Vietnam is a haven for street food enthusiasts. In general, street food in Vietnam can range from as low as $0.50 to about $2.50 for various dishes. It’s a highly affordable option compared to dining in restaurants, allowing travelers and locals alike to enjoy a full meal for just a few dollars. Always have local currency handy, as prices are always listed in Vietnamese Dong, and vendors may not accept USD.
Breakfast:
Banh Mi: This quintessential Vietnamese sandwich is a symphony of flavors. Prices vary by filling and location, but a satisfying Banh Mi can cost between $0.85 (20,000 VND) and $2.10 (50,000 VND).
Banh Cuon (Stuffed Pancake): A breakfast delight priced at about $1 to $2 (25,000 to 40,000 VND).
Banh Bao (Steamed Buns): These fluffy buns filled with pork, quail eggs, and vegetables are a popular breakfast choice. Expect to pay less than $1 (15,000 VND).
Lunch:
Banh Cuon (Stuffed Pancake): These delicate rice flour crepes, often filled with ground pork and mushrooms, are a midday favorite. They typically range from $1 to $2 (25,000 to 40,000 VND).
Dinner:
Com Tam (Broken Rice): This hearty dish with grilled pork, shredded pork skin, and a fried egg is a dinner staple. Prices vary but generally fall between $1.05 and $2.60 (25,000 to 60,000 VND).
Desserts:
Savoury Salted Egg Pound Cake: Costs range from $0.9 to $1.5 depending on size and ingredients.
Banh Pia: Prices for these durian and mung bean-filled pastries range from $1.9 to $2.6.
Mung Bean Cake: Offered between $1.1 and $2.5, these cakes are a common souvenir and pair well with tea.
Banh Com and Banh Da Lon (Steamed Layer Cake): These traditional sweets are priced from as low as $0.2 to around $1.40.
Chè (Sweet Soup): This diverse dessert category includes everything from black bean soup to sweet mung bean soup with coconut milk, typically costing between $0.2 and $1.30.