Explore Vietnamese Food, Cuisine, and Drink Culture
Discover a world of fresh flavours and unforgettable dishes
Vietnamese cuisine is famous around the world for its fresh ingredients, balanced flavours, and incredible variety. From colourful street food to traditional family meals, food plays an important role in Vietnamese culture.
For teachers living in Vietnam, exploring local food is one of the easiest ways to experience everyday life. Every city offers new dishes, regional specialities, and opportunities to connect with local communities.
COFFEE CULTURE
Vietnam is one of the world's largest coffee producers
Vietnam is famous for its coffee production, especially robusta beans, which are used in many traditional Vietnamese coffee drinks.
FOOD TRADITION
Fresh herbs are essential in Vietnamese cuisine
Many Vietnamese dishes include fresh herbs such as mint, coriander and basil, creating the fresh flavours the cuisine is known for.
FOOD TRADITION
Fish sauce is a key ingredient in Vietnamese cooking
Known as nước mắm, fish sauce adds a rich savoury flavour to many Vietnamese dishes and has been an important part of the cuisine for generations.
TRADITIONAL DRINKS
Sugar cane juice is a popular street drink
Freshly pressed sugar cane juice is a refreshing favourite in Vietnam, often enjoyed with a squeeze of lime on warm days.
Vietnam's famous dishes
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and perfect balance of textures. Influenced by history, geography, and local traditions, each dish tells a story about Vietnam’s culture and way of life. From comforting noodle soups to fresh and colourful street foods, Vietnamese food offers a delicious journey through the country’s diverse regions.
Fresh spring rolls
Known locally as goi cuon, these light and fresh rolls combine vegetables, herbs, noodles and seafood or meat.
Bun cha
A Hanoi speciality featuring grilled pork, noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce.
Pho
Vietnam's most famous dish, pho is a noodle soup made with fragrant broth, herbs, noodles, and meat. Each region has its own style and flavours.
Banh mi
A Vietnamese sandwich combining French influence with local ingredients such as fresh vegetables, herbs, and different fillings.
Experience Vietnam's street food culture
Vietnam’s street food culture is an important part of everyday life, offering a chance to experience the country’s flavours, traditions, and local communities. From busy street markets to small family-run stalls, visitors can discover a wide variety of dishes prepared fresh and enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether exploring a city at sunrise or enjoying an evening food market, Vietnamese street food provides an unforgettable taste of the country’s culinary heritage.
Street food is one of the most exciting parts of daily life in Vietnam.
Some local favourites include:
Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo is a crispy Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour and usually filled with prawns, pork, bean sprouts, and vegetables. It is often served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce.
Com Tam
Com tam, or broken rice, is a popular Vietnamese meal usually served with grilled pork, vegetables, and an egg. It is especially common in southern Vietnam and makes a filling everyday meal.
Cao Lau
Cao lau is a speciality from Hoi An, made with thick noodles, slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crunchy toppings. It is known for its distinctive combination of textures and flavours.
Bo La Lot
Bo la lot consists of seasoned minced beef wrapped in fragrant betel leaves and grilled. It is often served with fresh herbs, vegetables, and dipping sauce, making it a tasty introduction to Vietnamese grilled food.
Vietnamese coffee culture
Vietnam has one of the world’s strongest coffee cultures, with coffee playing an important role in daily life and social traditions. From traditional street-side cafés to modern coffee shops, Vietnamese people enjoy coffee as a way to relax, connect, and spend time with others. Popular styles include Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk, egg coffee, coconut coffee, and traditional drip coffee, each offering a unique taste of Vietnam’s coffee heritage.
Vietnamese tea traditions
Tea is an important part of Vietnamese culture, representing hospitality, respect, and connection. Traditionally, tea is shared with guests and enjoyed during conversations, celebrations, and family gatherings. The simple act of preparing and offering tea reflects the Vietnamese values of warmth, friendship, and meaningful connections.