Beyond Pho: 10 Lesser-Known Vietnamese Dishes That Will Blow Your Mind

When people think of Vietnamese food, the first things that come to mind are usually pho and banh mi—and for good reason. These dishes have earned their global fame, but Vietnam’s culinary diversity runs much deeper. From sizzling pancakes to rich noodle soups, each region has its own unique specialties that deserve just as much attention. Let’s take a deep dive into 10 lesser-known Vietnamese dishes that will leave you obsessed with this country’s food culture.

1. Bánh Xèo – Vietnam’s Crispy, Sizzling Pancake

Think of bánh xèo as the love child of a French crepe and a crunchy taco. This savory rice flour pancake is infused with turmeric, stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then folded like an omelet and served with fresh herbs and fish sauce for dipping. The name literally means “sizzling cake” due to the sound it makes when hitting the pan.

2. Cao Lầu – The Iconic Noodles of Hoi An

Unique to Hoi An, cao lầu is a noodle dish that blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Thick, chewy noodles (similar to Japanese udon) are tossed with slices of roasted pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers, all bathed in a light, fragrant broth. The key to its signature taste? The water used to make the noodles, sourced from Hoi An’s ancient wells.

3. Cơm Tấm – Broken Rice, Big Flavor

A Saigon street food staple, cơm tấm (literally “broken rice”) started as a dish for farmers using fractured rice grains that couldn’t be sold. Today, it’s a beloved meal served with grilled pork chops, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and scallion oil, often topped with crispy pork skin or shredded pork.

4. Bún Bò Huế – The Spicy Noodle Soup That Deserves More Love

While pho gets all the international attention, central Vietnam’s bún bò Huế is a fiery, complex bowl that packs a punch. This lemongrass-infused beef noodle soup from Hue features a bold, slightly spicy broth, thick rice noodles, and a mix of beef, pork, and even congealed pig’s blood (don’t knock it ‘til you try it!).

5. Bánh Căn – Mini Rice Flour Pancakes

Hailing from Da Lat and coastal cities, bánh căn are bite-sized rice flour pancakes cooked in special molds, filled with shrimp, quail eggs, or minced pork. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, they’re the ultimate street snack.

6. Chả Cá Lã Vọng – Hanoi’s Famous Turmeric Fish

A legendary dish from the capital, chả cá Lã Vọng features marinated fish cooked with turmeric, dill, and spring onions, served sizzling at your table. It’s traditionally eaten with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, and a tangy fish sauce-based dip.

7. Hủ Tiếu – The Underrated Noodle Soup

A staple in southern Vietnam, hủ tiếu is a lighter alternative to pho, featuring a sweet, clear pork broth with rice or egg noodles. Toppings can range from shrimp and pork to beef and squid, making it an endlessly versatile dish.

8. Bò Lá Lốt – Grilled Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves

These fragrant rolls of seasoned minced beef wrapped in betel leaves are grilled over charcoal, giving them a smoky, herbal flavor. Usually served with rice noodles and fresh greens, bò lá lốt is the perfect balance of juicy, smoky, and fresh.

9. Bánh Bèo – Steamed Rice Cakes with Savory Toppings

A specialty of central Vietnam, bánh bèo are delicate steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp, crispy pork skin, scallion oil, and a splash of fish sauce. They’re soft, savory, and incredibly addictive.

10. Bò Kho – Vietnam’s Answer to Beef Stew

A dish with clear French influence, bò kho is a rich, slow-cooked beef stew flavored with star anise, lemongrass, and cinnamon. Often eaten with crusty French bread (bánh mì) or rice noodles, it’s a beautiful example of how Vietnamese cuisine adapted French cooking techniques into something entirely its own.

Don’t be surprised by French style bakeries in Vietnam.

A Taste of France in Vietnam

Vietnam’s food culture was deeply influenced by French colonial rule (1887-1954), and you can see that in its love of baguettes, pâté, and coffee. The most famous example is bánh mì, which fuses French bread with Vietnamese flavors, but dishes like bò kho and the use of butter and cream in some local pastries also trace back to French roots. Even Vietnamese coffee culture—with its strong robusta beans and condensed milk—is a product of French influence.

Final Thoughts: There’s More to Vietnamese Cuisine Than Pho

Vietnamese food is an adventure, filled with regional variations, hidden gems, and unforgettable flavors. While pho and banh mi are iconic, don’t stop there—venture beyond the familiar and explore the lesser-known dishes that make Vietnam one of the most exciting food destinations in the world.

What’s your favorite Vietnamese dish? Let’s discuss in the comments! 🍜

Beyond Pho: 10 Vietnamese Dishes That Will Blow Your Mind