Lunch in Vietnam: Food options, average cost and more (2024)

Lunch in Vietnam is an integral part of the country's rich culinary culture, offering an array of flavors and textures. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, lunchtime in Vietnam presents a diverse selection of dishes that cater to every taste bud. In this guide, we will explore the top foods enjoyed during lunch in Vietnam, allowing you to savor the essence of Vietnam's food culture during your Vietnam travel.

1. What are common dishes for lunch in Vietnam?

1.1. Grilled pork broken rice

Vietnamese broken rice is a delightful lunch dish that includes broken rice, grilled pork chops, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce drizzled over the rice. The combination of the tender, smoky meat, the crunchy pickles, and the soft broken rice makes Vietnam rice dish a satisfying and lunchtime favorite in Vietnam.

1.2. Hue-style beef noodle soup (Bun bo Hue)

Bun bo Hue, a traditional dish originating from the city of Hue in Vietnam, is a rich and spicy beef noodle soup that makes for a delicious lunch option. The flavorful broth, infused with lemongrass and chili, is complemented by tender slices of beef, pork, and thick rice noodles. Topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime, Bun bo Hue offers a satisfying and aromatic meal that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

>>> Read more: Vietnamese vermicelli noodles: TOP 7 irresistible delicacies to try

1.3. Grilled meat vermicelli

Grilled meat vermicelli is another popular lunch option in Vietnam, featuring tender and flavorful grilled meat, typically pork or beef, served over a bed of delicate rice vermicelli noodles. Vietnamese bun is often accompanied by fresh herbs, shredded vegetables, roasted peanuts, and a tangy dipping sauce, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.

1.4. Bun dau mam tom

Bun dau mam tom is a distinctive Vietnamese lunch dish consisting of rice vermicelli noodles served with tofu, herbs, and a pungent fermented shrimp paste dipping sauce called mam tom. The combination of soft noodles, crispy tofu, fragrant herbs, and the intense umami flavor of mam tom creates a unique and satisfying dining experience.

1.5. What do Vietnamese eat for lunch? Bun cha

Bun cha is a delicious Vietnamese lunch dish that features grilled pork patties and sliced pork belly served over a bed of rice noodles. It is often accompanied by fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and dipping sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make it a popular choice for a satisfying lunch.

1.6. Quang-style noodles (Mi Quang)

Lunch in Vietnam is even more delightful with Mi Quang, a specialty dish from the central region. Mi Quang features rice noodles topped with shrimp, pork, herbs, peanuts, and a small amount of flavorful broth, creating a unique and satisfying lunch experience.

1.7. Vietnamese savory pancake (Banh xeo)

Pancake Vietnam is a mouth-watering Vietnamese lunch option featuring a crispy rice flour pancake filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. Served with fresh lettuce leaves and a sweet and tangy dipping sauce, Banh xeo offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that make it a satisfying and enjoyable lunchtime treat.

1.8. Rice with side dishes

Vietnamese rice is a Vietnamese national dish, also the popular foundation of a typical lunch. Alongside the rice, you will find an assortment of side dishes such as grilled meats, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and flavorful sauces, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures to enjoy during your meal.

1.9. Turmeric fish (Cha ca La Vong)

Turmeric fish is a famous Vietnamese lunch dish originating from Hanoi, consisting of turmeric-marinated fish, typically catfish, pan-fried with fragrant herbs and served with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, and dipping sauce.

1.10. Beef fried rice with pickled mustard greens

This is one of the many Vietnamese fried rice variations. It combines fried rice with pickled beef, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The tangy and tender beef and pickled mustard greens add a unique twist to the flavorful fried rice, making it a satisfying and enjoyable lunch option.

>>> Read more: Vietnamese food: The TOP 10 must-try dishes in 2024

2. What is the average cost of lunch in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, lunch prices can vary from 20,000 VND to 200,000 VND, depending on the specific dish and the type of restaurant you visit. Street food stalls and local eateries tend to offer more affordable options compared to upscale restaurants.

>>> Read more: Restaurants in Vietnam: 35+ BEST options for unforgettable dining

3. What time do Vietnamese people usually have lunch?

Lunch in Vietnam is usually between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM. This period aligns with the common lunch break in schools, offices, and various workplaces. However, it can still vary depending on individual schedules and regional differences across the country.

4. Why do the majority of Vietnamese prefer a big lunch?

In Vietnam, the tradition of having big lunches goes beyond simply replenishing energy levels. It also serves as a cherished opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends.

Furthermore, a substantial lunch offers respite from the often demanding workday in this bustling nation, allowing individuals to relax and recharge for the remainder of the afternoon.

Having a large meal during lunch in Vietnam reflects both the importance placed on community bonds and the value of balance in daily life in the country!

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Having lunch in Vietnam is a vibrant culinary experience filled with a wide array of delicious and iconic dishes. From the comforting Bun bo Hue to the flavorful Bun cha, Vietnamese cuisine offers something to satisfy every palate. While lunch prices may vary, ranging from affordable to high-end, exploring the local eateries and indulging in the rich flavors of Vietnam is a must for any food lover!

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