A guide to cuisine in Vietnam

Vietnamese cuisine is an art form — a balance of flavors, colors, and culture that captures the heart of anyone who experiences it. From the busy streets of Hanoi to the peaceful corners of Hoi An, every dish tells a story of tradition and community.

The Soul of Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its harmony between five taste elements — sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. Each ingredient is freshly picked at the Vietnamese markets (called "chợ"), ensuring that every meal has freshness.

But Vietnamese food is more than just taste. It is about the culture, the tradition, and the people behind each dish. You can see the care that goes into preparing every meal, the way families gather around the table, and the hospitality of Vietnamese cooks. That is why makes even the pickiest eaters fall in love with Vietnamese cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes from Vietnam

1. Bun Cha

This is a signature dish from Hanoi that you absolutely have to try. It features grilled pork served with rice noodles and fresh herbs. What makes it special is the fish sauce dipping bowl, which perfectly balances smokiness, sourness, and sweetness all at once.

When you take a bite, you get the smoky flavor of charcoal-grilled meat, the refreshing crunch of herbs, and the gentle sour-sweet taste of the sauce. Everything comes together in perfect harmony. This is a meal that captures the spirit of Vietnamese street dining: lively, flavorful, and deeply comforting. It's the kind of dish that locals eat regularly and visitors never forget.

2. Spring Rolls

Vietnam has two types of spring rolls, and both are delicious in their own way.

Fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn) are wrapped in thin, see-through rice paper. Inside, you'll find lettuce, fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, rice noodles, and shrimp, pork, or tofu. They come with peanut or hoisin sauce for dipping. These rolls are light, fresh, and packed with flavor — perfect if you want something healthy but still filling. You can actually see all the colorful ingredients through the wrapper, which makes them as beautiful as they are tasty.

Fried spring rolls, called chả giò, are completely different. They have a golden, crispy exterior that crunches when you bite into it. Inside, there's a savory filling of minced pork, vegetables, and glass noodles. They're often served with lettuce and herbs so you can wrap them up before eating. Both styles show off the Vietnamese talent for combining different textures and flavors in one perfect, portable bite.

3. Vietnamese Desserts

Vietnamese sweets are a refreshing change from the heavy, overly sweet desserts you might be used to. These desserts are light, subtly sweet, and often served cold — which is perfect for Vietnam's hot, tropical weather.

Coconut milk is the base for many Vietnamese desserts, giving them a creamy texture without being too heavy. Mung beans are another common ingredient, adding a delicate sweetness and smooth consistency. Tropical fruits like mango, jackfruit, and longan show up frequently, either fresh or mixed into puddings and drinks.

One popular dessert is chè, which is a category of sweet soups and puddings. There are countless varieties of chè, each with different ingredients and flavors. Another favorite is bánh flan, which is the Vietnamese version of crème caramel, often with a subtle coffee flavor.

Many desserts also use pandan leaves for a unique fragrance and tapioca pearls for an interesting, chewy texture. The result is a dessert tradition that feels special and indulgent, but still light enough to enjoy even after a meal.

Experience Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine in the Netherlands

At Vinas Noodles, our goal is to share the authentic taste of Vietnam with everyone in the Netherlands. We know how special Vietnamese food is, and we want you to experience it the way it's meant to be enjoyed.

Whether you're craving bun cha, pho, spring rolls, or a sweet Vietnamese dessert, our kitchen brings the vibrant streets of Vietnam right to your table. We use traditional recipes, fresh ingredients, and the same care that Vietnamese families put into their home cooking. Every dish we serve is made with love and respect for the culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Come visit us and discover why Vietnamese cuisine has captured hearts all around the world. We're here to make sure your first taste of Vietnam is unforgettable — or if you already love Vietnamese food, to remind you why it's so special.