For Vietnamese food enthusiasts, there’s nothing more satisfying than a hearty lunch or dinner of exquisitely prepared noodles, meats, and vegetables. Whether you’ve never indulged in Vietnamese cuisine before or have tried a few dishes here and there, here are four options you and your friends should make sure to order the next time you visit a Vietnamese restaurant.

Essential Vietnamese Restaurant Dishes

1. Bánh Xèo

The sizzling crepe, or bánh xèo, is a popular Vietnamese street food. As it’s prepared on the skillet, the batter produces a loud sizzling noise. As it transforms into a crispy pancake, it’s filled with everything from shrimp to mung beans to bean sprouts. Many Vietnamese restaurants also offer a vegetarian version. Savory and filling, this handheld dish is typically served with a dipping sauce to elevate its flavor.

2. Gỏi Cuốn

Often referred to as spring rolls, gỏi cuốn is actually the non-fried version of the popular appetizer. Each roll consists of a translucent rice wrapper filled with your choice of ingredients. Shrimp, chicken, and rice vermicelli are common options, and some Vietnamese restaurants offer a vegetarian version, too.

3. Phở

Phở may be loosely described as soup, but it’s considerably heartier than you might expect. The dish consists of rice noodles topped with thin slices of beef, bean sprouts, and herbs. Beef broth and spices bring each ingredient to life, resulting in a richly flavorful meal that’s suitable for lunch and dinner alike. As with other dishes, you can enjoy it vegetarian-style by opting out of the meat and requesting tofu or extra vegetables instead of beef.

4. Bánh Dậu Xanh

Also known as green bean cake, bánh dậu xanh is a popular appetizer made with mung beans and sugar. It’s often served with coconut sauce on the side to complement its flavor. The result is a soft pastry with a sweet flavor, ideal as the final component of a satisfying lunch or dinner.
 

The next time you’re in the mood for a filling, delicious meal for lunch or dinner, head to Mamasan’s in Rochester, NY. The Vietnamese eatery specializes in noodle dishes, fried rice, egg rolls, and a variety of other favorites, all complemented by mouth-watering sauces that add flavor and character to your meals. Visit them online to browse their menu or call them today at (585) 461-3290.