Vietnamese cuisine has gained international recognition once again, with six popular snacks making it onto TasteAtlas's list of the top 100 best snacks in Asia. The rankings, based on 12,825 user ratings collected until February 5, highlight the diversity and appeal of Vietnamese street food. The featured snacks, known for their balance of flavors and textures, include cha gio (fried spring rolls), banh xeo (crispy pancakes), and goi cuon (summer rolls).
Here are the six Vietnamese dishes that made the list:
1. Cha Gio (Fried Spring Rolls) – Ranked 30th
Also called nem ran in northern Vietnam, cha gio is a quintessential Vietnamese snack made by wrapping pork, shrimp, mushrooms, carrots, and glass noodles in rice paper before frying them to golden perfection. Served with a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, lime, and chili, these crispy delights are a staple at both street stalls and upscale restaurants.
2. Banh Xeo (Crispy Pancakes) – Ranked 53rd
A savory and crispy pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, banh xeo is filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and scallions. The pancake is typically served folded and eaten with fresh herbs, lettuce, and a sweet-sour dipping sauce. This dish is popular across Vietnam, with regional variations.
3. Goi Cuon (Summer Rolls) – Ranked 57th
Also known as fresh spring rolls, goi cuon is a healthier alternative to fried rolls. Made with rice paper, these rolls are filled with fresh herbs, lettuce, vermicelli noodles, shrimp, or pork. They are typically served with a peanut or fish sauce dip. Described by CNN as "wholesome, easy, and irresistibly delicious," goi cuon has been praised as one of the world's 50 best foods.
4. Chao Tom (Sugar Cane Shrimp) – Ranked 73rd
A specialty of Hue in central Vietnam, chao tom consists of shrimp paste wrapped around a sugar cane stick. The shrimp mixture is seasoned with garlic and spices, then grilled to perfection. Served with rice noodles, herbs, and fish sauce, the sugar cane adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
5. Banh Ran (Deep-Fried Glutinous Rice Balls) – Ranked 87th
Banh ran are deep-fried balls made from glutinous rice flour, typically filled with sweet red bean paste. These sesame-coated treats come in both sweet and savory versions, the latter served with a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, sugar, chili, and garlic. Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, banh ran is a popular snack, especially in northern Vietnam.
6. Banh Khot (Mini Savory Pancakes) – Ranked 100thAt the bottom of the list, banh khot are mini savory pancakes cooked in outdoor molds. Made from rice flour and topped with shrimp, green onions, and sometimes pork, these bite-sized pancakes are served with fresh herbs and vegetables, accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce.
Vietnam’s presence on the list underscores the global popularity of its street food culture. The top spot on the list was claimed by Guotie, a pan-fried dumpling from China, followed by Roti Canai from Malaysia and Pempek from Indonesia.
