Ottawa’s Most Popular Vietnamese Dishes Besides Pho: What Locals Order Most
Vietnamese cuisine has become one of Ottawa’s most celebrated culinary experiences, and while pho remains the city’s timeless favorite, locals have embraced a wide range of dishes that extend far beyond the classic noodle soup. Ottawa’s diners—students, families, office workers, late-night food lovers, and cultural explorers—are ordering grilled vermicelli bowls, bánh mì, spring rolls, bold spicy soups, and vibrant vegetarian dishes at an increasingly rapid pace.
Much of this growth ties back to the city’s growing awareness of how healthy and balanced Vietnamese food truly is, something often highlighted in guides like Is Vietnamese Food Healthy?, which explains why locals seek dishes rich in fresh herbs, lean proteins, and lighter broths. As the demand expands, Ottawa’s Vietnamese restaurants—especially Pho By Night—continue introducing diners to a broader set of traditional favorites.
This guide covers the most popular Vietnamese dishes Ottawa locals order the most besides pho, showing exactly why these meals have become city staples.
Vermicelli Bowls (Bún Thịt Nướng): Ottawa’s #1 Most Ordered Dish After Pho
If there is any Vietnamese dish that rivals pho in Ottawa, it is the grilled vermicelli bowl. Locals continue choosing it because of its balance, freshness, texture, and customizable toppings. A typical vermicelli bowl features:
- Charcoal-grilled lemongrass chicken
- Grilled pork
- Grilled beef
- Crispy spring rolls
- Fresh herbs, peanuts, pickled carrots, and cool noodles
The contrast of warm meat against cold noodles and herbs is exactly why diners love these bowls year-round. Many first-timers learn to customize their bowls through resources like Vietnamese Food in Ottawa to Eat and Customized Vermicelli Bowl in Ottawa, which help guide diners toward ingredients that match their dietary and flavor preferences.
As a balanced meal that’s not too heavy, vermicelli bowls have become Ottawa’s go-to lunch, early dinner, and late-night energizer.
Spring Rolls & Fresh Rolls: Ottawa’s Anytime Snack or Appetizer
Vietnamese spring rolls (chả giò) and fresh rolls (gỏi cuốn) are loved for their versatility. They complement vermicelli bowls, serve as appetizers for large groups, and remain a favorite for students and office workers looking for quick bites.
Crispy Spring Rolls
Filled with:
- Pork
- Vegetables
- Vermicelli
- Mushrooms
They are deep-fried to golden perfection and often paired with dipping sauces that complement their crunch.
Fresh Rolls
Fresh rolls wrapped in rice paper include:
- Shrimp
- Tofu
- Lettuce
- Vermicelli
- Herbs
These lighter rolls are especially popular among gluten-friendly diners, many of whom reference Is Vietnamese Food Gluten-Free? before deciding what to order.
Bánh Mì: Ottawa’s Vietnamese Sandwich Sensation
A growing category at Vietnamese restaurants across Ottawa, bánh mì sandwiches combine the best of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. They are loved for their crunchy baguette, vibrant pickled vegetables, house-made sauces, and bold proteins.
Most Ordered Bánh Mì Styles in Ottawa
- Grilled pork bánh mì
- Lemongrass chicken bánh mì
- Beef bánh mì
- Vegetarian tofu bánh mì
- Classic cold-cut bánh mì with pâté
Ottawa’s popularity for this sandwich is so strong that Pho By Night created a dedicated guide: Best Banh Mi Series in Ottawa, which explores topping styles and flavor profiles.
Halal-conscious customers often consult Halal-Friendly Banh Mi Ottawa and related pages before making their selection, reinforcing its appeal across diverse communities.
Bún Bò Huế: Ottawa’s Favorite Spicy Vietnamese Soup
When diners want a bolder, spicier alternative to pho, they turn to bún bò huế, a Central Vietnamese soup known for its richness. Ottawa’s spice lovers appreciate:
- Lemongrass depth
- Notes of chili oil
- Tender beef slices
- Thick round noodles
- A strong, warming broth
This dish has grown especially popular after Ottawa diners discovered guides such as Is Vietnamese Food Spicy?, which teaches that spiciness in Vietnamese cuisine is tunable—mild, medium, or fiery—based on preference.
Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice Dishes): A Comfort Classic Ottawa Loves
Broken rice dishes (cơm tấm) have quietly become one of Ottawa’s highest-rated Vietnamese meals outside of pho. These plates are complete, satisfying, and protein-rich, often including:
- Grilled pork chop
- Fried egg
- Shredded pork
- Pickled veggies
- Steamed rice and fish sauce
Office workers and students especially enjoy cơm tấm during lunch hours thanks to its comfort and generous portion size. Many Ottawa diners first learn about these rice dishes through Vietnamese food guides like Vietnamese Food in Ottawa to Eat, helping them expand their choices.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá): Ottawa’s Most Loved Beverage
Vietnamese iced coffee has become one of Ottawa’s top beverage orders, especially after dinner or late at night. Known for its strong robusta coffee and sweet condensed milk, it’s a favorite for caffeine enthusiasts.
Diners who want to learn more about Vietnamese coffee culture often explore:
These guides help Ottawa customers understand why Vietnamese coffee pairs perfectly with grilled meats, bánh mì, or light appetizers.
Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Sizzling Crepe): Ottawa’s Rising Specialty
A dish gaining popularity in Ottawa, bánh xèo is a crispy turmeric crêpe stuffed with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. Local diners appreciate:
- Crisp, crackling edges
- Fresh herbs
- Wrap-and-dip eating style
- Gluten-friendly batter
Food explorers who love street-food-style dishes often discover bánh xèo after reading Exploring Vietnamese Street Food: What Ottawa Diners Need to Try.
Bún Chả: Ottawa’s Favorite Grilled Pork & Noodle Combo
Bún chả is a Hanoi specialty becoming increasingly popular in Ottawa. It features:
- Smoky grilled pork
- Dipping broth
- Vermicelli noodles
- Fresh herbs
It appeals to diners wanting smoky flavors and customizable bites. Ottawa’s increasing interest in charcoal-grilled meats has helped this dish gain momentum.
Vegetarian Vietnamese Dishes: Rapid Growth in Ottawa
Ottawa’s vegan and vegetarian community continues expanding into Vietnamese cuisine because so many dishes are naturally herb-forward and adaptable. Popular options include:
- Tofu vermicelli
- Vegetarian spring rolls
- Vegetable pho
- Vegan bánh mì
- Coconut curries
Diners seeking plant-based dishes often review Best Vegan Pho in Ottawa or Ottawa Vegan Vietnamese Food Beyond Pho before ordering.
Group Dining Favorites: What Ottawa Families Share Most
Vietnamese cuisine is ideal for sharing. Family groups and students frequently order:
- Chicken wings
- Fried wontons
- Spring roll platters
- Skewer plates
- Shareable appetizers
This trend mirrors advice found in Family Dinner at Pho By Night, which guides larger parties on how to build a fulfilling meal together.
Ottawa’s Late-Night Vietnamese Bestsellers
Pho By Night, being one of Ottawa’s top late-night dining destinations, sees frequent orders of:
- Bánh mì
- Vermicelli bowls
- Chicken wings
- Rice dishes
- Spring rolls
Night-time diners often reference Late Night Dining in Ottawa: Why Pho By Night Is the Go-To Spot which highlights why Vietnamese food is perfect after a long day or night out.
Why Ottawa Locals Keep Exploring Vietnamese Food Beyond Pho
Ottawa’s food lovers continue branching out because:
- Vietnamese dishes are fresh and vibrant
- Meals are healthier than typical fast food
- Vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-friendly options are available
- The cuisine is affordable
- Vietnamese restaurants stay open late
- There are countless flavors beyond noodle soup
Diners curious about cultural food trends also benefit from Government of Canada insights on multicultural dining and nutrition best practices from the CDC , reinforcing why Vietnamese meals fit modern wellness-focused lifestyles.
To explore even more dishes or to place inquiries, locals often visit Pho By Night’s Contact Us page to ask about menu recommendations, dietary concerns, or catering options.
FAQs
1. What is the most popular Vietnamese dish in Ottawa besides pho?
Vermicelli bowls are the most frequently ordered dish thanks to their freshness, balance, and wide customizability.
2. What Vietnamese dish should a first-timer try?
Bánh mì or spring rolls—both offer familiar flavors with Vietnamese freshness.
3. Are there good vegetarian Vietnamese options in Ottawa?
Yes. Tofu bowls, vegetable pho, and vegan bánh mì are among the most ordered plant-based dishes.
4. Is Vietnamese coffee really that strong?
Yes. Its robusta beans create a bold, sweet, and energizing drink locals love.
5. Where can I learn more about authentic Vietnamese dishes in Ottawa?
Explore detailed guides on Pho By Night’s website or contact them directly for recommendations.
