10 Tasty Vietnamese Recipes for Families

They're some of the best, pho sho.

By Karly Wood September 29, 2021

If your kids already love noodles, it could be time to foray into Vietnamese food! Characterized by fresh herbs, fruit, vegetables, rice noodles and flour, with very little oil and dairy, Vietnamese cuisine is kid-friendly and also great for people with a gluten-intolerance. From crafting the perfect Banh Mi to sipping on flavorful Phở, these recipes are simple to make and will expand your family’s palate in no time.

Banh Mi

This Vietnamese sandwich from Rasa Malaysia is one of the most popular, especially because of its crusty baguette and flavorful meat. You can make it using pork or chicken and use traditional pickled carrots and may as condiments, or change to cater to your picky eaters.

Phở

Chilly night? Time for some Phở! While this traditional soup can take quite some time to prepare (it's all about the broth!), this recipe from Gimme Some Oven gives some easy shortcuts that gets in on the table in 45 minutes. Kids will love putting in their own veggies and meat, while cutting their noodles with a pair of scissors.

Bún Chả Giò

If you're opting for a lighter dinner packed with vegetables, this Vietnamese salad bowl is perfect. A Spicy Perspective has a simple recipe that combines marinated pork, a homemade dressing, noodles and fresh greens. Even better? Pair with some spring rolls to round out the meal.

Vietnamese Pan-Fried Ground Pork Patties

Even picky eaters won't be able to turn away from this delish recipe from Vicky Pham. Void of the usual lemongrass and fish sauce that is normally prevalent in Vietnamese recipes, these pan-fried pork patties pair great with rice.

Bo Kho

Calling all meat lovers! Vietnamese beef stew will quickly become your fall go-to meal thanks to Pups with Chopstick. Similar to regular beef stew, this version kicks it up a notch by using lemongrass, star anise and cinnamon to give it a brand new flavor. Serve with noodles or dip in a baguette––you can't go wrong with either!

Bánh xèo

These "sizzling cake" Vietnamese crepes are great for family dinners. A savory version, Hungry Huy shares a crispy Bánh xèo (pronounced "ban say-oh") recipe involving pork, shrimp, greens and tons of flavor.

Bun Ga Nuong

This fancy sounding dish really comes down to Vietnamese noodles with Lemongrass chicken. The fun-to-look-at meal involves simple ingredients that are fresh, healthy and can be customized for your fam. Head to Carlsbad Cravings for this tasty recipe.

Cha Gio

The best part of Vietnamese Spring Rolls? You can customize them however you want! This particular recipe from Rasa Malaysia takes pork, shrimp, crab meat, carrots and mung bean noodles all wrapped together then fried. Don't forget the spring roll sauce!

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Sauté, grill or bake: there's no wrong way to enjoy this lemongrass chicken from Gimme Some Oven. You'll be whipping up your own fragrant marinade, cooking and serving up the tastiest dinner of the week!

Banh Bong Lan

Vanilla sponge cake anyone? This delicious recipe from Run Away Rice is sweet and simple, with a light vanilla flavor. Chances are, you already have everything you need to make Banh Bong Lan!