Fast Food in Vietnam 2026: A Local Guide Tells You What to Eat

TL;DR

When people talk about fast food in Vietnam, they are usually referring to places in big cities or shopping malls, not part of everyday meals. Most locals eat it from time to time, mostly for convenience. It includes both international and Asian chains serving fried chicken, burgers, pizza, and spicy noodles. 

Typical meals cost around 70,000–150,000 VND (USD 3–7), while pizza and shared dishes are usually more expensive. 

The most popular fast food brands in Vietnam are: KFC, Lotteria, Jollibee, Pizza Hut, and Domino’s, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

1. Is fast food popular in Vietnam? A quick overview

As a local guide, I often tell my travelers that fast food exists in Vietnam, but it has never shaped how we eat. In daily life, most meals still come from street stalls in the morning, small local eateries at lunchtime, and home-style food in the evening. Fast food usually appears only in certain moments, such as when people are shopping at a mall, meeting friends after school, or feeling too tired to decide what to eat.

You might want to know: What to eat in Hanoi as a local (not the places you see everywhere)

Fast food also arrived quite late here. KFC entered Vietnam in 1997, when street food was already cheap, fast, and available everywhere. Because of this strong food culture, international chains grew much more slowly than in other Asian countries. Even McDonald’s only opened its first store in 2014.

Today, fast food has found its place, not as a replacement for local cuisine, but as a convenient option that fits modern urban life. That is why, despite slow beginnings, fast food has continued to expand in Vietnam. For example, Jollibee increased its number of outlets by around 35 percent in 2025, mainly driven by shopping malls, delivery apps, and younger urban customers. (Source: Vietnam Briefing)

2. Top 10 Fast Food Chains in Vietnam

Fast food chains in Vietnam at a glance

1. Lotteria (around 260 outlets)

• Price range: ≈ 50,000–90,000 VND (USD 2–4)

Lotteria is a Korean fast food brand under the Lotte Group and officially entered Vietnam in 1998. Because of that, many Vietnamese people grew up thinking that “going out for fried chicken” simply meant going to Lotteria.

It was not my personal favorite, but it is extremely easy to find almost everywhere in the country. If you want to try something different here, the shrimp burger is usually the safest and most interesting choice.

2. Jollibee (around 245 outlets)

• Typical price range ≈ 60,000–100,000 VND (USD 2.5–4)

Jollibee is one of the most popular fast food chains among Vietnamese families. It expanded into smaller cities much earlier than most international brands, which is why many locals feel familiar with it.

The real star here is the fried chicken with sweet chili sauce. It works surprisingly well with Vietnamese taste. If you order rice meals, the spicy chicken rice is also worth trying. Overall, Jollibee is affordable, easy to eat, and very family-friendly.

3. KFC (around 240 outlets)

• Typical price range ≈  70,000–120,000 VND (USD 3–5).

KFC is probably the most recognizable fast food brand in Vietnam. You can find it almost everywhere, from big cities to smaller towns.

Besides fried chicken, many locals come here for specific items. The egg tart is very popular, and the roasted chicken with pepper or Sichuan-style seasoning is a good option if you want something less oily than fried chicken. Personally, I find the fried chicken quality depends on the outlet. Some days it’s good, some days it feels a bit dry.

4. Pizza Hut (around 118 outlets)

• Typical price range ≈ 150,000–300,000 VND (USD 6–12) 

I never thought Pizza Hut would become one of my regular pizza choices, but compared to many local pizza places, it is actually quite decent. The cheese tastes more familiar, and the pizzas are clearly designed for sharing.

Most people come here in groups, for birthdays or casual gatherings, rather than for a quick meal.

5. The Pizza Company (around 74 outlets)

• Typical price range: ≈ 120,000–280,000 VND (USD 5–11)

If you travel around Vietnam long enough, you will definitely come across The Pizza Company, especially when you are staying somewhere a bit outside the city center. 

The pizzas follow a pan-style format, with thick crust, creamy toppings, and a menu heavily adapted to local taste, often featuring seafood or slightly sweet sauces. 

While it may not appeal to travelers expecting Italian-style pizza, it works well if you see it as comfort food rather than traditional pizza. For weekend nights at home, it remains one of the most frequently chosen options.

6. McDonald’s (around 46 outlets)

Typical price range: ≈ 60,000–120,000 VND (USD 2.5–5)

McDonald’s arrived relatively late in Vietnam compared to other Asian brands, so its expansion has been slower. Most outlets are concentrated in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

The menu is slightly adapted to local taste, with items like fried chicken, rice combos, and chili sauce on the side. It is clean, consistent, and popular with young people and families who want something familiar.

7. Texas Chicken (around 42 outlets)

• Typical price range ≈ 70,000–190,000 VND (USD 3–8).

Texas Chicken is actually one of my personal favorites. Many locals really like it, partly because it is usually less crowded than KFC.

I mostly eat white meat, and Texas does it very well. The chicken is juicy, not dry, well-seasoned, and the coating is evenly crispy without being too heavy. If you want fried chicken that feels a bit cleaner and less greasy, this is a good place to try.

8. Popeyes (59 outlets)

• Typical price range ≈ 80,000–130,000 VND (USD 3.5–5.5).

Popeyes is known for its stronger seasoning and crispy skin. The chicken is flavorful, not too soft, and generally more spiced than KFC.

Most outlets are located in shopping malls. If you enjoy bold flavors and well-seasoned fried chicken, Popeyes is usually a solid option.

9. Domino's (59 outlets)

• Typical price range ≈ 120,000–300,000 VND (USD 5–12)

Domino’s is best known for delivery rather than dine-in. Many people order it late at night or during busy workdays.

The brand focuses heavily on speed, with pizza prices starting from around 120,000 VND. It’s convenient, predictable, and popular in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

10. Burger King (around 8 outlets)

• Typical price range: ≈ 70,000–140,000 VND (USD 3–6)

Burger King has a very limited presence in Vietnam. With only a few outlets, it is not something locals eat regularly.

The burgers are larger and heavier than most Asian fast food brands. If you are specifically craving flame-grilled beef, this is one of the few places where you can find it.

3. Where to find fast food in Vietnam?

1. Big cities

Fast food is most common in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Nha Trang, Can Tho. In these places, you will find almost all international chains, especially in central districts and busy neighborhoods.

Of course, in smaller towns, options are more limited. Often, the only available chains are KFC or Lotteria.

2. Shopping malls

Shopping malls are the main home of fast food in Vietnam. Places like Vincom, Aeon Mall, Lotte Mall, and Crescent Mall usually have entire food courts dedicated to fast food brands.

If you are staying nearby, this is the easiest and most comfortable place to find familiar meals.

3. Central streets and tourist areas

Fast food restaurants are also common along main roads, walking streets, and tourist zones. These areas attract both young locals and travelers, so international brands tend to focus their locations here.

4. Delivery apps

Fast food becomes even easier through delivery apps such as GrabFood, ShopeeFood, and BeFood/XanhSM Ngon. Many travelers rely on these apps, especially on hot or rainy days, or after long sightseeing hours.

4. Fast food vs local food: what travelers should expect

Most travelers do not really choose between fast food and local food because they usually end up eating both during the trip (just like many of my travelers do!). In the first few days, many people feel unsure because the smells are strong, menus are written in Vietnamese, and everything feels unfamiliar, so fast food becomes a safe option at the beginning.

Many friends and guests tell me the same thing. They are curious about Vietnamese food, but after a long flight or a tiring travel day, they prefer something familiar that does not require too much thinking. That is usually when fast food plays its role.

Once people start getting used to daily life here and notice locals eating everywhere, sitting on small stools and enjoying simple meals, they naturally become more relaxed and more curious. This is usually the moment when local food slowly begins to take over.

Local dishes are cheaper, more varied, and closely tied to everyday life. One morning it is bun bo Hue, another day banh mi on the street, then bun cha or com tam for lunch, and before long, many travelers tell me these are the meals they remember most from Vietnam.

5. Health & tips from locals

Try to eat at places where locals are already sitting, because high turnover usually means fresher ingredients. Choose food that is cooked hot and served immediately, especially during the first days.

Avoid iced drinks from unknown places at the beginning, and drink bottled water whenever possible. If your stomach is still adjusting, it is also fine to mix local meals with familiar food until you feel more comfortable.

Explore more: Vietnam Travel Guide for First-Timers

Quick food safety tips in Vietnam:

1. Choose busy places where locals eat
2. Eat food that is cooked hot and served immediately
3. Start slowly during the first 2–3 days
4. Drink bottled water/ DON’T drink tap water
5. Avoid unknown iced drinks at the beginning
6. Tell your guide if you feel unwell

6. FAQs

What are the top fast food chains in Vietnam?

The most common fast food chains in Vietnam are: KFC, Lotteria, Jollibee, Pizza Hut, The Pizza Company, Domino’s, Popeyes, and Texas Chicken. Among these, KFC and Lotteria are the easiest to find nationwide, even outside major cities.

How much does fast food cost in Vietnam?

On average, a fast food meal costs between 70,000 and 150,000 VND. Pizza prices usually start from 150,000 VND and go higher depending on size and toppings. While fast food is cheaper than in Western countries, it is still more expensive than local meals.

Is fast food cheaper than local food in Vietnam?

No. Local food is usually much cheaper. A typical Vietnamese meal can cost 40,000 to 80,000 VND, which is often half the price of fast food. That is why most locals do not eat fast food every day.

Is fast food safe to eat in Vietnam?

Yes. International fast food chains follow standard hygiene rules and are generally safe. Many travelers choose fast food during the first days as their stomach adjusts to local cuisine.

Conclusion

Fast food in Vietnam is not a replacement for local cuisine, because the food here is genuinely amazing and it would be a real pity to miss it. Still, fast food can be useful at the right time. Many travelers begin with familiar meals, then slowly explore Vietnamese dishes as they feel more comfortable. With a bit of common sense and an open mind, eating in Vietnam often becomes one of the most memorable parts of the journey.

Explore Vietnam through our handpicked tours:

>>> Get to know more about Vietnam: