Phở is a traditional rice noodle dish originating from Vietnam, characterized by a clear broth centered on beef or chicken, served with flat rice noodles and accompanied by various herbs and vegetables. It is widely enjoyed in cities, street stalls, and markets across the country, and is regarded as one of the national dishes representing Vietnamese food culture. First popularized in the northern region, especially in Hanoi, phở has since spread to southern areas including Ho Chi Minh City and internationally, offered with a variety of toppings and condiments. Thanks to its rich flavor and unique dining experience, phở is now recognized worldwide as a representative dish of Asian cuisine.
Highlands Coffee is a coffee chain originating from Vietnam, operating numerous outlets both domestically and internationally. Founded in 1999, it is known for combining Vietnam’s traditional coffee culture with a modern café style. Its popular menu items include iced coffee with condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá) and various flavors of milk tea. With locations in major Vietnamese cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, as well as abroad, Highlands Coffee is widely popular.
Bánh mì is a Vietnamese sandwich-style snack that represents the fusion of the French baguette, introduced during the colonial period, with unique Vietnamese culinary traditions. It primarily consists of a lightly baked Vietnamese baguette filled with meats such as pâté, ham, or char siu, along with pickled vegetables (such as daikon and carrots), herbs, cucumber, and chili peppers. The dish is characterized by its variety of toppings and condiments. Bánh mì is commonly enjoyed throughout Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, and has gained popularity internationally in recent years.
Coconut endosperm is the edible, white, jelly-like tissue formed inside the fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). Its texture and flavor vary depending on its maturity, and it is used in a wide range of food cultures, particularly in tropical regions. In areas such as Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, Africa, and the Caribbean, coconut endosperm is popular as an everyday food, ingredient in cooking, and as an offering in religious and ceremonial contexts. In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, fresh coconut endosperm is commonly available at restaurants and markets.
Jollibee is an international fast food chain originating in the Philippines. It is known for its unique menu items such as fried chicken and spaghetti, and has expanded its presence to various regions around the world, including Southeast Asia, North America, and the Middle East. Since its founding, Jollibee has been popular among people of all ages both in the Philippines and abroad, and offers products tailored to the needs and food cultures of different regions.
Beef jerky is a type of preserved food made by seasoning beef with salt and various spices, then drying it. While it is widely known in Western countries such as the United States, the history and methods of making dried meat products exist around the world. Since ancient times, such foods have been valued for their long shelf life and portability. On Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, beef jerky can be enjoyed casually as street food, featuring unique local seasonings and serving styles.
Spring rolls (Vietnamese: Chả giò, Nem rán) are a dish in which various fillings are wrapped in a thin skin and deep-fried. They are widely enjoyed in Vietnam and throughout Southeast Asia. Believed to have originated in China, spring rolls have developed different regional variations across countries and areas. In Vietnam, it is common to wrap a variety of ingredients in rice paper made from rice flour, then deep-fry them before serving. They are typically accompanied by fresh herbs and a fish sauce-based dip called nước chấm. On Bùi Viện Street in Ho Chi Minh City, a range of styles is available, from traditional spring rolls to versions tailored for tourists.
Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese Pizza, Dalat Pizza) is a popular street food originating from Vietnam. It features a thin rice paper base topped with a variety of ingredients such as eggs, meat, vegetables, and cheese, then grilled to perfection. This dish is especially popular in the southern regions, particularly around Dalat. Often referred to as ""pizza"" due to its unique preparation method and texture, Bánh Tráng Nướng is widely enjoyed by people of all ages across Vietnam, thanks to its convenience and the wide range of flavor variations available at street stalls and in urban areas.
Bánh xèo is a traditional rice flour crepe dish originating from southern Vietnam. It consists of a thin, yellow batter made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, which is cooked and filled mainly with bean sprouts, shrimp, pork, and aromatic herbs. The finished crepe is characterized by its crisp texture and is commonly wrapped with lettuce and herbs, then eaten with a special fish sauce-based dipping sauce. Bánh xèo is a representative local dish served not only throughout Vietnam but also in Vietnamese restaurants abroad, with various fillings and sizes depending on the region.
Phở and Vietnamese-style sweet coffee are representative elements of Vietnam's traditional culinary culture. Phở is a noodle dish characterized by rice noodles and a clear broth, believed to have originated in northern Vietnam in the early 20th century. In contrast, sweet coffee, influenced by French culture, commonly features a distinctive style of serving strong coffee with condensed milk. In Ben Thanh Market, located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, many shops serve these traditional offerings, making it an accessible place for both tourists and locals to enjoy Vietnamese food culture.