VIetnam Street Food - A quick guide to options and pricing
Vietnamese street food is a must-try for any visitor to Vietnam, or anyone who loves delicious and authentic Asian cuisine. With its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and affordable prices, it’s no wonder that Vietnamese street food is so popular.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular Vietnamese street foods, and give you tips on where to find the best places to try them. We’ll also cover some of the basic Vietnamese street food etiquette, so you can enjoy your meal like a local. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just starting to explore Vietnamese cuisine, we hope you’ll enjoy this guide to Vietnamese street food. We’ll also mention the price so you won’t break the bank, but don’t worry. They’re pretty cheap anyway, most of them are under $2 USD. And by the way, if you want to try every single one of them, you can start with Saigon, which has a vibrant street food scene.Â
Here are some of the most popular Vietnamese street foods:
Table of Contents
1. Bahn Mi ($1 USD or under)
Bánh mì is a delicious and versatile sandwich that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to experience the flavors of Vietnam, and it is also a very affordable meal option.Â
Bánh mì is a Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, pate, pickled vegetables, and meat or tofu. It is a popular street food in Vietnam and is also enjoyed by people all over the world.
The baguette used in bánh mì is typically lighter and airier than a French baguette, and it also slightly shorter and wider. The baguette is sliced lengthwise and filled with a variety of ingredients, including: pate, meat, tofu, herbs, condiments, and vegetables.
2. Banh Trang Cuon: The Three-Foot Vietnamese Spring Roll (Price: $1.58)
Next on our list is a record-breaking Vietnamese street food invention, Banh Trang Cuon. It’s a three-foot-long roll made by wrapping rice paper around a variety of delicious ingredients. This innovative dish highlights the resourcefulness of Vietnamese cuisine.
3. Traffic-Side Snack: Steamed Sticky Rice in Bamboo Tubes (Price: $0.43)
In the midst of Saigon’s chaotic traffic, you can discover a street vendor serving steamed sticky rice in bamboo tubes. This energy-boosting snack is a testament to Vietnamese ingenuity and is available on the go.
4. Vietnamese Crab Soup with "Fairy Hair" (Price: $2.13)
Photo courtesy of spoonfulofyum.com
Delve into the world of Vietnamese comfort food with a bowl of crab soup featuring an intriguing ingredient known locally as “fairy hair.” This dish showcases Vietnamese culinary creativity and is adored nationwide.
5. Curry Odyssey: Mekong-Inspired Vietnamese Curry (Price: Varies)
Comparing Vietnamese curry to its Indian counterpart, we explore this rich and flavorful dish made with unlaid chicken eggs, blood cake, and a range of aromatic spices. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that offers a unique twist on curry.
6. Salad" Loaded with Proteins (Price: $2.18)
Check out a unique “salad” that challenges traditional notions of what a salad should be. Loaded with proteins, including fermented pork and pig skin, this dish is a flavor-packed experience.
7. Fertilized Duck Egg Adventure (Price: $0.73)
Our culinary adventure takes a bold turn with fertilized duck eggs. These eggs contain partially developed embryos suspended in the yolk. Fried to perfection, they offer a unique and adventurous taste. They are not for everyone 🙂
8. Personal Pot Hot Pot (Price: $1.66)
Experience a twist on the classic hot pot with the “personal pot hot pot.” This individual serving allows you to savor delicious flavors while maintaining social distance, a clever adaptation during the pandemic.
9. Butter-Fried Quail (Price: $2.00)
Indulge in butter-fried quail, a classic Saigon street food. Seasoned and fried to perfection, these quails offer a savory and buttery delight that’s perfect for a quick meal.
10. Fried Dried Squid with Margarine (Price: $1.00)
At one popular stall, dried squid is grilled over hot charcoal, then shredded and fried for an incredibly crispy texture. It’s tossed in a complex sauce of garlic, butter, sugar, fish sauce, and more. Paired with herbs and chili sauce, this squid is a must-try at around $1.20.
11. Crispy Fried Fish Stomachs (Cá Chiên Nước Mắm)
One sought-after snack is fried fish stomachs. After being coated in a specialty tempura batter, the fish stomachs are fried up crispy. Served with plum sauce, cucumber, and herbs, the $1.20 dish has earned a cult following for its unique textures.
12. Saigon's Morning Dessert: Pandan-Infused Sticky Rice (Price: $0.85)​
How about you start your day with a Vietnamese breakfast? Saigonites start their day with pandan-infused sticky rice mixed with grated coconut and a special sauce. This inexpensive and filling breakfast option showcases the creativity and affordability of Vietnamese street food.
13. Gỏi Cuốn ($1 or under)
Picture courtesy of vietnam.travel
In actuality, this is a fresh salad wrap. Softened sheets of rice paper are used to create the semi-transparent skin. Within the roll is a stack of leafy greens, mint, coriander, some kind of protein, and a stalk of garlic chive peeking out. The most typical gỏi cuốn dish is a surf and turf combination of pork tenderloin with shelled prawns. The roll is either dipped in nutty hoisin sauce or nước chấm.
Here are some tips on where to find the best Vietnamese street food
- Look for places where the locals eat. The best Vietnamese street food is often found in small, family-run businesses.
- Be adventurous. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Vietnamese street food is a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re not sure what to order, or how to eat something, don’t be afraid to ask a local for help. They’ll be happy to assist you.
Here are some basic Vietnamese street food etiquette tips
- Use your chopsticks. Chopsticks are the traditional way to eat Vietnamese street food. If you’re not sure how to use them, don’t worry. Most places will provide you with a fork and spoon if you need them.
- Don’t be afraid to get messy. Vietnamese street food is often eaten with your hands. It’s perfectly acceptable to pick up your food and eat it directly from the plate.
- Be respectful of the vendors. Vietnamese street food vendors are often very friendly and welcoming. Be sure to thank them for your meal and leave a tip.
Final words
Vietnams’ street food scene is a testament to the city’s culinary creativity and affordability. From breakfast desserts to late-night snacks, these 13 dishes offer a taste of the rich and diverse flavors that can be found on Saigon’s street food dollar menu. So, which dish made you the most curious? Whether you’re a food lover or a budget traveler, Vietnam’s street food has something delicious and affordable for everyone to enjoy.
Some key takeaways are that Vietnam offers a street food wonderland of new and classic foods, with vendors constantly innovating and creating new dishes. The street food is not just cheap but also fresh and made with quality ingredients. Additionally, while exotic to Westerners, these dishes are authentic staples in Vietnamese cuisine and offer new flavors. Overall, Vietnam’s street food scene provides an affordable and eye-opening food tour for visitors.
