Speak like a local: 12 must-know phrases for ordering in vietnam
Updated: Sep 9
When you go out to eat in Vietnam, knowing a little Vietnamese can turn your meal from ‘What’s this?’ to ‘Mmm, delicious!’ 🇻🇳
Master these handy phrases, and you’ll be not only ordering like a local but also earning extra smiles along the way 😋🥢
Speak Like a Local When You Order
How to Use These Phrases Without Worrying About Perfect Vietnamese
Vietnamese pronunciation can feel intimidating at first, but at a food stall you do not need a perfect accent or a full sentence. Pointing, smiling and using one or two useful words is usually enough. A short phrase said clearly often works better than trying to translate a long English request word for word.
Why “ơi” Is So Useful
In Vietnamese, ơi is a friendly way to get someone's attention. The word before it changes depending on how you address the person: em for someone younger, anh for a man a little older than you, chị for a woman a little older, and bác for someone clearly older. If you are unsure, do not panic. A polite smile and a simple “ơi” will usually be understood from context.
Put the Phrases Together
At a street-food stall, you can keep the whole order very simple. Point to a dish and say “Cho tôi cái này” — roughly, “Give me this one.” If you do not want chilli, add “không cay.” When you are finished, “tính tiền” asks for the bill, and “cảm ơn” closes the exchange nicely.
Dietary Requests Need a Little More Care
“Ăn chay” means vegetarian eating, but vegetarian food in Vietnam can mean different things depending on the stall or restaurant. If you have an allergy or a strict dietary restriction, do not rely on one memorised phrase alone. It is better to show the restriction in writing, ask someone who speaks Vietnamese to explain it, or choose a place where the ingredients can be confirmed clearly.
A Small Local Tip
Do not worry about sounding like a local. The point is not to perform Vietnamese perfectly; it is to make the interaction easier. Even a few words can change a quick transaction into a warmer exchange, especially in small family-run eateries where English may be limited.
If you'd rather have a local do the ordering with you the first time, Beyond Vietnam's Taste of Hanoi tour is built around exactly that.
Ngoc Anh (Ice)
Beyond Vietnam
Related reading: How to order street food in Hanoi · Hanoi food guide
Dung (Emma) Co-founder of Beyond Vietnam
Xin chào! I’m Dung, but many travellers call me Emma. I grew up on the outskirts of Hanoi, and no matter how far I travel, this busy and slightly chaotic city still feels most like home.
I’ve explored Vietnam on my own and with the people I love, while also spending years volunteering and joining community projects. Along the way, I’ve collected plenty of stories, local tips and unforgettable moments. I share them here to help you feel closer to Hanoi and Vietnam, hopefully even before you arrive.
You can also find me on Facebook. Come and say hi!
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