A Culinary Journey: Discovering the Best Vietnamese Food Across Vietnam

Exploring Hanoi’s Culinary Scene

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, where the culinary adventure begins. Hanoi is well-known for its vibrant street food culture and traditional Vietnamese dishes that reflect the rich history and culture of the city.

Morning: Pho for Breakfast

Start your day with a bowl of Pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup. Pho is typically made with either beef (Pho bo) or chicken (Pho ga), served with fresh herbs, lime, and chili. Some of the best spots to enjoy Pho in Hanoi include Pho Thin and Pho Gia Truyen.

Midday: Bun Cha for Lunch

For lunch, make your way to a local Bun Cha stall. Bun Cha is a dish consisting of grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. It’s a flavor explosion that you simply can’t miss. Try this local favorite at Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously visited by former US President Barack Obama.

Afternoon: Egg Coffee at a Local Café

In the afternoon, take a break and head to a café to try Vietnam’s unique Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung). This delightful concoction is made with strong Vietnamese coffee topped with a creamy, frothy mixture of egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. Popular spots to enjoy egg coffee include Café Giảng and Cafe Dinh.

Evening: Street Food Adventure

As the evening sets in, embark on a street food adventure in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Wander through the bustling streets and try a variety of dishes, including Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), Nem Ran (spring rolls), and Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes). Don’t miss out on the local favorite, Balut (fertilized duck egg) for the brave-hearted.

Night: Night Market Exploration

Cap off your first day in Vietnam by exploring one of Hanoi’s night markets, such as the Weekend Night Market located in the Old Quarter. Here, you’ll find a plethora of food stalls offering everything from grilled meats to exotic fruit desserts. It’s the perfect way to end your culinary day in Hanoi.

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Savouring Hue’s Imperial Cuisine

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, offers a distinct and sophisticated culinary scene characterized by its royal heritage. Prepare yourself for a day filled with flavors unique to Central Vietnam.

Morning: Bun Bo Hue for Breakfast

Start your day with a bowl of Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup that’s one of Hue’s most famous dishes. The broth is rich and aromatic, made with beef bones, lemongrass, and spices. Some top places to try Bun Bo Hue in Hue include the popular local spots, often found at the Dong Ba Market.

Midday: Nem Lui and Banh Khoai for Lunch

For lunch, indulge in Nem Lui, lemongrass pork skewers served with rice paper and fresh herbs, and Banh Khoai, a crispy rice flour pancake similar to Banh Xeo but smaller and thicker. Try these delights at Hanh Restaurant, a well-known spot for Hue cuisine.

Afternoon: Che at a Local Dessert Stall

In the afternoon, cool down with a serving of Che, a traditional Vietnamese sweet soup. Che comes in various flavors and ingredients, including beans, fruits, and jellies, often topped with coconut cream. You can find excellent Che stalls around the city.

Evening: Imperial Feast

For dinner, treat yourself to an Imperial Feast at one of Hue’s traditional restaurants, where you can experience the sophisticated and artfully presented dishes that were once served to the Nguyen emperors. The multi-course meal usually includes a variety of dishes showcasing the delicate flavors and intricate presentation of Hue’s royal cuisine. Recommended restaurants include Ancient Hue Garden Houses.

Night: Night Market Exploration

End your day with a stroll through Hue’s night market, where you can sample more local delicacies and shop for souvenirs. The markets are a great place to try a variety of street foods, including grilled skewers, crispy rice crackers, and unique desserts while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

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Savoring the Flavors of Hoi An

The ancient town of Hoi An is not only known for its charming lantern-lit streets but also for its distinctive cuisine that blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Today, we will explore the unique flavors Hoi An has to offer.

Morning: Cao Lau for Breakfast

Start your day with a bowl of Cao Lau, Hoi An’s signature noodle dish. Made with thick noodles, juicy pork slices, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons, Cao Lau is unlike any other noodle soup in Vietnam. The noodles are traditionally cooked with water from the ancient Ba Le well, giving them a unique texture and flavor. Enjoy it at local favorites like Cao Lau Ba Le.

Midday: Banh Bao Vac for Lunch

For lunch, try Banh Bao Vac, also known as White Rose Dumplings. These delicate dumplings are made of translucent rice paper filled with spiced shrimp and topped with crispy shallots. Dip them in a tangy fish sauce for a burst of flavor. You can find this delicious dish at White Rose Restaurant.

Afternoon: Vietnamese Coffee at a Riverside Café

In the afternoon, take a relaxing break at a riverside café and enjoy a cup of Vietnamese Coffee. Hoi An is home to numerous quaint coffee shops where you can enjoy both traditional Vietnamese drip coffee and contemporary varieties. Check out Faifo Coffee for not just great coffee but also stunning rooftop views of the ancient town.

Evening: Banh Xeo and Thit Nuong for Dinner

For dinner, feast on Banh Xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes) and Thit Nuong (grilled pork). Both dishes are typically served with fresh herbs and rice paper for wrapping, accompanied by a flavorful dipping sauce. One of the best places to try these dishes is Bale Well, where you can experience authentic Hoi An flavors.

Night: Lantern Lit Night Market

Cap off your day with a visit to Hoi An’s famous Night Market on Nguyen Hoang Street. The market features a plethora of street food stalls, offering everything from fresh spring rolls to sweet desserts. The sight of colorful lanterns illuminating the streets makes it a magical ending to your culinary journey in Hoi An.