Published:  15:34 Tuesday - July 26, 2016

Vietnam cuisine is the combination between different spices and beautiful decoration. It is also one of the main factors attracting tourists to Vietnam. Each region and area has different traditional foods and specialties. Here is top 10 must – try foods in Vietnam that you should not miss to enjoy.

Goi cuon

The translucent spring rolls packed with greens, coriander and various combinations of minced pork, shrimp or crab. A southern variation has barbecued strips of pork wrapped up with green banana and star fruit, and then dunked in a rich peanut sauce – every bit as tasty as it sounds.

Banh mi

This baguette sandwich filled with greens and a choice of fillings, including paté and freshly made omelette, is so good it’s been imitated around the world.

Banh xeo

Sizzling pancake contains shrimp, pork, bean sprouts and egg, which is then fried, wrapped in rice paper with greens and dunked in a spicy sauce before eaten.

Bun cha

A special and famous dish of Hanoi, bun cha can be found at food stalls and street kitchens across the city. Essentially a small hamburger, the pork patties are barbecued on an open charcoal brazier and served on a bed of cold rice noodles with assorted foliage and a slightly sweetish sauce.

Pho

Considered the most famous and special food in Vietnam, Pho is the favourite food of almost tourists traveling to Vietnam. The basic bowl of pho consists of a light beef or chicken broth flavoured with ginger and coriander, to which are added broad, flat rice noodles, spring onions and slivers of chicken, pork or beef.

Cao lau

Cao lau is the most famous specialty in Hoi An, a mouthwatering bowlful of thick rice-flour noodles, bean sprouts and pork-rind croutons in a light soup flavoured with mint and star anise, topped with thin slices of pork and served with grilled rice-flour crackers or sprinkled with crispy rice paper.

Cha ca

It is also one of the specialties in Hanoi with delicious taste. It sees white fish sautéed in butter with dill and spring onions, then served with rice noodles and a scatering of peanuts.

Mi quang

It is another special food of Hanoi specialty. Ingredients vary by establishment, but expect to see a simple bowl of meat noodles enlivened by additions like flavoursome oils, fresh sprigs of leaves, shrimp, peanuts, mint and quail eggs.

Nom hoa chuoi

Nom hoa chuoi, or banana-flower salad, is a great meat-free option.
Lime and chili are the key flavors and add a refreshing punch to the shredded veg.

Com tam

Com tam, “broken rice”, is a street-stand favourite. Recipes vary, but you’ll often find it served with barbecued pork or beef and a fried egg.