Vietnamese Cuisine: Officially Among the World’s Top 4 Gastronomies

According to the Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 organized by the prestigious American magazine Condé Nast Traveller and voted by readers from around the world, Vietnamese cuisine proudly ranks 4th among the most attractive culinary destinations in the world, surpassing even such “gastronomic monuments” as France and Spain.

This is not just a number, but a true recognition of the unique charm of Vietnamese cuisine — an art where every dish is a harmony of fresh ingredients, age-old culinary secrets, and the rich cultural identity of each region.

Based on this year’s evaluation criterion — “awakening the taste buds of travelers” — Vietnam has completely conquered the hearts and palates of food lovers worldwide, earning an impressive score of 96.67 points.

The Soul of Vietnamese Cuisine

As an agricultural country, Vietnam is one of the world’s largest rice producers. Rice has always been at the heart of Vietnamese culture and daily life. Beyond the simple bowl of steamed rice, it takes countless delicious forms — phở, bún, bánh chưng, bánh tét, xôi, bánh cuốn…

 Vietnamese cuisine is not sophisticated, yet it follows a profound philosophy of balance — from colors to flavors — blending harmoniously the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire, earth) and the five basic tastes (sour, spicy, salty, sweet, and bitter). This delicate balance gives each dish its lightness, refinement, and distinctive character.

Regional Flavors Across the Country

Depending on the region, Vietnamese food reveals a rich culinary map full of diversity:

• Northern cuisine favors subtle, balanced flavors and refined presentation.
• Central cuisine, influenced by imperial heritage, is known for its bold, spicy, and colorful dishes.
• Southern cuisine, shaped by Khmer, Cham, and French influences, often carries a sweeter note — especially in stews and soups.

Vietnam – A Paradise of Street Food

Street food is an inseparable part of Vietnam’s culinary identity. From roadside vendors to humble local eateries, every street corner hides a flavorful treasure at a surprisingly affordable price.

From the floating markets of Cái Răng in Cần Thơ, brimming with tropical fruits and steaming bowls of noodle soup, to the bustling alleyways of Saigon and Hanoi, where the scent of phở, bánh mì, or iced coffee mingles with the city’s lively sounds — all together create a vibrant symphony of flavors.

Foreign travelers often say that in Vietnam, the best food is right before your eyes. Indeed, Vietnamese cuisine is not just about feeding the body — it’s about touching the heart, leaving a lasting impression even after a single bite.

With its visual beauty, balance of flavors, and deep cultural meaning, Vietnamese gastronomy has become an experience not to be missed for anyone visiting the country.

Proud of its growing place on the world’s culinary map, Vietnamese cuisine is more than an art of living — it’s a way to understand Vietnam through taste.

Get your taste buds ready — Vietnam awaits you with a thousand and one flavors!

(Ha Vy)

Related articles:
>> Must-try culinary delights when the cold sets in Hanoi
>> Top 10 unmissable dishes in Hanoi
>> Visit Hanoi in 1, 2 or 3 days - what to see and do?