By Candice Smith 
Vietnam is a country that’s full of incredible flavors. From north to south, the street food scene is vibrant, tasty, and surprisingly affordable. While most people talk about the big dishes like pho or banh mi, Vietnam also offers a world of delicious snacks that are perfect for when you’re just a little hungry or curious to try something new. These snacks are not only popular with locals but have become favorites for tourists, too.
Whether you’re exploring the old quarter of Hanoi, walking the riverside in Hoi An, or enjoying the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll come across these small bites that pack a big flavor. Let’s take a fun look at some of the most loved Vietnamese snacks that you definitely don’t want to miss during your travels.
Banh Trang Nuong (Vietnamese Pizza)
This crispy rice paper snack has become wildly popular in recent years and is often called Vietnamese pizza by tourists. It’s grilled over charcoal and topped with ingredients like quail eggs, dried beef, green onions, and chili sauce. The result? A crunchy, smoky, spicy treat that’s perfect for street snacking.
You’ll usually find vendors making it right on the sidewalk, especially in cities like Da Lat and Ho Chi Minh City. They fold it like a taco or serve it flat, and watching it being made is just as fun as eating it. It’s affordable, flavorful, and definitely Instagram-worthy.
Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Unlike fried spring rolls, goi cuon are fresh, light, and super refreshing. They’re made with rice paper and filled with herbs, vermicelli noodles, shrimp, or pork, and served with a delicious peanut or hoisin-based dipping sauce.
These rolls are especially perfect on hot days when you want something that won’t weigh you down. Tourists love them because they’re healthy, easy to eat, and offer a fresh burst of Vietnamese flavor in every bite.
Xoi (Sticky Rice)
Xoi is a versatile snack that’s popular throughout the day, and it comes in both sweet and savory versions. Made from glutinous rice, it’s often paired with mung beans, fried shallots, pork floss, or even grilled chicken.
You can also find sweet xoi with coconut milk, sugar, and sesame seeds. Whether you like sweet or savory snacks, xoi is one of those comfort foods that locals grow up with—and tourists quickly fall in love with.
Nem Nuong (Grilled Pork Sausage)
These grilled pork skewers are juicy, flavorful, and typically served with rice paper, herbs, and dipping sauces. You can eat them on their own or wrap them with veggies for a do-it-yourself roll that’s fun to assemble.
Nem nuong is especially popular in central Vietnam, particularly in Nha Trang, but you’ll find versions all over the country. Tourists appreciate how customizable and delicious these little sausages are, and they often become a repeat order.
Che (Vietnamese Sweet Soup)
Che is a broad term that covers a variety of sweet dessert soups and puddings. There are so many kinds some with beans, jelly, fruits, sticky rice, or coconut cream—that trying them becomes a little adventure on its own.
You can enjoy che hot or cold, and street vendors usually let you mix and match your favorite toppings. It’s a favorite for those with a sweet tooth and offers a unique dessert experience that’s totally Vietnamese.
Banh Bao (Vietnamese Steamed Bun)
These fluffy, white buns are inspired by Chinese dim sum but have their own Vietnamese twist. Banh bao is typically filled with ground pork, mushrooms, eggs, and sometimes Chinese sausage. They’re warm, hearty, and great for eating on the go.
Tourists often spot these at convenience stores or sold by street vendors early in the morning. They’re simple but satisfying, and one or two can easily hold you over until your next meal.
Bo Kho with Banh Mi (Beef Stew with Bread)
Though this may sound more like a meal than a snack, small portions of bo kho served with banh mi are often enjoyed as a hearty snack. The beef is stewed in a rich, spiced broth with carrots, and dipping the crusty bread into the soup is a match made in heaven.
Many tourists stumble upon bo kho when they’re looking for something cozy and comforting. It’s especially nice during cooler weather or for a late-afternoon bite that feels like a treat.
Banh Cam (Sesame Balls)
These little fried balls are made from glutinous rice flour and are filled with sweet mung bean paste. The outer layer is crunchy and covered in sesame seeds, while the inside is soft and slightly sweet.
You’ll find them at street food stalls and local markets, often freshly fried and still warm. Banh cam is bite-sized, inexpensive, and satisfies your dessert cravings in a fun, poppable way.
Tra Sua (Vietnamese Milk Tea)
While bubble tea originated in Taiwan, Vietnam has fully embraced the trend with its own creative twist. Tra sua, or Vietnamese milk tea, is available everywhere—from high-end cafes to street stalls with lots of flavors and toppings to choose from.
Many tourists love grabbing a milk tea to cool off while exploring the streets. Whether you go for the classic black milk tea with boba or something more adventurous like cheese foam or fruit tea, it’s a delicious way to stay refreshed and enjoy local tastes.
Ca Phe Sua Da (Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk)
While not a snack in the traditional sense, Vietnamese iced coffee deserves a spot on any must-try list. It’s strong, sweet, and gives you the perfect pick-me-up during your travels. The coffee is brewed using a metal drip filter and mixed with thick, creamy condensed milk.
Tourists often find themselves addicted to this unique coffee style. You’ll see people sipping it on tiny plastic stools all over the country. It’s cool, refreshing, and totally Vietnamese.