Cost of Food in Vietnam: Average Food Price per Day in Vietnam Tour
Vietnamese food is known for its incredible deliciousness and surprisingly affordable price. However, it is important to note that while Vietnamese cuisine offers tasty and affordable options, costs may vary significantly depending on the type of establishment.
That's why, for travelers planning to trip to Vietnam, understanding the average food price in Vietnam and the cost of food in Vietnam can help budget expenses accordingly.
In this guide, we will provide an overview of common food expenses a tourist can expect to encounter in Vietnam. We will also cover the price range for street food, fast food, and dining at restaurants, along with typical costs for drinks and snacks. Let's get to it.
The Price of Street Food in Vietnam: about 1 to 4 USD Dollars
The Price of Fast Food in Vietnam, like KFC, Pizza Hut: within 20 USD Dollars
The Price of Fancy Restaurants in Vietnam for Lunch or Dinner: from about USD 30
How Much Is a Cup of Coffee and Other Drinks in Vietnam?
Where to Enjoy the Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner per Day for a Vietnam Tour?
Is It Easy to Have Take-away Delivery Service during a Vietnam Tour?
The Price of Street Food in Vietnam: about 1 to 4 USD Dollars
Street food is the beating heart of Vietnamese cuisine. Street food not only offers an authentic taste of local flavors but also represents an excellent value for budget-conscious travelers.
When considering the average food price in Vietnam, street food stands out as the most economical option.
Typically, the cost of food in Vietnam for street eats ranges from 1 to 4 USD per dish, making it an attractive choice for those looking to minimize their cost of food in Vietnam per day.
In Vietnamese Dong, this translates to approximately 23,000 to 92,000 VND, depending on the dish and location. This affordability allows visitors to sample a wide variety of local specialties without breaking the bank.
Popular street food options include:
1.Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich): 1-2 USD
2.Pho (noodle soup): 1.5-3 USD
3.Goi cuon (fresh spring rolls): 1-2 USD
4.Com tam (broken rice with grilled pork): 2-4 USD
5.Bun cha (grilled pork with noodles): 2-4 USD
The cost of food in Vietnam in Dong for these street delicacies can vary depending on the city and specific location. For instance, prices in touristy areas or major cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi might be slightly higher than in smaller towns or local neighborhoods.
When budgeting for street food, travelers can expect to spend around 5-10 USD per day for three meals, making it an excellent option for those looking to keep their cost of food in Vietnam per day low.
This affordability allows visitors to allocate more of their budget to other aspects of their trip, such as accommodations or activities.
On a side note, while street food is incredibly cheap, it doesn't compromise on flavor or authenticity. In fact, many locals prefer street food for their daily meals, attesting to its quality and cultural significance.
However, travelers should exercise caution and choose vendors with good hygiene practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
Vietnam street food stalls
The Price of Fast Food in Vietnam, like KFC, Pizza Hut: within 20 USD Dollars
Alongside street food, global fast-food brands are an integral part of the country's culinary scene. For travelers looking for familiar flavors or a quick meal, these options provide an interesting perspective on the average food price in Vietnam.
Fast food in Vietnam, including popular chains like KFC, Pizza Hut, and McDonald's, generally falls within the 20 USD range for a meal. This price point sits higher than local street food but remains affordable compared to similar offerings in many Western countries. When considering the overall cost of food in Vietnam, fast food represents a mid-range option.
To break it down further:
1.KFC: A combo meal typically costs 3-5 USD (70,000-115,000 VND)
2.Pizza Hut: A medium pizza ranges from 8-12 USD (185,000-275,000 VND)
3.McDonald's: A Big Mac meal is around 4-5 USD (90,000-115,000 VND)
4.Lotteria (a popular Asian fast-food chain): Combo meals cost 3-5 USD (70,000-115,000 VND)
These prices reflect the cost of food in Vietnam in Dong, which can fluctuate based on location and current exchange rates. Fast food prices in major cities or tourist areas may be slightly higher than in smaller towns.
For travelers calculating their cost of food in Vietnam per day, incorporating fast food into their diet would likely increase their daily food budget.
While it's possible to eat three fast-food meals a day for under 20 USD, this approach would be more expensive than relying on local options.
It's worth noting that the average food price in Vietnam for fast food is often considered high by local standards. Many Vietnamese people view these international chains as occasional treats rather than everyday dining options.
This perception is reflected in the pricing, which is adapted to position these brands as slightly upscale alternatives to local fast food.
On side note, to fully appreciate the cost of food in Vietnam and the country's rich culinary heritage, it's recommended to balance any fast food consumption with plenty of local dining experiences.
Vietnam Pizza Hut
The Price of Fancy Restaurants in Vietnam for Lunch or Dinner: from about USD 30
While Vietnam is known for its affordable street food and local eateries, the country also boasts a growing number of upscale restaurants. These establishments offer a stark contrast to the typical average food price in Vietnam, providing luxurious dining experiences at prices starting from around USD 30 per person.
When considering the overall cost of food in Vietnam, fancy restaurants represent the upper tier of pricing. A meal at a high-end restaurant can range from 30 to 100 USD or more per person, depending on the venue's prestige, location, and menu offerings.
These upscale dining options often include:
1.Fine dining restaurants in luxury hotels
2.Fusion cuisine establishments blending Vietnamese and international flavors
3.Rooftop restaurants with panoramic city views
4.Celebrity chef-owned establishments
The cost of food in Vietnam in Dong at these venues can be significantly higher than local options. For instance, a multi-course tasting menu at a top-tier restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi might cost 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND (65-130 USD) per person, excluding drinks.
For travelers calculating their cost of food in Vietnam per day, including a fancy restaurant meal would substantially increase their daily food budget.
While it's possible to keep the average food price in Vietnam low by primarily eating at local establishments, many tourists choose to splurge on at least one high-end dining experience during their trip.
On a side note, while these prices are considered expensive within Vietnam, they often represent good value compared to similar quality restaurants in Western countries.
Many upscale restaurants in Vietnam offer world-class cuisine and ambience at a fraction of the cost one might expect in Europe or North America.
Vietnam fancy rooftop restaurant
How Much Is a Cup of Coffee and Other Drinks in Vietnam?
When exploring the average food price in Vietnam, it's essential to consider the cost of beverages, particularly coffee, given its cultural significance.
A cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee (ca phe sua da) typically costs between 15,000 to 30,000 VND (0.65-1.30 USD) at local cafes.
In more touristy areas or Western-style coffee shops, prices can range from 30,000 to 60,000 VND (1.30-2.60 USD).
So, when budgeting for drinks as part of your cost of food in Vietnam per day, allocating 2-5 USD should suffice for most travelers. This amount allows for several local beverages throughout the day without significantly impacting your overall food budget.
Vietnamese coffee shop
Where to Enjoy the Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner per Day for a Vietnam Tour?
To fully experience the diverse culinary scene and manage your cost of food in Vietnam per day, consider varying your dining locations throughout the day. This approach allows you to sample different aspects of Vietnamese cuisine while balancing your budget.
For breakfast, start your day at local markets or street vendors. Many Vietnamese begin their mornings with a bowl of pho or a banh mi sandwich, costing around 1-3 USD. This keeps your average food price in Vietnam low for the first meal of the day.
Lunchtime offers an opportunity to explore local restaurants or "com binh dan" eateries, which serve rice with various toppings. These meals typically cost 2-4 USD, representing a mid-range option in the cost of food in Vietnam.
For dinner, you have flexibility depending on your preferences and budget. Street food remains an economical choice, with meals costing 1-4 USD. Alternatively, you might choose a mid-range restaurant, where dishes cost 5-10 USD, or splurge on a fancy restaurant for 30 USD or more per person.
Is It Easy to Have Take-away Delivery Service during a Vietnam Tour?
Take-away and food delivery services have become increasingly popular in Vietnam, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This trend has made it easier for tourists to enjoy local cuisine from the comfort of their accommodations.
Popular food delivery apps in Vietnam include Grab, Baemin, ShopeeFood, and Gojek. These platforms offer a wide range of options, from local street food to international cuisines, making it convenient to explore the average food price in Vietnam without leaving your hotel.
Delivery fees are generally reasonable, typically ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 VND (0.43-1.30 USD), depending on the distance.
However, it's worth noting that while these services are readily available in urban areas, they might be limited in smaller towns or rural regions.
Additionally, language barriers could pose a challenge, as not all apps or restaurants offer English interfaces or menus. That's why, to fully experience the local food culture and potentially save on the cost of food, dining out at local eateries is still recommended when possible.
Vietnam “Grab” take-away deliver service
Do I Need to Tip When Having Meals in Vietnam?
Etiquette surrounding tipping practices can often vary internationally.
In Vietnam, while tips are not compulsory, they remain an appreciated gesture that serves as a token of gratitude for good service. When dining at casual street food stalls or local joints, tips are generally unnecessary as prices are already quite low.
However, most mid-range to upscale restaurants will include a 5-10% service charge. For truly exemplary attention or at high-end establishments, extra gratuity is suitable but not expected.
As approximate wage levels are lower in Vietnam than in Western nations, tips can go a long way in supplementing service workers' incomes. A standard 10% tip for great service ensures customers feel they've participated appropriately in Vietnamese culture while supporting local livelihoods.
More Insider Tips
Beyond understanding the typical costs of food, there are a few insider tips that travelers can utilize to maximize their culinary experiences in Vietnam.
Firstly, exploring local wet markets and bustling food courts is a great way to discover truly authentic and affordable dining options off the beaten path. These eateries provide a glimpse into daily Vietnamese life while serving up fresh, homemade dishes.
It's also worthwhile knowing that negotiating prices, especially at street food stalls, is a standard practice in Vietnam. While prices may seem flexible, always be respectful and never attempt to unfairly take advantage of a vendor.
Finally, downloading a local SIM card or food delivery app can also aid in locating exciting new restaurants and transitory pop-up stalls. Utilizing technology makes full use of always-changing deal opportunities.
Conclusion
When planning your Vietnam tour, be sure to account for the cost of food in your overall budget. The country offers incredibly diverse dining options, from affordable and delicious street eats to moderately-priced fast casual bites and luxurious fine dining. No matter your budget, you'll find delectable cuisine worthy of tasting.
To make the most of your culinary journey without financial surprises, consider working with a trusted tour operator. We specialize in crafting seamless, stress-free itineraries tailored to your interests and budget.
From assisting with meal arrangements to scheduling activities, our team can take care of logistics so you can focus on new experiences. Get in touch with us for more details!
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