Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is one of the freshest and most vibrant in the world, built on a delicate balance of herbs, aromatics, fish sauce and contrasting textures, and famously light and healthy. Its star is pho, the fragrant noodle soup eaten for breakfast, alongside the crusty French-influenced banh mi baguette, fresh rice-paper rolls, and grilled meats over noodles, all washed down with the rich, strong, sweet local coffee.

What you actually see

• Pho - the fragrant beef or chicken noodle soup.
• Banh mi - the crisp baguette sandwich of French-Vietnamese fusion.
• Fresh rolls and herbs - the rice-paper rolls and abundant fresh herbs.
• Vietnamese coffee - the strong drip coffee, iced with condensed milk or egg.

When to go

Year-round; pho is traditionally a breakfast dish, and the best food is often at humble street stalls and markets, busiest and freshest in the morning and evening. Northern and southern styles differ, so specialities reward seeking out.

Honest expectations

The best and cheapest food is at street stalls, generally safe from busy, high-turnover spots, though choose freshly cooked dishes and be a little cautious with tap water and ice at the roughest stalls. Flavours differ north to south. It is a highlight of any visit, and a street-food tour is a great introduction.

Nearby

Hanoi is famed for pho and northern cuisine; Hue for imperial food, the south for sweeter, herb-rich dishes.