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Vietnamese Food by Region: North, Central and South

Why the same dish tastes different in Hanoi, Huế and Saigon. Regional Vietnamese food guides, dish comparisons and recipes.

Across all three regions

Phở Bắc – Phở Nam Hanoi vs Saigon Phở: Why the Bowl Changes by Region Why Hanoi phở is clear and spare while Saigon's comes with herbs and sauces: the history behind each bowl, and how to order and season it like a local.

Central Vietnam

Bún bò Huế Bún Bò Huế: Central Vietnam's Spicy Beef Noodle Soup What makes bún bò Huế different from phở, where to eat it in Huế, and an authentic home recipe with lemongrass, shrimp paste and chilli oil.

The short version

Vietnamese food changes as you travel down the country. The North keeps flavours clean and balanced. The Centre cooks spicy, salty and bold, with a royal tradition in Huế. The South cooks sweeter, with coconut and mountains of fresh herbs. Our food guides explain those differences dish by dish.