Food travel has become such a popular trend in recent years, with more and more people seeking out culinary experiences that are unique, authentic, and unforgettable. Vietnam, known for its rich culinary traditions and flavors, has been attracting food lovers from all four corners of the world. Read on to explore the TOP 10 destinations to try the best dishes during your Vietnam travel.

1. Overview of food travel: Definition and current trends

What is food travel? Food travel, also known as culinary tourism, is a popular form of travel that involves discovering and experiencing different cuisines and food cultures in various regions and countries. This type of travel not only allows tourists to indulge in delicious food but also gain insights into the local culture and way of life.

There are different trends within food travel, each offering unique experiences and a deeper understanding of the local cuisine. Some of the popular food travel trends include:

Local food experiences: Immerse yourself in the culture of the destination by enjoying traditional local dishes. During Vietnam food tours, tourists can savor various iconic foods while traveling, such as spring rolls, noodles, and many more.
Food-related activities: Travelers can participate in cooking classes and food tours with local guides, who can share their knowledge on the origins, ingredients, and preparation methods of each dish.
Street food travel: Take a food trip around various tourist spots and wander through street vendors, night markets, and food streets. Street food is now thriving in many countries worldwide. In Vietnam, it is particularly popular in places such as Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Phu Quoc.

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2. Top 10 highly-rated food travel destinations in Vietnam

Vietnamese foods are renowned worldwide for their unique flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse cooking techniques. Thus, Vietnam has become a famous destination for food travel in recent years, with each region offering its own specialties and culinary traditions. Let’s explore the top 10 places that you should not miss out on in Vietnam!

2.1. Hanoi food tour

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a food paradise that offers a wide range of local delicacies, so exploring the city’s food culture is a must for any foodie during their Hanoi travel.

One popular destination on a Hanoi food tour is the Old Quarter, which is famous for Hanoi street food vendors and traditional restaurants. You can also find a variety of dishes in Hanoi, such as pho, bun cha, turmeric fish cake, spring rolls, and sweet creamy egg coffee.

2.2. Hoi An food tour

Hoi An, located in Central Vietnam, is known for its rich cultural heritage and charming ancient town. It is also an ideal place for food travel holidays, with a diverse array of delicious dishes and snacks waiting to be discovered.

One of the best ways to start a food tour in Hoi An is by visiting the local markets. Hoi An Central Market and Hoi An Night Market are a few great places to begin. Visitors can try many local dishes such as banh mi Hoi An, Hoi An chicken rice, mi Quang, banh xeo, and cao lau.

2.3. Da Nang food travel

Da Nang is a beautiful coastal city known for its diverse and unique flavors influenced by the central region’s cuisine. Thus, Da Nang food tours offer a wide range of culinary experiences.

One of the most popular food travel destinations in Da Nang is Han Market, located in the heart of the city. Coming here, you can find many mouth-watering Da Nang foods such as mi Quang, banh xeo, and many more.

2.4. Nha Trang culinary tourism

Nha Trang, located on the south-central coast of Vietnam, is famous for its stunning beaches, beautiful islands, and exciting water activities. The city is also known for its unique cuisine that combines the flavors of the mountains and the sea.

Visiting Nha Trang, visitors can explore the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine, with local specialties that are hard to find elsewhere. Banh can, fish noodle soup, grilled seafood, and steamed rice cakes are some of the best foods in Nha Trang that will definitely satisfy your cravings.

2.5. Ho Chi Minh food tour

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis in Southern Vietnam with a vibrant food scene. The city’s diverse cultural influences are reflected in its cuisine, making it an ideal destination for food travel.

A must-try dish of Saigon cuisine is Vietnamese broken rice, which is made with broken rice grains served with grilled pork, shredded pork skin, and a fried egg. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that is loved by not only locals but also visitors. There are also a variety of Saigon noodles to choose from, such as hu tieu, bun thit nuong, etc.

Especially, your Vietnam food tour will not be complete without trying banh mi, another popular and delicious food in Ho Chi Minh City. You can easily find banh mi at almost every street corner in the city.

>>> Explore the best Vietnamese street foods that anyone visiting the country must try!

2.6. Phu Quoc food tour

Phu Quoc, a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Thailand, is known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and lush forests. In addition, Phu Quoc is also famous for its diverse and unique cuisine.

One of the must-try Phu Quoc foods is the famous Ken noodles. This dish is made with fresh noodles, broth, and pork, and is topped with a variety of fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and fried shallots.

There is also a wide range of fresh seafood available in the local markets. Some of the popular seafood dishes include grilled sea snails, grilled scallops, and steamed crabs.

2.7. Ha Long food travel

Ha Long Bay is one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam, and its cuisine is no less impressive than its stunning scenery. It is an excellent location for Vietnam food travel, offering a variety of delicious dishes that reflect the region’s culture.

Seafood is the highlight of Ha Long cuisine, with a wide variety of fresh seafood caught from the nearby sea. Some must-try dishes include Ha Long squid sausage, grilled squid, fried clams with herbs, and steamed crabs with beer.

Besides seafood, visitors can also try local dishes such as banh cuon Ha Long (steamed rice rolls), or banh tom Ha Long (deep-fried shrimp cake). These dishes are made from local ingredients such as rice flour, shrimp, squid, and herbs.

Visiting the local markets, fishing villages, and seafood farms is also a must. There, tourists can learn about the ingredients used in the local cuisine and watch how the dishes are prepared.

2.8. Hai Phong food tour

Hai Phong, located in the northern part of Vietnam, is known for its seafood and traditional dishes. A Hai Phong food tour will take you on a gastronomic adventure, where you can sample some of the best local delicacies.

Seafood is a must-try when in Hai Phong, and you can find an array of fresh seafood dishes in the city's many seafood markets and restaurants. The most famous seafood dishes include steamed crab, grilled squid, and fried fish.

Another Hai Phong specialty is banh da cua (crab noodle soup) and bun ca cay (spicy fish noodle soup). You can also visit the local markets and street food stalls to try a wide range of snacks such as nem chua, banh mi, or banh cuon.

2.9. Hue culinary tourism

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is a must-visit destination for food lovers. The city is renowned for its royal cuisine, which features unique and intricate dishes that were once served to the emperors and their guests.

Visitors can try a variety of local Hue foods such as banh khoai (Hue crispy rice pancake), banh bot loc (shrimp and pork dumplings), or bun bo hue (Hue beef noodle soup), etc.

For vegetarians, there are plenty of food options in Hue, such as banh beo chay (steamed rice cakes with vegetarian fillings), or bun thit nuong chay (grilled pork noodles).

2.10. Northwest food travel

Northwest Vietnam is a region with a unique culinary culture that attracts foodies from all over the world. If you are planning a food travel adventure in Vietnam, be sure to add Northwest Vietnam to your itinerary.

One of the most popular destinations in this region is Sapa, a picturesque mountain town known for its rice terraces and stunning landscapes. Coming here, you can try many traditional dishes such as thang co (a soup made from horse meat and organs), grilled fish in bamboo, smoked buffalo meat, bamboo-tube rice, or five-colored sticky rice.

For a more immersive culinary experience, travelers can visit the region's local markets, such as Bac Ha Market and Can Cau Market, where they can find a wide variety of fresh produce and traditional snacks.

Other top destinations for food travel in Northwest Vietnam are Mu Cang Chai, Moc Chau, or Ha Giang. These areas offer stunning natural scenery and a rich cultural experience, along with mouth-watering food.

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3. Other top-ranked places for food travel tours in the world

If you are a foodie looking for exciting travel experiences, you do not have to limit yourself to just one country. There are many places around the world where you can go on a food travel tour and explore the unique culinary cultures of different regions. Here are some top-ranked destinations for food tours around the world:

Italy: Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide, from classic pizza and pasta to delectable gelato and wines. Tasting the local specialties in cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples, or the lesser-known regions of Puglia or Sicily, will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey.
Japan: Japanese cuisine is not only delicious, it is also a work of art. Japan has a lot to offer, from intricately prepared sushi and sashimi to heartwarming ramen and comforting udon.
Thailand: Thai food is known for its spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors, making it one of the most popular cuisines in the world. From street food stalls to fine dining restaurants, Thailand has something for every budget and taste.
Mexico: Mexican cuisine is rich, colorful, and full of spices. From the classic tacos and burritos to the spicy salsas and fresh guacamole, the food in Mexico is a fiesta for your taste buds.

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Food travel is an incredible way to explore new cultures and indulge in delicious cuisines, and Vietnam is one of the top culinary tourism destinations. Its diverse cuisine, unique flavors, and cultural significance offer fascinating food travel experiences. By exploring the local cuisine and immersing in the food culture, travelers can also gain a deeper understanding of the country and its people. Pack your bags and embark on a culinary journey through Vietnam now!

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