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We are pretty sure that you have heard a lot about Phở - the most famous Vietnamese noodles cuisine with flavorful and refreshing broth. It is undoubtedly delectable, but do you know that Vietnam has more than that? Across the country from the North to the South, Vietnamese people have different local ingredients and food preferences which have created variations of noodle dishes and left an unforgettable impression on foreigners on their trip to Vietnam.

If you are a first-time traveler to Vietnam, make sure to check out all the dishes in the list below to experience Vietnam to the fullest!

1. Phở

Chewy rice noodles, flavorful beef or chicken broth, thin beef slices, fresh herbs such as mints, green onions, bean sprouts, etc on top, Phở is truly one of the most delicate bowls coming from hours of preparation and cooking. Tasting the broth with a bit of lime juice, eaters often get shocked by how rich spices like star anise, cinamon, and cloves and the tanginess of limes can complement the dish in a perfect way.

A bowl of Pho with mints, green onions, bean sprouts (Source: Collected)

Most Vietnamese people love to dip bánh quẩy (fried dough stick) into this hot soup as well. They say it is an irreplaceable combination because bánh quẩy is airy and crispy and it can absorb the rich broth well, the feeling is almost like all flavors come outburst in your mouth. Next time, when you try Phở, you can order bánh quẩy separately and see whether it can capture your heart!

2. Crab Noodle Soup (Bún Riêu Cua)

Bún Riêu Cua is another Vietnamese noodle soup that has its roots in the Northern region and is now a popular dish in the Central and Southern Regions of Vietnam with some differences in broth and fillings.

The broth is the main character of noodle dishes, and Bún Riêu Cua is no exception. In a pot, shallots are sauteed until they fragrance and turn golden brown color, locals put flavorful meat or vegetable stock and add in tomatoes, and condiments such as shrimp paste and fish sauce to their liking.

Crab noodle soup is a noodle dish loved by both the North and the South (Source: Collected)

Bún Riêu Cua is often eaten with fried tofu, fried onions sprinkled on top and especially what makes the name of this dish - Riêu (Crab meatballs) consisting of minced pork, shrimp or prawn, and crab. 

Vietnamese people can eat Bún Riêu Cua at any time of the day as it is scrumptious, nutritious, and easy to make at home.

3. Grilled Pork Meatballs with Vermicelli noodles (Bún Chả)

In recent years, Bún Chả has always ranked number one the most loved dish among Koreans when they travel to Vietnam and even enjoy it in their home country. Are there any reasons for this flattering?

Bun Cha Ra Boom - A popular Vietnamese restaurant in Seoul, South Korea (Source: Collected)

The dish is often served with vermicelli noodles, crunchy unripe papaya, fresh herbs like mint and coriander, and a flavorful dipping sauce, known as nước chấm. Furthermore, the traditional Bún Chả has to feature marinated pork belly and meatballs grilled on charcoal, really adding a smokiness and crunchy texture to the meat. 

People love the moment when dipping noodles into a hot fish sauce, accompanied by a bit of meat and herbs, everything gathers together in a perfect bite. You can easily fall in love with Bún Chả from any corner of Vietnam from fine-dining restaurants to small street vendors as it is a big part of Vietnamese culture.

4. Hue Beef Noodles Soup (Bún Bò Huế)

Originating from Hue, a city in Central Vietnam, formerly the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, is renowned for its distinctive cuisine passed down from the royal families. This noodle soup may remind you of Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup but there are a few differences. 

Bún bò Huế features a broth made from pork and beef bones (not stewed beef like in that Taiwanese dish), vermicelli noodles, lemongrass, shrimp paste, lime juice, and an assortment of herbs. This spicy soup boasts a rich and complex flavor. 

A complete bowl of Bun Bo Hue that can capture your heart (Source: Collected)

While Phở represents the culinary charm of Northern Vietnam, the Central region boasts its signature dish - the renowned Bún Bò Huế. This Vietnamese noodle delicacy stands as a testament to the quintessence of the Central region's cuisine. 

5. Quang-style noodles (Mì Quảng)

Mì Quảng appears as a distinctive cuisine from Quang Nam province, Vietnam with yellow noodles and bánh đa (dry rice paper) dipped in a small amount of sauce. This dish features rice noodles, a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs, and a modest portion of pork, chicken, or shrimp broth. The unique characteristic lies in the minimal amount of broth which has a mild and umami flavor, just enough for dipping the noodles and creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Yellow noodles and bánh đa (dry rice paper) dipped in a small amount of sauce (Source: Collected)

Foreigners who have a chance to visit this part of Vietnam should try eating Mì Quảng at the street vendors near rivers in Hoi An Old Town, full of memorable experiences that will make you go back to Vietnam.

The list will never stop at 5 as noodles play a crucial role in Vietnamese cuisine, you can see them everywhere from the North to the South such as Cao Lau (Hoi An), Bún Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork With Rice Noodles), etc. So what are you waiting for? Travel to Vietnam and enjoy authentic Vietnamese food here!