Vietnamese Snacks: Tasty Bites On The Go

Vietnam’s snack culture is an adventure for any traveller. From crunching on crispy rice crackers in a bustling market to sipping sweet chè desserts by a street cart, Vietnamese snacks offer a window into daily life and regional flavours. There are sweet and savoury treats around every corner such as chewy coconut candy, tangy candied fruits, spicy roasted peanuts and more.
Each bite tells a story about where it comes from and I am pretty sure you would be drooling by now, so lets begin.

Where to Find Vietnamese Snacks

Going to local markets and street stalls is the best way to find snacks. In big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, vendors at wet markets and corner shops sell treats from dawn till dusk. Even convenience stores stock local snacks. Even lays potato chips come in unique flavours like pho and truffle. For an authentic experience, visit bustling markets like Dong Xuan in Hanoi or Ben Thanh in Saigon.

Note: Street vendors often speak limited English, so just show a picture to help order your snack.

Top Vietnamese Snacks & Hidden Gems

• Banh Mi - A crispy-airy baguette sandwich filled with pâté, pickled veggies, fresh herbs and chillies. Its flavours mix French influence with Vietnamese flair.
  Some consider it a snack while some consider it as breakfast. Most restaurants in big cities will serve fresh Banh Mi.

Com Chay With Pork Floss

• Com Chay (Crispy Rice) - Golden brown rice crisps topped with sweet-spicy fish sauce and pork floss. The crunch and umami combo makes it irresistible.

Keo Dua Is Basically a Delicious Coconut Candy

• Keo Dua (Coconut Candy) - A chewy bar made of coconut milk and sugar, sometimes with pandan or vanilla for extra flavour. Pick some up in Ben Tre or at any local market; it keeps well as a souvenir.

O Mai Literally Means Black Apricot

• O Mai (Candied Fruits) - Dried and candied slices of fruits like apricot, plum or unripe mango. They are sweet-sour and often salty, a popular snack with tea in the afternoon.

Banh Phong Tom Are Cripsy Fried Snacks Which You Will Find in Almost Every Vietnamese Household

• Banh Phong Tom (Prawn Crackers) - Thin dried wafers that puff up into light, crispy chips when fried. A fun at-home snack - just deep-fry until golden and eat with herbs.

Nem Nuong Are Grilled Pork Skewers. Looks Yummy!

• Nem Nuong (Grilled Pork Skewers) - Juicy pork meatballs grilled on lemongrass or skewers, sticky-sweet outside and tender inside. Often wrapped in rice paper with lettuce and dipped in chilli-fish sauce.

Cha Gio Are Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls

• Cha Gio (Fried Spring Rolls) - Crispy golden rolls filled with pork, shrimp, taro and mushrooms. They made TasteAtlas’s list of top 100 appetizers worldwide. Often served wrapped in lettuce and herbs, with a sweet-sour fish sauce dip.

Banh Khot the Delicious Mini Pancakes From Southern Vietnam

• Banh Khot - Mini savoury pancakes from the South, each topped with a whole shrimp. They’re eaten wrapped in mustard leaf or lettuce with fish sauce.

Banh Beo Tiny Steamed Rice Cakes

• Banh Beo - Tiny steamed rice cakes from Hue, topped with spicy minced shrimp, crispy shallots and served with fish sauce on the side. The pop-in-mouth texture is delightful.

Tip: Look for mixed rice-paper banh trang tron at street corners. This messy salad of shredded rice paper with herbs, chilli and dried shrimp is a favourite late-night snack among locals.

Know before you go

• Prices: Most snacks are cheap. Single items (like one spring roll or a small candy) often cost under 10,000VND (about $0.25). Expect to pay 20,000-50,000VND (around $0.70-$1.70) for a satisfying portion.

• Hours: Markets and snack stalls open early and stay busy all day. Morning markets have fresh pastries and rolls; evening bazaars offer grilled and fried snacks.

• Seasons: Snacks are available year-round. During Tet (Lunar New Year), look for festive treats like candied kumquats and sticky rice cakes.

Tip: Have cash ready. Ask for “ít cay” if you can’t handle spice (“less chili”). Stay hydrated-carry a bottle of nước lọc (water).

FAQ about Vietnamese snacks

Q. What are must-try Vietnamese snacks?

Don’t miss bánh mì, cha gio (fried spring rolls) and kẹo dừa (coconut candy). Each region has its own favourites, so explore widely.

Q. Are Vietnamese snacks typically spicy?

Some are spicy, but many are not. Vendors will often give you a little bowl of chili sauce on the side if you want heat. You can ask for “ít cay” to tone down the spice.

Q. Can I buy Vietnamese snacks in supermarkets?

Yes. Supermarkets and drugstores stock packaged snacks (chips, dried fruits, candies). However, local markets and street stalls offer fresher, more authentic options at lower prices.

Q. What snacks make good souvenirs?

Packaged items like prawn crackers, dried jackfruit, or coconut candy travel well. Just check your airline’s rules on food items, and seal them tight.

Q. How much do Vietnamese snacks cost? Very little. Many single-portion snacks cost $0.20-$0.70. A full snack “meal” from a street stand might be $1-$2.

Q. Are any snacks vegetarian? Yes. Fresh fruit, spring rolls (with tofu), coconut sweets, and even some crispy rice cakes can be vegetarian-friendly. Always ask about hidden fish sauce or shrimp in mixes if you need strict veg.

Q. When’s the best time to snack? Anytime! Street snacks are available from dawn till late night. Morning markets have pastries and rolls, evenings have grilled fare. Follow your hunger.