Looking back at the past year, Vietnam's tourism and culinary sectors can take immense pride as several traditional dishes were celebrated by foreign media with glowing reviews and introduced extensively to global audiences.
Beef Pho

Topping the list of Vietnamese culinary delights frequently praised by major foreign newspapers and websites is the irresistible beef pho. In early January 2022, CNN (USA) released a list of the world's best brothy dishes, as voted by culinary experts, with beef pho taking the top spot. The article highlighted that the soul of this dish lies in its meticulously prepared broth, crafted with the freshest ingredients to deliver its unique and delightful flavor.
Beef pho typically comes in two main varieties: rare and well-done. To serve, rice noodles are placed in a bowl, topped with green onions, herbs, and beef (rare or well-done), then drenched in hot broth. The rich, savory flavor of the beef, bone broth, and aromatic spices blend harmoniously to create a dish uniquely Vietnamese.
Hue-style tapioca dumplings

Hue cuisine is renowned for its sophistication and meticulous attention to detail, making its dishes highly appealing to many. One of the celebrated delicacies from Hue that garnered international praise last year is the famous tapioca dumplings. In April 2022, CNN featured these dumplings in its list of must-try Vietnamese dishes, encouraging travelers to give them a taste.
Many foreign diners are often surprised by the unique appearance of tapioca dumplings on their first encounter. The translucent outer layer, made from tapioca flour, reveals vibrant red shrimp inside once cooked. The real delight, however, comes from the first bite—a satisfying crunch followed by the fresh, sweet flavor of the shrimp, making it an irresistibly addictive treat.
Banh mi
In mid-May 2022, CNN also highlighted banh mi in its list of the world's best sandwiches. Vietnamese banh mi is highly praised for the diversity of its fillings. From pate, cold cuts, sausages, fried eggs, to shredded pork, combined with fresh herbs and rich sauces, it creates an irresistible flavor that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
Sesame glutinous rice balls

In May 2022, surpassing many other delicious dishes, Vietnam's humble sesame glutinous rice balls made it to CNN's top 30 list of the world's best fried pastries. These small, golden-fried balls, coated with sesame seeds, offer a delightful sweet and nutty flavor upon the first bite. Though seemingly simple, their unique charm has won the hearts of many.
Phu Quoc stirred vermicelli
In August 2022, SCMP included stirred vermicelli in its list of must-try dishes when visiting Vietnam. Capturing the warmth and simplicity of Phu Quoc's land and people, this dish, despite its straightforward ingredients and preparation, offers a delightful and distinct seafood flavor that is incredibly enticing.
Quang Nam-style Cao Lau

In August 2022, SCMP also honored Quang Nam-style Cao Lau. This dish is highly praised for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, salty, and bitter flavors, making it a culinary masterpiece.
Cao Lau is meticulously prepared, featuring golden noodles crafted with great care. Unlike other noodle dishes, it is served without broth. Instead, it is topped with barbecued pork, crispy pork cracklings, and fried Cao Lau pieces or crushed peanuts. The accompanying herbs are simple, typically including bitter greens and young mustard leaves.
Vietnamese cuisine, with its countless unique and delicious dishes, is a major reason why more and more international travelers are choosing Vietnam as their destination. For domestic travelers, food tours have become increasingly popular and are worth considering. To book your flight tickets, contact the hotline 1900 2083 of Mytour for dedicated and personalized support.
Tuesday, January 3, 2023, 4:18 PM
