Vietnamese Restaurants in Singapore

Vietnamese restaurants in Singapore: what to know

Vietnamese food is built on fresh herbs, clear broths and a balance of salty, sour, sweet and spicy tastes. Vietnamese restaurants in Singapore serve many of the dishes you would find in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Meals tend to be lighter than many other Southeast Asian cuisines. They use less coconut milk and more fresh greens. Fish sauce, called nuoc mam, is the key seasoning.

Ho Chi Minh City is still widely known by its older name, Saigon. You will see that name on many restaurant signs and menus.

Vietnamese dishes to order

Noodle soups

• Pho: rice noodles in a clear broth flavoured with star anise, cinnamon and charred onion. Pho bo is made with beef, and pho ga with chicken.
• Bun bo Hue: a spicy beef noodle soup from the central city of Hue, scented with lemongrass.

Rice paper rolls

• Fresh spring rolls: called goi cuon, these are soft rice paper rolls filled with prawn, pork, herbs and noodles. They are served cold with a dipping sauce.
• Fried spring rolls: called cha gio in the south and nem ran in the north, these are crisp and golden.

Bread, rice and grilled dishes

• Banh mi: a crusty baguette filled with pâté, cold cuts or grilled meat, pickled carrot and fresh coriander. The bread shows the French influence on Vietnamese food.
• Bun cha: grilled pork with rice noodles, herbs and a sweet-sour dipping sauce. It is a Hanoi favourite.
• Com tam: broken rice with a grilled pork chop, a classic in the south.
• Banh xeo: a crisp, yellow pancake made with rice flour and turmeric, filled with prawns, pork and bean sprouts.

Coffee

Vietnamese iced coffee is strong coffee dripped through a small metal filter. It is served over ice with condensed milk. If you enjoy it, try Singapore's own sweet coffee too. Our guide How to Order Kopi in Singapore Without Getting Lost explains the local terms.

How to eat Vietnamese food

• Use the herb plate. Pho often comes with herbs, bean sprouts, lime and chilli. Tear the herbs and add them to your bowl as you eat.
• Taste before you season. Hoisin sauce and chilli sauce are often on the table. Try the broth first, then add a little at a time.
• Dip, don't pour. Nuoc cham is a dipping sauce of fish sauce, lime, sugar, garlic and chilli. Dip your rolls into it.
• Use chopsticks and a spoon together. Lift the noodles with chopsticks and sip the broth from the spoon.
• Check for pork. Many dishes use pork. If you need halal food, look for the MUIS halal certificate. MUIS is the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore.
• Plan your budget. Prices change, so check the menu before you go.

Where to eat Vietnamese food in Singapore

Madame Saigon is a Vietnamese restaurant in the Marina Bay and CBD area. It is a handy stop before or after seeing the sights around the bay. Walk to Merlion Park, or read Things to Do in Marina Bay: Sights, Walks and Food to plan your day. See Restaurants in Marina Bay & CBD for more meals nearby.

Similar flavours elsewhere

If you love Vietnamese noodle soups, try Singapore's Prawn Noodles, served in a rich prawn broth. For other Southeast Asian flavours, see the Thai, Korean & Asian list.

FAQs about Vietnamese restaurants in Singapore

What is the most popular Vietnamese dish?

Pho, a rice noodle soup with beef or chicken, is the best-known Vietnamese dish around the world. Banh mi and fresh spring rolls are close behind.

How do you say pho?

It sounds closer to fuh than foe. Staff will understand either way, so don't worry about getting it perfect.

Is Vietnamese food spicy?

Most dishes are mild. Fresh chilli and chilli sauce come on the side, so you can add heat to taste.

What is the difference between pho and laksa?

Pho has a clear, spiced broth with rice noodles. Laksa, found all over Singapore, has a rich and spicy coconut broth. See the Laksa page to try it.