Fun fact: all noodles are pasta, but not all pasta is noodles. And when it comes to pasta and foodie travel, Italy tends to steal the spotlight, but the truth is that there are plenty of Asian countries that can give Bel Paese a run for its penne. Vietnam, in particular, is home to over 20 noodle dishes featuring fresh, local ingredients that continue to be prepared according to the country’s ancient culinary tradition. If you’re a pasta-enthusiast planning a trip to Vietnam, here are a few especially worth trying.
Phở
Arguably the most well-known noodle dish and the official national dish of Vietnam, phở is a savory soup made from thin rice noodles and meat in a delicate broth. The history of phở dates back over 100 years, with early versions consisting of rice cakes boiled with beef sold by street vendors in the Nam Định province. Today, variations of phở are enjoyed all over the country, often with fresh herbs, chili, and lime.
Bun Thit Nuong
Pork is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, and one of the most common ways it’s consumed is along with some rice noodles in bún thịt nướng. Literally translated as “grilled meat on noodles,” bún thịt nướng is a flavorful dish consisting of smoky grilled pork, rice vermicelli, bean sprouts, herbs, and roasted peanuts. Vegetarian versions made with tofu also exist, though most vendors serve bún thịt nướng with a drizzle of fish sauce, so be sure to double-check if this is a concern.
Mì Quảng
Not for the faint of heart, mì quảng is a central Vietnamese dish featuring shrimp, meat, and quail eggs over a bed of wide noodles in a turmeric-infused broth. It’s typically served with herbs and native flowers, which balance the dish by providing a fresh, bitter element to an otherwise heavy composition.
