25 Tasty Vietnamese Recipes You Can Make at Home
Vietnamese cuisine is a delightful mix of fresh herbs, bold flavors, and bright, vibrant ingredients.
These dishes come alive with the combination of fish sauce, lime, chilies, and sweet-savory flavors, creating meals that are both exciting and refreshing.
Whether it’s a bowl of pho that warms you from the inside out or a crispy banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake) bursting with flavors, these 25 Vietnamese recipes will transport you to the bustling streets of Vietnam.
With every bite, you’ll discover how these aromatic dishes can bring a new level of excitement to your cooking.
Delicious Vietnamese Recipes to Try
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh flavors, aromatic herbs, and vibrant dishes.
From fragrant pho to crispy spring rolls, these delicious recipes will bring the bold, unique tastes of Vietnam to your kitchen!
Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Pho, a classic Vietnamese noodle soup, has a rich, aromatic broth made by simmering beef bones, spices, and herbs for hours.
The depth of flavor is remarkable, with ingredients like cinnamon, star anise, and ginger enhancing the savory base.
The soup is served with rice noodles and tender slices of beef, then garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime.
Customizable with hoisin or sriracha sauce, pho is a comforting and satisfying dish that works as a hearty meal or a flavorful snack.
The fragrant broth and diverse toppings make each bite a delight.
A bowl of pho is not just food but an experience of Vietnamese tradition.
Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)
Banh mi blends French and Vietnamese culinary influences to create a delicious sandwich.
A crispy baguette holds a flavorful mix of savory meats, like pork belly or chicken, combined with fresh vegetables.
Pickled carrots, daikon radish, and cucumber bring a tangy crunch, while cilantro adds a burst of freshness.
The sandwich is finished with a touch of soy sauce or Maggi seasoning, delivering the perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Quick and portable, banh mi makes a satisfying meal any time of day.
The contrasting textures and flavors create a vibrant fusion that stands out in street food culture.
Goi Cuon (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)
Goi Cuon, or Vietnamese spring rolls, offer a light and refreshing snack packed with flavors.
Rice paper wraps a mixture of shrimp, pork, rice noodles, and fresh vegetables, resulting in a healthy and satisfying treat.
The rolls are easy to prepare, and their soft texture is complemented by a zesty peanut dipping sauce.
Often served cold, they’re a great choice for a light lunch or appetizer.
Goi Cuon is versatile and can be customized with different proteins or fillings.
This dish reflects the simplicity and elegance of Vietnamese cuisine while offering a fresh burst of taste.
Bun Cha (Grilled Pork and Noodles)
Bun cha, a grilled pork and noodle dish from Hanoi, features savory grilled pork patties and pork belly served with rice noodles.
The pork is marinated with fish sauce, sugar, and spices before grilling, giving it a smoky, rich flavor.
The essential dipping sauce, made from fish sauce, lime, sugar, and garlic, adds a sweet, tangy element to the dish.
Bun cha is often served with fresh herbs, lettuce, and pickled vegetables, adding crunch and freshness.
The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish both refreshing and hearty.
It’s an ideal meal on a warm day, offering a balance of savory, sweet, and sour.
Cao Lau (Hoi An Noodle Dish)
Cao Lau is a distinctive noodle dish from Hoi An, known for its thick rice noodles and flavorful pork.
The noodles are briefly blanched in water, giving them a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the tender marinated pork.
The dish is garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy rice crackers, offering a variety of textures and flavors.
The mix of soy sauce, spices, and herbs gives the dish a unique depth of flavor.
Cao Lau is a must-try for those seeking an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine.
With its combination of savory pork and chewy noodles, it’s a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Com Tam (Broken Rice)
Com Tam, or broken rice, has a distinctive texture that makes it a popular choice in Vietnamese cuisine.
The rice is slightly firmer than regular rice, giving it a satisfying bite.
Often served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and pickled vegetables, this dish is both flavorful and hearty.
Com Tam is commonly topped with scallion oil and served with a side of fish sauce for added depth.
This simple yet flavorful meal captures the essence of Vietnamese comfort food.
The combination of textures and the umami-packed fish sauce create a delicious balance in every bite.
Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Bun Bo Hue is a spicy noodle soup from the city of Hue, featuring a flavorful broth made from beef bones, lemongrass, and chili oil.
The soup is served with rice vermicelli noodles, tender slices of beef, and sometimes pork, along with cubes of congealed pig blood for an authentic touch.
A key ingredient in the dish is the spicy sate sauce, which brings a rich heat to the broth.
The soup is garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime, adding a burst of freshness to the spicy broth.
Bun Bo Hue is both bold and flavorful, perfect for those who enjoy a spicy, aromatic soup.
Cha Ca La Vong (Grilled Fish with Dill)
Cha Ca La Vong, a famous fish dish from Hanoi, features white fish marinated with turmeric and fish sauce, then fried with dill and green onions.
The fish is cooked to golden perfection and served with vermicelli noodles, creating a light yet flavorful meal.
The dish’s distinct flavor comes from the aromatic dill and turmeric, paired with the tender fish.
A tangy dipping sauce made from fish sauce complements the dish perfectly.
Cha Ca La Vong is a unique Vietnamese experience, ideal for anyone looking to try something new.
The fresh herbs and aromatic spices make it a flavorful choice for a special meal.
Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)
Banh Xeo are crispy Vietnamese pancakes filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.
The batter, made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, creates a golden, crispy texture that is both light and satisfying.
After cooking the pancake in a hot pan, it is folded in half to hold all the delicious fillings.
Enjoying Banh Xeo involves wrapping pieces of the pancake in lettuce leaves, then dipping it into a tangy nuoc cham sauce.
This dish is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy the textures of crispy and fresh elements.
With its crispy exterior and savory filling, Banh Xeo is a beloved Vietnamese treat.
Nem Ran (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)
Nem Ran, or crispy spring rolls, are a popular Vietnamese snack filled with a mixture of pork, vegetables, and noodles.
The filling is wrapped in rice paper, then deep-fried until golden and crispy.
The contrast between the crunchy exterior and flavorful filling makes each bite irresistible.
These rolls are often served with a side of nuoc cham dipping sauce, which adds a sweet and tangy balance.
Nem Ran is perfect as an appetizer or a snack to share with friends.
The combination of textures and flavors makes it a satisfying dish enjoyed by many.
Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)
Banh Cuon, steamed rice rolls, are delicate and soft, filled with savory pork and mushroom.
The rice flour batter is steamed into thin sheets, which are then carefully filled and rolled.
Served with fresh herbs, cucumber slices, and crispy fried shallots, Banh Cuon offers a light yet satisfying dish.
The rolls are often dipped in a flavorful fish sauce, adding a balance of salty and savory flavors.
This dish is a classic Vietnamese appetizer, offering a fresh and light alternative to heavier meals.
The subtle flavors and soft texture make it a favorite in Vietnamese cuisine.
Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli)
Bun Thit Nuong, a grilled pork and vermicelli noodle dish, combines the flavors of marinated grilled pork with soft rice noodles.
The pork is grilled until charred and smoky, then served on top of a bed of noodles with fresh herbs, lettuce, and pickled vegetables.
The dish is often topped with crispy spring rolls, adding extra texture and flavor.
A drizzle of nuoc cham sauce ties all the ingredients together, enhancing the dish with a tangy kick.
Bun Thit Nuong is a refreshing and satisfying meal, perfect for hot days when you need something light yet filling.
The combination of savory pork and fresh vegetables makes it a popular choice in Vietnamese cuisine.
Ca Kho To (Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot)
Ca Kho To, a caramelized fish dish, features tender catfish braised in a rich sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and water.
The caramelized sauce gives the fish a glossy, flavorful coating that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
The fish is cooked in a clay pot, allowing it to absorb all the flavors of the sauce as it simmers.
The result is tender, flaky fish with a delicious caramelized exterior.
Ca Kho To is often served with steamed rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
This dish is a classic Vietnamese comfort food that brings rich, deep flavors to the table.
Mi Quang (Quang Noodles)
Mi Quang is a vibrant noodle dish from central Vietnam, characterized by its wide, yellow rice noodles and flavorful broth.
The dish is typically topped with a choice of protein, such as pork, shrimp, or chicken, and garnished with fresh herbs and vegetables.
Crushed peanuts and sesame crackers provide crunch, adding texture to the dish.
The noodles are briefly cooked and combined with a small amount of broth, allowing the flavors to shine through.
Mi Quang is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout in Vietnamese cuisine.
Xoi Xeo (Sticky Rice with Mung Beans)
Xoi Xeo is a beloved Vietnamese sticky rice dish that combines soft, fragrant rice with a layer of mung beans.
The sticky rice is cooked to perfection, then topped with mashed mung beans for a creamy, savory contrast.
Fried shallots are sprinkled on top, adding a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
Some recipes include coconut milk, which gives the dish an extra richness.
Xoi Xeo is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack, making it a versatile and comforting dish.
Its simplicity and satisfying textures make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Bo Luc Lac (Shaking Beef)
Bo Luc Lac, or shaking beef, features tender beef cubes that are marinated in a mixture of garlic, soy sauce, and sugar before being quickly seared in a hot pan.
The beef is shaken in the pan as it cooks, which is how the dish got its name.
The result is a caramelized, savory crust on the outside, with a tender, juicy interior.
Typically served over lettuce, watercress, and sliced tomatoes, Bo Luc Lac is a refreshing yet hearty dish.
A lime-salt-pepper dipping sauce adds a tangy kick that complements the rich beef perfectly.
This dish is a delicious and satisfying option for anyone craving bold, savory flavors.
Che (Vietnamese Sweet Soup)
Che is a refreshing Vietnamese dessert soup that comes in many varieties, each with its own unique combination of ingredients.
Che Thai, a fruit cocktail with coconut milk, is colorful and sweet, while Che Chuoi features bananas and tapioca pearls in a creamy coconut sauce.
Other versions, like Che Ba Mau, showcase layers of beans, jelly, and coconut milk for a beautiful, multi-textured dessert.
Che is often served chilled, making it a perfect treat for hot weather.
Whether you prefer a fruity or creamy version, Che offers a cool, satisfying end to a meal.
This dessert is popular throughout Vietnam, especially in the summer months.
Canh Chua (Vietnamese Sour Soup)
Canh Chua is a flavorful Vietnamese sour soup made with fish, pineapple, and tamarind.
The soup has a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, with the tamarind providing the signature tanginess.
Fish such as catfish is commonly used, though shrimp or pork are also good alternatives.
Fresh herbs and vegetables like tomatoes and okra add depth and freshness to the broth.
Canh Chua is often served with steamed rice, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
This soup is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving something light or hearty.
Nem Nuong (Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers)
Nem Nuong is a popular Vietnamese grilled pork sausage that’s often served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a flavorful dipping sauce.
The pork is mixed with garlic, shallots, fish sauce, and spices before being shaped into small patties or meatballs.
These are then grilled until cooked through and slightly charred.
The sausages are paired with noodles, vegetables, and a tangy nuoc cham sauce, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.
Nem Nuong is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, protein-packed dish.
This dish is often found at Vietnamese street food stalls, where it’s served fresh and hot.
Goi Ngo Sen (Lotus Stem Salad)
Goi Ngo Sen is a refreshing Vietnamese salad made with lotus root, shrimp, and pork.
The lotus root is thinly sliced and pickled, giving it a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the savory pork and shrimp.
The salad is tossed with fresh herbs and topped with chopped peanuts for added crunch.
The nuoc cham dipping sauce ties the dish together, adding a sweet, salty, and tangy element.
Goi Ngo Sen is a light, healthy dish that’s perfect for warm days.
Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish in Vietnamese cuisine.
Goi Du Du (Green Papaya Salad)
Goi Du Du is a crisp and refreshing green papaya salad that’s perfect for warm weather.
The papaya is shredded into thin strips, then mixed with fresh herbs like Thai basil and mint.
Often, the salad includes dried beef jerky for extra flavor and protein.
The dressing is made with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, creating a tangy and flavorful base.
Goi Du Du is quick to prepare and offers a balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
It’s a great appetizer or side dish to complement a Vietnamese meal.
Banh Bao (Steamed Pork Bun)
Banh Bao is a soft, steamed pork bun filled with savory ground pork, mushrooms, and onions.
The dough is fluffy and light, while the filling is rich and flavorful.
These buns are easy to make at home, though they’re also a popular street food.
Banh Bao is perfect as a snack or light meal, especially when paired with a side of pickled vegetables.
You can also customize the filling with ingredients like quail eggs or Chinese sausage.
This dish is a comforting and satisfying treat that captures the essence of Vietnamese street food.
Hu Tieu (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Hu Tieu is a Vietnamese noodle soup that’s both light and satisfying.
The savory pork and seafood broth is the perfect base for the rice noodles, which are typically served with pork, shrimp, and herbs.
The soup is often garnished with crispy fried shallots, bean sprouts, and lime, adding texture and freshness.
Hu Tieu can also be served "dry," where the broth is served on the side.
This dish is both flavorful and comforting, ideal for any time of day.
Its combination of ingredients makes it a balanced and delicious meal.
Banh It Tran (Sticky Rice Cake)
Banh It Tran is a savory sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and onions.
The dough is made from glutinous rice flour and shaped into small dumplings before being wrapped around the filling.
The dumplings are boiled and served warm, often with a drizzle of onion oil for added flavor.
Banh It Tran is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s popular as a snack or light meal.
The combination of chewy rice and smooth mung bean filling makes each bite delicious.
This dish captures the essence of Vietnamese street food, offering both texture and taste.
Banh Beo (Steamed Rice Cakes)
Banh Beo is a delicate Vietnamese dish of steamed rice cakes topped with various savory ingredients.
The cakes are made from rice flour and steamed until soft, then garnished with dried shrimp, scallion oil, and mung bean paste.
The dish is often served with a tangy dipping sauce made from fish sauce, garlic, and lime juice, which adds a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Banh Beo is light yet flavorful, making it a great appetizer or snack.
The combination of soft rice cakes and crispy toppings creates a satisfying contrast in textures.
This dish is a beloved part of Vietnamese cuisine.