10 Strangest Vietnamese foods you MUST SEE to believe

Vietnam is known for its delicious street food and exotic flavors. But some dishes might seem intimidating to foreigners! These 10 adventurous foods offer a taste of Vietnam’s diverse culture and cuisine. Would you dare to try them?

Written by Trang Nguyen (Local Expert) Updated on 11-01-2025

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1. Balut (Trứng vịt lộn)

• What is it? A fertilized duck egg with a developing embryo inside. Loved for its rich flavor and high nutritional value.
• Where to try: Popular across Vietnam, especially in street food stalls in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
• Good to know: It’s a common snack among locals, paired with coriander, ginger, and lime for balance. Best eaten in the morning.

2. Raw blood pudding (Tiết canh)

• What is it? Fresh animal blood mixed with minced meat, herbs, and peanuts, usually from ducks or pigs.
• Where to try: Found in rural areas, traditional markets, or local beer joints. It might be a bit harder to find in urban eateries due to food safety concerns, but you can try searching for duck, goose, or pork intestine restaurants in Hanoi.
• Good to know: Often served during special occasions in the countryside.

3. Rat meat (Thịt chuột)

• What is it? Field rats (not urban ones!) are a clean and tasty delicacy in Vietnam. These rats grow up in rice fields, feeding on rice and vegetables, which makes their meat tender, fragrant, and free of unpleasant odors. 
• Where to try: Common in the Mekong Delta region or Red River Delta (Northern Vietnam), particularly during the rice harvest season when field rats are abundant.
• Good to know: This dish is a highlight during harvest celebrations, loved for its unique flavor and cultural

4. Jumping live fish (Cá nhảy sống)

• What is it? A dish of live fish, eaten raw with herbs, chili, and lime. Known as "cá nhảy," it is a traditional delicacy of the Thai ethnic group in Northwest Vietnam, particularly in Sơn La. Though considered one of the region's most intimidating dishes, it is a prized specialty served to honor esteemed guests.
• Where to try: Found in northern mountainous regions like Ha Giang, Lai Chau, and other Northwest provinces. To try it, visit a local home or ask a guide for recommendations.
• Good to know: This dish is often a centerpiece of communal meals, reflecting the hospitality and culinary traditions of ethnic minorities.

5. Fermented shrimp paste (Mắm tôm)

• What is it? A strong-smelling paste made from fermented shrimp or krill and salt, creating a bold umami flavor. Its signature aroma comes from enzymes released during fermentation over several days.
• Where to try: Popular at street food stalls serving bun dau mam tom in Hanoi or bun rieu cua.
• Good to know: This paste divides opinions - beloved by locals but an acquired taste for foreigners. If you acquire a taste for it, it can be highly addictive!

6. Tadpoles with bamboo shoots (Nòng nọc om măng)

• What is it? A sour dish featuring tadpoles simmered with bamboo shoots and spices.
• Where to try: Popular in northern rural areas: Thanh Hoa or Northern Vietnam, and among ethnic minority communities.
• Good to know: A seasonal delicacy often enjoyed during the rainy season.

7. Nậm pịa

• What is it? A stew made from cow or buffalo intestines, blood, and digestive fluids ("pịa" – partially digested food in the animal's intestines). A traditional dish of the Thai ethnic group in Vietnam, it is rich in flavor and nutrients but an acquired taste due to its unique ingredients.
• Where to try: Specialty of the Thai and Muong ethnic groups in northwestern Vietnam, especially in provinces like Son La or Dien Bien.
• Good to know: Often served hot with fresh herbs and bitter leaves during festivals or family gatherings. Even locals find it challenging to eat - but for those who enjoy it, it becomes irresistible! Would you dare to try?

8. Coconut worms (Đuông dừa)

• What is it? Fat, wriggling larvae of the coconut weevil, eaten live or fried.
• Where to try: Common in the Mekong Delta, especially Ben Tre.
• Good to know: A prized delicacy believed to be rich in protein and nutrients.

9. Snake wine (Rượu rắn)

• What is it? Medicinal wine infused with snakes, said to improve vitality and health.
• Where to try: Available in specialty shops and traditional medicine stores throughout Vietnam.
• Good to know: Often gifted as a souvenir or used for medicinal purposes.

>>> Read More: Snake Wine - Asia’s Most Ancient and Fearless Drink

10. Rotten buffalo skin (Da trâu thối)

• What is it? Rotten buffalo skin, or "năng min," is a Thai ethnic delicacy from Northwest Vietnam. Fermented buffalo skin, cleaned and sun-dried, is cooked in soups, grilled, or paired with banana flowers.
• Where to try: This dish is a specialty of the mountainous Northwest, particularly in areas with Thai ethnic communities, such as Son La, Dien Bien, or Lai Chau.
• Good to know: While locals praise its unique aroma and flavor, many people from the lowlands find it challenging to try due to the pungent smell.

🚌 Other must-see attractions in North Vietnam:

• Bac Ha: 7 questions about the land of Northwest ethnic groups
• Pu Luong Nature Reserve
• Don't Visit Cao Bang, Vietnam Without Knowing These 6 Basics
• Mu Cang Chai: everything you need to know before you go
• 10 Mind-Blowing Things to Do in Mai Chau, Vietnam