Foodie Families in Vietnam

Vietnam has crept higher and higher on avid traveler’s radar for years. Between the lush jungles, fun city life and exciting cultural experiences, opportunity abounds in Vietnam for traveling families. Adventurous foodies traveling through find themselves on bikes riding seeking out the top dishes homemade by locals with fresh ingredients.

Book a food tour and experience the best this city has to offer, or head out on your own seeking these easy, kid-friendly and exciting local dishes.

One of the easiest and most accessible dishes to introduce the kids too is pho. We have variations of it all over the United States and it resembles something they already know and love, noodle soup. Pronounced “fuh,” pho is a staple in the Vietnamese diet. Picture a salty broth seasoned with salt, fresh herbs and loaded with protein and fresh rice noodles. Sit down with a bowl and enjoy the scenery and hustle and bustle through town.

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Another dish you may have seen or tried in the states is a bánh miì, developed in the 1950s in Ho Chi Minh City. This popular dish is actually a sandwich and perfect for families on the go. Built on a Vietnamese roll, this sandwich is filled with pickled vegetables, protein and is super savory. Vegetarians will have no trouble as you can opt for tofu at most establishments.

Another fun handheld is goi cuon, pronounced “guy coon.” This dish is a bit lighter, greener and perfect for a quick snack. The translucent wrap resembles a spring roll filled with sliced vegetables, shrimp or meat if desired, served with a dipping sauce, likely peanut or fish.

Now, back to rice bowls. Grab a seat and enjoy a bowl of xio, pronounced “soy.” This dish is served with sticky white rice topped with chicken, pork, fried eggs, vegetables and really anything else you want included. It’s like a build-your-own meal and completely customizable by appetite and taste.

Enjoying street food from local vendors is commonplace in Vietnam. In fact, most of the best local cuisine will be found from city street vendors. One must try is a bun cha, pronounced “boon cha,” essentially super crispy pork in a bowl of fresh herbs, fish sauce (or soy sauce) and rice noodles. You may remember this dish famously enjoyed by President Obama and Anthony Bourdain in Hanoi on Bourdain’s show, Parts Unknown.

Whatever your flavor, Vietnam has it. Expect affordable dishes in every variety of fish, noodles, rice, broth and vegetables you could ever imagine. Perfect for all ages.