Exploring Vietnamese Dry Noodles: 15 Delicious Dishes

Vietnamese dry noodles are a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the rich and diverse flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. These noodles are served without broth but are paired with various toppings, seasonings, and sauces that deliver a burst of flavors. For travelers, these dishes offer a unique opportunity to taste the authentic, local flavors of Vietnam in every bite. In this guide, we will explore 15 authentic Vietnamese dry noodle dishes, each with its distinctive taste, preparation method, and regional origin.

1. Mi Tron Xa Xiu (Vietnamese Dry Noodles with Char Siu Pork)

This dish features springy egg noodles tossed with a savory soy-based sauce, topped with succulent slices of char siu pork. The char siu is marinated in a sweet and savory blend of spices before being roasted to perfection, creating a smoky, caramelized flavor. The noodles are garnished with fresh herbs, fried shallots, and a dash of chili oil, making each bite a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

• Best Places to Try: Hanoi (Old Quarter), Ho Chi Minh City (District 5), Da Nang.
• Tasting Tips: Add a dash of vinegar to balance the rich flavors, and pair it with a side of pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.

2. Mi Tron Top Mo (Vietnamese Dry Noodles with Pork Greave)

This dish is a comforting bowl of chewy egg noodles topped with crispy pork greave, which are small, golden pieces of fried pork fat. The noodles are seasoned with a light, savory sauce made from fish sauce, garlic, and soy sauce. Fresh herbs and bean sprouts add a refreshing crunch, while the pork greave provides a delightful contrast with its crispy, fatty texture.

• Best Places to Try: Hanoi (Hang Bo Street), Da Nang (Con Market).
• Pro Tip: Order this dish with a light soup, such as a clear pork bone broth, to balance the richness.

3. Mi Tron Muoi Ot (Vietnamese Dry Noodles with Chili Salt)

This dish is perfect for spice lovers. Thin, springy egg noodles are tossed with a fiery chili salt mixture, giving each bite a bold and spicy kick. The noodles are usually topped with minced beef, ground shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and scallions. This dish is a favorite among young locals for its intense flavors and customizable toppings.

• Famous Spots: Ho Chi Minh City (District 4 Night Market).
• Tasting Advice: Best enjoyed with a cold, refreshing sugarcane juice to balance the heat.

4. Pho Tron (Vietnamese Flat Rice Noodle Salad)

Pho Tron is a refreshing, salad-like dish that uses flat rice noodles instead of the traditional soup. These noodles are mixed with thinly sliced beef, fresh herbs like basil and coriander, crunchy bean sprouts, and a tangy fish sauce dressing. The dish is light but packed with flavors, making it perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

• Best Locations: Hanoi (Gia Ngu Street), Ho Chi Minh City (Ben Thanh Market).
• Pro Tip: Mix the noodles thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce for the best flavor.

5. Bun Bo Nam Bo (Southern Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad)

This Southern Vietnamese specialty features a bed of rice vermicelli topped with tender, stir-fried beef, fresh herbs, crushed peanuts, and a sweet-tangy fish sauce dressing. The beef is marinated with garlic and spices before being quickly stir-fried, ensuring it remains tender and juicy. Fresh herbs like mint and coriander add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

• Top Spots: Hanoi (Hang Dieu Street), Ho Chi Minh City (Nguyen Hue Walking Street).
• Expert Tip: Pair it with a side of pickled vegetables to add a crunchy, tangy contrast.

6. Pho Xao (Vietnamese Stir-Fried Flat Rice Noodles)

Pho Xao is a smoky, stir-fried dish featuring wide, flat rice noodles tossed with tender beef slices, onions, garlic, and fresh vegetables. The noodles are cooked in a hot wok with soy sauce, giving them a slightly charred flavor. This dish is all about the combination of chewy noodles and the rich, savory sauce that clings to them.

• Famous Locations: Hanoi (Truc Bach Street), Da Nang (Tran Phu Street).
• Tasting Tips: Enjoy it hot and fresh off the pan for the best texture.

7. Bun Mam Nem (Rice Vermicelli with Anchovy Fish Sauce)

This dish is a bold, flavorful combination of rice vermicelli, boiled pork, crispy spring rolls, and a pungent anchovy fish sauce. The sauce is made from fermented anchovies, giving it a strong, umami-rich flavor. Fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts are added to balance the intense taste, making this dish a favorite in Central Vietnam.

• Recommended Areas: Da Nang (Con Market), Hue (Dong Ba Market).
• Pro Tip: Stir the noodles well before eating to ensure every bite is evenly coated with the sauce.

8. Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork with Rice Vermicelli)

A classic Vietnamese dish featuring tender, grilled pork marinated with lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, served over a bed of rice vermicelli. It is garnished with fresh herbs, pickled carrots, and crushed peanuts. The dish is typically served with a sweet and savory fish sauce, which adds a burst of flavor to the noodles.

• Best Places: Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Dinh Market), Da Nang (Han Market).
• Tasting Tips: Add fresh chili and garlic to the fish sauce for an extra kick.

9. Bun Dau Mam Tom (Dry Noodles with Shrimp Paste and Fried Tofu)

A beloved specialty from Hanoi, Bun Dau Mam Tom is a dish that offers bold and distinctive flavors. It features fresh rice noodles served with crispy fried tofu, slices of boiled pork, and a variety of fresh herbs. The star of the dish is the shrimp paste sauce (mam tom) — a pungent, fermented sauce that is an acquired taste but highly addictive for those who love it. The shrimp paste is typically mixed with lime, sugar, and fresh chili, creating a balanced, flavorful dip. Diners can also choose to add spring rolls or fried pork sausages for extra richness.

• Best Places to Try: Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market.
• Tasting Tips: Mix the shrimp paste with lime, chili, and a touch of sugar to create a balanced dipping sauce. If you are not used to shrimp paste, try using a mild fish sauce as an alternative.

10. Hu Tieu Kho (Vietnamese Dry Noodles with Pork and Shrimp)

Hu Tieu Kho is a versatile and flavorful Vietnamese dry noodle dish, popular in the southern regions of Vietnam. It is typically made with a choice of thin rice noodles or egg noodles, topped with a combination of pork slices, shrimp, quail eggs, and fried garlic. What makes Hu Tieu Kho unique is that it is served with a light, aromatic broth on the side. Diners can enjoy the noodles dry, seasoned with a soy-based sauce, while sipping the broth alternately for a balanced flavor.

• Best Places to Try: Ho Chi Minh City (District 5), Can Tho (Ninh Kieu Wharf).
• Tasting Tips: For the best experience, take a bite of the noodles, then sip the broth to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors.

11. Mi Xao (Stir-Fried Vietnamese Egg Noodles)

Mi Xao is a versatile dish featuring egg noodles that can be either crispy or soft, stir-fried with a colorful mix of vegetables, thinly sliced beef, or seafood. The noodles are stir-fried in a hot wok with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil, giving them a smoky aroma known as "wok hei." Depending on your preference, you can enjoy the noodles with a variety of toppings, including bean sprouts, carrots, onions, and scallions.

• Best Places to Try: Nha Trang (Tran Phu Street), Ho Chi Minh City (Ben Thanh Market).
• Tasting Tips: Pair the noodles with a side of chili sauce or pickled garlic for an extra kick.

12. Bun Nghe Xao Long (Turmeric Noodles with Pork Intestine)

This dish is a unique specialty from Hue, featuring bright yellow turmeric rice noodles stir-fried with tender pork intestines. The turmeric not only gives the noodles their vibrant color but also adds an earthy, aromatic flavor. The pork intestines are carefully cleaned, marinated, and stir-fried with garlic, creating a rich and savory topping. Fresh herbs, fried shallots, and a squeeze of lime complete this dish, making it a fragrant and flavorful experience.

• Best Places to Try: Hue City (Dong Ba Market).
• Tasting Tips: Squeeze fresh lime over the noodles to enhance the flavors and add a refreshing contrast.

13. Mien Xao (Vietnamese Stir-Fried Glass Noodles)

Mien Xao is a light, flavorful dish featuring stir-fried glass noodles made from mung bean starch. The noodles are translucent, chewy, and perfect for absorbing the savory soy-based sauce they are stir-fried with. Common toppings include chicken, beef, or eel, along with vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, and bean sprouts. Fried shallots add a delightful crunch, while fresh herbs provide a burst of freshness.

• Best Places to Try: Hanoi (Hang Bac Street), Hoi An (Night Market).
• Tasting Tips: Add a splash of fish sauce for an extra layer of umami flavor.

14. Mien Tron (Vietnamese Glass Noodle Salad)

Mien Tron is a refreshing, salad-like variation of Vietnamese dry noodles. It features glass noodles tossed with fresh herbs, crushed peanuts, thinly sliced chicken or beef, and a tangy fish sauce dressing. The combination of chewy noodles, crunchy peanuts, and aromatic herbs makes this dish a perfect light meal or appetizer.

• Best Places to Try: Hanoi (Dong Xuan Market), Ho Chi Minh City (Ben Thanh Market).
• Tasting Tips: For the best experience, mix the noodles thoroughly to coat them evenly with the dressing.

15. Banh Da Tron (Vietnamese Mixed Flat Rice Noodles)

Banh Da Tron is a beloved dish from Hai Phong, featuring thick, chewy flat rice noodles that are mixed with a savory crab paste, fresh herbs, and crispy fried shallots. The noodles are often served with grilled pork, ground meat, or shrimp, and the flavors are enhanced with a tangy, umami-rich fish sauce dressing. This dish is a perfect example of how Vietnamese cuisine balances texture and flavor in every bite.

• Best Places to Try: Hai Phong (Cat Bi Market).
• Tasting Tips: Stir the noodles well before eating to ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.

16. Conclusion

Vietnamese dry noodles are a culinary adventure that showcases the rich diversity of Vietnam’s cuisine. From the bold flavors of Bun Dau Mam Tom in Hanoi to the fragrant Hu Tieu Kho of the South, each dish offers a unique taste of local culture. Whether you are a food enthusiast or a curious traveler, these 15 dishes are a must-try on your journey through Vietnam. Ready to explore the flavors of Vietnamese dry noodles? Embark on a culinary journey with Vietpower Travel and discover the authentic tastes of Vietnam!