Ordering at local restaurants without an English menu
On this page (5)
The best local spots in Ho Chi Minh City often have a Vietnamese-only menu. That's no reason to skip them. Here's how to order with confidence.
1. Camera translation
Point Google Translate or Google Lens at the menu for the general idea. Dish names sometimes come out strange, so the words below help fill the gaps.
2. Menu words worth knowing
| Vietnamese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| bò | beef |
| heo / lợn | pork |
| gà | chicken |
| tôm | shrimp |
| cua | crab |
| mực | squid |
| cá | fish |
| chay | vegetarian |
| cơm | rice |
| bún | thin rice vermicelli |
| phở | flat rice noodles |
| hủ tiếu | chewy rice noodles (southern style) |
| xào | stir-fried |
| nướng | grilled |
| chiên | fried |
| canh / súp | soup |
| đặc biệt | special (everything in it) |
3. Phrases you can use right away
- This one, please: Cho tôi cái này
- No herbs: Không rau
- Not spicy: Không cay
- No ice: Không đá
- The bill, please: Tính tiền
- How much?: Bao nhiêu tiền?
Pointing at the dish and holding up fingers for how many works almost everywhere.
4. Order what the next table has
At small places with only a few dishes, whatever everyone is eating is the house specialty. Point and say "cái này" (this one).
5. Ask the price first
If the menu has no prices, ask "Bao nhiêu tiền?" before you order. Wet towels and peanuts on the table may be charged if you use them.