Vietnamese cuisine is famous worldwide for its fresh herbs, balance of flavours, and variety. While many travellers enjoy classic dishes like phở and Bun Bo Hue, some of the most memorable experiences come from trying bolder, more unusual specialties. At Flexi Tour Centre, we encourage our guests to explore these authentic tastes – they often become favourite stories to share back home.

Here are three distinctive Vietnamese dishes that surprise many first-time visitors, yet offer a genuine connection to local culture.

Balut (Trứng Vịt Lộn)

Balut is a fertilised duck egg containing a partially developed embryo, usually boiled and served warm. It is commonly enjoyed with fresh Vietnamese mint (rau răm), salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing contrast.

In Vietnam, balut is a very popular street snack. Many locals eat it regularly, and some believe it helps “ward off bad luck” when consumed during periods they consider unlucky. A smaller version, quail balut (trứng cút lộn), is also widely available and often preferred by those trying it for the first time.

Fermented Shrimp Paste Noodles (Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm)

This hearty northern dish features crispy fried tofu, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and pork belly, served with a strong fermented shrimp paste sauce (mắm tôm).

The pungent aroma of mắm tôm can be quite intense for newcomers, and many people find the smell off-putting at first. However, once you try it, the complex and savoury flavour is surprisingly addictive. Although it originated in Hanoi, you can now find this dish across the country, including in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

Coconut Worms (Đuông Dừa)

Coconut worms are the larvae of the coconut palm weevil that live inside the trunk of coconut trees. They can be eaten raw with chilli fish sauce or lightly fried until golden and crispy.

With a soft, creamy, and slightly nutty texture, they are considered a delicacy in many parts of southern Vietnam. However, because these worms damage coconut trees and can eventually kill them, Vietnam does not encourage large-scale farming or production of coconut worms. They remain a seasonal, wild-harvested treat.

Guest Experience – Mark Thompson from Melbourne: “On our 16-day Vietnam Sapa Phu Quoc tour with Flexi Tour Centre, we joined a guided street food walk in Hanoi. Trying balut with Vietnamese mint and bún đậu mắm tôm was challenging at first, but it became one of the most enjoyable and memorable parts of our trip. Our local guide explained the cultural background of each dish, which helped us appreciate them much more. We now proudly tell our friends back home that we ate like true locals!”

Plan Your Culinary Adventure with Us

Whether you are looking for a relaxed 8-day trip to Northern Vietnam or a comprehensive 15-day Vietnam Sapa itinerary, we can incorporate authentic food experiences into your schedule.

We organise private tours departing from major Australian cities:

• Sydney to Vietnam Tours

• Melbourne to Vietnam Tours

• Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Canberra, and Albury-Wodonga

  
  

We also offer interesting extensions such as Vietnam with Angkor Wat Cambodia. Our team can assist with your Vietnam E-Visa, accommodation, and tailored activities.

Our perspective at Flexi Tour Centre: Vietnamese food reflects the creativity and resilience of its people. We are happy to help you explore both familiar favourites and more adventurous dishes in a way that feels enjoyable and respectful.

For further reading, you may like these guides:

• What 20 AUD Can Get You in Vietnam

• What AUD $10 Can Get You in Vietnam

• How to Apply for Vietnam E-Visa

DM us to start planning your Vietnam journey now.

FLEXI TOUR CENTRE - YOUR TRIP, YOUR WAY.

info@flexitourcentre.com.au

Albury, NSW 2640

+ 61 485 500 686