Top Traditional Foods in Southern Vietnam You Need to Try

Southern Vietnam is known for bold flavors and fresh ingredients. The food is simple, tasty, and easy to enjoy. Here are some must-try dishes when visiting the South.

Popular Dishes in Southern Vietnam

1. Xôi Chiên Phồng (Fried Sticky Rice)

This dish is crispy on the outside and soft inside.
It is often served with roasted chicken.

Key features:

• Golden, puffed sticky rice
• Light and crunchy texture
• Popular in restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

2. Lẩu Mắm (Fermented Fish Hot Pot)

Lẩu mắm is a famous hot pot in southern Vietnam.
It has a strong and rich flavor.

Main ingredients:

• Fish sauce (mắm) base
• Fish, shrimp, pork, and beef
• Many vegetables (often 10–20 types)

Best enjoyed with:

• Rice noodles
• Fresh herbs

3. Gỏi Bưởi (Pomelo Salad)

This is a fresh and light salad from Biên Hòa.

Flavor profile:

• Sweet and sour
• Slightly spicy
• Crunchy and refreshing

Common ingredients:

• Pomelo
• Shrimp and pork
• Herbs, sesame, and coconut

4. Cá Tai Tượng Chiên Xù (Fried Elephant Ear Fish)

This is a popular dish in the Mekong Delta.

What makes it special:

• Fish is deep-fried until crispy
• Skin becomes golden and crunchy
• Meat stays soft and sweet

Usually served with:

• Rice paper
• Fresh herbs
• Sweet and sour fish sauce

5. Cá Nướng Trui (Grilled Fish)

This is a traditional countryside dish.
Fish is grilled over a straw fire.

How to eat:

• Remove the burnt skin
• Dip the fish in salt and chili
• Wrap with herbs or rice paper

It is simple but very flavorful.

6. Cá Kho Tộ (Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot)

A classic home-style dish in southern Vietnam.

Main features:

• Fish cooked in a clay pot
• Sweet and savory sauce
• Rich and aromatic flavor

Best served with:

• Steamed rice
• Boiled vegetables

7. Cua Rang Muối (Salted Fried Crab)

This dish is popular in coastal areas like Vũng Tàu.

Why people love it:

• Crispy crab with salty flavor
• Fragrant spices like garlic and chili
• Rich and buttery taste

Best eaten:

• Hot and fresh
• With a squeeze of lemon

Where to Try Southern Vietnam Food

You can find these dishes in:

• Street food stalls
• Local markets
• Traditional restaurants

Top places to explore:

• Ho Chi Minh City – a wide variety of food
• Mekong Delta – authentic local dishes
• Coastal towns – fresh seafood

Tips for Food Travelers

Try street food for authentic flavors
Eat where locals eat
Bring cash for small vendors
Be open to new tastes

Final Thoughts

Southern Vietnamese food is simple, fresh, and full of flavor. From hot pots to grilled fish, each dish offers a unique experience. If you love food, this region will not disappoint.