There’s something undeniably magical about Vietnamese street food. It's fresh, vibrant, and packed with layers of flavour – a harmony of hot, sour, sweet and salty that’s been perfected over generations. Whether you’re wandering through the humid backstreets of Hanoi or weaving between motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City, the hum of sizzling grills and the aroma of fresh herbs are always just around the corner.



But you don’t have to hop on a long-haul flight to experience it. Right here in London, Vietnamese street food is having a bit of a moment – and we’re absolutely here for it.

At Hop Vietnamese, we’re obsessed with bringing the bold, authentic flavours of Vietnam to the heart of London’s buzzing food scene.

So, if you’re just dipping your toes into Vietnamese cuisine or keen to dive deeper, here’s our beginner’s guide to what to try – and where to find it.

Pho – Vietnam’s National Treasure

You can't talk about Vietnamese street food without mentioning pho (pronounced ‘fuh’). This aromatic noodle soup, traditionally eaten for breakfast in Vietnam, has become a global favourite.

Made with a slow-cooked bone broth, flat rice noodles, and a choice of meat or tofu, it’s served with a generous plate of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, chilli and lime. The magic? You customise it yourself, balancing flavours to suit your taste.

At Hop, we take our pho seriously. Our broth simmers for hours to extract maximum flavour – the kind that warms your soul on a grey London day.

Banh Mi – The Ultimate Fusion Sandwich

A legacy of French colonialism and Vietnamese ingenuity, banh mi is a crusty baguette packed with flavour. Think smoky grilled meats, tangy pickled carrots and daikon, crunchy cucumber, fresh coriander, and a touch of fiery chilli mayo.

It’s quick, affordable, and oh-so-satisfying – making it a street food icon. For many Londoners looking for the best Vietnamese street food in London, a freshly-made banh mi is where the journey begins.

Bun Cha – Hanoi’s Smoky Signature

Less well-known but equally addictive, bun cha is a Hanoi speciality that brings the barbecue to your bowl. Chargrilled pork patties and sliced pork belly are served over cold rice vermicelli, with a punchy dipping sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, garlic and chilli. Add a mountain of herbs, and you’ve got the kind of dish that keeps you coming back.

It’s the kind of messy, joyous eating experience that’s best enjoyed with friends, a cold drink, and a healthy appetite.

Goi Cuon – Fresh Summer Rolls

Craving something lighter? Goi cuon, or summer rolls, are your go-to. These rice paper rolls are filled with prawns, vermicelli, lettuce, mint, and more – served cold with a hoisin-peanut or nuoc cham dipping sauce.

They’re fresh, crunchy, and endlessly snackable – the perfect start (or side) to any Vietnamese feast.

Where to Try Vietnamese Food in London

You’ll find Vietnamese food markets in London popping up in places like Borough Market, Broadway Market and even local weekend street food festivals. But for a consistent hit of authentic flavours – fast, fresh and full of personality – Hop Vietnamese is the place to be. (See our locations).

We’ve taken the spirit of Vietnamese street food and given it a London twist – quick enough for your lunch break, bold enough to bring the heat, and fresh enough to keep things guilt-free.

So whether you’re already a pho fanatic or totally new to Vietnamese cuisine, swing by Hop and let your taste buds travel.

Final Thoughts

Vietnamese street food is more than just delicious – it’s a celebration of balance, simplicity, and fresh ingredients. And here in London, you’re never too far from your next slurp of pho or bite of banh mi.

At Hop Vietnamese, we’re proud to be part of that journey – serving up honest, flavourful food that brings a little bit of Vietnam to your everyday life.