Gastronomy
Morning phở in Hanoi, cao lầu in Hoi An, the floating markets of the Mekong: experiences to eat with local people, learn to cook a dish and go to market before sunrise.
Eating to understand a region
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Hoi An
Morning coffee on the banks of the Hoai River
A salt coffee or an iced coffee with condensed milk on a wooden balcony, watching the boats pull in at the market in the early morning. View the experience -
Hoi An
Dinner while strolling through the old town with a local
Five little eateries on foot, as the town lights up: mì Quảng, bánh mì, chè bắp and coffee on the banks of the Hoai River. View the experience -
Hoi An
Cao lầu, noodles you can only find in Hoi An
Thick, firm noodles, made with water from an ancient well in the town, served with xá xíu glazed pork, aromatic herbs and crispy rice crackers. View the experience -
Hoi An
Early-morning market and a cookery class from central Vietnam
Three hours with a chef: Hoi An market at daybreak, then mì Quảng, cao lầu and bánh xèo. View the experience
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Three regions, three ways of seasoning
The North cooks with finesse and restraint: phở, bún chả, chả cá, clear broths. The Centre is bolder and spicier; many dishes from the former imperial capital, Hue, keep a presentation fit for the court.
The South is sweet and generous: baskets overflowing with fresh herbs, fruit all year round, and dishes with Khmer and Chinese accents in the Mekong Delta.
The best way to understand is to eat with local people: a market, a cooking class, a meal in a family home.
Frequently asked questions
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Is street food safe?
In most cases, yes, if you choose busy stalls and well-cooked dishes served hot. For the first few days, avoid ice where the source of the water is uncertain.
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Is it easy to eat vegetarian?
Yes: there are vegetarian restaurants in every town, especially around pagodas. Say “ăn chay” and make it clear that you do not want any nước mắm.
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Are cookery classes taught in French?
Some classes in Hanoi, Hoi An and Saigon are offered in French or English. VNCT member travel agencies will book them for you.
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How far in advance should you book an experience?
Book cookery classes and dinners with local families a few days in advance; for the market or street food, a reservation is rarely needed.
Other related themes
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4 trải nghiệm Culture & heritage
Citadels, old quarters, craft villages View the experience -
3 trải nghiệm Festivals & events
Têt, Mid-Autumn Festival, lanterns, boat races View the experience -
3 trải nghiệm Shopping & crafts
Craft villages, markets, handicrafts View the experience -
2 trải nghiệm Leisure
Night markets, water puppets, boat trips View the experience