Ranked ninth overall, morning glory stir-fry was the highest-placed Vietnamese dish on the list. A staple of Vietnamese home cooking, the dish is prepared by briefly blanching morning glory (water spinach) before stir-frying it with garlic and seasonings, creating a simple yet flavourful accompaniment that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses.

The vegetable dish is served hot, usually as part of a three-course meal. The first course is a stir-fry, the second is a boiled or steamed dish, and the third is a soup. Rau muống xào tỏi also makes a great accompaniment to white rice, TasteAtlas wrote.

Beyond family meals, the dish has also appeared on menus served to international guests. In May 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron sampled the dish during their visit to Hanoi, alongside Vietnamese specialties such as fresh spring rolls and bún riêu crab noodle soup.

Vietnamese fresh herbs ranked 62nd on the list. More than just a side dish, fresh herbs are considered an essential component of Vietnamese cuisine.

A typical herb platter may include lettuce, Thai basil, coriander, bean sprouts, cucumber and seasonal greens, adding freshness and balance to dishes such as phở, grilled pork vermicelli (bún chả), bún bò Huế and crispy Vietnamese pancakes (bánh xèo).

Meanwhile, crullers placed 76th. Made from wheat flour dough that is deep-fried until golden and crispy, the snack is commonly served with porridge, noodle soups and other broth-based dishes, providing a contrasting texture and flavour.

Topping the TasteAtlas list was Hummus Beiruti from Lebanon, a variation of traditional hummus made from chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice and seasonings. Second place went to Kateh, a traditional rice dish from Iran known for its simple preparation and rich flavour. Indonesia’s Perkedel ranked third. The dish consists of seasoned mashed potatoes formed into patties and fried until crispy, often served as a side dish in everyday meals.

The ranking was compiled based on more than 11,600 user reviews from food enthusiasts worldwide, including approximately 6,700 verified ratings, reflecting the popularity and appreciation of side dishes across the continent.

TasteAtlas ranks Vietnam 16th among world’s 100 best cuisines

VOV.VN - Vietnam has been ranked 16th among the world’s 100 best cuisines, up three notches from 2024 and six places from 2023, according to the latest annual rankings released by international food guide TasteAtlas.