1. Prices in thousands
Prices are often written as 45k or 45.000đ, meaning 45,000 dong. The dot is a thousands separator, not a decimal point.
🇻🇳 Country menu guide
How to read a Vietnamese menu and order food in Vietnam
Vietnamese uses the Latin alphabet, but tone marks and food words make menus hard to guess. Many local shops specialize in one dish, so the menu is really a list of toppings and sizes. Learn the core words and how prices are written.
How ordering works in Vietnam
2. One-dish shops
A sign that says Phở, Bún chả, or Cơm tấm usually names the only dish. The menu then lists toppings, such as rare beef (tái) or well-done beef (chín), and sizes.
3. Herbs and extras
A plate of herbs, lime, and chili usually comes free. Packaged wet towels or snacks left on the table may be charged if you open them.
4. Calling staff and paying
Call staff with “em ơi”. Pay at the end, usually at the table or counter. Tipping is not expected at local restaurants.
Words you will see on a Vietnamese menu
| On the menu | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Giá | zah / yah | Price |
| 45k / 45.000đ | bốn mươi lăm nghìn | 45,000 dong |
| Bò / Gà / Heo (Lợn) / Tôm | bò / gà / heo (lợn) / tôm | Beef / chicken / pork / shrimp |
| Phở | phở | Rice noodle soup |
| Bún | bún | Rice vermicelli |
| Cơm | cơm | Rice dish |
| Tái / Chín | tái / chín | Rare beef / well-done beef |
| Đặc biệt | đặc biệt | Special: with all toppings |
| Chay | chay | Vegetarian |
| Cay / Không cay | cay / không cay | Spicy / not spicy |
| Thêm | thêm | Extra, add more |
| Mang về | mang về | Takeaway |
Dishes you will often see
Phở bò
phở bò
Beef and rice noodle soup with herbs
Bún chả
bún chả
Grilled pork with rice vermicelli and dipping sauce
Bánh mì
bánh mì
Baguette sandwich with pâté, meat, pickles, and herbs
Cơm tấm
cơm tấm
Broken rice with grilled pork chop, often with egg
Gỏi cuốn
gỏi cuốn
Fresh rice-paper rolls with shrimp and pork, peanut dipping sauce
Chả giò / Nem rán
chả giò / nem rán
Fried spring rolls with pork and often shrimp
Bún bò Huế
bún bò Huế
Spicy beef and pork noodle soup flavored with shrimp paste
Bánh xèo
bánh xèo
Crispy turmeric crepe with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts
Mì Quảng
mì Quảng
Turmeric noodles with a little broth, pork, shrimp, and peanuts
Cà phê sữa đá
cà phê sữa đá
Iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk
Phrases to show restaurant staff
Show these on your screen. The written Vietnamese is more reliable than pronunciation.
Cho tôi món này.
Cho toy mon nai.
This one, please.
Cho tôi hai phần này.
Cho toy hai fun nai.
Two of these, please.
Làm không cay nhé.
Lam khong kai nyeh.
Not spicy, please.
Không cho rau mùi nhé.
Khong cho zau mui nyeh.
No cilantro, please.
Trả bằng thẻ được không?
Cha bang theh duoc khong?
Can I pay by card?
Tính tiền giúp tôi.
Tinh tien zup toy.
The bill, please.
Common questions
What does “k” mean on Vietnamese menu prices?
“k” means thousand. 50k is 50,000 Vietnamese dong.
How do I order pho in Vietnam?
Choose the beef style — tái (rare), chín (well-done), or đặc biệt (everything) — and the size if offered. Herbs, lime, and chili are added at the table.
Do I need to tip in Vietnam?
Tipping is not expected at local restaurants. Some upscale restaurants add a service charge.