What to Eat in Vietnam

Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 3:30 PM ET, Mon September 26, 2016

In case you missed Anthony Bourdain and President Obama's sit down over bun cha in Hanoi, Vietnam, last night, pull up a plastic stool and let CNN catch you up on some of the essentials - like what street food you shouldn't miss when you visit Vietnam.

"There is no better place to entertain the leader of the free world, in my opinion, than one of these classic, funky family-run noodle shops you find all over Hanoi," said Bourdain. "Dinner and a beer costs about $6. I'm guessing the President doesn't get a lot of state dinners like this."

So where to start? Well, you can begin with bun cha like the president.

"Pho might be Vietnam's most famous dish, but bun cha is the top choice when it comes to lunchtime in the capital," writes the CNN staff. "Just look for the clouds of meaty smoke after 11 a.m. when street-side restaurants in Hanoi start grilling up small patties of seasoned pork and slices of marinated pork belly over a charcoal fire."

Pho is however the country's most famous and exported dish, and it's a must-try when visiting.

"This simple staple, consisting of a salty broth, fresh rice noodles, a sprinkling of herbs and chicken or beef, features predominately in the local diet -- and understandably so," notes CNN.

Cao lau is another of the country's most popular - and pretty - dishes.

"The thicker noodles are similar to Japanese udon, the crispy won-ton crackers and pork are a Chinese touch, while the broth and herbs are clearly Vietnamese," CNN reports.

Another delicious option that you shouldn't miss is the banh mi, which is like one of the world's most delicious sandwiches.

"The French may have brought with them the baguette, but Vietnam takes it to a different level," says CNN.

The list goes on, and you can read it here - just keep in mind, that you may need to plan a whole trip around food when you visit this.


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Janeen Christoff

Janeen Christoff

Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy

Editor Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy true [email protected] 9088 14744 Janeen Christoff caught the travel bug while living in London, England. After two years on the road, she settled in Los Angeles and focused her writing on

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