Noodles of Vietnam

Table of contents

Vietnam is probably most well known for its variety of delicious noodle soups. Like all Vietnamese dishes, each bowl of noodles is sure to offer up a unique blend of ingredients and regional influences. Thinking of a fun Vietnam adventure? Try noodle hopping from the South, to the Central Highlands, all the way up to the North. We guarantee you’ll find no two dishes alike and find something that suits all taste buds!

In this noodle odyssey, every dish takes center stage, and you won't catch a repeat performance – it's a one-noodle-only show! We’ll take you on a flavorful of each noodle dish.

1/ Phở

Phở is perhaps the most famous Vietnamese noodle dish. It consists of flat rice noodles served in a flavorful broth made with bones, herbs, and spices. The most common variations include Pho Bo (beef) and Pho Ga (chicken), and it's often garnished with bean sprouts, lime, basil, and chili. The broth is cooked overnight, allowing the flavors from the bones, meat, and aromatic spices to infuse into the broth, resulting in a rich and flavorful base.

It is a bowl of comfort that's like a warm hug for your taste buds. With everything mixed harmoniously, it's the ultimate remedy for any occasion. The best part is, you can have Phở at any time of the day: from the early morning to past midnight, in any city in Vietnam that you visit. It is everywhere!

Phở isn't just a dish; it's a culinary embrace, inviting you to savor the simplicity and warmth of Vietnamese comfort food.

2/ Bún Chả

Let’s give the stage to Bún Chả: Originally from the North, the dish consists of succulent grilled pork patties sizzled on a charcoal grill. Nestled alongside crispy grilled pork slices, the bowl begins to join forces with the meat and will be served with rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and a bowl of dipping sauce which is made with fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and garlic. All of the flavors blend perfectly creating a sweet and tangy taste.

The harmonious textures and tastes transport you to the bustling streets of Hanoi, where bún chả reigns supreme as the undisputed star of the culinary show.

Fun fact: bun cha is always served best with a cold glass of bia hoi.

3/ Mì Quảng

Mì Quảng is a vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese noodle dish that hails from the Central region of Vietnam. Having been named after the area of Quảng Nam, the dish is renowned for its distinctive yellow turmeric-infused rice noodles. , Mì Quảng is a culinary delight that offers a balance of textures and tastes. This iconic dish typically features a bed of flat rice noodles, topped with a variety of ingredients such as succulent shrimp, tender slices of pork, boiled quail eggs, fresh herbs, and peanuts. The dish is then bathed in aromatic broth crafted from a blend of seasoned fish sauce, garlic, shallots, and various spices.

What sets Mì Quảng apart is its versatility, as variations abound to suit individual preferences. You can technically put whatever type of meat you want into the dish. From the common types like pork, beef, chicken… to even frogs. Mì Quảng captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine making it a dish that can be enjoyed day or night.

4/ Bánh Canh

Caught in an infamous Vietnam thunderstorm? Look no further than a comforting bowl of thick, chewy noodles swimming in a savory broth, fragrant with garlic and pepper to ease the “pain” (disclaimer: probably not able to dry you off any faster!). That's the essence of this beloved Vietnamese dish. The noodles, thicker from other traditional Vietnamese dishes, contribute to the dish's distinctively thick and slippery texture. This is one of the few dishes that can vary from region to region - so prepare your tastebuds! The broth, often simmered for hours with pork, shrimp, or fish, bursts with depth, while toppings like leafy greens, herbs, crunchy bean sprouts and lime enhance its fresh taste.

Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, making bánh canh a guaranteed crowd-pleaser from North to South Vietnam. Ditch the chopsticks, grab a spoon and enjoy your hearty bowl of bánh canh.

5/ Hủ Tiếu

Taking the stage is hủ tiếu, a Vietnamese noodle soup that not only weaves together flavors and but also history. Originating in Southern Vietnam with some influence from neighboring Cambodia, hủ tiếu boasts a rich broth, often made from a harmonious blend of pork and seafood. The star of the show is the delicate rice noodles, accompanied by a medley of toppings like tender slices of pork, shrimp, and an array of fresh herbs. A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili flakes complete the masterpiece, leaving you wanting more after every bite.

Each region adds its unique twist, resulting in a diverse tapestry of hủ tiếu variations. Whether you savor it with a clear broth or a heartier, spicier rendition, hủ tiếu is a culinary journey through Vietnam's cultural mosaic, inviting you to explore its rich heritage one spoonful at a time.

As we’re sure you’ve noticed, seemingly simple noodle dishes can range drastically from regions throughout Vietnam. We highly recommend you try them all!

Saigon Vintage Tour - Vespa A Go Go
ADDRESS: 13A Nguyen Van Mai, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
PHONE & WHATSAPP : +84 385 312 407
EMAIL: support@vespagogo.com
Website: https://vespaagogo.com/

Travel Tips