Food and eating habit are among the criteria to value a nation’s culture, life as well as living standard. To some people, value a dish is not simple to measure the nutritious level, to see the decoration or to know its taste but to find out the relation between food itself and natural characters of the place where people live. With the balance between fresh herbs and meats and a selective use of spices to reach a fine taste, Vietnam cuisine can be considered one of the healthiest cuisines worldwide. Not winning any point for complexity, but it is precisely the simplicity together with the subtle variations by region and the fresh ingredients contained in the dishes that keep interests of many travelers to Vietnam. One now can see many of the most popular dishes served just on the side of the road and in a top-end restaurant as well.

Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are ranked on top places for street food. These cities are valued a paradise for foodies with a plethora of options for those who want to eat like a local. The street food in Vietnam embraces a delicate blend of cultures, primarily the French colonial background or the narrow but crowded alleyways of the city with specific spices and ingredients. In addition to Vietnamese standards of Phở (noodle soup) and Bánh Mì (bread), some other notable dishes not to be missed are Cơm Tấm (cooked broken rice) with a fried egg on the top, Bo La Lot (seasoned beef in a leaf) in Saigon and Chả Giò (Spring Rolls) in Hanoi.

Read more: First Time in Hanoi – What to Do & Where to Go in Vietnam’s Capital

Kept in mind of many visitors to Vietnam is not only the delicious food but also the strong and sweet taste of Vietnam coffee. Despite the difference in styles of enjoying coffee from Hanoi to Saigon or others, street coffee seems to be popular all over the country, considered a characterized cultural beauty of Vietnam. Blending into the streets and alleys of Vietnam, coffee fans will find themselves bemused by a wide range of rich and flavorful coffee experiences on offer. Only by enjoying in the simplest and most comfortable of ways, one can feel the best taste of street coffee. The Vietnamese today enjoy coffee at every moment from chatting, taking a break or even having a work discussion. As such, there is a saying that for Vietnamese, sipping their coffee is almost a way of life. To enjoy the best of street coffee, please visit Nguyen Du Street or Nguyen Huu Huan Street in Hanoi and Han Thuyen Street in Saigon.

Do you want to enjoy such healthy dishes of Vietnam right now, just pack your luggage and go. But please make sure you have a valid Vietnam visa on hand if required.