The Best Advice on Vietnamese Street Food
Vietnam is arguably one of the best places in the world for street food. No matter where you go in any of Vietnam’s five major municipalities and 58 provinces, you will find good food, good company, and good times. If you’re having a little bit of trouble deciding on (and finding!) the best places to eat Vietnamese street food, here are our picks for the best guides to the five main municipalities in Vietnam.
Saigon
Saigon, formally known as Ho Chi Minh City, is the largest city in Vietnam, with over 9 million residents. The city is a popular tourist area, and attracts millions of visitors each year. Many travelers to the area choose to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a couple of hours out of town, the War Remnants Museum, and the French colonial buildings, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office and the Saigon Opera House.When it comes to Vietnamese Street Food Guides for Saigon, these are our top picks:
Legal Nomads: It might have been one soup that brought me to Saigon, but it was the rest of the food that kept me there, and keeps me coming back. A lengthy, but extremely informative guide to just about EVERY type of street food you will most likely come across in bustling Saigon.
The City Lane: You’ll discover that there is a lot more to Vietnamese food than just Pho and Banh Mi, and discover the complexity of flavors that can come from the use of fresh, simple ingredients. This is best if you’re after some good dinner restaurants, too.
Vietnam Coracle: Street food is about more than food; it’s about atmosphere and ambience. There are 24 districts in HCMC. District 1 is the most popular, but for a true authentic Vietnam street food experience, check out the other districts as listed in this informative guide.
Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam. It is also the second largest city, only eclipsed by Ho Chi Minh City, with over 7 million residents. The municipality itself is experiencing a rapid urban landscape boom, and is quickly becoming one of the most popular places for tourists to visit. Popular attractions include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda.When it comes to Hanoi Street Food Guides, these are our top picks:
Serious Eats: We immediately regretted not going in earlier, as these things are delicious… An all-inclusive guide on what to try in homey Hanoi.
Gastronomy: I document all things delicious on this site. The best street and restaurant food that Hanoi has to offer.
The Guardian: Hanoi is a city with a big heart and an even bigger appetite and its burgeoning dining scene is growing to rival that of its sophisticated southern brother, Ho Chi Minh. This guide is budget-friendly!
Haiphong
Haiphong is the third largest city in Vietnam, with close to 2 million residents. It is also northern Vietnam’s most important seaport, with extensive maritime facilities. Popular tourist attractions include the Du Hang Buddhist Temple, Nghe Temple, and Cat Ba Island in Halong Bay.When it comes to Haiphong Street Food Guides, these are our top picks:
The Seattle Globalist: Haiphong is a worthy addition to any Vietnam traveler’s itinerary. A multifaceted travel guide on what to eat, see, and do in Haiphong.
The Dropout Diaries: I am being bombarded with information about new Vietnamese dishes … and I’m in heaven. This is a must-try dish in Haiphong!
Vietnam Charms: Above is what I want to tell you about my hometown, I hope you like it. A locally curated guide on the best eats, drinks and must-see attractions.
Can Tho
Can Tho is the fourth largest city in Vietnam. It is also the largest city in the Mekong Delta, with over 1.5 million residents. The city is well known for its floating market, where most, if not all, goods are sold from boats.When it comes to Can Tho Street Food Guides, these are our top picks:
Travel Fish: You won’t have to look too far at all to find a good place to eat in Can Tho. Expect tasty food recommendations away from the hustle and bustle of the river marketplace.
World Guides: For the most part, Can Tho is non-touristy on the dining scene and you have more chance of authentic Vietnamese eating here…A quick run through of the must-try food areas in Can Tho.
Da Nang
Da Nang is the fifth largest city in Vietnam. It is also the largest city on the South Central Coast of Vietnam, with over 1 million residents. Places of interest include the many beautiful white sand beaches, the Marble Mountains, My Son, and the nearby city of Hoi An, which has its own food scene that we’ll save for another post.When it comes to Da Nang Street Food Guides, these are our top picks:
Da Nang Cuisine: In addition to beautiful landscapes, Da Nang has THE food that can make the best out of your stays. An entire website dedicated to the amazing food culture, that is Da Nang!
Serious Eats: By the end of my stay in the city, I realize I’ve done little with my free time besides eating my way through the streets, rarely with any regrets, and rarely for more than $5 US. A comprehensive guide to the very best food that Da Nang has to offer.
So, there you have it! Those are our thoughts on the best Vietnamese Street Food Guides to maximize your enjoyment of your culinary tour of Vietnam. What do you think? Are there any others/foods/places we may have missed?
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