While it may be common for Westerners to grab a quick bite and call it lunch, for many Vietnamese, lunchtime is a special time. This blog will introduce you to Vietnamese lunch, its surrounding customs, and dishes and restaurant recommendations.
Vietnamese Lunch Customs
When does the Vietnamese have lunch?
Vietnamese lunch usually starts from 11-12 PM and ends around 1-2 PM. During this time, traffic can be quite bad in big cities as students and workers flock to the streets to enjoy their lunch breaks.
Why do most Vietnamese have a big lunch?
Because Vietnamese people start their day early, lunch break is essential to them as it is when they relax and take a breather from a hard morning at work. Most people usually have light dishes such as Banh Mi or Sticky Rice for breakfast, so lunchtime is the perfect occasion to replenish themselves.
Another reason Vietnamese people usually have a big lunch is that, for many people, lunchtime is an opportunity to hang out with their friends and families. If you work at an office, it is normal for lunch breaks to last from 1 to 2 hours.
It is common for people in an office to have lunch together, as they see this as a chance to bond and strengthen the team’s relationship. If your Vietnamese co-workers invited you for lunch, don’t hesitate to accept the offer!
What are the etiquette for having Vietnamese lunch?
Vietnamese food culture and table manners can differ depending on the region. Many families want their members to have lunch with each other; this is especially true for Northern and Central Vietnamese families, while Southern families can be laxer. But because of the fast-paced modern world, not many people can afford to do so. Most families resolve this by going out to eat or cooking big lunches together during the weekends or holidays.
Popular Vietnamese Lunch Dishes
Vietnamese cuisine is famous not only because of its deliciousness but also its versatility. Almost any dish can be had for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are some of our suggestions that locals usually have for lunch.
Rice and side dishes
It’s routine for Vietnamese to have rice and side dishes for lunch, as this is also one of the most popular and traditional Vietnamese meals. These side dishes usually include a stir-fry or a stew, a bowl of soup, and some vegetables. This type of meal is generally sold at family restaurants or office lunch restaurants.
Our recommendations:
Cong Doan Restaurant
Address: 1 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: from 6 AM to 10 PM
Price: VND 20,000 – VND 44,000/dish
Com Nieu Saigon
Address: 59 Ho Xuan Huong Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: from 10 AM to 10:30 PM
Price: VND 35,000 – VND 200,000
Com Ga Xoi Mo
Another famous Vietnamese lunch dish with rice is Com Ga Xoi Mo, rice with fried chicken. The chicken is cooked and fried so that the meat is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside but not too oily.
Our recommendation:
Com Ga Hai Nam
Address: 92C Cao Thang Street, Ward 4, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: from 8 AM to 10 PM
Price: VND 35,000 – VND 100,000
Com Ga Dong Nguyen
Address: 801 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 14, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: from 9 AM to 8:30 PM
Price: VND 35,000 – VND 100,000
Bun Cha
Originating from Ha Noi, Bun Cha is a dish comprises of rice vermicelli eaten with fatty grilled pork, dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce. It is a trendy choice for lunch for many locals.
Our recommendations:
Bun Cha Ho Guom
Address: This restaurant has three branches in Ho Chi Minh City, located in
- 135 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3
- 6 Tran Phu, Ward 4, District 5
- 26 Lu Gia, Ward 15, District 11
Opening hours: from 7 AM to 9 PM
Price: VND 35,000 – VND 52,000
Nem Restaurant
Address: 15E Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: from 10 AM to 10 PM
Price: VND 20,000 – VND 60,000
Other Noodle Dishes
In addition to the above-mentioned dishes, the Vietnamese would also have other warm and hearty noodle dishes for lunch. Many of the foods below are more familiar in the breakfast scene, but they would also make a fulfilling lunch.
Summary of What Do Vietnamese Have for Lunch
Vietnamese lunch is a special and unique experience that anyone has to try at least once. With our recommendations, we hope you can start planning your journey and explore the many wonders Vietnamese cuisine offers.