25 Vietnamese Appetizers You Need to Make

Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients. When it comes to appetizers, there is an array of delicious bites that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here’s a list of 25 Vietnamese appetizers you need to make!

1. Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls)
These fresh spring rolls are packed with vegetables, herbs, and shrimp or pork, wrapped in rice paper. Serve with a rich peanut or hoisin dipping sauce.

2. Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)
Crunchy on the outside and savory on the inside, these fried rolls are traditionally filled with minced meat, vegetables, and mushrooms.

3. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancakes)
These crispy pancakes made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk are filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with lettuce for wrapping.

4. Bánh Khọt (Mini Rice Pancakes)
A delightful option, these mini pancakes are topped with shrimp and served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.

5. Nem Nuong (Grilled Pork Sausage)
This flavorful grilled dish made from minced pork is often served with rice paper, fresh vegetables, and dipping sauce.

6. Tôm Hùm Nướng (Grilled Lobster)
Grilled lobster drizzled with a mix of spices and butter is a luxurious appetizer that’s both flavorful and elegant.

7. Gỏi Đu Đủ (Green Papaya Salad)
A refreshing salad featuring shredded green papaya, carrots, and a tangy dressing topped with peanuts and herbs.

8. Chạo Tôm (Sugarcane Shrimp)
This unique appetizer consists of minced shrimp on sugarcane sticks, grilled to perfection and served with fresh vegetables.

9. Chè Bắp (Corn Pudding)
A comforting dish made from sweet corn and coconut milk, offering a perfect balance of sweetness.

10. Canh Khổ Qua (Bitter Melon Soup)
This unique soup combines bitter melon and ground pork, creating a delicious contrast that is both healthy and flavorful.

11. Thịt Kho Tàu (Caramelized Pork)
This sweet and savory dish of pork belly braised in coconut juice is typically served with pickled vegetables.

12. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich)
Though often considered a main dish, a well-crafted bánh mì can serve as a fantastic appetizer filled with meats, pickled vegetables, and herbs in a crispy baguette.

13. Trứng Vịt Lộn (Balut)
This unique delicacy consists of fertilized duck eggs that are boiled and seasoned, providing a rich and savory experience.

14. Xôi Gà (Chicken Sticky Rice)
This comforting dish of sticky rice topped with shredded chicken and served with fried shallots is perfect for sharing.

15. Bánh Bèo (Steamed Rice Cakes)
These soft rice cakes are topped with shrimp, scallions, and crispy pork skin, served with a savory dipping sauce.

16. Mực Nướng (Grilled Squid)
Grilled squid, often marinated in spices, is a popular appetizer that’s grilled to a delightful char.

17. Món Nướng (Grilled Skewers)
Various proteins like chicken, beef, or vegetables are marinated, skewered, and grilled, delivering a smoky flavor.

18. Bánh Tráng (Rice Paper)
This versatile rice paper can be used to make various dishes, providing a base for wraps and rolls.

19. Bò Lá Lốt (Beef in Betel Leaves)
Minced beef, wrapped in betel leaves and grilled, offers a fragrant and flavorful bite-sized treat.

20. Rau Muống Xào Tỏi (Stir-fried Morning Glory)
This seasonal vegetable stir-fried with garlic makes for a light and healthy appetizer option.

21. Sò Điệp Nướng (Grilled Scallops)
Tender scallops grilled with garlic butter and herbs are a delicious seafood starter that offers