Vietnamese cuisine: 4 dishes you have to try!

Global Citizen By Western Union January 19, 2026

When travelling to Vietnam, there is a lot to discover in terms of cuisine. Vietnamese cuisine offers an incredible variety of dishes that are not only tasty but also nourishing. Get ready for a culinary journey through Vietnam and discover four traditional dishes.

vietnamese pho

1. Phở: the classic soup

Phở is more than just a noodle soup — it is Vietnam’s national dish. This hearty soup consists of rice noodles, fresh herbs, vegetables and tender beef, all in a rich bone broth. A spoonful of Phở will warm you up immediately and is the perfect comfort food for cold days.

vietnamese bun cha
2. Bún chả: a grilled treat

You may not know this classic yet, but Bún chả is just as delicious as Phở. The dish consists of grilled pork belly and rice noodles, which are served in a cool broth. The best thing about Bún chả? It can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

vietnamese rice ball
3. Bánh Rán Mặn: crispy and hearty

If you’re looking for a unique snack, try Bánh Rán Mặn: crispy, deep-fried rice cakes served with a tasty pork filling and a sweet and salty fish sauce. Perfect to keep you going between meals and a real taste experience.

Che troi nuoc
4. Chè Trôi Nước: a sweet surprise

No meal is complete without dessert. Chè Trôi Nước are sticky rice balls filled with mung bean paste and served warm in a ginger syrup. This sweet, spicy delicacy is the perfect way to end to your culinary journey.

 

Travel Hack: Pickup cash in the local currency

Restaurants in Vietnam may not accept card payments. To avoid finding yourself in an awkward situation after eating, you should always carry Vietnamese đồng with you when you travel. With Western Union, you can pick up money in local currency from hundreds of thousands of locations worldwide. Before your trip, go to westernunion.com and send money to yourself to pick up. Learn more about transferring money to Vietnam!