For travelers planning a trip to Vietnam, one of the most pleasant surprises is the incredible affordability of food. From steaming bowls of pho on a busy street corner to elegant dishes in fine dining restaurants, Vietnam food prices cater to every budget without compromising on flavor. This guide will help you understand what to expect when it comes to eating in Vietnam, whether you prefer street food stalls or upscale dining. Let’s explore this topic together with Asian Link Travel in this article.
Street Food Prices in Vietnam
Street food is at the heart of Vietnamese culinary culture. It offers authentic flavors, a glimpse into daily life, and some of the best value meals you will ever find.
Cost of Popular Street Food Dishes
Vietnam’s street food scene is both diverse and affordable. A banh mi, the famous Vietnamese baguette sandwich, usually costs between 1 and 2 USD. A hearty bowl of pho can range from 1.5 to 3.5 USD depending on the location and meat selection. Fresh goi cuon spring rolls often cost just 1 to 2 USD for a serving of two or three rolls.
Other street food favorites include com tam, a dish of broken rice topped with grilled pork, for 2 to 4 USD, and bun cha, grilled pork with rice noodles, for around 1.6 to 3.2 USD. Prices are slightly higher in tourist-heavy cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but still very reasonable compared to Western standards.
Daily Street Food Budget for Travelers
If you stick to street food, you can easily enjoy three full meals for around 5 to 10 USD per day. This budget often includes extras like iced coffee or fresh fruit smoothies, which typically cost under 1.50 USD each. The quality and freshness of street food in Vietnam are excellent, as ingredients are often purchased daily from local markets.
For many visitors, street food is not just a budget choice but the preferred way to experience Vietnam’s culinary richness. From morning noodle soups to late-night snacks, there’s always something delicious and inexpensive around the corner.
See more: Vietnam Travel Guide: Tips and Costs
Restaurant Dining Prices
While street food is a must-try, Vietnam also offers a range of restaurant experiences. Prices vary depending on the type of establishment, location, and menu style.
Casual Vietnamese Restaurants
Casual sit-down restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese dishes are still very affordable. Meals usually range from 3 to 10 USD per person. Many offer an extensive menu of soups, rice dishes, and stir-fried noodles, along with freshly prepared seafood.
These restaurants are great for travelers who want a relaxed dining experience without breaking the bank. In cities like Da Nang or Nha Trang, seafood restaurants serve generous portions at prices far below what you’d pay in the West, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious food lovers.
Mid-range and Fine Dining Restaurants
If you want a more refined dining experience, Vietnam’s mid-range restaurants and fine dining venues offer excellent value compared to similar establishments abroad. A meal at a mid-range restaurant usually costs between 10 and 25 USD per person, often including appetizers and drinks.
Fine dining restaurants in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi can range from 20 to over 100 USD per person, depending on the chef’s reputation and menu style. Many of these restaurants specialize in fusion cuisine, combining Vietnamese ingredients with international techniques for a unique culinary experience.
Grocery and Market Prices
Not every traveler will cook while in Vietnam, but visiting local markets offers insight into the country’s food culture. Even if you do not plan to prepare your own meals, grocery prices can help you understand the overall affordability of living or staying in Vietnam.
Fresh Produce and Staples
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and staples are incredibly cheap in Vietnam. Rice costs around 0.88 USD per kilogram, making it a staple food for both locals and visitors. Vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and leafy greens often cost less than 0.80 USD per kilogram.
Local fruits like mangoes, bananas, and dragon fruit are widely available and can be bought for 1 to 2 USD per kilogram, depending on the season. These low prices mean that even a fruit-heavy diet is very affordable, making healthy eating accessible for travelers.
Meat, Seafood, and Other Ingredients
Chicken costs roughly 3.20 USD per kilogram, while pork is slightly higher but still inexpensive compared to Western prices. Fresh seafood is particularly good value in coastal cities, where shrimp, fish, and squid can be found at much lower prices than in inland areas.
If you plan to self-cater, Vietnam offers an abundant selection of herbs, spices, and sauces at minimal cost. From fragrant lemongrass to spicy chili paste, local markets are a treasure trove for anyone interested in Vietnamese cooking.
See more: Vietnam tours
Regional Variations in Vietnam Food Prices
Vietnam is a long country with significant differences in climate, economy, and tourism levels between regions. As a result, Vietnam food prices can vary from one area to another.
Northern Vietnam
In Hanoi and the surrounding provinces, prices for street food and casual restaurants are generally similar to national averages. However, certain regional specialties like bun rieu (crab noodle soup) or cha ca (grilled fish with dill) may be slightly more expensive due to their unique ingredients and preparation methods.
Tourist areas around Ha Long Bay tend to charge more, especially for seafood. Still, even in high-demand spots, prices remain far lower than in most Western countries.
Central Vietnam
Central cities like Da Nang and Hue often have slightly lower food prices compared to the north and south. This is especially true for seafood, which is abundant and fresh. A meal of grilled fish or squid with rice and vegetables might cost just 3 to 5 USD in a casual restaurant.
Hue, once the imperial capital, is famous for its royal-inspired cuisine, which may come at a modest premium but is still very affordable for tourists.
Southern Vietnam
In Ho Chi Minh City, food prices are marginally higher than in the rest of the country due to its status as a major economic hub. However, street food is still remarkably cheap, with banh mi stalls charging as little as 1 USD.
The Mekong Delta region, on the other hand, is known for its abundance of tropical fruits and freshwater fish, both of which are extremely affordable. Markets in smaller towns often sell fresh produce for less than half the price found in big cities.
Tips for Saving Money on Food in Vietnam
Even though eating in Vietnam is already inexpensive, there are ways to stretch your budget even further without sacrificing quality.
One tip is to eat where locals eat. Restaurants that cater primarily to tourists often have higher prices, while local spots serve authentic dishes at lower costs. Visiting markets in the morning can also help you find the freshest ingredients at the best prices.
Another tip is to try set menus or lunch specials, which often provide generous portions at reduced prices. Finally, exploring neighborhoods outside of the main tourist areas can lead to delicious discoveries at unbeatable prices.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam food prices make the country one of the most budget-friendly destinations for food lovers. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bowl of pho from a street vendor or enjoying a multi-course dinner in an upscale restaurant, you will find exceptional value for money. For tourists, this means more opportunities to explore the incredible variety of Vietnamese cuisine without worrying about overspending.
