Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Vietnam

Vietnam not only attracts tourists with its magnificent natural scenery and long history, but is also world-famous for its rich, diverse, high-quality and affordable cuisine. From fragrant beef noodles (Phở), rich Vietnamese baguettes (Bánh mì), to traditional dishes with strong family flavor, every Vietnamese food carries local characteristics and cultural memories.

This article selects 10 representative restaurants and food stalls in the two major cities in Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, covering street food such as Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa and Phở Lệ, as well as restaurants with elegant environments that combine tradition and creativity, such as Hoa Tuc and Cục Gạch Quán. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a traveler exploring local culture in depth, you will find options here to impress your taste buds.

This guide not only introduces each restaurant's signature dishes, address, opening hours and per-person price, but also includes practical tips to help you plan a food trip easily. Experience the passion, tradition and creativity of Vietnam with one meal after another of authentic cuisine, and let your taste buds take you into the soul of this charming country.

1. Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa

Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa is known as "the most luxurious Bánh Mì in Vietnam" and is a legend in the bakery industry in Ho Chi Minh City. It is located on Lê Thị Riêng Street in District 1, close to the Pham Ngu Lao neighborhood where Western tourists often gather. Although the shop is small, there are long lines every day just for a bite of the thick and rich Vietnamese baguette. Different from ordinary Bánh Mì, the sandwiches here use a variety of cold cuts, thick homemade pâté, creamy mayonnaise, cucumber, pickled radish, coriander, etc., making every bite full of meat and rich layers. Although the price is slightly higher, the portion is large and the flavor is rich. It is the "irreplaceable" Bánh Mì in the hearts of many tourists and locals. It is recommended to go early in the afternoon to avoid the queues.

• Address: 26 Lê Thị Riêng, Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening Hours: 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM

• Average Cost: 50,000 VND ($2 USD)

• How to Get There: Bus to Ngã 6 Phù Đổng Stop

Signature Dish: Vietnamese baguette sandwich (Bánh mì)
Why Visit: Dubbed the "King of Bánh Mì", this local favorite piles on generous layers of cold cuts, pate, pickled veggies, and homemade mayo. Expect long queues—but it's worth every bite.
Pro Tip: Go early to avoid the crowd.

2. Phở Lệ

Phở Lệ, located in District 5, is a time-honored Vietnamese beef noodle restaurant with a history of more than 40 years and is very popular among locals. Different from the light flavor in the north, the soup base in this restaurant is rich and mellow. It is cooked with beef bones for a long time. It is fragrant and sweet in the mouth. The beef slices here can be chosen from different cuts, among which the most recommended is "tái" (raw beef), which is slightly cooked in hot soup and has a tender texture. Garnishes include bean sprouts, basil, lime and chili, which can be customized to suit personal taste. With affordable prices and generous portions, it is one of the best choices for tourists to experience South Vietnamese-style beef noodles. The store is simple but popular, especially during breakfast time.

• Address: 413-415 Nguyễn Trãi, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM

• Average Cost: 40,000 VND ($1.50 USD)

• How to Get There: Bus to Trần Phú Stop

Signature Dish: Beef noodle soup (Phở Bò)
Why Visit: Serving phở for over 40 years, Phở Lệ is known for its rich, slow-cooked broth and tender beef slices. A classic example of Southern Vietnamese-style phở.
Pro Tip: Ask for "tái" (rare beef) for maximum flavor.

3. Bếp Mẹ Ỉn (Mother's Kitchen)

Bếp Mẹ Ỉn, which means "Mom's Kitchen", is a cozy restaurant located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, specializing in traditional Vietnamese home-cooked dishes. The restaurant is decorated in a rustic and retro style, and the walls are covered with old photos of Vietnam, creating a friendly and nostalgic atmosphere. The dishes are mainly based on central and southern flavors. We recommend coconut shrimp fried rice, Vietnamese pancakes (Bánh xèo), charcoal grilled pork rice noodles, etc. They are delicious and beautifully presented. The store is also recommended by Michelin guide Bib Gourmand and has high value for money. Suitable for couples and small groups to dine together, ordering multiple dishes to share can better appreciate Vietnam's rich culinary culture. It is only a 5-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market, very convenient.

• Address: 136 Lê Thánh Tôn, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM

• Average Cost: 100,000 VND ($4 USD)

•  How to Get There: 5-min walk from Ben Thanh Market

Signature Dishes: Coconut shrimp fried rice, Vietnamese pancakes (Bánh xèo), grilled pork vermicelli
Why Visit: A cozy restaurant featuring traditional Vietnamese home cooking. Loved by locals and tourists, and recognized by the Michelin Bib Gourmand guide.
Pro Tip: Order several small plates to share.

4. Hoa Tuc – Creative Vietnamese Cuisine

Located in a French colonial building in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Hoa Tuc is a high-end Vietnamese cuisine restaurant that combines traditional and modern flavors. The environment is elegant, with indoor and outdoor seating and surrounded by green plants. It is especially suitable for couples or families to gather for dinner. The dishes focus on creativity and beautiful presentation. We recommend pineapple fried rice, pan-fried Vietnamese rice noodles, grapefruit shrimp salad, etc. Each dish reflects the chef's unique interpretation of local ingredients. In addition to dining, cooking classes are held regularly upstairs in the restaurant to teach the preparation of classic Vietnamese dishes, which is a good opportunity for tourists to experience the local food culture in depth. The service is attentive and suitable for celebrations or when you want to enjoy a quiet mealtime.

• Address: 74/7 Hai Bà Trưng Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Average Cost: 150,000 VND ($6 USD)

Signature Dishes: Pineapple fried rice, sizzling noodles, pomelo shrimp salad
Why Visit: Set in a French colonial building, this restaurant elevates traditional Vietnamese recipes with modern presentation and flavors. A favorite among couples and families.
Pro Tip: Book a cooking class held upstairs!

5. Phở Thìn

Phở Thìn is a well-known old beef noodle shop in Hanoi, attracting countless diners since its opening in 1979. Different from the common clear soup rice noodles, the specialty here is "fried beef rice noodles". The beef is quickly stir-fried with garlic, and then put into a bowl with the stock and rice noodles, making the soup more fragrant and slightly oily, with a unique flavor. This old restaurant located on Lò Đúc Street in Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi is a model of traditional Vietnamese breakfast. The prices are affordable and the ingredients are exquisite. It is a popular place for locals to have a daily meal. When eaten with Vietnamese fried dough sticks dipped in soup, it adds more flavor and is highly praised by food lovers.

• Address: 13 Lò Đúc, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi

• Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• Average Cost: 50,000 VND ($2 USD)

Signature Dish: Stir-fried beef phở
Why Visit: Different from your typical phở, the beef is stir-fried with garlic before being added to the broth, creating a savory, slightly greasy depth. An institution in Hanoi since 1979.
Pro Tip: Dip a crunchy youtiao (fried dough) in your broth.

6. Bánh Mì 25

Bánh Mì 25 is a foreign tourist-friendly Vietnamese sandwich shop located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Although the store is small, it is well-received for its fresh bread and rich flavors. The main dish is roasted pork Bánh Mì. The meat is fragrant and tender. It is paired with crispy baguettes, fresh vegetables and special sauce, with distinct layers. There are also beef, chicken, egg and vegetarian options, among which the avocado Bánh Mì is very popular among vegetarians. The staff are fluent in English and the service is enthusiastic, making it an ideal choice for your first experience with Vietnamese street food. With reasonable prices and authentic taste, it is a fast food experience not to be missed when visiting Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter.

• Address: 25 Hàng Cá, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• Average Cost: 50,000 VND ($2 USD)

Signature Dish: Grilled pork Bánh mì
Why Visit: One of the most tourist-friendly Bánh mì spots in Hanoi. Fresh bread, quality fillings, and English-speaking staff make this a great intro to Vietnamese street food.
Pro Tip: Ask for the vegetarian option with avocado!

7. An Bread

An Bread is a cozy shop located in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, famous for its Vietnamese sandwiches and egg coffee. Ideally located just steps away from St. Joseph's Cathedral, it's the perfect place for breakfast after a morning walk. There are various types of sandwiches, the bread is crispy, and the fillings include fried eggs, bacon, sausages, etc., paired with Vietnamese special sauces, giving a unique flavor. The most popular drink in the store is egg coffee. The fragrant coffee is covered with a layer of dense egg milk foam, which has a smooth and sweet taste. The atmosphere is quiet and the service is friendly. It is suitable for sitting alone or gathering with friends. It is a small and refreshing corner on the streets of Hanoi.

• Address: 15 Phu Doan Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi

• Opening Hours: Typically 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Average Cost: 50,000 VND ($2 USD)

Signature Dish: Vietnamese sandwich with egg coffee
Why Visit: A cozy spot known for its egg coffee and crisp baguette sandwiches. Quiet atmosphere, perfect for a morning stop near St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Pro Tip: Try the bacon & egg combo—it’s a Vietnamese breakfast twist.

8. Cafe Duy Tri

Cafe Duy Tri is a time-honored cafe in Tay Ho District, Hanoi. It has a history of decades and is deeply loved by local young people and the older generation of citizens. The store is small but full of nostalgia, with wooden furniture, old-fashioned ceiling fans, and vintage records creating a feeling of stepping back in time. Its signature drink "Yoghurt Coffee" (Sữa chua cà phê) is a mixture of yogurt and rich drip coffee. It has a sweet, sour and bitter taste, which is very unique. There is balcony seating upstairs, which is an ideal place to quietly watch the lake and relax. If you want to experience authentic Vietnamese slow life, Duy Tri is definitely a place not to be missed.

• Address: 43A Yên Phụ, Tây Hồ, Hanoi

• Opening Hours: Approx. 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• Average Cost: 50,000 VND ($2 USD)

Signature Drink: Yogurt coffee (Sữa chua cà phê)
Why Visit: One of Hanoi’s oldest cafes, serving strong drip coffee with a twist—mixing it with creamy yogurt. A hidden gem with a nostalgic vibe.
Pro Tip: Head to the upper floor for a quiet corner.

9. Pizza 4P’s

Pizza 4P’s is a popular pizza chain in Vietnam founded by Japanese, with locations in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Specializing in homemade cheese pizza, the most popular is the burrata cheese pizza, which is made to order and is full of milky aroma. The restaurant combines Italian classics with local Vietnamese ingredients, such as seafood pizza, roast duck pizza and other unique dishes. The store has modern decoration and high service standards, which often attracts foreign tourists who want to change their tastes and local young people to gather and dine. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially during dining hours at popular stores such as Sai Kung Center and Le Thanh Thong Street branches.

• Address: Multiple branches in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Average Cost: 200,000 VND ($8 USD)

Signature Dish: Burrata cheese pizza
Why Visit: This Japanese-run restaurant chain crafts handmade cheese in-house and fuses Italian and Vietnamese ingredients. Perfect for when you want a break from local food without leaving quality behind.
Pro Tip: Book in advance—especially at Saigon Centre or Le Thanh Ton branches.

10. Cục Gạch Quán (The Brick Restaurant)

Cục Gạch Quán is a retro-style Vietnamese restaurant located in Ho Chi Minh City. It is located in a renovated colonial villa, full of greenery and full of art. The furnishings in the store are mainly old wooden furniture, ceramic vessels and retro decorations, creating a strong Vietnamese rural home atmosphere. The dishes follow Vietnamese family traditions. Recommended dishes include fish casserole, caramelized pork and lotus root salad, which are rich in flavor and carefully prepared. As for drinks, fresh passion fruit juice is popular. The restaurant is quiet and elegant, suitable for couples to date or friends to have dinner together. It is an ideal place to experience Vietnamese culture and cuisine.

• Address: 10 Đặng Tất, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Average Cost: 200,000 VND ($8 USD)

Signature Dishes: Claypot fish, caramelized pork, lotus root salad
Why Visit: A charming heritage-style restaurant inside a refurbished colonial house. Serves traditional Vietnamese home-style dishes in a cozy, art-filled space.
Pro Tip: Try the fresh passion fruit juice—it's amazing.

Vietnam Food Travel Tips

1. Choose a restaurant with lots of people and fast table turnover. Vietnam has hot and humid weather, making it difficult to preserve ingredients. Choose a popular restaurant where the food is updated quickly and is relatively safer.
2. Avoid drinking raw water.only drink bottled water and avoid ice (unless it is definitely ice from a sanitary factory), especially at stalls.
3. Choose street food carefully.Although roadside stalls are very attractive, first-timers are advised to choose stalls with recommendations or lots of tourists.
4. Pay attention to the freshness of seafood.Cities near the sea such as Da Nang are rich in seafood, but avoid eating raw food during the wet weather in the rainy season.
5. Tipping is not required, but welcome.especially in mid-to-high-end restaurants or when the waiter is particularly enthusiastic, a tip of 5,000–20,000 VND is appropriate.
6. Be patient and polite, The service pace in Vietnam is relatively slow, especially in popular stores where you often have to wait, so avoid being rushed and impatient.