Craving an unforgettable food journey through Southeast Asia? From the vibrant street flavors of Vietnam to the earthy, herb-packed dishes of Laos, this guide takes you straight to the heart of local cuisine. Discover 10 must-try dishes that define the culinary soul of each country-and find out exactly where to eat them. Let the local experience guide your taste buds.
Vietnam: A Tapestry of Local Experiences
1. Bun Bo Hue – The Spicy Noodle Soup from the Imperial City
- Where: Bun Bo O Cuong, 6 Tran Thuc Nhan Street, Hue
Bun Bo Hue (Source: Hoa Sen Foods)
This signature dish from central Vietnam features a lemongrass-scented beef broth enriched with shrimp paste and chili oil. The result is a bold, slightly spicy soup served with thick rice noodles, tender beef, and pork knuckle. It’s a culinary legacy from Hue’s royal kitchen.
2. Cao Lau – Hoi An’s Unique Local Experiences
- Where: Cao Lau Ba Le, 49/3 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An
Cao Lau (Source: Long Phuong)
Made using water from an ancient Cham well and ash from nearby islands, these thick noodles are paired with roast pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers. With its distinct preparation and limited regional availability, Cao Lau is a must-try when in Hoi An.
3. Banh Da Cua – The Crab Noodle Soup of Hai Phong
- Where: Banh Da Cua Co Yen, 2B Pham Ngu Lao Street, Hai Phong
Banh Da Cua Local Experience Hai Phong (Source: VNExpress)
A specialty local experience of Vietnam’s northern port city, this soup features flat red rice noodles in a broth made from field crab, annatto seeds, and tomatoes. It’s topped with blanched greens, crispy pork, and crab meat—rich, layered, and full of umami.
4. Cha Ca La Vong – Hanoi’s Grilled Fish Classic
- Where: Cha Ca Thang Long, 19-21 Duong Thanh, Hanoi
Cha ca La Vong Ha Noi (Source: SAKOS)
Turmeric-marinated fish is grilled at your table, then tossed with fresh dill and green onions in sizzling oil. Often served with vermicelli noodles and dipping sauces, this Hanoi favorite has remained unchanged since the 19th century.
5. Banh Tom Ho Tay – Crispy Shrimp Cakes by the Lake
- Where: Banh Tom Ho Tay, 1 Thanh Nien Street, West Lake, Hanoi
Banh Tom Ho Tay (Source: Bep Viet)
These golden fritters use freshwater shrimp set atop grated sweet potato, deep-fried to crisp perfection. Pair it with a light dipping sauce and enjoy lakeside for the full experience.
Laos: Simplicity and Depth in Every Bite
6. Larb – The National Dish of Laos
- Where: Kualao Restaurant, 134 Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane
Larb (Source: Bao An Giang)
A savory minced meat salad infused with lime juice, roasted rice powder, mint, and fish sauce, larb embodies Laos’ love for fresh herbs and bold flavors. It’s commonly made with chicken, duck, or pork and served with sticky rice.
7. Or Lam – Luang Prabang’s Spicy Herbal Stew
- Where: Tamarind Restaurant, Ban Wat Sene, Luang Prabang
Or Lam (Source: Saeng’s Kitchen)
A thick and spicy stew of buffalo or chicken with wild mushrooms, wood ear, sakhaan (a numbing pepperwood), and local vegetables. It’s as much a sensory journey as a meal-earthy, spicy, and warming.
8. Khao Poon – The Spicy Vermicelli Soup
- Where: Khao Poon Shop, Phanluang Village, Luang Prabang
Khao Poon (Source: Saeng’s Kitchen)
This coconut-laced noodle soup features fermented rice noodles, red curry broth, and shredded meat. Topped with banana flower and herbs, it’s tangy, creamy, and a festival staple.
9. Mok Pa – Fish Steamed in Banana Leaf
- Where: Dyen Sabai Restaurant, Across Nam Khan River, Luang Prabang, Laos
Mok Pa (Source: Champa)
Fresh river fish is mixed with herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Light, aromatic, and healthy, it reflects Laos’ traditional and natural cooking methods.
10. Khao Jee – The Laotian Baguette
- Where: Night Market Stalls, Main Street, Luang Prabang
Khao Jee (Source: The Meatwaves)
A crispy French-style baguette filled with pate, pork slices, herbs, and chili sauce-Khao Jee is the perfect street snack that captures Laos’ colonial past and creative present.
Foodie Travel Tips: Making the Most of Your Culinary Adventure
1. Eat Where Locals Eat
The best food experiences often happen in places without fancy décor or tourist menus. Look for small, bustling eateries filled with local people – whether it’s a roadside stall in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or a tin-roofed noodle shop in Vientiane’s backstreets.
These humble spots serve dishes that have been perfected over generations using family recipes and fresh local ingredients. Eating where locals eat not only guarantees authentic flavors but also gives you insight into the daily rhythms of life. Don’t worry if there’s no English menu – just point, smile, and let the experience unfold.
2. Respect Local Customs
Dining etiquette in Vietnam and Laos is deeply rooted in tradition and cultural values. In Laos, sticky rice – khao niao – is often rolled into small balls and eaten with your hands, especially when shared among family or close friends.
Using your right hand is preferred, as the left is considered unclean in traditional contexts. In Vietnam, meals are communal – multiple dishes are shared from the center of the table. Chopsticks are the norm, and it’s polite to serve others before yourself. Observing and adopting local table manners, even in a modest way, will earn you respect and elevate your travel experience.
3. Take a Cooking Class
Want to go beyond tasting and actually create the local flavors yourself? Enroll in a hands-on cooking class in one of the culinary hubs like Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, or Luang Prabang. Most classes begin with a guided market tour, where you’ll learn to select fresh produce, aromatic herbs, and spices.
Take a Cooking Class (Source: Bao Lao Dong)
Then, under the guidance of experienced home cooks or professional chefs, you’ll prepare traditional dishes such as cao lau, cha ca, larb, or mok pa. It’s not just about cooking – it’s a chance to learn about local agriculture, food history, and the stories behind every dish. Plus, you’ll leave with new skills, recipes, and memories you can recreate at home.
About Lux Travel DMC
At Lux Travel DMC, we specialize in tailor-made culinary tours across Vietnam and Laos. Whether you’re keen on mastering Laotian stews, diving into Hanoi’s street food scene, or exploring floating markets in the Mekong Delta. Contact us for more information, we connect you with local chefs, home cooks, and immersive food experiences designed to awaken your palate and heart.
