Bold, bright and vibrant, the classic dishes and flavours of South East Asia are beloved around the world, and Vietnamese cuisine sits, deservedly, close to the top of the pile. Characterised by their fragrant spice and rewarding umami finish, Vietnam’s fresh, colourful plates are always a pleasure to eat – whether you’re doing so in a charming regional restaurant or right in the street, at the heart of one of the country’s bustling, welcoming cities.
Recognising that Vietnamese food is an experience in itself, our South East Asian river cruise and tour itineraries give you the opportunity to seek out the country’s best-loved plates as part of an evening street food tour on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. In the company of an experienced local guide, you’ll savour classic Vietnamese favourites, bringing you an authentic taste of this beautiful country.
To inspire your gastronomic odyssey through Vietnam, here we explore 10 of the country’s best-loved dishes, from pho to goi cuon.
While sweet dishes aren’t hugely popular in Vietnam, the country does have some notable desserts – many of which are designed to cleanse the palate and cool the diner. Che is a great example of this, a dish made from a sweet, cold soup, generously topped with coconut cream, crushed ice, jellied sweets and lotus seeds. This colourful dessert comes in all sorts of varieties, and locals tend to eat it in the humid summer months, much like we would a cooling ice cream here in the UK. If your Vietnamese meal deserves a refreshing finale, it’s this.
If you're feeling inspired, check out these recipes from food bloggers Kate Hackworthy and Michelle Minnaar on how to make your own Vietnamese recipes at home.
Has reading about Vietnam’s exceptional cuisine set your taste buds tingling? Join us for an unforgettable river cruise and tour in South East Asia, and enjoy sampling some of the country’s celebrated dishes as part of a guided street food tour and any one of our memorable on-board dining experiences. For more information and to book your place, visit the homepage or call us on 855 444 0161.