Vietnam is home to some of Asia’s tastiest and most crave-worthy snacks. From crispy spring rolls to sweet and savory pancakes, Vietnamese street food offers an explosion of textures, flavors, and aromas like no other.
TasteAtlas, an acclaimed food magazine focused on traditional cuisines around the world, recently released its ranking of the 100 Best Asian Snacks. Not surprisingly, Vietnam claimed 6 top spots on the authoritative list.
Top Vietnamese Snacks Recognized Among Asia's Best
Here are the Vietnamese snacks highlighted by TasteAtlas as being among the best in Asia:
1. Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)
Chả giò, also called nem rán, are the famous fried Vietnamese spring rolls filled with pork, shrimp, vegetables, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles. The savory rolls are dipped in a rice paper wrapper and fried to golden crispiness. They landed the #30 spot on TasteAtlas’ Asian snacks list.
2. Bánh Xèo (Crispy Pancakes)
At #53 are bánh xèo, Vietnamese stuffed savory pancakes packed with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and flavored with coconut milk and turmeric. The name "bánh xèo" refers to the sizzling sound the pancakes make when fried.
3. Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Summer Rolls)
Gỏi cuốn, or fresh summer rolls, are #57 on the Asian snacks list. Featuring shrimp, pork, rice vermicelli noodles and herbs wrapped tightly in rice paper, they're the lighter, cooler cousin of fried spring rolls.
4. Chạo Tôm (Sugarcane Shrimp)
Unique chạo tôm are shrimp paste packed onto sticks of sugarcane, then grilled. Hailing from Hue, they earned the #73 spot in TasteAtlas’ ranking.
5. Bánh Rán (Fried Glutinous Rice Balls)
At #87 are bánh rán, sweet fried glutinous rice flour balls flavored with sesame seeds and stuffed with sweet bean paste. They make an addictively tasty dessert or snack.
6. Bánh Khọt (Mini Pancakes)
Last but not least, bánh khọt are mini fried pancakes served with shrimp, green onions and sweet fish sauce. The tiny pancakes originate from southern Vietnam's Mekong Delta region.
So Why Are Vietnamese Snacks So Adored?
What makes Vietnamese snacks so delectable? Culinary experts highlight a few key reasons:
- Layered Textures - Crispy outsides and soft, savory insides are a prime feature.
- Bright, Fresh Flavors - Herbs, chilies, lime, and garlic feature boldly.
- Rice Papers - Translucent wrappers add color and chewy goodness.
- Sweet-Salty Contrasts - Sugary and umami flavors balance out.
- Street Food Culture - Grab-and-go snacking is a way of life.
From world-famous phở noodles to bánh mì sandwiches, Vietnamese food is riding higher waves of global popularity than ever before. As more people discover the joys of Vietnamese cuisine, they're sure to find that Vietnamese snacking is just as amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions visitors may have about popular Vietnamese snacks:
What are the most iconic Vietnamese snacks I should try?
Some iconic Vietnamese snacks you must try include:
- Chả Giò - Crispy fried spring rolls filled with pork, shrimp, mushrooms and noodles.
- Bánh Xèo - Savory turmeric and coconut milk-laced pancakes with pork and bean sprouts.
- Gỏi Cuốn - Refreshing summer rolls packed with herbs, rice noodles and shrimp.
- Bánh Mì - A Vietnamese sandwich bursting with flavors like pâté, pork belly, cilantro and pickled veggies.
- Cà Phê Sữa Đá - Strong black Vietnamese coffee sweetened with condensed milk and served over ice. It's an addictive favorite snack.
Where can I find authentic Vietnamese snacks in Vietnam?
Some of the best places to find authentic Vietnamese snacks are at street food stalls and markets. Head to Hanoi's Old Quarter or Saigon's Bùi Viện Street to find little street kitchens serving classic Vietnamese bites. Also, check out Bến Thành Market or Cầu Ông Lãnh Market. Many delicious discoveries await!
How can I make Vietnamese snacks at home?
Making Vietnamese snacks requires just a few special ingredients like rice paper, fish sauce, and rice noodles. Check out recipe sites like The Woks of Life, RunAwayRice, or Seonkyoung Longest for excellent step-by-step Vietnamese snack tutorials. They make it easy to DIY favorites like fried spring rolls, bánh mì sandwiches, phở and more right in your own kitchen.
What dipping sauces go well with Vietnamese snacks?
Nuoc cham and peanut sauce are two of the most popular dipping sauces for Vietnamese snacks. Nuoc cham features a balance of sweet and sour flavors from lime juice, vinegar, sugar and chilies. Peanut sauce adds a nutty, umami-rich flavor and creamy texture. Either sauce pairs deliciously with snacks like summer rolls, spring rolls or bánh mì sandwiches.
Do Vietnamese snacks cater to vegetarian and gluten-free diets?
Definitely! Many classic snacks like summer rolls, bánh xèo and bánh khọt can be easily adapted to vegetarian and gluten-free diets. Simply swap out meat for tofu and use rice paper wrappers instead of wheat-based wrappers where possible. The fresh flavors and textures still shine through wonderfully.