Family trip to Vietnam: 9 traditional dishes not to be missed

Vietnam offers more than just stunning scenery and historical landmarks—it’s also a haven for food lovers. A family trip to Vietnam is the perfect opportunity to introduce your loved ones to a rich culinary culture that’s as diverse as it is delicious.

In this article, we’ll highlight 9 traditional Vietnamese dishes that are perfect for families to enjoy together. Get ready to discover what makes Vietnam’s cuisine so special and find out which must-try foods to add to your itinerary!

Top 9 traditional dishes to try on a family trip to Vietnam

Vietnamese cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and regional charm that appeals to both adults and children alike. On a family trip to Vietnam, enjoying traditional dishes is not just about eating—it’s a chance to connect with the local culture through every bite. The following iconic dishes highlight the richness of Vietnamese food and are sure to add flavorful memories to your journey.

Pho

Pho is one of the most popular Vietnamese dishes and is perfect for family travelers. Originating from Hanoi, this iconic soup is made with beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga) broth simmered with spices like cinnamon, cardamom and cloves to create a rich and aromatic flavor. It’s served with delicate rice noodles, thinly sliced meat, scallions, cilantro and bean sprouts.

Pho is an ideal choice for a  best family trip to Vietnam, offering both convenience and deliciousness for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Found in nearly every city, this Vietnamese staple delivers an authentic and comforting culinary experience for all ages.

Banh Mi

Banh mi is more than just a sandwich in Vietnam. It’s a way to experience local food culture during your family adventure. Inherited from the French colonial era, this sandwich is typically filled with a variety of meats, crunchy pickled vegetables, fresh herbs and savory sauces—varying by region. Each city, even each neighborhood, has its own unique version, making banh mi a must-try for travelers.

Why should you try banh mi? You can find a fresh, flavorful one prepared in minutes on almost every street corner. It’s a versatile dish—great for a quick breakfast, light lunch, or evening snack. Highly praised for its freshness, banh mi ingredients are carefully selected and often baked daily. This humble yet authentic experience is ideal for families exploring Vietnam.

Bun Cha

Bun cha is a signature Vietnamese dish, perfect for a family trip. It features grilled pork, rice vermicelli, fresh herbs and dipping sauce. You can easily find this dish in small eateries or street food stalls across the country.

It’s always served with dipping sauces. Peanut hoisin sauce is common, but variations like fermented fish sauce or nuoc mam (fish sauce) are also popular. Spring rolls (cha gio), loved for their freshness and light flavor, are also an excellent choice for family travelers. They can even be adapted for vegetarians by replacing meat with vegetables or plant-based alternatives. This simple yet satisfying meal is perfect for a light family lunch during your Vietnam journey.

Learn more: Bun Cha Hanoi: Top 5 Best Places To Eat

Goi Cuon 

Goi cuon is a light and refreshing dish, ideal for a family vacation to Vietnam. These rolls are made with various ingredients wrapped in soft rice paper. Typical fillings include cooked shrimp, grilled pork, rice vermicelli and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.

The dish is always served with dipping sauces. Peanut hoisin sauce is a favorite, but other options like fermented fish sauce or nuoc mam are also available. Loved for their clean taste and freshness, spring rolls appeal to all palates. They can also be easily customized for vegetarians. Goi cuon is a must-try dish for discovering Vietnamese flavors—healthy, family-friendly and full of cultural charm.

Bun Bo Hue

Originating from the city of Hue, Bun Bo Hue is a must-try for families traveling in Vietnam. It consists of rice noodles, beef slices, pork hock and sometimes added beef or crab rolls, depending on the cook’s recipe.

The broth is simmered from beef bones, lemongrass and fermented shrimp paste, giving it a rich and distinctive aroma. Ideal for a family trip to Vietnam, this dish can be customized with fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, basil, bean sprouts, scallions, or thinly sliced banana blossom. This central Vietnamese specialty is a wonderful culinary experience to enjoy, share and explore together.

Banh Xeo

Banh xeo is a popular savory Vietnamese pancake, often enjoyed by families on their Vietnam journey. The batter is made from rice flour, coconut milk and turmeric, which gives it a crispy texture when cooked. Scallions are added for extra flavor.

Classic fillings include shrimp, pork, or chicken with bean sprouts. Once the ingredients are cooked on one side of the pancake, it’s folded into a golden half-moon shape. Perfect for a family trip to Vietnam itinerary, this cozy dish is eaten by cutting it into pieces and wrapping it in rice paper with fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, or perilla. Each bite, dipped in sweet-and-sour fish sauce, is an explosion of flavor.

Banh xeo is loved for its unique blend of crispiness, freshness and balanced taste. It offers a fun, interactive dining experience—perfect for sharing joyful family moments while exploring the richness of Vietnamese cuisine.

Mi Quang

Mi Quang is a signature dish of Quang Nam Province and is a great option for families traveling in Vietnam. It showcases the diversity and richness of Vietnamese cuisine through local ingredients and simple yet flavorful preparation.

Every component of Mi Quang matters: thick noodles, light broth, slices of meat (chicken, pork, or shrimp), fresh herbs and roasted peanuts. Served with crispy rice crackers and crunchy vegetables, it offers the perfect mix of textures and flavors. Beloved by locals and travelers alike for its distinctive and authentic taste, enjoying a bowl of Mi Quang with your family is a meaningful way to immerse yourself in real Vietnamese culinary culture.

Bun Rieu 

Bun rieu is a traditional Vietnamese crab soup, ideal for families visiting Vietnam. This dish features rice vermicelli served in a rich broth made from crab meat, tomatoes, vinegar and spices. The result is a tangy, refreshing flavor—perfect for hot days.

Bun rieu is visually striking, flavorful and nutritionally beneficial. Whether enjoyed at a street stall or a sit-down restaurant, this dish is a wonderful choice for families. Perfect for a family trip to Vietnam, bun rieu reflects the authenticity and diversity of Vietnamese cuisine, offering a memorable dining experience for all ages.

Cha Com 

Cha com is a traditional Northern Vietnamese dish and a must-try during a family trip to Vietnam, especially in autumn. Unlike other Vietnamese patties such as fish cakes or squid cakes, cha com is primarily made from “com” (young green rice), giving it a fresh, gentle fragrance.

The dish also includes lean pork and sometimes spring rolls, resulting in a simple yet tasty combination. In autumn, the signature flavor of cha com adds charm to Hanoi’s atmosphere, making the season even more delightful and memorable. Cha com is a wonderful choice for families seeking an authentic Vietnamese taste, wrapped in the gentle breeze of Vietnam’s fall season.

Tips for enjoying traditional dishes on a family trip to Vietnam

Vietnam’s traditional dishes are best enjoyed when you know where to go, what to try, and how much to expect. From local markets to family-run restaurants, these tips will help you navigate the flavors, keep the kids happy, and enjoy authentic meals without overspending.

• Start with local recommendations: Ask locals or hotel staff for nearby spots to try each dish. Many of the best meals come from small, unassuming places.

• Try regional variations: Each region in Vietnam offers a different take on the same dish. For example, pho in Hanoi tastes different from pho in Saigon—both are worth trying.

• Be mindful of spice levels: Vietnamese food can be mildly spicy, but sauces on the side may pack more heat. Always taste before dipping, especially for children.

• Balance your meals: Mix lighter dishes like goi cuon or cha com with richer options like bun bo Hue or bun rieu to avoid overwhelming younger palates.

• Keep it fun and interactive: Encourage kids to help wrap banh xeo in rice paper or choose their toppings for mi Quang. It turns mealtime into a memorable experience.

• Hydrate and eat fresh: Enjoy tropical fruits and fresh drinks (like coconut water) between meals. They pair perfectly with Vietnam’s flavorful dishes and keep everyone energized.

• Enjoy great value: Traditional Vietnamese dishes are not only delicious but also budget-friendly. A typical street food meal costs around 30,000 to 60,000 VND (about 1.20–2.50 USD), making it easy for families to eat well without overspending.

A family trip to Vietnam is a wonderful opportunity to savor traditional dishes and share meaningful culinary moments. These 9 specialties are just a glimpse of the many flavorful discoveries that await, adding depth and richness to your journey. Get ready to explore Vietnam through its vibrant and delicious cuisine!