Popular Vietnamese Snacks: 21 Street Eats You Can't Miss

2025-11-26

Vietnam is a country that never stops eating. Beyond the world-famous Pho and Banh Mi lies a vibrant, chaotic, and incredibly delicious world of "Ăn Vặt" (snacking). For us locals, snacking is not just about curing hunger-it’s a social ritual, a way to bond with friends, and a daily adventure for the taste buds.

Forget the generic potato chips. Here is your curated guide to the 21 most popular Vietnamese snacks, categorized by the sensations they evoke: The Savory Umami, The Nostalgic Sweets, and The Trendy Street Eats.

PART 1: SAVORY VIETNAMESE SNACKS FOR THE BOLD PALATE 

For those who crave bold spices, chewy textures, and the perfect beer companion.

1. Vietnamese Beef Jerky (Khô Bò)

This isn't the dry, tough leather you might find in Western supermarkets. Vietnamese Khô Bò is a masterclass in marinade.

• The experience: imagine succulent strips of beef that are moist, tender, and deeply infused with the aroma of lemongrass and garlic. The heat from the chili builds slowly, leaving a sweet, beefy aftertaste that lingers pleasantly.
• How to enjoy: it is almost a crime to eat this without squeezing fresh lime over it. The acidity cuts through the richness, making it the ultimate partner for a cold Lager beer.
• The hunt:
  • The source: Quang Ngai Province, famous for its free-range cattle.
  • HCMC: Kho bo Hung Phat. 
  • Hanoi: Hang Bong
  • Price: ~600,000 VND / kg ($24.00).

2. Dried Chicken with Lime Leaf (Khô Gà Lá Chanh)

A modern superstar that has dethroned beef jerky in many young hearts.

• On the palate: it’s light, airy, and spectacularly fragrant. The shredded chicken breast is dried to a perfect crisp, but the real magic lies in the dried kaffir lime leaves. They provide a citrusy perfume that elevates the savory fish sauce to a new level of sophistication.
• Perfect match: munch on it like popcorn during a movie, or pair it with an Iced Coke for a refreshing contrast.
• The hunt:
  • HCMC, Hanoi: available at most WinMart and Co.opmart supermarkets, as well as convenience stores like Circle K, GS25, and 7-Eleven
  • Price: ~300,000 VND / kg ($12.00).

3. Scorched Rice with Pork Floss (Cơm Cháy Chà Bông)

If you love texture, this dish will be your new obsession.

• Why it works: it defines the word "Crack" The base is glutinous rice fried until it puffs up like a golden cloud. Topped with salty, fibrous pork floss and drizzled with rich scallion oil, it offers a fatty, savory satisfaction in every bite.
• Pro tip: it can be quite rich, so locals often eat it with pickled leeks (Củ Kiệu) to balance the oiliness.
• Where to buy:
  • The source: Ninh Binh Province, made in traditional cast-iron pots.
  • HCMC: Com Chay Co Ba Sai Gon in District 10.
  • Hanoi: Com Chay Ha Noi in Dong Da.
  • Price: ~50,000 VND / pack ($2.00).

4. Fermented Pork Roll (Nem Chua)

A polarizing delicacy that rewards the brave.

• The flavor profile: Nem Chua challenges your palate with a springy, sausage-like texture and a distinct sourness from natural fermentation. Hidden inside the pink meat are slices of garlic and bird's eye chili that deliver a sharp, spicy punch when you least expect it.
• Best served with: peel the banana leaf, dip it in chili sauce, and wash it down with a Bia Hơi (Fresh Beer).
• The hunt:
  • The source: Thanh Hoa Province, Dong Thap Province.
  • HCMC: Nem Lai Vung Ut Thang (424 Ba Hat, D10).
  • Hanoi: Nem Chua Phuong is famous for its grilled version.
  • Price: ~40,000 VND / 10 rolls ($1.60).

5. Crispy Pork Skin (Da Heo Chiên Giòn)

Forget greasy pork rinds; this is the gourmet version.

• The crunch: these golden curls are shaken with garlic butter or salted egg powder. They are airy, loud, and intensely savory-a snack that demands attention.
• Foodie combo: don't just eat it plain; use it as a crunchy topping for a Green Mango Salad.
• Where to buy:
  • HCMC: Ho Thi Ky Market, Ho Con Rua.
  • Hanoi: Ho Dac Di & Chua Lang Street Food Areas.
  • Price: ~60,000 VND / jar ($2.40).

6. Tamarind Squid (Mực Rim Me)

A sticky, messy, delicious affair.

• The symphony: it strikes a perfect chord of four flavors: Sour (tamarind), Spicy (chili), Salty (fish sauce), and Sweet (sugar). The dried squid provides a chewy canvas that makes the flavor last longer in your mouth.
• Serving suggestion: surprisingly, this strong flavor pairs beautifully with mild, soothing plain rice porridge.
• Find it at:
  • The source: The coastal city of Nha Trang.
  • HCMC: Sài Gòn Food Market (Binh Tan), Kingfoodmart.
  • Hanoi: Huong Da Store (Hoan Kiem)
  • Price: ~100,000 VND / jar ($4.00).

7. Salted Roasted Cashews (Hạt Điều Rang Muối)

Vietnam is a cashew superpower, and the local product is superior to anything you find abroad.

• What makes it special: these nuts are roasted with their silk skins on, preserving the natural juices. They are creamy, buttery, and firm, with just a hint of saltiness on the skin.
• Elegant pairing: peel the skin while sipping a glass of Red Wine.
• The hunt:
  • The source: Binh Phuoc Province.
  • HN, HCM: Co.opmart or WinMart to buy salted roasted cashew nuts from Lafooco or Bà Tám Bình Dương (these are two of the most long-standing and reputable brands in Vietnam).
  • Price: ~350,000 VND / kg ($14.00).

PART 2: THE SWEET NOSTALGIA 

Subtle, natural sweetness that tells the story of Vietnamese tea culture.

8. Candied Coconut Ribbons (Mứt Dừa)

The taste of the Lunar New Year (Tet).

• The Sensation: Soft, snowy white ribbons that melt slightly as you chew. It tastes like concentrated coconut cream-milky, sweet, and comforting.
• Tea Time: The richness of the coconut needs the bitterness of Hot Lotus Tea to create balance.
• Where to buy:
  • The Source: The coconut land of Ben Tre.
  • HCMC: Ben Thanh Market.
  • Hanoi: Hang Duong Street.
  • Price: ~200,000 VND / kg ($8.00).

9. Mung Bean Cake (Bánh Đậu Xanh)

A delicate treasure from the North.

• Texture Talk: These small cubes are powdery and incredibly fragile. You don't chew them; you place one on your tongue and let it dissolve into a smooth, sweet paste with a hint of pork fat richness.
• The Rule: Never eat this without tea. Thai Nguyen Green Tea is mandatory.
• Find it at:
  • The Source: Hai Duong Province.
  • HCMC: Hà Nội Specialties (Phu Nhuan).
  • Hanoi: Hang Bong.
  • Price: ~50,000 VND / box ($2.00).

10. Sesame Peanut Brittle (Mè Xửng)

The pride of the ancient capital, Hue.

• The Chew: It’s a battle between your teeth and the candy. Sticky, elastic, and delightfully chewy, it floods your senses with the aroma of roasted sesame and malt.
• Cultural Pairing: Sip on Royal Hue Tea (Trà Cung Đình) between bites to cleanse the palate.
• The Hunt:
  • The Source: Thien Huong Brand (Hue City).
  • Price: ~40,000 VND / pack ($1.60).

11. Preserved Fruits (Ô Mai)

A complex flavor journey in a single fruit.

• What to Expect: A piece of Apricot O Mai can be salty on the tip of the tongue, sour in the middle, and sweet at the end, leaving a warm ginger aftertaste. It’s more than a snack; it’s a remedy for sore throats.
• The Hunt:
  • The Source: Hanoi Old Quarter.
  • HCMC: O Mai Hong Lam
  • Hanoi: Hang Bong 
  • Price: ~80,000 VND / box ($3.20).

12. Durian Cake (Bánh Pía)

You either love it or hate it, there is no in-between.

• The Flavor: Hidden inside the flaky pastry skin is a dense filling of durian and mung bean. The pungent, creamy sweetness of the fruit is cut by the savory, chalky texture of a salted egg yolk core.
• Drink Match: A strong Black Coffee is needed to stand up to this intense flavor.
• Where to buy:
  • The Source: Soc Trang Province.
  • HCMC: Tan Hue Vien.
  • Hanoi: Bao Minh Shop (12 Hang Than).
  • Price: ~70,000 VND / pack ($2.80).

13. Vacuum Fried Fruits (Trái Cây Sấy)

• The Crisp: Imagine the exact flavor of fresh Jackfruit or Banana, but captured in a crunchy, airy chip. It retains the natural aroma without the stickiness.
• Healthy Hack: Dip these chips in Plain Yogurt for a fantastic breakfast.
• Find it at: WinMart/WinMart+, GO! (Big C), or Co.opmart if you are looking for packaged dried fruit to take home; or head to 24/7 convenience stores such as Circle K, GS25, FamilyMart, or 7-Eleven to find fresh-cut fruit boxes (mango, guava, plum) served with chili salt for a convenient, ready-to-eat snack.
  • Price: ~60,000 VND / pack ($2.40).

14. Coconut Candy (Kẹo Dừa)

• The Taste: A tropical caramel bomb. It starts with the magic of the edible rice paper wrapper melting on your tongue, followed by a chewy explosion of concentrated coconut cream and malt. Rustic, intensely rich, and impossible to eat just one.
• The Hunt:
  • The Source: Ben Tre.
  • HCMC: Binh Tay Market (Wholesale market).
  • Hanoi: Nep Huong (Hanoi).
  • Price: ~40,000 VND / pack ($1.60).

PART 3: TRENDY VIETNAMESE SNACKS & YOUTH FAVORITES

The modern "Street Snacks" that define Gen Z culture. You can't pack these; you must devour them on a plastic stool.

15. Rice Paper Salad (Bánh Tráng Trộn)

 

"The King of Street Snacks"

• The Chaos: It’s a beautiful mess. Chewy rice paper strips tossed with sour kumquat, spicy jerky, crunchy peanuts, and fragrant Vietnamese coriander. It hits every flavor receptor at once: Sour, Spicy, Salty, Chewy.
• Drink Match: Cool down the heat with an Iced Tamarind Tea (Đá Me).
• The Hunting Grounds:
  • HCMC: Nguyen Thuong Hien Street (D3) is the "Rice Paper Wall Street".
  • Hanoi: Hang Trong Street (Old Quarter).
  • Price: ~25,000 VND / bag ($1.00).

16. Vietnamese Pizza (Bánh Tráng Nướng)

"The Crispy Masterpiece"

• The Warmth: A sheet of rice paper grilled over charcoal until it cracks delightfully. Topped with egg, sausage, and mayo-chili sauce, it’s a warm, crispy hug on a cold night.
• Classic Combo: Sip on hot Soy Milk-the traditional Da Lat way.
• The Hunting Grounds:
  • The Source: Bánh Tráng nướng Dì Đinh and Bánh tráng nướng Cô Hoa; .
  • HCMC: Turtle Lake (Ho Con Rua) at night.
  • Hanoi: 111 Doi Can Street.
  • Price: ~20,000 VND / piece ($0.80).

17. Lemongrass Boneless Chicken Feet (Chân Gà Sả Tắc)

"The Ultimate Beer Snack"

• Don't Be Scared: It’s all about texture. The deboned feet are crunchy and cartilage-heavy, pickled in a sweet and sour sauce with aromatic lemongrass. It’s cold, refreshing, and incredibly addictive.
• The Hunting Grounds:
  • HCMC: Xom Chieu Market (D4).
  • Hanoi: Ta Hien Beer Street.
  • Price: ~60,000 VND / box ($2.40).

18. Shaken Mango (Xoài Lắc)

• Salivating Yet? Cubes of crunchy green mango are shaken with shrimp salt and sugar. The salt draws out the juices, creating a coating that makes your mouth water the moment you look at it.
• The Hunting Grounds: Look for fruit carts around Nguyen Thuong Hien Street Food (HCMC) or Ta Hien Area (Evening, Hanoi).
  • Price: ~20,000 VND / cup ($0.80).

19. Butter Tamarind Rice Paper Rolls (Bánh Tráng Cuốn Sốt Me Bơ)

 

Creamy Delight: A variation where the rice paper is rolled tight and dipped into a creamy, tangy sauce made of butter and tamarind. It’s a rich, chewy indulgence.

• The Hunting Grounds: Ho Thi Ky Food Street (HCMC) or Khuong Thuong Collective Zone (Hanoi).
• Price: ~30,000 VND / portion ($1.20).

20. Salted Egg Sponge Cake (Bông Lan Trứng Muối)

• Sweet Meets Savory: Fluffy vanilla sponge cake topped with savory salted egg yolks and pork floss, drizzled with a melting cheese sauce. It bridges the gap between dessert and breakfast.
• The Hunting Grounds: Goc Cot Dien Bakery (HCMC) or Sapo Bakery (Hanoi).
• Price: ~40,000 VND / cake ($1.60).

21. Fried Fish Balls (Cá Viên Chiên)

• Childhood Memory: The ultimate student snack. Skewers of fish and beef balls are deep-fried until puffy, then drenched in spicy garlic chili sauce. Simple, cheap, and satisfying.
• The Hunting Grounds: Any school gate in Vietnam, or Suong Nguyet Anh Street (HCMC).
• Price: ~5,000 - 10,000 VND / skewer ($0.20 - $0.40).

Conclusion: Ready to Taste the Real Vietnam?

Reading about these 21 savory and sweet treats is just the appetizer. The real magic happens when you are sitting on a plastic stool in a hidden alley, surrounded by the buzz of motorbikes and the sizzling aroma of street food.

However, finding the most authentic vendors in the maze of traffic can be intimidating for first-timers. So, why not let the locals drive?

At Vespa A Go Go - we don't just show you the city, we let you taste it.

• Want to mix sightseeing with iconic bites? Join our Eat Saigon Tour. We will zip you through the city to savor the famous Bánh Xèo (Sizzling Pancake) and a local feast of Snails (Ốc), before ending the night with a drink at a breezy rooftop bar overlooking the glittering skyline.
• Hungry for the ultimate foodie upgrade? Hop on our Dining Delight Tour. This is how a real Saigonese enjoys a weekend night! We dive deep into a massive menu including Bún Bò, Bò Lá Lốt, and authentic local BBQ. Best of all? We tick off the snacks from this very list, like Khô Bò (Beef Jerky), Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese Pizza), and fresh Sugarcane Juice (Nước Mía)!

Don't just watch Vietnam go by-taste every mile with us!

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