Hanoi topped Tripadvisor's list of the world's best culinary destinations just last year, but Vietnam is conspicuously absent from the influential travel site's 2025 rankings. Why the sudden fall from grace?
As European cities like Rome, London and Marrakech dominated this year's Travelers' Choice Awards for the world's tastiest travel spots, Vietnam insiders were left with a bitter aftertaste. After all, Vietnamese cuisine has become a major tourist draw and competitive edge for the burgeoning tourism industry thanks to its bright, fresh flavors and artful presentations.
While Hanoi nabbed 50th place on TasteAtlas’ own 2024-2025 list of ultimate foodie destinations, the lack of Vietnamese representation in Tripadvisor’s Top 25 comes as a sharp wake-up call.
Building a Global Reputation Bite by Bite
Vietnam was just starting to make real headway as a globally recognized culinary hotspot. From Michelin debuting in Hanoi in 2021 to adding a starry outpost in Da Nang last year, the French seal of approval has gone a long way towards elevating Vietnamese food in international esteem.
Of course, the proof is ultimately in the phở. Hanoi now boasts four Michelin-starred restaurants that artfully fuse traditional Vietnamese ingredients with advanced techniques. Yet local restauranteurs fear impressions abroad may slide backwards if Vietnam keeps slipping off endorsements like Tripadvisor’s 2025 winners’ circle.
Key Ingredients for a Rebound
How can Vietnam heat up its global culinary credentials once more? As regional neighbors like Thailand and Singapore set the benchmark for SE Asian gastronomy, Vietnam must play to its unique strengths.
Homegrown hospitality, artisanal food producers and UNESCO-worthy street eats can form the base of Vietnam’s culinary comeback. However, improving food safety practices will be critical for reassuring international patrons in a post-pandemic landscape.
While Vietnamese food may be temporarily out of favor with trend-setting travel giants, the flavors of phở, bánh mì and rice vermicelli rolls remain eternal favorites for citizens across Vietnam. If the country can regain trust abroad while preserving culinary traditions, then global glory may be back on the menu before long.
FAQ
What qualities make Vietnam’s food scene unique?
Vietnam’s bright, fresh and artfully presented cuisine combines traditional ingredients with French-inspired techniques in dishes like phở noodle soup. Homegrown hospitality and UNESCO-lauded street eats also help Vietnam’s culinary scene stand out.
Why is Vietnam’s absence from Tripadvisor’s 2025 awards concerning?
Earning accolades from leading travel sites helps boost Vietnam’s reputation globally. Falling off prime rankings could mean impressions abroad slide backwards, even as Vietnam expands Michelin stars and food tourism domestically.
How can Vietnam regain its international culinary prestige?
Playing to unique strengths like hospitality and artisanal fare can help Vietnam’s food scene get back in favor. But improving food safety is also critical post-pandemic. If Vietnam earns back global trust while preserving traditions, its flavors could be favorites worldwide once more.