Vietnamese snacks, with their variety from sweet to savory, from street stalls to convenience stores, have become a global trend loved by international travelers. Thanks to social media, snacks like bánh rán, bò bía, and instant noodles for kids are not only a source of pride for Vietnamese Cuisine but also a bridge to experiencing Vietnamese Cultural Experience. This article from Daisy Land Travel takes you on a journey to explore the world of Vietnamese snacks, highlighting the most popular treats, where to find them, and tips to fully enjoy this culinary adventure.

Vietnamese Snacks – A Global Sensation

In recent months, the trend of “trying Vietnamese snacks” has exploded on platforms like TikTok, attracting millions of views from international travelers. According to an article on VNExpress (31/7/2025), travelers like Dannica Refe from the Philippines spent millions of VND to buy snacks like instant noodles, egg cakes, and gummy candies in Hanoi to bring home as souvenirs. Beyond just eating, videos showcasing snacks like instant noodles, dried fruits, or instant coffee with hashtags like #snackvietnam have gone viral, leaving many foreigners “obsessed” with the variety and affordability of Vietnamese Snacks.

The charm of Vietnamese snacks lies in their creative preparation from familiar ingredients. For example, cốm – young sticky rice – can be transformed into chè, cakes, ice cream, or candies, offering a unique culinary experience. Not only delicious, these snacks are also budget-friendly, typically costing just 5,000 to 50,000 VND, making them perfect for international travelers.

Must-Try Vietnamese Snacks

Here’s a list of snacks loved by international travelers, from street vendors to supermarket shelves, compiled by Daisy Land Travel:

1. Savory and Sweet Bánh Rán

Bánh rán, a crispy fried doughnut, is an icon of Vietnamese snacks. The savory version is often paired with sweet-sour fish sauce and green papaya, while the sweet version is filled with fragrant mung bean paste. Maximilian Rolf, a German traveler quoted in VNExpress (31/7/2025), said savory bánh rán is his favorite snack in Hanoi for its unique blend of flavors. Average cost: 10,000 – 20,000 VND/piece.

2. Bò Bía

Bò bía, a compact roll filled with dried shrimp, fresh herbs, and egg, is a popular snack in Ho Chi Minh City, especially at stalls near school gates. Zane Hanson, a New Zealander, shared on VNExpress (31/7/2025) that he was hooked by its refreshing taste and low price (5,000 – 20,000 VND/roll).

3. Kẹo Chỉ

Kẹo chỉ, made from fine threads of malt sugar layered on crispy rice paper and topped with coconut, is a nostalgic treat for many Vietnamese. Travelers like Zane Hanson were drawn to its refreshing taste and affordability (10,000 – 20,000 VND/portion).

4. Traditional Chè

Chè dishes like cốm chè, cassava chè, or grilled sticky rice with banana are favorites in Hanoi. According to Mrs. Thúy, a chè stall owner in Hoàn Kiếm (VNExpress, 31/7/2025), foreigners are amazed by chè priced at just 20,000 – 50,000 VND, served in elegant old houses.

5. Instant Noodles, Snacks, and Ô Mai

Packaged snacks like spicy instant noodles, kids’ noodles, and ô mai (dried fruit candies) are popular choices for souvenirs. Dannica Refe shared on TikTok (@nicsrefe) that she bought hundreds of snack packs to take back to the Philippines because they’re tastier and cheaper than at home.

Where to Find Vietnamese Snacks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

To enjoy Vietnamese Snacks, travelers can visit these spots:

• Hanoi:
  
  • Old Quarter: Streets like Tạ Hiện, Hàng Bông, or Hàng Bạc are home to street vendors selling bánh rán, chè, and nem chua. The Old Quarter night market (weekends) is also a great spot to try snacks and buy souvenirs.
  • Convenience Stores and Supermarkets: Chains like VinMart or Circle K stock instant noodles, snacks, and instant coffee, ideal for travelers wanting to buy in bulk.
• Ho Chi Minh City:
  
  • School Gate Areas: Street carts near primary or secondary schools sell bò bía, kẹo chỉ, and shaved ice with syrup, offering a lively childhood vibe.
  • Bến Thành Market: This market offers snacks alongside handicrafts, perfect for eating and exploring local culture.

Tips for Enjoying Vietnamese Snacks

To fully embrace a Vietnamese Cultural Experience while exploring snacks, Daisy Land Travel offers these helpful tips:

1. Choose Reputable Vendors: Opt for busy street stalls or branded convenience stores to ensure food safety. According to Nguyễn Tiến Đạt, Vice President of the Hanoi Tourism Association (VNExpress, 31/7/2025), authorities are tightening hygiene controls at street food vendors to improve the traveler experience.
2. Bring Small Cash: Many street vendors only accept cash, so carry small bills (5,000 – 50,000 VND) for easy purchases.
3. Try a Variety of Flavors: Vietnamese snacks offer a mix of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet. Experiment with ô mai or spicy snacks to appreciate their diversity.
4. Respect Local Culture: When eating at street stalls, keep the area clean, avoid littering, and chat with vendors to learn more about Vietnamese culture.
5. Pack for Travel: If bringing snacks home, pack carefully and check customs regulations. Items like instant noodles, snacks, and dried fruits are usually easy to transport.

Why Do Vietnamese Snacks Attract International Travelers?

Vietnamese snacks are more than just food; they’re part of the culture, tied to childhood memories and the vibrant street life. According to Taste Atlas (2025), dishes like bún đậu mắm tôm, bò bía, and bánh rán have made it to the top 100 street foods in Southeast Asia, showcasing the appeal of Vietnamese Cuisine. Affordable prices, diverse flavors, and friendly street-side interactions make these snacks irresistible to foreigners.

Daisy Land Travel hopes your journey into Vietnamese Snacks creates lasting memories. Contact us via our website https://daizytravelvietnam.com/ for tailored culinary tours combining Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City exploration, ensuring you enjoy a complete Vietnamese Cultural Experience!

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Daisy Land Travel Viet Nam (DLT)

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