Singapore’s diverse food scene is a glorious mosaic of global flavours, and among its brightest tiles is the vibrant, fresh, and aromatic world of Vietnamese cuisine. The city-state has become a haven for authentic Vietnamese dishes, with bustling Vietnamese restaurants and humble stalls serving up traditional dishes that transport you straight to the streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
This guide is your passport to the best Vietnamese street food in Singapore. We’ll delve into the soulful depths of a classic beef phở, the crunchy perfection of a bánh mì, and uncover hidden gems you won’t want to miss. Prepare for a celebration of fresh flavours and a culinary journey that promises a truly satisfying meal.
The Cornerstones of Vietnamese Food
Authentic Vietnamese cuisine is defined by its elegant balance of the five fundamental tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. Central to this philosophy is the liberal use of fresh herbs like mint, coriander, and basil, which provide a cooling, fragrant counterpoint to savoury broths and rich meats. Let’s explore the iconic dishes that have captured the hearts of food lovers in Singapore.
Phở: The Heartbeat of Vietnam
Phở (pronounced ‘fuh’) is the undisputed champion of Vietnamese food. This iconic soup of rice noodles in a slow-simmered, aromatic broth is a cornerstone of the phở culture. Many foodies seek out the best pho in Singapore, with establishments priding themselves on their authentic recipes.
The secret to the best phở lies in its broth, a masterpiece of patience where beef bones, charred ginger, and onion meld with spices like star anise and cinnamon for hours.
- Key Varieties: The most famous is pho bo (classic beef noodle soup), which you can customise with toppings like pho tai (rare, tender beef slices that cook in the hot soup) or well-done brisket and meatballs. Chicken pho (phở gà) is a popular, affordable, and comforting option for those seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Some unique spots even offer specialties like duck noodles. Southern style pho is known for its richer, heartier broth and distinct regional flavor.
- The Experience: A bowl of Vietnam phở is an interactive affair. It arrives steaming hot, ready for you to add bean sprouts for crunch, a squeeze of lime for sharpness, sliced chillies for heat, and a handful of basil leaves. The ritual is part of the experience.
Where to Find the Best Phở in Singapore:
- Long Phung Vietnamese Restaurant (Joo Chiat Road Singapore): A legendary establishment in the heart of Joo Chiat, known for its robust southern style phở. The queue outside speaks volumes about its quality.
- Signs A Taste of Vietnam Pho (Orchard Road): This social enterprise, run by a deaf Vietnamese couple, serves incredible pho with heart. The Vietnam Pho Signs eatery is a must-visit for both its delicious food and its inspiring story.
- Mrs Pho (Multiple Locations): A reliable choice for a comforting bowl of pho, with a family recipe that consistently delivers deep, authentic flavour.
Bánh Mì: The Ultimate Sandwich
A delicious legacy of Vietnam’s French colonial past, the bánh mì is a perfect fusion of Eastern and Western culinary traditions. It starts with a light, airy Vietnamese baguette with a super crispy crust, which is then loaded with a brilliant combination of textures and tastes.- Anatomy of a Great Bánh Mì: The foundation of a perfect bánh mì includes a generous smear of creamy pâté, mayonnaise, crunchy pickled vegetables (carrot and daikon), cucumber, and fresh herbs, all tied together with a dash of soy sauce. The bread itself is key, often baked fresh daily to achieve that signature crunch.
- Popular Fillings: The fillings are where the magic happens. Popular choices include grilled pork, roast pork, and bánh mì thịt which features assorted cold cuts. You might also find versions with pork floss, stewed pork, or a classic pork sausage. The Bánh Mì Truyền Thống is the traditional combination you can’t go wrong with.
Where to Find the Best Bánh Mì in Singapore:
- Co Hai Banh Mi (Joo Chiat Road): This spot is famous for its Co Hai Baguette, a toasted baguette that’s incredibly crispy. It’s often lauded as the best banh mi experience on Joo Chiat Road, a real testament to authentic Vietnamese street food.
- Banh Mi Thit (Geylang): A humble stall that draws long lines for its affordable and authentic sandwich Saigon. It’s a no-frills, top-quality find that often sells out early.
- La Saigon (Multiple Locations): Known for using a sourdough baguette, La Saigon offers a slightly modern take while keeping the core flavours intact. Their pate banh mi is particularly noteworthy.
Beyond Phở and Bánh Mì: More Must-Try Dishes
While phở and bánh mì may be the headliners, the world of authentic Vietnamese street food offers so much more. Exploring these other Vietnamese dishes is key to appreciating the depth of the cuisine.
- thit kho hot vit: This traditional Vietnamese dish features braised pork and duck, celebrated for its cultural significance and status as a classic comfort food. Often paired with rice, thit kho hot vit is a must-try for anyone seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Bún Chả: Hanoi’s Smoky Sensation
A dish made famous internationally, Bún Chả is a northern Vietnamese specialty. It features smoky grilled pork and succulent pork belly patties served in a bowl of tangy dipping sauce. Alongside comes a plate of delicate rice noodles and a basket overflowing with fresh herbs. The experience of dipping the noodles and herbs into the sauce with a piece of pork is simply divine.
Spring Rolls: Fresh vs. Fried
Vietnamese spring rolls are a tale of two textures.
- Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls): These are light and healthy rice paper rolls filled with vermicelli, shrimp, pork, and herbs, served with a rich peanut sauce.
- Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls): In contrast, these are crispy, savoury delights. Minced pork and vegetables are wrapped and deep-fried to golden perfection, perfect for wrapping in lettuce and dipping in nước chấm.
Lesser-Known But Unmissable Dishes:
- Thịt Kho Hột Vịt: A comforting dish of braised pork and eggs, often found in home cooking. The tender, caramelised pork belly is a true indulgence.
- Minced Pork Lolot Noodles: A fragrant and savoury dish where minced pork is wrapped in wild betel leaves (lô lôt) and grilled, then served with noodles.
- Bún Bò Huế: For those who like a bit of spice, this beef noodle soup from Huế features a lemongrass-infused broth that packs a pleasant punch. It’s a complex and deeply satisfying meal.
Vietnamese Food Hubs in Singapore
Finding great Vietnamese food is easy if you know where to look. Certain neighbourhoods have become hotspots for the Vietnamese expats community and local foodies alike.
Joo Chiat Road & Geylang:
- This eastern stretch is the unofficial epicentre for authentic Vietnamese food. A walk down Joo Chiat Road Singapore reveals a treasure trove of eateries, from the famous Co Hai Banh Mi to other Vietnamese restaurants and hidden gems.
Tanjong Pagar:
- This CBD-adjacent area is home to excellent spots like Moc Quan at UE Square and other finds tucked away in places like Tanjong Pagar Plaza. It’s perfect for a weekday lunch or a refined dinner.
Ang Mo Kio:
- This heartland neighbourhood is a pleasant surprise. You can find a fantastic humble stall at the 505 Ang Mo Kio market, proving that you don’t need to travel far for a genuine taste of Vietnam.
Practical Tips for Your Culinary Adventure
- Price Guide: Expect to pay around £5-£7 for a bowl of pho or a bánh mì at a casual Vietnamese eatery. Restaurant mains can range from £9-£15.
- Ordering Know-How: English is common, but knowing a few terms can be helpful. Phở Bò (beef noodles), Bánh Mì Thịt Nướng (grilled pork sandwich), and Cảm ơn (thank you) are great places to start.
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian (chay) options are available, with many places offering tofu-based pho and spring rolls. For gluten sensitivities, rice-based dishes like phở, bún chả, and fresh spring rolls are excellent choices, but always confirm no soy sauce is used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What defines authentic Vietnamese cuisine?
Authentic Vietnamese cuisine is all about the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours, with a heavy emphasis on fresh herbs and light, clear broths. It’s known for dishes that are flavourful yet not heavy.
2. Where can I find the most authentic bánh mì?
Joo Chiat Road is your best bet, with places like Co Hai Banh Mi and the nearby Hai Baguette serving sandwiches with a perfectly crispy baguette baked fresh daily. The version at the humble stall in Geylang is also a strong contender.
3. Is Vietnamese food generally spicy?
Most dishes are not inherently spicy. Heat is usually added by the diner using fresh chillies or sauces provided on the side. The main exception is Bún Bò Huế, which has a naturally spicy broth.
4. Are there vegetarian options available in most Vietnamese restaurants?
Yes, most Vietnamese restaurants in Singapore offer vegetarian versions of their popular dishes. Look for tofu-based phở, vegetarian spring rolls, and rice dishes.
5. What is nước chấm?
Nước chấm is the ubiquitous Vietnamese dipping sauce. Made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, and chilli, it’s a perfect flavour bomb that accompanies everything from spring rolls to grilled meats.
A Suggested One-Day Food Crawl
Ready to dive in? Here’s an itinerary to sample the best of Vietnamese street food Singapore has to offer.
- Lunch (1 PM) in Joo Chiat: Start at Long Phung for a classic bowl of Southern style phở. Afterwards, walk over to Co Hai Banh Mi or Hai Banh Mi for a crispy baguette to enjoy as an afternoon snack.
- Coffee Break (4 PM): Find a local Vietnamese café and recharge with a traditional iced coffee, a vital part of Vietnamese culture.
- Dinner (7 PM) in Tanjong Pagar: Visit a restaurant like Moc Quan or Miss Saigon. Start with an order of fresh and fried spring rolls, then move on to a main course like Bún Chả or the hearty Thịt Kho Hột Vịt.
If you’re still craving something different after your Vietnamese food journey, why not explore the flavors of Cantonese cuisine? And if you’re in the mood for something a little more refined, take a break with our guide to the best afternoon tea spots in Singapore.
