Southern Vietnamese cuisine reflects the abundance of the Mekong Delta and the region’s tropical climate. Coconut, palm sugar, seafood, tropical fruits, fresh herbs, and a greater degree of sweetness are characteristic features.
The food is often generous and colorful, with an emphasis on freshness and contrasting textures.
Signature Specialties
- Bánh Xèo— A large, crispy turmeric crepe filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, wrapped in fresh greens and herbs.
- Cơm Tấm— Broken rice served with grilled pork, steamed egg meatloaf, pork skin, scallion oil, and pickles.
- Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang— A southern noodle soup reflecting Chinese-Cambodian influences, commonly served with pork, shrimp, quail egg, and fresh vegetables; it can also be enjoyed dry.
- Bánh Canh Cua— Thick tapioca-rice noodles in a rich crab broth, often accompanied by crab meat, shrimp, and fish or crab cakes.
- Bánh Khọt— Small, crisp savory pancakes, especially associated with southern coastal Vietnam and Vũng Tàu.
- Gỏi Cuốn— Fresh rice-paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, rice vermicelli, and herbs, served with dipping sauce.
- Bún Thịt Nướng— Rice vermicelli topped with grilled pork, herbs, pickled vegetables, peanuts, and fish sauce.
- Cá Tai Tượng Chiên Xù— Crispy fried elephant-ear fish, a classic Mekong Delta experience, usually served with rice paper and herbs.
- Lẩu Mắm— A richly flavored Mekong Delta hotpot based on fermented fish paste, accompanied by vegetables, seafood, and meat.
- Chè— Vietnamese sweet soups and desserts made with beans, coconut milk, tropical fruits, lotus seeds, jelly, and other ingredients.
Southern Drinks & Coffee
- Cà Phê Sữa Đá— Strong Vietnamese coffee slowly filtered through a phin, mixed with condensed milk and served over ice.
- Bạc Xỉu— A milky, sweeter coffee with less coffee intensity, traditionally associated with Saigon.
- Nước Dừa Tươi— Fresh coconut water, particularly enjoyable in the Mekong Delta and coastal areas.
- Nước Mía— Fresh sugarcane juice, often served over ice.
- Sinh Tố Bơ— Creamy avocado smoothie, a popular Vietnamese dessert-drink.
- Nước Chanh / Chanh Muối— Fresh lime drinks, including salted lime, especially refreshing in the tropical South.
- Trà Tắc— Iced kumquat tea, a common refreshing street drink.
Recommended Restaurants
Cơm Tấm Mộc — Ho Chi Minh City
Specialty: Traditional Cơm Tấm, especially grilled pork, pork skin, and steamed egg combinations.
Bánh Xèo Ăn Là Ghiền — Ho Chi Minh City
Specialty: Large Southern-style Bánh Xèo, fresh herbs, and accompanying Vietnamese dishes.
Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Thành Đạt — Ho Chi Minh City
Specialty: Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang, available both as soup and dry noodles.
Bánh Canh Cua 14 — Ho Chi Minh City
Specialty: Crab noodle soup with crab, shrimp, crab cake, and pork.
Bánh Khọt Gốc Vú Sữa — Vũng Tàu
Specialty: Crispy shrimp-filled Bánh Khọt, served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
The Workshop Coffee — Ho Chi Minh City
Specialty: Vietnamese specialty coffee, espresso, pour-over, and cold brew.