Vietnamese weirdest foods

Discover Vietnam’s weirdest foods, from balut, silkworm pupae, water bugs, rat meat, grasshoppers, red jellyfish and more. Would you dare to try them?

1. Balut

A fertilized duck egg with a fully formed embryo inside. It’s rich and nutritious. A squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt & pepper make it even better!

2. Silkworm Pupae

Might look intimidating but this dish is packed with protein! These tiny bites are usually boiled or stir-fried with lemongrass and lime leaves, giving them a nutty, slightly creamy texture.

3. Water Bug

A rare delicacy, usually grilled or deep-fried, or its essence is used to enhance dipping sauces with a unique floral and peppery aroma.

4. Rat

A countryside delicacy, these farm-raised rats are grilled or stir-fried, with a taste and texture often compared to chicken or rabbit.

6. Grasshoppers

Particularly roasted or fried, these crunchy insects are a common snack in rural areas, known for their high protein content and crispy texture.

7. Red jellyfish

A seasonal specialty served cold with fried tofu, herbs, shredded coconut, and fermented shrimp sauce. Its crunchy yet slippery texture makes it a refreshing dish.

Curious about Vietnam’s real food culture — the famous dishes and the surprising ones? Join us at Beyond Vietnam for food tours, coffee workshops, and local experiences that show the real Hanoi beyond the tourist spots.

Dung (Emma)

Beyond Vietnam