Vietnamese cuisine has earned further international recognition, with 11 dishes featured in TasteAtlas’ 100 Best Soups in Asia ranking. According to a report published by Vietnam.vn on October 28, 2026, the ranking was compiled using more than 20,400 ratings from diners and food experts worldwide.
Beef pho secured 11th place, making it the highest-ranked Vietnamese dish on the list. The recognition offers another reason for international travelers to explore Vietnam through its food, discovering the distinctive ingredients, cooking traditions, and regional flavors that make Vietnamese cuisine memorable.
11 Vietnamese Dishes Featured in Asia’s Top 100 Soups
The ranking includes familiar Vietnamese noodle soups, regional specialties, hot pot, and traditional broth-based dishes.
| Rank | Vietnamese Dish | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Pho Bo (Beef Pho) | 4.4/5 |
| 26 | Bun Bo Hue (Hue Beef Noodle Soup) | 4.2/5 |
| 33 | Pho Ga (Chicken Pho) | 4.1/5 |
| 38 | Bun Rieu (Crab Noodle Soup) | 4.0/5 |
| 40 | Pho Chay (Vegetarian Pho) | 4.0/5 |
| 73 | Vietnamese Hot Pot | 3.8/5 |
| 74 | Canh Chua Ca (Sour Fish Soup) | 3.8/5 |
| 75 | Pho Hai San (Seafood Pho) | 3.8/5 |
| 87 | Hu Tieu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh Noodle Soup) | 3.8/5 |
| 95 | Banh Da Cua (Hai Phong Crab Noodle Soup) | 3.7/5 |
| 100 | Bun Mang Vit (Duck and Bamboo Shoot Noodle Soup) | 3.7/5 |
Note: Rankings and ratings reflect the published list and may change in future updates.
Pho Bo Leads Vietnam’s Culinary Recognition
Ranking 11th with a score of 4.4 out of 5, phở bò (beef pho) achieved the highest position among the Vietnamese entries. Pho is widely regarded as one of Vietnam’s most recognizable traditional dishes. Its appeal comes from the combination of rice noodles, tender beef, aromatic herbs, and a carefully prepared broth.
The broth is traditionally simmered with beef bones and spices such as star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Served hot with rice noodles, sliced beef, and fresh garnishes, pho delivers a balance of savory flavors and fragrant aromas.
Travelers can find pho throughout Vietnam, from small family-run eateries in Hanoi to bustling restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. While regional recipes vary, the dish remains an important part of Vietnamese food culture and an accessible introduction for first-time visitors.
Bun Bo Hue and Other Vietnamese Favorites Earn Recognition
Beyond pho bo, several other dishes achieved notable positions in the ranking.
Bun Bo Hue – Ranked 26th
Originating from the historic city of Hue in Central Vietnam, bun bo Hue received a rating of 4.2 out of 5. Unlike the generally delicate flavor of northern-style pho, bun bo Hue is known for its bold, savory broth infused with lemongrass and fermented shrimp paste.
The dish is typically served with thick rice noodles, beef, and a selection of fresh herbs and vegetables. For visitors exploring Hue’s imperial heritage and joining Hue shore excursions, tasting bun bo Hue is an excellent way to experience the city’s distinctive culinary identity.
Pho Ga – Ranked 33rd
Chicken pho secured 33rd place with a score of 4.1 out of 5. This popular variation features a lighter broth prepared with chicken, ginger, and onions. The dish is commonly served with rice noodles, shredded or sliced chicken, and aromatic herbs. Its delicate flavor makes it a popular choice for travelers who prefer a milder alternative to beef pho.
Bun Rieu – Ranked 38th
Bun rieu ranked 38th with a score of 4.0 out of 5. This traditional noodle soup is especially appreciated for its distinctive combination of crab, tomatoes, and a gently sour broth.
Depending on the regional recipe, bun rieu may include tofu, pork, fresh vegetables, and various garnishes. The dish is widely available in local restaurants and street-food establishments, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Pho Chay – Ranked 40th
Vegetarian pho also earned a place in the ranking, securing 40th position with a score of 4.0 out of 5. Instead of meat-based stock, pho chay uses vegetables, mushrooms, and aromatic spices to create a flavorful broth. Its inclusion demonstrates the versatility of Vietnamese cuisine and the availability of traditional dishes adapted to vegetarian preferences.
Regional Vietnamese Soups Highlight Culinary Diversity
The remaining six dishes illustrate the range of ingredients, cooking methods, and culinary influences found throughout Vietnam.
- Vietnamese hot pot (73rd) is a shared dining experience in which meat, seafood, vegetables, and noodles are cooked in simmering broth at the table. It is particularly popular for family meals and group gatherings.
- Canh chua ca (74th) is a southern Vietnamese sour fish soup that combines fish, tamarind, and vegetables. Its refreshing sweet-and-sour flavor reflects the fresh produce and culinary traditions of the Mekong Delta.
- Pho hai san (75th) offers a seafood variation of Vietnam’s famous noodle soup, incorporating ingredients such as shrimp, squid, and clams.
- Hu tieu Nam Vang (87th) reflects the culinary connections between Vietnam and Cambodia. Adapted from Phnom Penh-style noodle soup, it commonly features pork-based broth, shrimp, meat, and other garnishes.
- Banh da cua (95th) is a specialty associated with Hai Phong in northern Vietnam. It is recognized for its distinctive reddish-brown rice noodles, crab-based broth, and flavorful toppings.
- Bun mang vit (100th) combines duck, bamboo shoots, and a fragrant broth. It is often accompanied by ginger fish sauce, creating a distinctive combination of flavors.
Together, these dishes demonstrate that Vietnamese soup traditions extend far beyond pho, offering travelers a wide range of culinary experiences across the country.
What Does This Recognition Mean for Vietnam Tourism?
The inclusion of 11 Vietnamese dishes in TasteAtlas’ ranking provides additional international exposure for the country’s culinary heritage. Food has long been an important part of the travel experience in Vietnam. Traditional markets, family-owned restaurants, street-food stalls, and regional specialties allow visitors to discover local culture beyond major sightseeing attractions.
The ranking is particularly relevant to travelers interested in authentic cultural experiences. For example, visitors exploring Hanoi can enjoy traditional pho and bun rieu, while those visiting Hue can discover the city’s famous bun bo Hue. In southern Vietnam, dishes such as canh chua ca and hu tieu Nam Vang offer insights into the region’s distinctive flavors.
Although the TasteAtlas list is based on food ratings rather than an official tourism assessment, it highlights the international appeal and variety of Vietnamese cuisine.
Discover Vietnamese Cuisine During a Shore Excursion
For international cruise passengers visiting Vietnam, local cuisine can be one of the most rewarding parts of a shore excursion. A well-planned itinerary can combine cultural attractions with opportunities to discover regional dishes.
Travelers visiting northern Vietnam may encounter traditional pho in Hanoi, while excursions to Hue offer opportunities to sample bun bo Hue alongside visits to the city’s historic landmarks. In Ho Chi Minh City, local markets and restaurants introduce visitors to the flavors of southern Vietnamese cuisine.
At Vietnam Shore Excursions, our private and small-group tours are designed around cruise ship schedules, allowing travelers to explore Vietnam’s cultural highlights and discover authentic local experiences. Food-focused stops can also be considered when planning a customized itinerary, depending on the destination, available time, and individual preferences.
Vietnamese Cuisine Continues to Attract International Attention
The presence of 11 dishes in TasteAtlas’ 100 Best Soups in Asia ranking reflects the remarkable variety of Vietnam’s traditional cuisine. From the aromatic broth of beef pho to the bold flavors of bun bo Hue and the refreshing sourness of canh chua ca, each dish represents a different aspect of Vietnam’s culinary heritage. For travelers planning a visit to Vietnam, the ranking serves as an invitation to explore the country’s food culture, discover regional specialties, and experience everyday Vietnamese life through its cuisine.
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