Must-try Dishes
Bánh Mì - Vietnamese Sandwich - A fresh baguette filled with savory meats like pork or chicken, layered with pickled vegetables and mayonnaise. Locals grab it for breakfast or a quick lunch from street vendors on almost every corner.
Phở - Noodle Soup - Fragrant beef or chicken broth with rice noodles, topped with fresh herbs and bean sprouts. It's a go-to for lunch, often enjoyed at small eateries where patrons slurp it up straight from the bowl.
Cá Kho Tộ - Claypot Fish - Tender fish caramelized in a clay pot with a rich sauce of fish sauce, sugar, and spices, creating a savory-sweet flavor. This local favorite is typically savored during dinner, served with rice and enjoyed with family.
Gỏi Cá - Fish Salad - A refreshing salad made with raw fish, herbs, and a tangy dressing, often served with vermicelli noodles. Popular as a summer dish, it’s a quintessential way to celebrate local harvests.
Bánh Khọt - Mini Rice Pancakes - Crispy, small pancakes made from rice flour, filled with shrimp and garnished with fresh herbs. You’ll find these as a fun street food option, scooped up with lettuce wraps and dipping sauce, especially during family gatherings.
Chả Giò - Fried Spring Rolls - Savory rolls filled with ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables, deep-fried to a perfect crunch. This is a party food staple, best enjoyed during festive occasions or family dinners, often accompanied by a flavorful dipping sauce.
Sủi Cảo - Vietnamese Dumplings - Delicate dumplings stuffed with minced pork and shrimp, often served in a light broth. These are typically enjoyed during Lunar New Year celebrations, reflecting local traditions of eating good fortune before the year begins.
By the way, if you happen to be in Vung Tau during the summer, keep an eye out for seasonal seafood dishes as they can be quite incredible straight from the local markets!
Desserts & Drinks
Cà Phê Sữa Đá - (Vietnamese iced coffee) - Strong robusta coffee brewed hot and then mixed with sweetened condensed milk, served over ice. It's a popular morning drink among locals, perfect for energizing beach days, especially when it’s steaming outside.
Trà Sữa - Trà sữa (milk tea) - A delightful blend of brewed tea with creamy milk, often sweetened and served chilled with chewy tapioca pearls. Most enjoyed as an afternoon refreshment, you'll see grocery stores filled with people ordering it to accompany their sweet snacks.
Bia Hơi - (fresh beer) - Light, draught beer typically brewed daily, with a crisp flavor perfect for the heat. Locals love gathering at street-side tables in the evening to enjoy it with friends, often paired with fresh seafood.
Bánh Bông Lan - (sponge cake) - Fluffy cake made with eggs, sugar, and flour, sometimes flavored with coconut or pandan. This soft treat is a favorite at birthday parties and family gatherings, easily paired with a hot drink on rainy days.
Chè Bưởi - (grapefruit dessert) - A refreshing dessert made with grapefruit, coconut milk, and sweetened tapioca pearls, served cold. Often found during special occasions, it's known for its unique balance of sweetness and the zesty notes of grapefruit. By the way, don't miss it during Tet when it's especially prevalent!
