20 Must-Try Vietnamese Street Food Dishes & A Peaceful Escape to Long Xuyen in Vietnam—2025 Guide

When it comes to Southeast Asian cuisine, few countries offer as vibrant, flavorful, and soul-satisfying an experience as Vietnam. From bustling city corners to quiet riverside stalls, Vietnam's street food culture is rich, diverse, and deeply rooted in tradition. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, don’t just visit the monuments—eat your way through them.

After all, no journey is complete without indulging in Vietnamese street food, which beautifully captures the spirit of its people, the history of its regions, and the art of simplicity in cooking.

And while we explore the dynamic culinary scene of Vietnam, we’ll also guide you to a serene destination off the typical tourist radar—Long Xuyen in Vietnam, a peaceful corner of the Mekong Delta known for its floating markets, cultural richness, and local flavors.

20 Best Vietnamese Street Food Dishes You Must Try

1. Phở

The national dish of Vietnam. A steaming bowl of beef or chicken noodle soup infused with aromatic herbs.

2. Bánh Mì

A crispy baguette stuffed with meats, pickled vegetables, herbs, and chili. A French-Vietnamese fusion icon.

3. Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls)

Fresh rice paper rolls packed with shrimp, vermicelli, lettuce, and herbs. Often served with peanut or hoisin sauce.

4. Bún Chả

Grilled pork served over vermicelli noodles with herbs and dipping sauce. A Hanoi specialty.

5. Cao Lầu

Regional to Hoi An, it features thick noodles, pork slices, croutons, and fresh greens.

6. Bánh Xèo

Crispy rice flour pancakes filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Wrapped in lettuce and dipped in sauce.

7. Chả Cá

Grilled turmeric fish with dill and noodles, typically found in northern Vietnam.

8. Mi Quang

Turmeric-yellow rice noodles served with pork, shrimp, herbs, and crushed peanuts.

9. Bún Bò Huế

A spicy beef noodle soup from central Vietnam with a bolder flavor than phở.

10. Hủ Tiếu

Clear pork broth soup with rice noodles, popular in the southern regions and Mekong Delta.

11. Xôi (Sticky Rice)

Served sweet or savory. Comes with toppings like mung beans, fried onions, or shredded chicken.

12. Nem Rán (Fried Spring Rolls)

Golden, crunchy, and stuffed with minced pork and vegetables. A must-have during Tet.

13. Trứng Vịt Lộn (Fertilized Duck Egg)

A daring yet culturally significant dish, often eaten with salt and pepper.

14. Bánh Cuốn

Steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms, topped with fried shallots.

15. Ốc (Snails)

A whole category of dishes! Snails served stir-fried, grilled, or steamed with lemongrass and chili.

16. Bánh Tráng Nướng

Often dubbed as Vietnamese pizza, grilled rice paper topped with egg, pork, and dried shrimp.

17. Che (Vietnamese Desserts)

A broad category of sweet soups or puddings, made with beans, jelly, and coconut milk.

18. Sinh Tố (Fruit Smoothies)

Made from fresh tropical fruits, crushed ice, and sweetened condensed milk.

19. Cà Phê Sữa Đá

Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk. Strong, sweet, and addictive!

20. Bánh Bao

Steamed buns filled with pork, quail eggs, and sometimes mushrooms. Portable and satisfying.

Where to Try Vietnamese Street Food

• Hanoi: Best for Phở, Bún Chả, Bánh Cuốn

• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Perfect for Bánh Mì, Hủ Tiếu, and snails

• Hoi An: Known for Cao Lầu and white rose dumplings

• Hue: Spicy dishes like Bún Bò Huế

• Can Tho & Mekong Delta: Fresh produce, tropical fruits, and seafood

Tips for Enjoying Street Food Safely

• Choose stalls with long lines—locals know best.

• Avoid raw vegetables if you're sensitive to street food.

• Drink bottled or filtered water.

• Carry tissues and hand sanitizer.

Discovering Tranquility in Long Xuyen in Vietnam

While cities like Hanoi and Saigon draw much of the attention, Long Xuyen in Vietnam offers a peaceful alternative. Located in the Mekong Delta's An Giang Province, Long Xuyen is often overlooked but rewards travelers with an authentic, offbeat experience.

Top Things to Do in Long Xuyen

1. Long Xuyen Floating Market

Smaller and less commercialized than the Cai Rang market in Can Tho, this floating market offers an intimate look at Mekong life.

2. Ong Ho Island

Located in the Hau River, it’s home to traditional Cham communities, local farms, and scenic boat rides.

3. An Giang Museum

A well-maintained space featuring regional history, war relics, and Cham artifacts.

4. Nguyen Du Park

A local favorite for evening walks, picnics, and a quiet place to unwind.

5. Local Temples and Pagodas

Visit the Phat Hoc Pagoda and Chau Doc’s nearby Sam Mountain area for a spiritual escape.

Best Time to Visit Long Xuyen

• Dry Season (December to April): Ideal for boat rides and exploring markets

• Flood Season (July to October): The floating life is most active, and landscapes are lush

What to Eat in Long Xuyen

• Hủ Tiếu and local Bún

• Grilled fish and snakehead curry

• Coconut-based desserts

Suggested Itinerary: Food & Culture Combo

Day 1–2: Arrive in Hanoi, sample street food, and explore the Old Quarter

Day 3–4: Head to Hoi An or Hue for regional dishes

Day 5–6: Travel to Can Tho or directly to Long Xuyen for a calm Mekong escape

Day 7: Explore floating markets and Ong Ho Island

Final Thoughts

Whether you're savoring sizzling Bánh Xèo on a busy Hanoi street or gliding through peaceful waterways near Long Xuyen in Vietnam, the country offers a delicious and immersive travel experience like no other.

From bustling food stalls to quiet riverside communities, Vietnam is a destination where every bite and every moment tells a story. So if you're planning your trip to Vietnam, come hungry—and stay curious.