Dubai is increasingly popular with tourists from all over the world. The ongoing expansion of its cultural offerings, as well as a diverse range of attractions and things to do while visiting accounts for the city’s charm. Dubai provides a diverse range of gastronomic options, combining foods from various countries in one location. That is why we have compiled a list of the best 15 Vietnamese restaurants in Dubai for you to choose from if you are on vacation and in the mood for some delicious cuisine from Vietnam. We’ll give you a brief overview of each of the restaurants, the website (when available) and social media sites, phone number, and the Google Maps location.
Topics Covered:
- What is Vietnamese cuisine known for?
- What are the most popular Vietnamese dishes?
- What is unique about Vietnamese food?
- What are the must-try Vietnamese dishes?
- Vietnamese Restaurants in Dubai
- Closing thoughts on the best Vietnamese Restaurants in Dubai
What is Vietnamese cuisine known for?
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its flavorful, light, and healthy dishes that are made using fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices. It has been influenced by various cultures over the centuries, including Chinese, French, and Indian, but has a distinct identity of its own.
What are the most popular Vietnamese dishes?
Vietnamese cuisine offers a variety of delicious dishes, and here top 10 of the most popular Vietnamese dishes:
1. Phở (Vietnamese beef noodle soup)
Phở (pronounced “fuh”) is a popular Vietnamese dish that consists of a flavorful broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat (usually beef or chicken). The soup is typically served in a large bowl with a side plate of fresh herbs such as cilantro, basil, and bean sprouts, as well as lime wedges, chili sauce, and hoisin sauce for seasoning.
To make the soup stock for phở, the custom is to stew beef bones, onions, ginger, and flavorings such as star anise, cinnamon, and cloves for a few hours to create an aromatic and full-flavored base. Subsequently, thin slices of beef are included in the broth and cooked for a short time, whereas the rice noodles are boiled independently and placed in the bowl just before it is served.
2. Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich)
Bánh mì is a unique fusion of Vietnamese and French food that is served in sandwich form. It is usually constructed with a crunchy baguette which is cut down the middle and filled with a variety of savory components, such as grilled pork, pate, ham, chicken, tofu, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili peppers. The sandwich can be garnished with mayonnaise, butter, or other sauces.
Bánh mì is a popular street food in Vietnam, and its popularity has spread to other parts of the world, especially in countries with large Vietnamese populations. In recent years, bánh mì has become popular among foodies due to its unique flavor profile and affordability.
3. Gỏi cuốn (spring rolls)
Gỏi cuốn, commonly known as spring rolls, is a popular Vietnamese dish that consists of fresh vegetables, herbs, and often a protein, rolled in a thin rice paper wrapper.
These rolls are usually served either cold or at room temperature and are usually accompanied by a sauce for dipping, which is usually a combination of hoisin sauce, peanut butter, and chili paste.
4. Bún chả (grilled pork with noodles)
Bún chả is a Vietnamese dish consisting of grilled pork served with thin rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. The pork is marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and other spices before being grilled or charbroiled, giving it a sweet and savory flavor.
This meal is often accompanied by a side of leafy greens like lettuce, mint, and basil. Additionally, a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili is provided. To eat, guests take a piece of pork, place it in a lettuce leaf along with some noodles, and dip it in the sauce before consuming.
5. Cá kho tộ (caramelized fish in a clay pot)
Bún chả is a Vietnamese dish that consists of grilled pork (chả) served with rice noodles (bún) and fresh herbs. The pork is marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and other seasonings before being grilled over charcoal, resulting in a sweet and savory flavor with a slightly charred exterior.
The dish usually comes with a bed of herbs and vegetables such as lettuce, mint, cilantro, and bean sprouts, and sauces made from fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili. To consume, patrons take a small portion of noodles and herbs, dunk it in the sauce, and then place a piece of grilled pork on top.
6. Chả giò (fried spring rolls)
Cá kho tộ, also known as caramelized fish in a clay pot, is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is made by slow-cooking fish in a clay pot with a caramelized sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and black pepper. The dish typically uses a meaty, firm-fleshed fish such as catfish or salmon, which is first marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger to enhance the flavor.
Cá kho tộ is a popular and comforting Vietnamese dish, usually served with steamed rice and decorated with fresh cilantro, chili peppers, and other herbs for a more intense taste and texture. It is cherished by many people as a tasty and nourishing dish.
7. Bánh xèo (Vietnamese savory pancake)
Bánh xèo is a savory Vietnamese pancake made with a combination of rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric, and water. To cook it, the batter is poured onto a hot skillet or griddle and then filled with a mixture of pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and on occasion, mung beans and diced onions. The pancake is then folded in half, creating a crunchy exterior and a tender and springy interior.
8. Bò lá lốt (grilled beef wrapped in betel leaf)
Bánh xèo is a savory Vietnamese pancake made with a combination of rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric, and water. To cook it, the batter is poured onto a hot skillet or griddle and then filled with a mixture of pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and on occasion, mung beans and diced onions. The pancake is then folded in half, creating a crunchy exterior and a tender and springy interior.
9. Bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup from Hue)
Bò lá lốt is a well-known Vietnamese delicacy that consists of minced beef that has been seasoned with garlic, lemongrass, and other herbs, then enveloped in betel leaves and cooked on the grill. This meal is often served as either an appetizer or as part of a larger meal.
The betel leaves used in bò lá lốt have a slightly bitter and peppery taste, which enhances the savory taste of the beef. The beef is usually marinated for a few hours before being tucked into the leaves and cooked on an open flame. As the leaves char and cook, they transfer their flavor to the beef, creating a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
10. Bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls)
Bánh cuốn is a Vietnamese delicacy that includes steamed rice rolls packed with a blend of minced pork, mushrooms, and at times shrimp or other meats. To make the rice rolls, a thin layer of rice batter is poured on a cloth that is laid over a pot of boiling water, and the batter is allowed to cook briefly before being rolled up with the filling inside.
Bánh cuốn is typically served with a side of fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, and bean sprouts, as well as a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili. To eat, diners take a small piece of the rice roll, add herbs and dip it into the sauce before eating.
What is unique about Vietnamese food?
Vietnamese food is unique in several ways, including its flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. Here are some of the things that make Vietnamese food stand out:
Use of fresh herbs and vegetables
Vietnamese dishes are known for their generous use of fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and Thai basil, as well as vegetables like bean sprouts, cucumbers, and lettuce. These ingredients add a refreshing and vibrant flavor to the dishes.
Freshness
Vietnamese food is known for its emphasis on fresh and healthy ingredients, such as herbs, vegetables, and seafood. The cuisine also focuses on a balance of flavors, with dishes often featuring a combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, often achieved by combining ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili peppers.
Health
Vietnamese food is generally light and healthy, with a focus on fresh ingredients and minimal use of oil. Many dishes are also gluten-free and dairy-free.
Use of rice noodles
Vietnamese cuisine often uses rice noodles, which are gluten-free and have a lighter texture than wheat noodles.
French influence
Vietnam was a French colony for many years, and this influence can be seen in the use of ingredients like baguettes, pate, and mayonnaise in Vietnamese cuisine. French culinary techniques and ingredients, such as baguettes and pate, are often used in Vietnamese dishes.
Regional differences
Vietnam is a large country with diverse regional cuisines, each with its own unique flavors and ingredients. For example, the food in the northern region tends to be milder and less spicy than the food in the southern region.
Street food culture
Vietnamese street food is a big part of the country’s culinary scene, with many popular dishes like banh mi and pho being sold by street vendors. These dishes are affordable and accessible to everyone, and they offer a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Overall, the use of fresh herbs and vegetable ingredients, the balance of flavors, and light and healthy, diverse regional influences. It is a unique and delicious cuisine that has gained popularity around the world.
What are the must-try Vietnamese dishes?
Here are many delicious Vietnamese appetizers to choose from, but here are some must-try options:
- Gỏi cuốn (spring rolls): Fresh and healthy, these rice paper rolls are filled with crunchy vegetables, herbs, and protein, and served with a flavorful dipping sauce.
- Nem rán (fried spring rolls): These crispy and flavorful fried rolls are filled with pork, shrimp, vegetables, and sometimes vermicelli noodles.
- Bún chả giò (vermicelli noodles with fried spring rolls): This dish combines thin rice noodles with crunchy fried spring rolls, herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce.
- Cơm tấm (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork): A classic Vietnamese rice dish that features grilled pork chops, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg served over a bed of broken rice. It is often accompanied by a side of fish sauce for dipping.
- Bánh bò nướng: This is a steamed rice cake that has a spongy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. It’s made with coconut milk, rice flour, sugar, and yeast, and often served warm.
- Chè: This is a general term for Vietnamese sweet soups or puddings that come in a variety of flavors, such as mung bean, lotus seed, taro, and sweet corn. Chè is usually made with coconut milk and sweetened with sugar or condensed milk.
Vietnamese Restaurants in Dubai
Craving for some Vietnamese food while in Dubai? Here are some Vietnamese restaurants in Dubai you might try.
- Hoi An Restaurant
- Saigon – Taste of Vietnam JLT
- Saigon Station
- Vietnamese Foodies
- Vietnamese Snack Food Cafe Restaurant – Karama Branch
- Wox
- Blue Jade
- LAO Dubai
- Super Bowl – Asian Cafe – JLT
- Super Bowl – Asian Cntara The Palm Dubai Resort
- AlToot Restaurant Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese Foods
- Asian Lotus Restaurant
- Sui Mui Dubai
- Mekong Restaurant at Ana
- Hana Home – Viet Nam Cruiseafe – Discovery Gardens
1. Hoi An Restaurant
Hoi An’s authentic and complex flavors from the land of the blue dragon are fueled by an entirely Vietnamese kitchen. Every dish will transport you to modern Vietnam with its unique tastes. Check Hoi An Restaurant’s menu.
Type of cuisine: Vietnamese haut-cuisine
Location: Hoi An Restaurant, Level 1,Shangri-la Hotel – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone Number: +97144052712
Hoi An Restaurant Instagram Account
2. Saigon – Taste of Vietnam JLT
Saigon Restaurant is committed to serving authentic and high-quality Vietnamese cuisine. Saigon takes pride in serving the best Vietnamese cuisine, which not only appeals to local Vietnamese but also to western foodies looking to indulge in some heavenly healthy South East Asian cuisine. Saigon focuses on precision and attention to detail in accordance with the traditions of preparing authentic Vietnamese food. Check Saigno’s menu here.
Type of cuisine: Healthy and delicious Vietnamese food
Location: Saigon – Taste of Vietnam JLT, Lake Terrace Tower, JLT Cluster D – Balcony Level – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Saigon – Taste of Vietnam JLT Website
Phone Number: +971543820209
Saigon – Taste of Vietnam JLT Instagram Account
3. Saigon Station
Saigon Station immerses guests in Vietnamese culture. The presentations are well done, and the service is very attentive to customers’ needs. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. The place is highly praised in Google reviews.
Type of cuisine: traditional and immersive Vietnamese cooking
Location: Saigon Station, Silicon Gates 1 – Dubai Silicon Oasis – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone Number: +971585678678
Saigon Station Instagram Account
4. Vietnamese Foodies
Lily Hoa Nguyen is the Co-Founder and Executive Chef of Foodies, an award-winning concept of Vietnamese Foodies. Since opening its first location in JLT in January 2018, Vietnamese Foodies has grown to include four additional locations in Dubai, for a total of five. Authentic, fresh, naturally healthy, and affordable dishes such as Pho, Bun Bo Hue, Banh Mi, and Goi Cuon (rice paper rolls) are available at all Vietnamese Foodies locations. Vietnamese Foodies’ menu is inspired by Ho Chi Minh City’s culinary diversity and abundance of flavorful and affordable dishes.
Type of cuisine: Ho Chi Minh City cuisine
Location: Vietnamese Foodies, 447Q+CQ – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone Number: +97145689684
Vietnamese Foodies Instagram Account
5. Vietnamese Snack Food Cafe Restaurant – Karama Branch
This restaurant is a co-creation of Chef Patron Joan Smith and Executive Chef François Lemoine. Their specialty cuisine is inspired by the fantastic flavors of France and Vietnam combined. They reinvent classic French dishes in novel and innovative ways. Take a look at the menu.
Type of cuisine: Vietnamese/French Snacks and Brunch
Location: Vietnamese Snack Food Cafe Restaurant – Karama Branch, 121 Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St – Al Karama – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Vietnamese Snack Food Cafe Restaurant – Karama Branch Website: https://www.vietnamesesnackfoodcafe.com/
Phone Number: +97142879779
Instagram: N/A
6. Wox
As a Hyatt restaurant, Wox serves top-level Vietnamese food in Dubai. With great service and friendly staff, this restaurant located within the Grand Hyatt Dubai attracts guests with its fancy offering.
Type of cuisine: Vietnamese haut cuisine
Location: Wox, Grand Hyatt Dubai Convention Centre – Sheikh Rashid Rd – Umm Hurair 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone Number: +97143172221
Instagram : N/A
7. Blue Jade
Blue Jade has received international recognition and awards with its menu from Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and China. The skillfully prepared dishes are prepared in an open kitchen, with a la carte specialties, and interiors designed to evoke the romance of Southeast Asia. The terrace provides a nice dining ambiance, with views of the gardens and seashore. A true journey through the far east. Check out Blue Jade’s menu.
Type of cuisine: Asian Gourmet Food
Location: Blue Jade، The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone Number: +97143186150
8. LAO Dubai
Located inside Dubai’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, LAO restaurant serves Asian home-style cooking with authentic spices, sauces, and cooking techniques. The dishes draw inspiration from favorite comfort foods and classics. Traditional dishes are served in a relaxed yet vibrant setting. See Lao Restaurant’s menu here.
Type of cuisine: High-level Vietnamese cuisine
Location: LAO Dubai, East – Crescent Rd – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone Number: +97143186150
9. Super Bowl – Asian Cafe – JLT
The name “Super Bowl” refers to the restaurant’s tasty Asian meals served in bowls at affordable prices. To prepare them, they use the finest ingredients and traditional recipes. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or just a coffee and snack, they will serve it to you in a relaxed modern setting. Take a look at Super Bowl’s menu here.
Type of cuisine: Vietnamese Fast Food
Location: Super Bowl – Asian Cafe – JLT, XI Tower, Cluster X – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Super Bowl – Asian Cafe – JLT Website
Phone Number: +97145712888
Super Bowl – Asian Cafe – JLT Instagram Account
10. Super Bowl – Asian Cntara The Palm Dubai Resort
If you enjoy the Super Bowl franchise, you can also find one of its restaurants in Discovery Gardens. The same tasty bowls in a different and convenient location!
Type of cuisine: Vietnamese Fast Food
Location: Super Bowl – Asian Cafe – Discovery Gardens, Shop No DPV- FB-03 The Pavilion – Discovery Gardens – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Super Bowl – Asian Cntara The Palm Dubai Resort Website
Phone Number: +97145712888
Super Bowl – Asian Cntara The Palm Dubai Resort Instagram Account
11. AlToot Restaurant Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese Foods
Al Toot combines Vietnamese cuisine with Chinese, and Thai to serve it at their chic restaurant in Dubai. They may not be big on social media or have a website, but guests do rush to enjoy their meals at their premises.
Type of cuisine: Asian food
Location: AlToot Restaurant Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese Foods, M Residence 104 – Al Mankhool – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Website: N/A
Phone Number: +971543694866
Instagram: N/A
12. Asian Lotus Restaurant
Asian Lotus is valued by guests for being a fantastic restaurant that is well worth the money. They have an all-you-can-eat option for those hungry for Asian food. They also have over 50 varieties to choose from. You can enjoy the place with family or friends.
Type of cuisine: all-you-eat Asian food.
Location: Asian Lotus Restaurant, Port saeed front of the City center The centuries Tower – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Website: N/A
Phone Number: +97143310689
Instagram: N/A
13. Sui Mui Dubai
Sui Mui serves flavorful, spicy salads and traditional dishes family style. It caters to young and old, families, couples, and groups alike. Their delicious meals are prepared by the chefs while enjoying the amazing entertainment. Check Sui Mui’s menu here.
Type of cuisine: Vietnamese cooking with entertainment
Location: Sui Mui Dubai, The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone Number: +97145117373
14. Mekong Restaurant at Ana
The contemporary eclectic decor of Mekong sets the tone for an exotic sensory feast. Reserve a table at the rickshaw tables on the terrace or in the private dining room. You can try a variety of delectable Thai dishes and more delicious samples of Asian cuisine. Explore the flavors and spices of Thailand, China, and Vietnam. See Mekong’s menu here.
Type of cuisine: Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese food.
Location: Mekong Restaurant at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, East Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Mekong Restaurant at Ana Website
Phone Number: +97145678314
Mekong Restaurant at Ana Instagram Account
15. Hana Home – Viet Nam Cruiseafe – Discovery Gardens
Hana Home is one of Dubai’s typical Vietnamese restaurants. They created a homey environment for people to have a great time while tasting unique Vietnamese cuisine. They pride themselves on promoting Vietnam’s food to the world.
Type of cuisine: homemade Vietnamese food.
Location: Hana Home – Viet Nam Cruise, China cluster building c06-s03 – International City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Hana Home – Viet Nam Cruiseafe – Discovery Gardens Website
Phone Number: +971509980222
Hana Home – Viet Nam Cruiseafe – Discovery Gardens Instagram
Closing thoughts on the best Vietnamese Restaurants in Dubai
These are Dubai’s most distinctive Vietnamese restaurants. All of these dining locations will provide you with a delicious meal at a reasonable price. Take a chance at any of Dubai’s best Vietnamese restaurants if you are from the country and crave homemade food or simply want to experience Vietnam’s incredible cuisine while in Dubai. You are in for a treat!
