Vietnamese Noodles: 8 Must-Try Dishes for Food Lovers

Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its rich variety of noodles, which are enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether slurped on busy street corners or savored in upscale restaurants, Vietnamese noodles remain a beloved staple for locals and tourists alike. These dishes offer a delicious glimpse into Vietnam’s culinary heritage, each with unique flavors and regional twists. From Hanoi to Hue, and down to the Mekong Delta, here are the top 8 Vietnamese noodle dishes you must try, brought to you by Hue Food Tour.

1. Hanoi Pho (Phở Hà Nội) — The Iconic Beef Noodle Soup

Pho is undoubtedly the most famous Vietnamese noodle soup both nationally and internationally. Originating from Hanoi, this dish has become a symbol of Vietnamese gastronomy. Traditional Hanoi pho features a clear, aromatic beef broth simmered for hours with beef bones and herbs. The soup is served with tender slices of beef or chicken, flat rice noodles, and fresh herbs like basil and cilantro. Typically enjoyed as a breakfast staple, pho’s rich yet delicate flavors make it perfect any time of day. The addition of lime, bean sprouts, and chili lets each diner customize their bowl to perfection.

2. Bun Bo Hue — Spicy Hue Beef Noodle Soup

Hailing from Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Bun Bo Hue offers a spicy, aromatic alternative to pho. Unlike the flat noodles used in pho, Bun Bo Hue features thicker, round rice vermicelli noodles that are wonderfully chewy. The broth is a complex mix of beef and pork bones simmered with lemongrass, chili, and shrimp paste, giving it a distinctive spicy and savory kick. Served with fresh herbs, banana blossoms, and water spinach, it’s a hearty and vibrant dish that perfectly reflects Hue’s bold flavors. Don’t miss this signature Vietnamese noodle soup when visiting central Vietnam.

3. Cao Lau Hoi An — The Ancient Noodle Dish

Cao Lau is a unique noodle dish exclusive to the ancient town of Hoi An. What sets it apart is the noodles themselves, which are thick, chewy, and made with water sourced directly from the local Ba Le well, a secret many locals guard closely. The noodles are mixed with roasted pork slices, fresh greens from nearby Tra Que village, crispy croutons, and herbs, all combined with a light savory broth. This dish has been a local specialty since the 17th century and represents the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

4. Bun Thit Nuong — Grilled Pork Noodle Salad

For a refreshing and aromatic dish, try Bun Thit Nuong—rice vermicelli topped with grilled pork, crunchy peanuts, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and spring rolls. The magic lies in the nuoc cham sauce, a perfectly balanced fish sauce-based dip that ties all the flavors together. Often enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner, this dish is a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and sour tastes with a satisfying mix of textures. Many variations exist, including the addition of fried eggs or coconut milk, but the classic version remains a crowd favorite.

5. Mi Quang — Quang Nam’s Turmeric Noodle Bowl

Originating from Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam, Mi Quang is known for its bright yellow turmeric-infused rice noodles served with a small amount of flavorful broth. The dish is garnished with a variety of proteins such as pork, shrimp, or chicken, and topped with peanuts and crunchy sesame rice crackers. Mi Quang’s broth is lighter than traditional soups but is deeply aromatic thanks to lemongrass and other herbs. It’s a must-try dish when exploring the central regions of Vietnam, particularly around Da Nang and Hoi An.

6. Bun Rieu Cua — Crab Meat Vermicelli Soup

If you love seafood, Bun Rieu Cua is a must. This noodle soup features a rich tomato-based broth filled with crab meat, minced pork, tomatoes, and sometimes freshwater snails. The sweet and tangy broth balances perfectly with the fresh crab and vermicelli noodles, creating a refreshing yet hearty dish. Commonly enjoyed in southern Vietnam, especially the Mekong Delta, Bun Rieu is often served with fresh herbs and lime, providing a complex yet satisfying flavor experience.

7. Bun Dau Mam Tom — Vermicelli with Fermented Shrimp Paste

For adventurous eaters, Bun Dau Mam Tom offers a truly unique taste experience. This dish features rice vermicelli served with fried tofu, boiled pork, fresh herbs, and most notably, a pungent fermented shrimp paste called “mam tom.” Though the shrimp paste can be an acquired taste due to its strong aroma, it’s beloved for the depth of flavor it adds. Diners often wrap pieces of pork and tofu in herbs and rice paper, dip them into the shrimp paste, and savor each bite. This dish is popular in Hanoi and southern cities like Ho Chi Minh City.

8. Bun Mam — Fermented Fish Sauce Noodle Soup

Bun Mam is another southern specialty known for its bold, complex flavors derived from fermented fish sauce. The broth is thick, murky, and intensely savory, often featuring seafood, eggplant, pork, and a medley of fresh herbs. This dish reflects the Mekong Delta’s love for fish sauce and seafood, making it a strong-flavored but highly rewarding noodle soup. It’s typically sweeter than northern soups, making it a unique culinary adventure for noodle lovers.

The Diversity of Vietnamese Noodles

Vietnamese noodle dishes come in many shapes, sizes, and flavors. The noodles themselves vary from thin rice vermicelli (bún), to thicker egg noodles (mì), and chewy turmeric-infused noodles (cao lầu). Depending on the dish and region, you might find them served in broth, fried, or cold with fresh herbs and dipping sauces. This versatility makes Vietnamese noodles a favorite among locals who enjoy them morning, noon, and night.

No matter where you travel in Vietnam, the variety of noodle dishes ensures that every foodie finds something unforgettable. From the iconic Hanoi pho to the spicy Bun Bo Hue and the aromatic Cao Lau of Hoi An, Vietnamese noodles are a culinary journey not to be missed.

Explore Vietnamese Noodles with Hue Food Tour

If you want to truly experience the flavors of Vietnam’s noodle culture, join a Hue Street Food Tour with Hue Food Tour. You’ll get to taste authentic Vietnamese noodle dishes, learn from local vendors, and understand the cultural stories behind each bowl. We are proud to be highly recommended by travelers on TripAdvisor, Viator, Cruise Critic, Private Guides, and other trusted travel platforms. With over 15 years of experience organizing food tours and excursions for international visitors, we promise a local perspective and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for you and your family.