Embark on a culinary adventure in Southern Vietnam, where the cuisine is as dynamic and diverse as the region itself. This area is renowned for its must-try foods, offering a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect its fertile landscapes and multicultural influences. Delight in the sweetness of fresh coconut milk in dishes like banh xeo, savor the tangy notes of bun thit nuong, and indulge in the vibrant array of street foods found in bustling markets. Southern Vietnam's culinary scene promises a journey through taste, blending traditional techniques with local ingredients to create unforgettable dining experiences.

10 Must-try Foods of Southern Vietnam's Culinary

1. Southern Pho

The history of pho began in Nam Dinh province in northern Vietnam around the late 1880s. Northern Vietnamese chefs utilized beef parts and bones unwanted by the French cuisine, creating what we now know as northern pho.

In 1954, with the division of the country into North and South Vietnam, pho traveled south together with the people. Chefs in Southern Vietnam enriched the dish with additional ingredients and their unique taste, giving rise to southern pho. Today, pho continues to captivate palates worldwide, steadily conquering the hearts of many.

Southern Pho - © Gather

For those unfamiliar with pho, this must-try food varies significantly across Vietnam's regions. In northern Vietnam, pho is typically made with flat noodles and features a clear, simple broth that highlights its subtle flavors. Northern pho is often accompanied by bagel twists, chili sauce, pickled garlic, and spring onion.

In contrast, southern pho from southern Vietnam uses slightly thicker noodles and presents a sweeter, bolder broth. When served, southern pho includes mung bean sprouts, herbs, and chili and hoisin sauces, offering a richer and more complex taste experience. Each regional variation reflects the unique culinary traditions and preferences of its locale.

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2. Banh Mi

Travel to Vietnam without having at least a banh mi then you have missed big time to the most favorite street food in Vietnam and the 6th most delicious street food in the world ranked my TasteAtlas - an international cuisine atlas.

Banh Mi - © Gather

In Vietnamese, "bánh mì" means both "bread" and "sandwich," highlighting its core ingredient—a baguette. Introduced to Vietnam by the French during their colonization of Southeast Asia, banh mi began simply as a roll with a smearing of pâté or some slices of meat, seasoned with salt and pepper.

Over time, banh mi evolved to become a staple, accessible to all Vietnamese. A culinary adventure in itself, the most famous style is banh mi Saigon (Saigon-style banh mi) from southern Vietnam. This must-try food is stuffed with a variety of vegetables, multiple proteins including slices of cold cuts, and enhanced with sauces like hot sauce and mayo, along with pickles, creating a rich and satisfying sandwich.

3. Bun Thit Nuong

Bun thit nuong is a delightful variation of the northern dish bun cha, offering a unique culinary adventure for those exploring southern Vietnam. The most notable difference is in the serving style: while northern bun cha involves dipping rice vermicelli into fish sauce, southern bun thit nuong has the fish sauce poured directly over the dish.

Bun Thit Nuong - © Gather

This must-try food consists of grilled marinated pork chops served with thin rice vermicelli over a bed of fresh mixed vegetables, all enhanced with a well-mixed fish sauce. Classified as a Vietnamese noodle dish, bun thit nuong is enjoyed year-round. Its lightness and elegant flavors make it perfect for the tropical climate characterized by high humidity and heat.

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4. Hu Tieu Nam Vang

Hu Tieu is a culinary adventure synonymous with the vibrant street food scene of southern Vietnam. Originating from Nam Vang and renowned as one of the must-try foods of the region, this Vietnamese noodle dish bears resemblance to its counterparts such as 'kuy teav' in Cambodia and 'guay tiew' in Thailand.

Hu Tieu Nam Vang - © VnExpress

Hu Tieu features chewy rice noodles bathed in a flavorful broth crafted from pork bones, a hallmark of its authenticity. Whether enjoyed wet with broth generously poured over or dry with the broth served alongside, each bowl promises a symphony of flavors and textures.

In its traditional form, the broth is infused with finely minced meat and pork heart, offering a rich and hearty base. Toppings like bean sprouts, chives, and minced pork heart further elevate the dish, though variations with seafood like shrimp or crab are also popular. A quintessential taste of Vietnamese cuisine, Hu Tieu embodies the soul of street food culture in the bustling streets of southern Vietnam.

5. Goi Cuon

Embodying the essence of Vietnamese cuisine, Goi Cuon stands as a must-try delicacy, inviting travelers to indulge in the fresh and vibrant flavors of southern Vietnam. This dish, like its fried counterpart, spring rolls, provides a delightful contrast with its semi-transparent rice paper skin encasing a filling of greens, coriander, and minced meat.

Unlike traditional spring rolls, goi cuon is eaten fresh, providing a burst of flavor with each bite. To make the outer layer, soften rice paper sheets with water and then wrap them delicately around the vibrant ingredients.

Goi Cuon - © Gather

Goi Cuon, which is widely available in Vietnamese food markets, is frequently made with pork tenderloin and shelled shrimp as the main ingredients. However, in the innovative kitchens of the Mekong Delta, locals instill creativity by incorporating unusual ingredients such as green bananas and star fruits alongside traditional vegetables.

A dipping sauce, typically a tangy blend of fish sauce, crushed garlic, chili, and lemon juice, rounds out the dish and adds a unique flavor profile. For those who dislike fish sauce, a rich peanut sauce makes an excellent substitute.

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6. Com tam

Originally a staple among impoverished farmers and laborers in the Mekong Delta, Com Tam has evolved into a culinary gem of southern Vietnam, particularly in Saigon. Born out of necessity during lean harvests, this dish ingeniously utilizes broken rice, often overlooked or discarded, to create a satisfying meal that sustains for longer periods.

Com Tam - © VnExpress

Despite its humble origins, Com Tam undergoes a transformation into a decadent delight and becomes one of the most delicious street food in Vietnam. At the heart of this dish lies the luscious and aromatic fish sauce, a perfect complement to the tender broken rice, succulent grilled pork (Com Tam Suon), and crispy shredded pork skin.

While once a meal of necessity, Com Tam has gained widespread recognition as a must-try culinary experience, eagerly shared by travel bloggers exploring Saigon's vibrant food scene.

7. Cao Lau

Cao Lau, a culinary treasure unique to Hoi An, offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience. Paying homage to the rich history of this coastal trading port, Cao Lau is a harmonious fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese culinary influences.

At its heart lies a tantalizing bowl of noodles, known as Cao Lau noodles, which boast a texture akin to Japanese udon, yet distinct in their own right.

Cao Lau - © Gather

Adorning these noodles are slices of succulent Chinese barbecued pork, delicately arranged to create an enticing visual display. The noodles are then bathed in a broth infused with an array of spices, lending a depth of flavor that tantalizes the senses.

To complete this culinary masterpiece, fresh herbs and crushed pork cracklings are generously sprinkled atop, adding both texture and freshness to every bite. Legend has it that authentic Cao Lau is crafted using water from the ancient Ba Le well in Hoi An, rumored to possess mystical properties.

8. Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo, a culinary gem from the Mekong Delta, has become a popular dish throughout southern and central Vietnam. Witnessing the creation of this crispy crepe is a sensory delight—an audio-visual experience that engages the senses. As the batter crackles loudly when it hits the hot pan (xèo means "sizzling"), skilled Banh Xeo makers swirl the pan to create a masterpiece.

Banh Xeo - © VnExpress

​The edges gradually curl and turn golden as the dense batter, made traditionally from rice flour and coconut milk with a hint of turmeric for its distinctive yellow color, spreads evenly. Inspired by French cuisine, this savory pancake is filled with a delectable blend of boiled pork, minced pork, bean sprouts, and shrimp before being delicately folded like a crepe. Embark on a culinary adventure in southern Vietnam and savor the must-try delicacy that is Banh Xeo.​

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9. Bun Bo Hue

​Bun Bo Hue, a beloved dish hailing from the city of Hue, is a must-try for any culinary adventure through southern Vietnam. This flavorful bowl boasts a tantalizing array of ingredients, including pork leg meat, boiled pork hock, and a distinctive crab or beef sausage renowned for its spiciness. The broth, central to the essence of Bun Bo Hue, is infused with a touch of shrimp paste, lending it a uniquely bold flavor.

Bun Bo Hue - © FullofPlants

After simmering beef bones to perfection, fine ground pork or crab sausage is often added for an extra layer of depth. Thinly sliced beef, dipped in the boiling broth for a rare touch, further elevates the dish.

Chili powder and spices add a kick to the bowl of Bun, which is enjoyed alongside an assortment of fresh vegetables such as bean sprouts, herbs, lettuce, baby mustard greens, and finely chopped banana flowers. Delight your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of Bun Bo Hue, an iconic dish that captures the essence of Hue's culinary heritage.

10. My Quang

My Quang, also known as Quang-style Noodles, stands out among the 12 Vietnamese dishes celebrated for their culinary excellence across Asia, making it a must-try on any culinary adventure through southern Vietnam. This delectable bowl comprises rice noodles adorned with an array of proteins including chicken, pork, fish, shrimp, and eggs, accompanied by an assortment of fresh vegetables.

Crafted from finely ground rice flour infused with water from dành dành seeds and eggs, the noodles boast a vibrant yellow hue. Beneath the noodles lie a medley of raw vegetables, essential for creating a complex flavor profile, including basil, lettuce, mustard greens, radish, water spinach, coriander, mint, scallions, and sliced banana flowers.

My Quang - © Mia.vn

Atop the noodles, a rich assortment of meats such as pork, shrimp, chicken, frog, and snakehead fish, along with boiled eggs if desired, is generously piled. A simmering broth, brewed from pork bones, bathes the ingredients in savory goodness.

To finish, crushed and roasted peanuts, green onions, aromatic herbs, and red chili are added for a burst of flavor and texture. Indulge in the culinary delight that is My Quang, a dish that encapsulates the rich culinary heritage of southern Vietnam.

Conclusion

Vietnamese cuisine is more than just Pho and Banh Mi - it's a symphony of vibrant flavors and textures. The Vietnamese adore their food, and cooks make the most of each region's abundant produce and unique ingredients to create their dishes. If you are a Vietnamese's cuisine enthusiast, explore our best Vietnamese packages and many special offers to make your Vietnam adventure come true with Asia Online Tours. ​