Top 10 Vietnamese Dishes Beloved by Koreans - Part 1

Vietnamese cuisine is increasingly asserting its significant influence on the global culinary map. Many Vietnamese dishes have captivated the taste buds of international visitors, including Koreans, who are known for their discerning palates. A Korean food blogger has compiled a list of 10 Vietnamese dishes most beloved by Koreans, including one that is a staple in Vietnamese family meals.

Vietnamese cuisine, with its harmonious blend of flavors and ingredients, strikes a perfect balance. Its rich diversity across the three regions—North, Central, and South—has given rise to countless flavorful and appealing dishes. Beyond family meals, Vietnamese food is gaining recognition and making a powerful impact on the global culinary scene. Many Vietnamese dishes have been honored and left a lasting impression on international visitors, including those from Korea.

Recently, based on personal experiences and surveys of many Koreans, a famous food blogger in South Korea compiled a list of the top 10 Vietnamese dishes most loved by Koreans. What are those 10 dishes?

1. Phở

A globally renowned traditional Vietnamese dish, phở consists of rice noodles made from rice flour, broth, thinly sliced beef or chicken, and is served with various condiments like hoisin sauce, pepper, lime, fish sauce, chili, and fresh herbs. The steaming hot bowl of phở, with its noodles soaking up the sweet and savory broth, has captured the hearts of many international tourists. This is also a Vietnamese dish particularly loved by Koreans. Singer Siwon (Super Junior) once amused fans by actively seeking out a Vietnamese phở shop in Korea to enjoy this dish.

2. Bún Chả

Bún chả is a specialty of Hanoi, consisting of vermicelli served with grilled pork patties cooked over charcoal and a bowl of fish sauce. The savory marinated grilled meat, aromatic and perfectly matched with the softness of the vermicelli, the sweet and tangy fish sauce, and the freshness of the herbs have made it irresistible to many Korean diners.

3. Bánh Xèo

Though rustic, bánh xèo contributes significantly to the soul of Vietnamese cuisine. Made from ground rice flour, poured into a hot pan to create golden, crispy pancakes, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, bánh xèo is served with fresh herbs like lettuce, mustard greens, and fish mint, along with a sweet-and-sour dipping sauce. The sizzling sound it makes while cooking is likely the inspiration for the name "bánh xèo."

4. Bánh Mì

One of the "specialties" not to be missed when visiting Vietnam is bánh mì. Recently, this familiar dish has consistently made its way into the list of the world's best street foods. With its crispy crust and diverse fillings like pâté, grilled meat, fried egg, and fresh vegetables, bánh mì has received much praise from international tourists. Koreans even believe that Vietnamese bánh mì is better than hamburgers or sandwiches.

5. Cơm Tấm

Today, walking along the streets and alleys of Vietnam, you’ll easily encounter grills of smoky, fragrant pork chops. The marinated pork chops, grilled to a shiny golden brown, served with broken rice, fried egg, shredded pork, and a sweet-and-sour fish sauce, have become a familiar meal whenever someone doesn't feel like cooking at home. This dish suits Korean palates well since rice is a staple food in Korea, and they enjoy eating meat.