My Most Unforgettable Eats in Vietnam

If there’s one thing that truly made my trip to Vietnam unforgettable, it’s the food. Every meal was an explosion of flavors, every bite a perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the vibrant night markets of Da Nang, Vietnamese cuisine stole my heart (and taste buds).

So, here’s a little love letter to some of the best dishes I had—because good food deserves to be remembered!

🥣 My First Meal in Vietnam: Phở Gà in Hanoi

It was my very first meal in Vietnam, and wow, what a way to start! I had been dreaming about trying Phở Gà (Vietnamese chicken noodle soup) for years—watching travel videos, imagining the rich broth, the fresh herbs, the soft noodles. But nothing could have prepared me for that first heavenly bite.

Hot, aromatic, and deeply comforting, this dish was a masterpiece in simplicity. The broth was light yet incredibly flavorful, the chicken tender, and the greens added the perfect crunch. It was everything I had hoped for—and more.

🍜 The Great Food Dilemma: Bún Chả or Bánh Mì?

I still can’t decide which one I love more. So, let’s talk about both!

Bún Chả – The Smoky, Sweet & Savory Perfection

I had Bún Chả in Hanoi, and let me tell you—this dish is criminally underrated. Imagine this: Charred pork patties and juicy pork belly slices, swimming in a light, slightly sweet dipping sauce. Served with delicate rice noodles, fresh herbs, and crunchy pickled veggies. It’s smoky, it’s flavorful, it’s addictive.

Even now, I crave it all the time. If teleportation existed, I’d be eating Bún Chả for lunch at least twice a week.

Bánh Mì – The Sandwich That Made Me Question My Life Choices

You think you’ve had good sandwiches? Think again.

I had Bánh Mì in Hoi An, at two legendary spots recommended by Anthony Bourdain —Madam Khanh (The Banh Mi Queen) and Banh Mi Phuong. And I’m not exaggerating when I say that I considered leaving everything behind and moving to Vietnam just for this sandwich.

Crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, the French baguette is stuffed with juicy meat, fresh veggies, fragrant herbs, and the most flavorful sauces. I have no words—just pure happiness in every bite. If there’s one food I could eat every single day for the rest of my life, this is it. (Not kidding, but also… not kidding.)

🌊 The Most Unexpected Bite: Sea Urchin in Saigon

At Ho Thi Ky Flower Market in Saigon, I did something a little bold—I tried sea urchin (or “nhum” as it’s called in Vietnamese). Now, I’m always up for trying something new, but this one was… an experience.

The texture? Creamy.
The taste? Rich, oceanic, and unlike anything I’ve ever eaten.

It was a little intimidating at first, but I’m so glad I tried it. If you love seafood and bold flavors, Vietnamese sea urchin is a must-try!

🎤 Street Food + Live Entertainment? Yes, Please!

If there’s one place I wish I could have eaten endlessly, it’s Helio Night Market in Da Nang. It wasn’t just a food paradise—there were live performances, music, and a buzzing atmosphere that made the whole experience unforgettable.

I wanted to try everything (and believe me, I tried my best), but some highlights were:
🍽 Bánh Căn – Mini pancakes with egg and seafood
🍽 Bánh Xèo – Crispy Vietnamese savory pancakes
🍽 Bánh Tráng Kẹp – Grilled rice paper snacks
🍽 Nem Lụi – Lemongrass skewers
🍽 Exotic fruits with coconut cream – A refreshing surprise!

My only regret? My stomach had a limit. 😭 If you’re ever in Da Nang, go to Helio Night Market and eat everything you can.

☕ The Food Letdown: Egg Coffee (Sorry, Vietnam!)

I really, really wanted to love Egg Coffee. I had seen people rave about it, so naturally, my expectations were sky-high. But when I finally took a sip…

It was just too eggy for me. 😅

I know, I know—that’s the whole point of Egg Coffee, but personally, it just didn’t hit the spot for me. Maybe I hyped it up too much in my head. Maybe it’s an acquired taste. Either way, I’ll stick to my Vietnamese iced coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) next time!

🍞 One Last Meal? Bánh Mì, Of Course!

If I could have one last meal in Vietnam, it would be Bánh Mì, without a doubt. No hesitation. No second thoughts. Just me, my Bánh Mì, and a moment of pure food bliss.

Vietnam, you have my heart—and my stomach. Until we meet (and eat) again! ✨

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Have You Tried Vietnamese Food?

Drop your favorite dishes in the comments, and let’s talk food! 🍜😋