What if I told you… the best meal you’ll have in Vietnam probably isn’t the one you planned? Today we get clear on the next question in this series -  What Vietnamese dishes should I try?

We begin our exploration through the streets of Hanoi for smoky, unforgettable bún chả…we go further afield to the Old Town of Hoi An for Cao lầu and delicate white rose dumplings… But lets not forget the explosiveness of food in Ho Chi Minh City, where every bite—from Cơm tấm to sizzling Bánh xèo—carries tastes and experiences you won't forget easily.

This episode focuses on the standout dishes most intrinsic to each major region; the ones you will most likely visit as a first time traveller.

I’ve included some of my own favourite spots to try these dishes—places I keep going back to—along with a little of my personal journey through Vietnamese food, and how it became one of the biggest learning curves to understanding Vietnam.

Because in Vietnam…especially in regional areas, you don’t just eat. You sit, you pause, you reflect, you connect—and somewhere along the way, you start to understand the country differently. You become grateful for the occasion of sharing.

If you’ve ever wondered where to start with Vietnamese food… this is your starting point.

[00:05:22] Bun Cha in Hanoi
 [00:10:32] Cao Lau – a must-try dish
 [00:16:07] Banh Xeo – the hero dish
 [00:21:41] Hue’s pancake – Banh Khoai
 [00:22:05] Vegetarian options in Hue
 [00:22:38] Coastal areas and seafood
 [00:23:33] Affordable seafood in Vietnam
 [00:24:42] Rustic food in Sapa
 [00:28:48] Vietnamese food’s diverse influences
 [00:30:58] Food tours and cooking classes - Shout out to Kiss Tours
[00:35:40] Special trip guidance in Vietnam

Fair warning—you may finish this episode already planning your first meal.

To find the restaurants mentioned in the show go to SHOW page at https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/ 

PLEASE NOTE: This episode is not intended to be a complete guide to Vietnamese cuisine across all regions. Rather, it offers a curated sampler of standout dishes that are closely tied to the places you’re most likely to visit. There are, of course, many more specialties and local variations beyond those mentioned here—each worth discovering in their own time.

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