If you’re ever in Vietnam and want to explore some tasty local treats, you’re in the right place. Vietnam has an amazing variety of snacks that are not only delicious but also super easy to grab on the go. As you walk down a bustling street in Hanoi or explore the vibrant markets in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll always come across something delicious to nibble on. These snacks range from savory to sweet, crispy to chewy, and light to hearty. Some are best enjoyed while chatting with locals at a café, while others are perfect for enjoying while you’re out and about.
Beyond Vietnamese cakes, Vietnamese snacks are also special because they are both delicious and a reflection of the country’s culture. Each Vietnamese snack tells a story, giving you a taste of Vietnam’s rich history and culinary creativity. You’ll experience local ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and a variety of flavors packed into small, bite-sized treats. No matter if you’re a foodie eager to explore or just looking for something to snack on while out and about, these Vietnamese snacks will definitely satisfy your cravings. Ready to discover some of the best ones? Let’s get started!
Vietnamese Snacks Can be Found Every Corner in Vietnam
If you’re a snack lover, Vietnam is the perfect destination for your journey. Everywhere you go, whether in the heart of big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City or in smaller towns, you’ll come across a variety of delicious treats waiting for you to try. Just take a walk through bustling markets, street corners, or even small local shops, and you’ll discover all kinds of local snacks like crispy Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese pizza), flavorful Nem Nướng (grilled pork sausage), and sweet Mứt Gừng (candied ginger).
And you know what’s great? You don’t have to look far to find these tasty snacks. Vendors are often set up right on the sidewalks, serving up fresh, hot treats that are perfect for enjoying as you stroll around. The convenience of grabbing a snack from a cart or stall adds to the charm of exploring the streets. And the choices are endless! If you’re in the mood for something savory, sweet, spicy, or tangy, there’s always something new to discover. You might even stumble upon lesser-known gems like Bánh Bao (steamed buns), or crispy fried dough sticks called Quẩy, often enjoyed with a hot bowl of soy milk or congee.
Next time you’re wandering around, keep an eye out for these delicious treats. Trust me, whether you’re in a bustling city or a cozy village, there’s always something to tickle your taste buds and make you want more! And now, are you curious about which Vietnamese snacks you absolutely must try? Let’s dive in and discover the best ones you won’t want to miss!
15 Must-Try Vietnamese Snacks That Will Steal Your Heart
Banh Dau Xanh – Mung Bean Cubes Vietnamese Snacks
When you visit Vietnam, don’t miss Banh Dau Xanh (Mung Bean Cubes), a traditional delicacy from Hai Duong. These small, soft cubes are made from mung beans, sugar, fat, and vanilla, giving them a delicate sweetness and crumbly texture. They dissolve in your mouth, leaving a smooth and satisfying taste. Locals love pairing these cubes with green tea, as the tea’s slight bitterness perfectly balances the sweetness. Packaged neatly, they make an excellent souvenir or snack during your trip. Simple yet flavorful, Banh Dau Xanh is a must-try treat that offers a true taste of Vietnam’s culinary charm.
Keo Dua – Coconut Candy
If you’re exploring southern Vietnam, especially the Mekong Delta, you must try Keo Dua (Coconut Candy) – a famous Vietnamese snacks. This traditional treat is made from coconut milk, coconut cream, and malt, creating a chewy, rich candy that’s bursting with tropical flavor.
Crafted by hand in small workshops, these candies are often wrapped in edible rice paper and neatly packaged. Locals enjoy them as a sweet snack or gift for friends and family. Watching how Keo Dua is made in coconut factories is also a popular activity for tourists visiting the region.
Bring home a bag of Keo Dua for a sweet memory of Vietnam!
Keo Cu Do – Peanut and Rice Paper Brittle
When I was little, I often heard the familiar vendor’s chant: “One thousand for one piece of cu do, two thousand for two pieces of cu do.” I’m sure that when you hear the name “Cu đơ,” you won’t know that it refers to an ancient specialty candy in Vietnamese snacks. You’re not alone; when I first heard this name, I was also quite confused, not knowing what cu do was. Why was it named after a type of cake? But after learning how people name different foods, you can begin to understand the meaning behind that name.
It is said that during the French colonial period in Vietnam in 1953, the first batch of candy was made by Mr. Dinh Vy, also known as Cu Hai. He started cooking peanuts with molasses and lime peel in a bowl to sell in Huong Son district, Ha Tinh province. The villagers gathered to try it and praised its deliciousness. Occasionally, the French would stop by his house to buy candy and drink tea. Since everyone around called him Hai, they translated “Hai” into French as “Deux,” which means the number 2. Over time, they started calling Mr. Cu Hai’s candy “cu do.”
When you eat cu do candy, you will experience the chewy sweetness of molasses and the crunchiness of peanuts blended together within a crispy rice cake layer. Vietnamese people often enjoy cu do candy with tea, and to be honest, snacks like this taste even better when paired with tea. This is a cultural delicacy and a perfect Vietnamese snack to bring as a gift for friends and family. If you have never tried this treat, I encourage you to buy a box to understand why, despite the passage of time, cu do candy still holds a special place in the hearts of Vietnamese snack lovers.
Com Chay – Crispy Rice
Com Chay (Crispy Rice) is a popular Vietnamese snack, especially in Ninh Binh province. Made from cooked rice that is sun-dried and deep-fried to golden perfection, it’s crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Not only is cơm cháy Ninh Bình beloved within the country, but it has also been officially recognized by the Asian Record Organization as one of the top 10 famous specialties of Vietnam. What makes Com Chay special is the toppings—usually savory combinations like pork floss, fried shallots, or a rich sauce made from pork or goat. These toppings add a burst of umami that pairs beautifully with the crispy rice base.
Like many other Vietnamese snacks, cơm cháy Ninh Bình has a rich historical origin. In the late 19th century, a young man named Đinh Hoàng Thăng from Ninh Bình moved to Hanoi to work at a large Chinese restaurant. After failing to win the heart of the owner’s daughter, he decided to quit and return home to open a restaurant specializing in cơm cháy. Later, his former employer invited him to collaborate on opening several new branches and even gave him his daughter’s hand in marriage. This led to the emergence of numerous other restaurants, giving birth to cơm cháy Ninh Bình.
Cơm cháy Ninh Bình can be enjoyed in two main ways. The first is the traditional cooked version, where crispy rice is served immediately with grilled goat or beef, often accompanied by various vegetables and dipped in a savory sauce. The second type is packaged cơm cháy, which is cooked with a topping of fried shallots, meat floss, and other spices while frying. This rice is then sun-dried until crispy and cut into pieces for packaging. Packaged cơm cháy is often regarded as a delightful snack, perfect for those moments when you need something to nibble on to stave off hunger.
So, Com Chay is a must-try for anyone exploring Vietnamese cuisine. Its unique texture and taste will leave you craving more!
Banh Chuoi Nuong – Grilled Banana Wrapped in Sticky Rice
In Vietnam, you can find bananas anywhere, and dishes made from bananas come in a wide variety, including steamed bananas, fried banana cakes, banana pudding, and baked banana cakes. The type of banana used for baking is nếp banana, which has a moderately sweet flavor and is easy to prepare into delicious dishes.
That’s why Banh Chuoi Nuong is a beloved Vietnamese dessert you can’t miss. It features ripe bananas wrapped in sticky rice, coated in banana leaves, and grilled until golden brown. The grilling process gives it a smoky aroma and caramelized outer layer that enhances the natural sweetness of the banana.
Banh Chuoi Nuong is often served with a drizzle of coconut milk and a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds, this treat is both rich and satisfying. You’ll find Banh Chuoi Nuong at street food stalls or local markets, especially in southern Vietnam. It’s the perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite!
Banh Ran Doraemon – Doraemon Rice Cakes
Inspired by the favorite snack of the famous Japanese cartoon character Doraemon, Banh Ran Doremon (Doraemon Rice Cakes) has become a popular treat in Vietnam. Every time bánh rán is mentioned, people immediately think of the bánh rán associated with the Doraemon brand from the childhood animated series beloved by millions of children in Vietnam. In Japan, the original filling for bánh rán is red bean paste, but in Vietnam, this dish has been transformed into various types of fillings such as chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or even savory fillings like sausage and pork floss.
Every afternoon, the bánh rán stalls begin to open, frying up the first batches of hot bánh rán. These soft, fluffy pancakes are made from a batter of flour, eggs, and sugar, then cooked to a golden brown. Light and delicious, they make a perfect snack for both kids and adults.
Quẩy – Vietnamese Crullers
Quẩy (Vietnamese Crullers) are golden and elongated. Although they are fried, when you bite into them, you’ll find that the texture is quite soft with a slight chewiness, thanks to the use of flour mixed with baking powder. Quẩy typically comes in pairs, consisting of two long pieces about the size of small sausages that are connected.
There are two types of quẩy: the original unsweetened version and the one coated with a layer of sweet sugar. Usually, the unsweetened version is more commonly sold. You’ll often find quẩy served with hot bowls of phở (Vietnamese noodle soup) or cháo (rice porridge), where they are dipped to soak up the flavors. They’re also enjoyed as a quick snack with a cup of tea.
Despite being a simple dish, just trying it once will make you a fan of this Vietnamese snack. Therefore, I can confidently say that quẩy is a must-try for anyone wanting a taste of authentic Vietnamese comfort food.
Kem Bo – Dalat Avocado Ice-cream
Avocado has always been famous for its creamy flavor and high nutritional content. In Vietnam, avocado ice cream is widely sold, but the place known for the most authentic avocado ice cream is Đà Lạt. The avocado ice cream in Đà Lạt is so delicious that anyone visiting the city feels compelled to try it as a must-have part of their culinary adventure in the foggy city. This is why people often say, “If you set foot in Đà Lạt but haven’t tasted this dish, it’s as if you’ve never been to Đà Lạt.”
This creamy and refreshing treat combines silky smooth avocado puree with rich coconut ice cream, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s often topped with shredded coconut, roasted peanuts, or jelly, adding a delightful crunch to every spoonful. Kem Bơ is not only delicious but also showcases Dalat’s fresh, high-quality avocados.
Whether you’re strolling through Dalat’s cool streets or exploring a local market, stopping for a bowl of Kem Bơ is a must to experience this unique Vietnamese dessert!
Che – Five-colored Sweet Soup
In Vietnamese chè shops, it typically comes in three colors, consisting of three main layers. When eating, you simply stir gently to blend the layers together, creating a perfect combination to cool off on a hot day. Its sweetness and refreshing taste make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. You can find this dessert in street stalls or dessert shops across Vietnam.
What are you waiting for? Don’t miss the chance to try this bowl of colorful delight!
Banh Phong Tom – Vietnamese Prawn Cracker
Bánh phồng tôm is one of the Vietnamese snacks that frequently appears in popular dishes in Vietnam, such as gỏi cuốn (spring rolls), gỏi ngó sen (lotus root salad), and as appetizers at parties. The light aroma of the bánh, along with its crispiness, makes it a perfect accompaniment for salads or cooling vegetable dishes.
When uncooked, bánh phồng tôm is just a thin piece, but when it hits hot oil, it puffs up into a delicious, crispy snack.
In addition to being a side dish, bánh phồng tôm can also be enjoyed on its own, paired with tea or beer, making it a delightful treat to share with friends and family during the late afternoon. Despite being a simple snack, bánh phồng tôm adds richness to every meal on the dining table. If you attend a wedding in Vietnam, you will often find it served alongside gỏi or stir-fried beef, always accompanied by a packet of bánh phồng tôm.
Banh Trang Tron – Rice Paper Salad
Bánh tráng trộn is a Vietnamese snack that you can easily find while strolling through the streets of Vietnam, especially in southern cities like Ho Chi Minh City. Each piece of bánh tráng is soft and chewy, mixed with the tangy flavor of lime, the spiciness of chili sauce, the creaminess of crushed peanuts, quail eggs, and the savory notes of dried beef and shrimp. All these ingredients blend perfectly, creating a taste that is both rich and stimulating.
For students, bánh tráng trộn is an essential part of their daily snacks. As I write this, I’m enjoying bánh tráng trộn myself! Trust me, it will make you forget about fancier dishes because it’s not just delicious; there’s something “addictive” about it. You can ask any young person you meet if they haven’t tried bánh tráng trộn, and the answer will surely be no. With a bag of bánh tráng trộn in front of you, you can chat about anything and everything.
Bánh tráng trộn is perfect for anyone looking for a light yet satisfying bite while exploring the bustling streets of Vietnam. It’s an iconic treat that captures the essence of Vietnamese street food! If you want to try it, grab a bag, but be aware that not every place sells it the same way. You need to choose a spot that suits your taste. You can check reviews on social media, ask Vietnamese friends, or join a cycling food tour where a guide can lead you to the best bánh tráng trộn spots!
Nem Nuong – Vietnamese Grilled Pork Sausage
Do you know the feeling when you take a bite of something so delicious that you have to pause for a moment to savor it? That’s exactly how it is with nem nướng. Made from ground pork, garlic, and spices, the mixture is shaped into small sausages and grilled until golden and slightly crispy on the outside.
Nem nướng is typically served with soft rice paper, fresh herbs like lettuce, basil, perilla, cucumber, and crunchy pickled vegetables made from green papaya or carrots. You take a piece of rice paper, place a piece of nem nướng on it, add some fresh herbs, a slice of cucumber, a bit of pickled vegetables, then roll it up neatly and dip it in a rich, spicy sauce.
The combination of smoky, juicy meat and crunchy fresh accompaniments creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Nem nướng is a must-try for anyone wanting to taste authentic Vietnamese barbecue!!
Banh Mi Kem Trung – Bread with Egg Cream
Hà Nội is a paradise for egg cream bread, a special treat on chilly days. A cup of whipped egg cream, transformed into a smooth and creamy mixture, paired with crispy bread will leave you with a lasting memory after just one bite. You don’t have to worry about any raw egg taste because when whipped, the eggs blend perfectly with sugar and condensed milk, creating a sweet and fragrant flavor without any unpleasant smell.
It’s the kind of snack that feels nostalgic, like something you’d grab from a street cart on the way to school or enjoy as a quick, comforting breakfast. Simple, satisfying, and a little indulgent, bánh mì kem trứng is proof that sometimes, the best treats are the ones with just a few good ingredients done right. If you ever get the chance, don’t just try it—devour it. You won’t regret it!
Banh Trang Nuong – Vietnamese Pizza
Among Vietnamese snacks, bánh tráng nướng holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers. Dubbed the “Vietnamese pizza,” bánh tráng nướng has an enticing flavor that attracts both locals and foreign tourists on their first taste.
This dish is made from thin rice paper, grilled over charcoal or an electric stove until crispy. Once golden, a variety of ingredients are layered on top, such as chicken eggs, green onions, dried shrimp, sausages, and various vegetables. Each shop has its own recipes to make bánh tráng nướng even more delicious.
It’s important to note that bánh tráng nướng is best enjoyed hot and crispy, so you should eat it right after it’s grilled. If it cools down, the rice paper will become soggy and lose its appeal.
Mut Gung – Candied Ginger
If you’ve never tried mứt gừng before, let me tell you—you’re missing out on one of the most classic treats of Tết. It’s that little plate of golden, sugar-coated ginger slices that always shows up on the table during Lunar New Year, right next to the tea and a tray of other colorful mứt (candied fruits). And trust me, once you start snacking on it, it’s hard to stop. Not everyone will enjoy ginger candy, as the strong ginger flavor can be an acquired taste. However, if you can appreciate it, you’re sure to become a fan of this Vietnamese snack.
Ginger candy is most commonly seen during Tết (the Lunar New Year), where it appears on the festive trays of Vietnamese families as a symbol of warmth and good health. Additionally, it pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea, especially when you’re looking for something warm and comforting.
So, if you get the chance to try it, don’t hesitate! Simple and familiar, yet with a unique flavor that’s unmistakable—ginger candy is truly a memorable traditional treat.
O Mai – Dried Fruits
Ô Mai (Dried Fruits) is a popular snack in Vietnam, often enjoyed as a treat or gift during special occasions like Tết (Lunar New Year). Made from various fruits such as plums, apricots, or mangoes, these fruits are dried and then seasoned with sugar, salt, chili, and sometimes vinegar, creating a tangy, sweet, and salty flavor.
The combination of flavors offers a unique and refreshing taste, and the chewy texture makes it a satisfying snack. Ô Mai is not just delicious but also a symbol of hospitality in Vietnam, often served to guests during visits.
Where to Buy Vietnamese Snacks?
Local Markets
The best place to explore and purchase authentic Vietnamese snacks is at common local markets such as Ben Thanh Market, Xom Chieu Market, Ho Thi Ky Market. These bustling spots offer a wide variety of snacks that reflect the country’s rich culinary culture. Here, you can find everything from dried fruits, fresh fruits, rice paper rolls, and savory crackers to sweet treats like Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese pizza), Mứt Gừng (candied ginger), Ô Mai, Nem Nướng, and more.
Markets like Chợ Bến Thành in Ho Chi Minh City, Chợ Đồng Xuân in Hanoi, and Chợ Ninh Kiều in Can Tho are all great destinations to shop for Vietnamese snacks. Not only do you get to taste authentic flavors, but you’ll also experience the vibrant atmosphere of local Vietnamese culture.
Don’t forget to bargain a little, as it’s a common practice in these markets!
Convenience Stores
Convenience stores in Vietnam, such as VinMart, Circle K, and 7-Eleven, are also great places to find a variety of popular Vietnamese snacks. These stores typically stock a selection of packaged snacks like Bánh Phồng Tôm (prawn crackers), Chè (sweet soups), and various types of Mứt (candied fruits).
Many of these stores offer local snack brands, making it easy to grab a quick snack while exploring the city. Whether you’re looking for something savory, sweet, or spicy, convenience stores provide a convenient option to satisfy your cravings, especially in urban areas where these stores are scattered throughout.
Street Vendors
Street vendors are a quintessential part of Vietnamese food culture, offering an authentic and wide range of snacks right on the streets. You’ll find vendors selling everything from Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese pizza) and Nem Nướng (grilled pork sausage) to Bánh Mì Kem Trứng (bread with egg cream) and Bánh Tráng Trộn (rice paper salad). These vendors typically prepare the snacks fresh on the spot, giving you the full experience of Vietnamese street food.
Street vendors are usually located in busy areas like markets, parks, and near popular tourist spots. With their affordable prices and delicious offerings, they are a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Vietnamese snacks while on the go. Plus, the lively atmosphere adds to the experience!
Immerse Yourself in Saigon Foodie Night Rice with Jackfruit Adventure Today!
Are you ready to explore a completely different side of Saigon as night falls and immerse yourself in delicious dishes? With Saigon Foodie Night Rice, you’ll join Jackfruit to stroll through various eateries, observing how locals create unique foods, and sit on the sidewalk to enjoy the best street food the city has to offer.
From bustling stalls to fragrant corners, you’ll savor a variety of delights, including crispy bánh tráng nướng, aromatic nem nướng, vibrant bowls of chè, and traditional Vietnamese cakes that Saigon locals adore. Let us take you to dining spots that few tourists know about, as in Vietnam, the best eateries are often known only to locals and rarely promoted widely.
So, why not dive in? Start your nighttime culinary adventure with Jackfruit today!
