Danang You Want to Have

5. Dedicated Restaurants – One Specialty Meal

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A restaurant dedicated to pho soup with the meat hanging at the counter

When locals want to eat a particular dish, they usually go to a specific street vendor, that specializes in that dish.

In Hanoi’s Old Quarter, for example, particular streets are named after food specialties or crafts. 

For instance, Hang Mam, a street of fish sauces, and Hang Thiec, a street of tinsmiths and tin shops.

Banh Xeo Ready to be eaten Vietnamese food culture by Authentic Food Quest
Craving for Banh Xeo?

Oftentimes, the best way to tackle the food in a city is to think of it as a progressive buffet. For dinner, for example, start with a vendor who specializes in Vietnamese spring rolls. 

Then, move to a vendor grilling nem lui or pork on lemongrass sticks on the sidewalk. From there, find a vendor specializing in providing soups and enjoy the best Vietnamese pho soup in town.

And, to end your meal find a renowned street vendor and finish with chè or Vietnamese traditional dessert.

READ MORE: The Best Pho You Want to Slurp on in Vietnam

6. Don’t Miss the Chè or Soup Desserts

Che Chuoi Vietnam food culture by Authentic Food Quest
Chè chuối (with bananas) one of our favorite desserts in Vietnam

There is no doubt the food in Vietnam will surprise you and you’ll want to taste as many Vietnamese dishes as possible. 

At the same time and with the same enthusiasm, you will not want to miss the Vietnamese soup desserts. 

Chè in Vietnamese refers to any traditional sweet beverage, dessert soup, or pudding. You will find many different kinds of chè, served either hot or cold.

These desserts can be easily found at street vendors or shophouses dedicated to drinks and desserts. 

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A street food vendor selling desserts in Hoi An

We sampled several chè desserts including some made with bananas, others made with rice flour, and a very unusual black sesame soup.

Desserts are an important part of Vietnamese cuisine and food culture. Allow yourself to get tempted by the many unusual Vietnamese soup desserts you’ll come across.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST RECIPE: One of our favorite Vietnamese chè desserts is Che Che Ba Mau. It’s a layered eye-catching dessert that’s quite refreshing on a hot day. Try our simple Che Ba Mau Recipe and bring the tastes of Vietnam to your kitchen.

7. Tra Da, Beer, and Coffee: The Drinks of Vietnam

When eating in Vietnam don’t expect to find an extensive list of drinks to choose from. The Vietnamese don’t really have the habit of drinking while they eat. They usually drink before or after a meal. 

Many Vietnamese dishes are soup based or come with a side soup making it easier to skip the drinks while eating.

Tra Da in Lieu of Water

Tra Da Facts about Vietnamese food by Authentic food quest
Glass of tra da or mild iced tea

The most common drink you will find is called Tra Da – a very mild, yellow-colored iced tea that doesn’t have much taste. It is available in a big pitcher on every table and is a replacement for tap water. 

Remember to use caution when using the cups and make sure they are clean. Make a habit to use the straws available. 

Vietnamese Beer or Bia

La Rue Beer Food in Vietnam food facts by  Authentic food quest
A chilled La Rue Beer

Beer is widely popular in Vietnam and very affordable; the price of a beer can be as low as 12,000 VND or $0.50 USD. 

Beer brands vary per region. You will find Bia Hanoi in the North, a variety of Beer Saigon in the south, and Beer La Rue in the Central region. 

Bia Hoi facts about Vietnam food by Authentic Food Quest
Enjoy roasted peanuts and a fresh beer Bia Hoi

One experience not to miss is to visit a Bia Hoi “restaurant.” You can enjoy freshly made draft beer served in cold glasses alongside roasted peanuts for a very low price (less than $ 1 USD). The beer itself is light in alcohol and it is most enjoyed for its coolness. 

Coffee or Caphe

Trun Coffee vietnamese food culture by Authentic Food Quest
Out of it’s shell and into a coffee cup…tasty egg coffee in Hanoi

One of the lesser-known Vietnamese food facts – Vietnam is the world’s second-largest producer of coffee. 

The local brew is typically served with sweetened condensed milk and referred to as caphe.

You’ll find many coffee shops throughout Vietnam and they are extremely popular. So coffee shops do allow smoking inside, so you want to be aware before sitting down for a drink.

Coffee is available both hot and iced, ranging from very strong, black, or with condensed milk. In southern Vietnam, coffee with condensed milk is called ca phe sua

And, in the north of Vietnam, the most famous coffee is egg coffee or ca phe trung. This is a dark coffee topped with an airy froth made from an egg yolk that has been whipped up with sweetened condensed milk. It is quite rich and tastes similar to tiramisu. 

In Vietnam, Trung Nguyen is one of the most popular brands of coffee. While in the country, be sure to explore the Vietnam’s rich coffee culture.

RELATED: 10 of the Best Authentic Food in Hanoi You Must Eat

8. The Vietnamese Will Help You Eat Your Meal

Preparing Banh Xeo Vietnam food culture by Authentic food quest
Getting tips on how best to roll and eat the Bánh Xèo

One of the most important facts about Vietnam food is the pride that Vietnamese take in the preparation and presentation of their dishes.

Many of the dishes are eaten with fresh herbs and accompanied by sauces. Oftentimes, there is an order to the way meals are eaten. Herbs are rolled together in a particular manner, and particular sauces go with specific foods. 

Ingredients Banh Xeo Vietnamese food facts by 
Authentic food quest
Rice paper, herbs, salad and dipping sauce for bánh xèo

The first time we ordered bánh xèo, a traditional Vietnamese pancake, our server brought over rice paper, an overflowing bowl of fresh herbs, a thick sauce in a tiny dish, and sizzling rice flour pancakes cut up into slices. 

Ingredients 
Banh Xeo Food in Vietnam Facts about vietnamese food
by Authentic food quest
Sizzling pancake to complete the Bánh Xèo

Usually, we take our cue on how to eat unusual local dishes from the diners sitting at tables close by. Unfortunately, this time we were the only ones eating. The cook from across the restaurant noticed our uncertainty and came over to show us the proper way to eat bánh xèo.

This was a common experience as we continued to sample local specialties across the country. Well-intentioned, their main focus was to make sure you combine the right flavors together for a delicious experience.

When ordering the local specialties in Vietnam, don’t be afraid to ask about the best way to enjoy the dishes. 

READ MORE: The 14 Most Delightful Popular Vietnamese Desserts to Indulge In

9. Food Trash is Thrown Directly on the Floor

Dirty Tables Vietnam food facts
by Authentic food quest
Dirty floors with garbage strewn around

One of the more surprising Vietnam food facts – be prepared to see trash on the floor in local Vietnamese restaurants. 

The garbage on the floor is not necessarily an indication of a dirty restaurant, but behavior that is customary and part of the local eating habits.

You will see little blue or red plastic garbage bins underneath each table for throwing garbage including inedible ends of fresh herbs. 

Vietnamese Restaurant Vietnam Food Facts by Authentic Food Quest
Trash bins are placed by the table

Oftentimes, there is only one plastic bin located at one end of the table, meant to be shared by everyone sitting at a long table. 

Rather than ask people sharing the table to pass the bin around, locals would simply drop the food trash on the floor until someone comes along to clean it up later.

When seated low to the ground, this can make for a pretty disagreeable eating environment.

All things considered, you quickly learn to ignore the trash on the ground and focus your attention on the delicious food in Vietnam.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you love Vietnamese food and are not planning on traveling to the country soon, consider taking an Vietnamese online cooking class. We took an online cooking class with the Chef & The Dish and loved making Vietnamese food with the chef in Saigon. Read about our cooking experience 6 Reasons Virtual Vietnamese Cooking Classes Can Be Fun 

10. A Few Words Can Help You Navigate the Food in Vietnam

Vietnamese Language facts about vietnam food by Authentic Food Quest
Now you are all set to order in Vietnamese 🙂

The Vietnamese language, compared to the neighboring countries, uses the Latin alphabet making it easier to read and memorize. 

Therefore, navigating the food is slightly more accessible, or at least less intimidating.

Although English isn’t widely spoken in Vietnam, we didn’t find it much of an issue in making ourselves understood. 

To help you get started, here are a few culinary words in Vietnamese.  And of course, your vocabulary will expand as you taste and discover new dishes.

Menu Vietnamese Food Facts by Authentic Food Quest
Menu in Vietnamese and English

Bánh refers to bread or cake and is used in many prepared foods in Vietnam. You will also find it used for many desserts and in the specialty Bánh Mi, the famous Vietnamese sandwich.

Com refers to rice while Ga refers to chicken. One of the common dishes you will find is Com Ga or chicken rice.

Bún typically refers to noodle soup. means beef, which you will find in beef noodle soup like 

Bún bò Huế, a specialty from Central Vietnam.

And, the ones you cannot miss and mentioned previously are trà for tea; chè for desserts and bia for beer.

Here are a few more helpful terms to make the most out of your Vietnamese dining experience:

Hello – Xin chào

Goodbye – Tạm biệt 

Thank you – Cam on

Delicious – Ngon

While not exhaustive, these few Vietnamese words will get you started. The pronunciation is different than what’s written and it takes a bit of practice and listening to the locals to get it right. 

Don’t be afraid to use these words and attempt to “speak local,” your efforts will be appreciated and rewarded.

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In Summary

As you travel through Vietnam, be prepared to also travel through time. With an immensely rich culture, Vietnam fascinates with its communist history, Vietnam War {follow} devastation, and the French culinary influences.

The food in Vietnam is as fascinating and vibrant as its culture, with incredible flavors and tastes. 

Prepare yourself for a delightful culinary experience filled with regional differences in the distinct regions of the country. 

As one of the healthiest cuisines in the world, we hope the Vietnamese food culture conquers your palate as it did ours.

Are you surprised by any of these Vietnamese food facts? Please let us know which ones in the comments below.

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63 Comments on “10 Facts About Vietnamese Food Culture That Will Surprise You”

  1. I just spent a few weeks in Vietnam, I love your post! You really hit the nail on the head with everything. I never did find egg coffee in Saigon though, kind of disappointed about that.

    Reply
    • Awesome to read Emily that this article captured your experience as well. You are right, we had a hard time finding egg coffee in Saigon as well, but it does exist. Perhaps time for another trip? 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  2. I’m a huge fan of Vietnamese food! This list is so comprehensive and there are items on here I haven’t had the opportunity to try. I’ve never heard of chè chuối but I will make it a point to find it when we get to Vietnam!

    Reply
    • So glad you enjoyed the article, Tina.The goal is to showcase the local specialties so that travelers can know about the unique food and try them on their travels. So glad to have inspired you to try chè chuối on your next trip. Do let us know what you think about it!! Cheers.

      Reply
  3. You’ve actually made me want to visit Vietnam one day after reading this article. Everything looked and sounded so tasty. It looked like a wonderful experience. Also, I’m always fascinated in learning about cultural differences from around the world. We do things so differently here in the U.S.

    Reply
    • That’s awesome to hear Tiffany that you are inspired to visit Vietnam. It is indeed a cultural difference as compared to the U.S. The food is also outstanding and something to be savored. So glad you enjoyed the article!! Cheers!

      Reply
  4. How interesting! It’s fun to learn more about the cuisine of different countries–I definitely learned things I never knew before! I live not too far away from Vietnam–down south here in Malaysia, but I haven’t had many opportunities to try Vietnamese food!

    Reply
    • So glad you enjoyed the article Rachel. We are currently in Malaysia and have actually been surprised by the number of Vietnamese restaurants we’ve seen. However, since you are relatively close to Vietnam, a trip to the country for the food is certainly warranted. Thanks for stopping by!!

      Reply
  5. Wow. This post makes me want to grab a snack because that desert soup looksso good. And that ice tea looks so funny with it’s neon color. Also love that most vendors only specialize in one dish. Good to know!!!

    Reply
    • Glad this article is making you hungry…that’s what the food in Vietnam does 🙂 Having vendors specialize really makes for tasty dishes. Hope you can visit Vietnam soon and enjoy all the dessert soups for yourself! Thanks Kelly for stopping by.

      Reply
  6. The food all looks so good and nice to hear it is so cheap. The trash on the floor does bother me though, not sure I could get used to that. Also, not sure about the iced tea. I think I would probably go with bottled water.

    Reply
    • To truly enjoy Vietnam food like a local, means putting aside some of our cultural expectations. The first time seeing the trash on the floor can be offputting, but you realize it’s that bad and someone does come and clean up regularly. You certainly can keep safe with bottled water, though we would recommend taking a GRAYL water bottle instead of using plastic. The point is not to avoid the tea, but to go for the full local experience 🙂

      Reply
  7. I was in Thailand and Cambodia over Christmas, but didn’t have time to make it to Vietnam. That will have to be a whole other trip. The food looks so delicious, my mouth is watering just reading your post!

    Reply
    • Even though you didn’t make it to Vietnam, it’s probably best you save that for a whole other trip. The food across the three different regions is quite interesting and tasty and different from Thai and Cambodian cuisine. Hope you can get to Vietnam and visit for yourself soon. In the interim…stay hungry for more articles about Vietnamese food 🙂

      Reply
  8. Great summary of Vietnamese food, beverages and eating culture! Just to say, I still have at home some coffee my friend brought me from Vietnam. So tasty!

    Reply
  9. Interesting, I did not know about the 3 different regions for food. We eat a ton of Vietnamese food like bun and pho, plus I could live off of the coffee (yum). Good tips when I finally make it over there.

    Reply
    • That’s awesome to read Jen, that you have awesome Vietnamese food near where you live. You really do taste the regional differences in the food as you travel throughout the country. I do hope you make it over soon. You will be blown away by all the food options. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
    • Taking a food tour Leigh is not a bad idea. You do need to keep an open mind and a tour will offer that peace of mind. There are a variety of soups beyond pho that are quite delicious. I bet you could find something you like:) Yes, the dessert soups…plentiful and all kinds to choose from. So glad you enjoyed reading the article!!

      Reply
  10. I am such a fan of Vietnamese food back home as well! I’d definitely eat my way around the entire country 😉 I’m glad it didn’t disappoint. Bookmarking this for the future! I’m drooling now 😉

    Reply
    • That’s awesome that you are a huge Vietnamese foodie as well. We were eager to explore the range in the country and it did not disappoint. What’s your favorite dish that you have been able to find back home? Stay hungry…more Vietnam food articles coming up 🙂

      Reply
    • Thanks so much Millie. So glad you enjoyed reading. Yes, indeed there are vegetarian options. To be honest, we did not seek out local vegetarian specialties, but with all the fresh veggies available, you will not go hungry as a vegetarian in Vietnam. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  11. Hey!
    Vietnam wasn’t immediately on my bucket list but after I read this post I think it changed a bit :).
    The culture itself is so different and I think it’s worth learning from it!

    Reply
  12. Vietnam wasn’t one of the first places on my bucketlist but I read this post and I think that it has moved a bit. The culture in general looks so different I think it’s worth seeing it. You can never learn enough! And about the food: I will definitely try some of those! 🙂

    Reply
  13. I’m looking forward to traveling to Vietnam, particularly for the food! I love that the cheapest and the most delicious places to eat are on the city sidewalks in a casual environment. Great way to interact with locals and immerse yourself in the cultural experience. And I love that people go to dedicated street vendors for one thing – how fun to think of the city as a dedicated buffet! Very different from our culture in Australia 🙂

    Reply
    • Thanks Meg, how is it different in Australia? That’s one place we haven’t been to yet on our quest. Indeed, the best places for delicious food is in on the sidewalks. We did visit the restaurant President Obama and Anthony Bourdain visited, and while it was not on the streets, it was very casual. Reason being…it has the best pho in Hanoi 🙂 Hope you can get to Vietnam soon. You will absolutely love it!

      Reply
  14. What a fabulous and comprehensive post about eating habits and not-to-miss foods in Vietnam. I’m absolutely ravenous now, in need of some pho, cold beer and caphe! Will be bookmarking this for future trips – Vietnam has moved up my list on the strength of the food scene alone. 😉

    Reply
    • That’s awesome to read Claudia. So glad you really enjoyed the article. Absolutely, for anyone interested in food, Vietnam is a “must-visit” destination. We’ll be writing more about the food in the coming weeks. That should help you get prepared for your upcoming trip 🙂 Lot’s to enjoy and discover bia, caphe, pho is only the beginning….:) Thanks so much!!

      Reply
  15. I never know where you two are showing up next! I love this post, as you sure show what dining is like in Vietnam. Now tell me, can you sit in a regular chair. I’m thinking my back would be sore after sitting on those little chairs. Great tip on that it’s common to see garbage tossed on the floor. So… did you purchase the hanging meat while checking out? Interesting on how herbs are used, as I’m thinking that really adds flavor to all the fish, which looks very popular.

    Reply
    • Hi Sara, great to hear from you. Yes, the food culture in Vietnam is indeed quite unique. As they say, do what they do in Rome. The chairs are honestly not that uncomfortable. True it does take some getting used to, but in the end you find a way to get comfortable…without any back problems 🙂 It helps to know in advance about the garbage everywhere. It is important to know that it is not a sign of a dirty restaurant, it is simply the Vietnamese way of eating 🙂 Hope you can get to Vietnam soon. You will love the food 🙂 Appreciate your comments 🙂

      Reply
  16. This was so interesting to read. I’ve had Vietnamese cuisine before, but I can only imagine having the authentic fare in Vietnam. That chè looked amazing. I’ve tried it a few different ways and I loved it with mango.

    Reply
    • That’s awesome Donnica, that you know che. It is truly unique and filled with so many ingredients. We did not see it with mango in Vietnam, but with we did see it offered with local fruits like dragon fruit. It is indeed worth the trip to Vietnam for the food. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
    • Thank you so much, Rachel for your comments about the food photography. It is a work-in-progress and we are tweaking things all the time. Looks like it is paying off 🙂 Soup, beer and other local delights. You will find so much to enjoy in Vietnam!

      Reply
  17. Hi, Claire. Great article! Never knew there was so much information on Vietnamese food! As you said, sometimes is kind of hard to deal with some aspects of local traditions, like all the garbage on the floor, but we just have to think that somethings these are local customs and we should not judge. We have to take it as all part of the traveling experience. 🙂

    Reply
  18. Vietnam has been on my list of next possible destinations for awhile now. I have a habit of eating my way through a country, so would love to try authentic pho full of lots of fresh herbs!

    Reply
    • If Vietnam has been on your list, then absolutely make the point of going for it. The food is incredible. So many unique and diverse flavors that go way beyond pho. The good news is that Vietnamese food is on the healthy end of the spectrum…so you can indeed eat your way through the country. Do let us know if we can give you any tips about the food for your trip. Cheers!

      Reply
  19. I have always loved vietnamese food, but it seems like being there and tasting it is a real authentic experience. MAybe I should get out there this year and experiment with it. Sounds like a really interesting country.

    Reply
    • There is nothing like eating Vietnamese food in Vietnam. It is certainly worth the visit for the experience and the delicious flavors. If you can, do make sure to visit the country. You will absolutely love it!! Thanks Barbara!!

      Reply
    • It’s never too late Lillie. Now that you have the tips, you can always plan another trip back to the Vietnam. Yes, you are right, pho is incredible and so different. Can completely how you were scarfing it down!! Amazing food. Cheers!

      Reply
  20. I’m not a foodie like you guys, but still have heard tons about how amazing the cuisine is in Vietnam- I would love to experience it myself! (especially anything with peanut sauce…)

    Reply
    • For Vietnam, you don’t have to be a foodie by any stretch of imagination. You only have to be open to the new tastes, flavors and ingredients. The food is certainly worth it’s reputation. Hope you can visit Vietnam soon. Thanks so much Tamara.

      Reply
  21. This is one foodie destination that I am just DYING to go to. I think I will do nothing but eat Just go from one meal to the next. I love the fact that there are restaurants that serve only one dish and make it amazing. There are a few places I am discovering in Portland that do that as well.

    Reply
    • For foodies, Vietnam will not disappoint. The food and the local specialties are incredible. So glad to read that the concept of one meal at restaurants is growing in Portland. You can taste the difference in the quality of the food. Thanks so much, Andi.

      Reply
  22. I don’t know how I found your blog but one thing that brought here is the highlight of this post. Vietnamese culinary. I love Vietnam food, and I wish one day I visit the country. Thank you for this amazing information.

    Reply
    • So happy that you found authentic food quest and this article. Vietnam is an incredible country. The people, the landscape and the food…truly magnificent. Glad you enjoyed the article and hope you make it to Vietnam soon. Thanks for stopping by!!

      Reply
    • That’s a great question Scott. Funny, you should ask about standing. No one really did it and it’s practically difficult to eat a hot steaming bowl of soup for example standing up. You actually get used to the little stools…not the most comfortable, but the delicious flavors draw you in 🙂 Are you planning a trip to Vietnam soon?

      Reply
  23. I am so excited to go to Vietnam. It has been on my list of places to travel for quite some time now. I hope to go in the next year or so. I absolutely love Vietnamese food, and can’t wait to try out all their street foods. Thanks for the wonderful article.

    Reply

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