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Feed your appetite for cooking with Penguin’s expert authors

10 must-try Vietnamese recipes

by David Tran

published on 9 April 2025

Vietnam is home to an abundance of dishes full of rich, complex ingredients. For instance, a crunchy banh mi or a hot bowl of aromatic phớ contain seemingly endless layers of flavour to satisfy anyone’s cravings.

These dishes are made easy to replicate at home thanks to these mouthwatering recipes. From authentic favourites to fresh takes on the classics, we’ve rounded up 10 simple and delicious recipes to give you a taste of what Vietnamese cuisine has to offer.

Discover more Vietnamese cooking inspiration with our roundup of the best East and Southeast Asian cookbooks.

Lemongrass and Vegetable Fritter Bánh Mì

by Uyen Luu

Perfect for a quick and easy lunch, this tasty sandwich is jam-packed with veg and lemongrass, which adds a subtle kick of citrusy tang in every crunch.

Quick Chicken Phở

by Uyen Luu

Amp up your chicken noodle soups with Uyen Luu’s easy and quick take on a Vietnamese classic. Ginger roots and star anise makes for a flavourful and aromatic chicken phớ.

Salmon and Avocado Summer Rolls

by Uyen Luu

These summer rolls are the perfect finger food to help you cool down on a warm day. They are not only colourful but also delicious, with a plethora of vegetables like beetroot, avocado and cucumber paired with a savoury peanut dipping sauce.

Bun Cha

by Chris Baber
from Easy

This recipe offers a fresh spin on a Northern Vietnamese delight that packs an assortment of spice, zing and sweetness.

Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad with Halloumi

Inspired by bun cha, Dominque Woolf’s light take features halloumi for an additional savoury flavour.

Vietnamese-style Stir-fried Vegetables

Vietnamese-style Stir-fried Vegetables

by Ken Hom

Make Ken Hom’s simple yet succulent stir-fried vegetables for a quick-fix meal. Mushrooms, Chinese leaves, and cos lettuce are coated in soy sauce, combined with ginger roots and green onions for a fragrant dish.

Shaking Beef with Black Pepper

Shaking Beef with Black Pepper

by Van Tran

Umami from the beef and sweetness from the pineapple and pear make for a mouthwatering combination – a fitting bar snack to enjoy in the comfort of your home.

Vietnamese Griddled Tofu with Tomatoes and Spring Onions

Rukmini Iyer’s Vietnamese-inspired dish sings with sweet acidity thanks to the medley of cherry tomatoes, grilled tofu and lime juice.

Prawn Tamarind

Prawn Tamarind

by Van Tran

Tamarind, a sweet-and-sour fruit, is the star of this Vietnamese-inspired fare. These bright, saucy prawns soused in tamarind are guaranteed to please a hungry crowd.

Sweet and Sour Ribs with Pineapple Sauce

Sweet and Sour Ribs with Pineapple Sauce

by Van Tran

Pork loin ribs are marinated in fish sauce and apple juice for a surefire delectable dinner.

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