Pho and Banh Mi Go Global: the Vietnamese Restaurant Boom — 2026-10-21
Vietnam Airlines has been named the world's best airline for cuisine, largely driven by its in-flight Vietnamese dishes. In the US, new Vietnamese restaurant concepts are expanding rapidly, with 26 Pho Cafe opening in Los Angeles County and Moi introducing regional home-cooking styles to New Orleans. Meanwhile, domestic media highlights the role of film and digital trends in boosting global interest in Vietnamese food.
Pho and Banh Mi Go Global: the Vietnamese Restaurant Boom — 2026-10-21
Top developments
Vietnam Airlines crowned world’s best for cuisine
Vietnam Airlines has been named the airline with the best cuisine in the world for 2026 by the World Culinary Awards, a prestigious international prize linked to the World Travel Awards. The recognition underscores the success of Vietnamese culinary diplomacy, where traditional dishes served on board act as a primary ambassador for the nation's food culture. This award aligns with broader efforts to position Vietnamese food as a key driver of tourism and soft power.
26 Pho Cafe expands into Los Angeles County
On October 14, 2026, 26 Pho Cafe opened its first location in Westwood, Los Angeles, ending what local reviewers described as a "pho drought" in the area. The restaurant, which already operates in Pasadena, Vancouver, and White Rock, brings fresh Vietnamese flavors to the UCLA-adjacent neighborhood. This expansion highlights the continued growth of established Vietnamese chains into prime urban markets in the United States.
Moi introduces regional home cooking to New Orleans
New Orleans' new Vietnamese restaurant, Moi, is distinguishing itself by serving a menu focused on home-cooked dishes rather than the standard pho and banh mi fare. Opened recently, Moi aims to showcase the diversity of Vietnamese regional cuisine beyond familiar staples. This trend of moving beyond the "standard" Vietnamese menu reflects a maturing international audience seeking deeper culinary experiences.
Local view
State-owned broadcaster VTV.vn reported on October 20 that Vietnamese cuisine is increasingly "stepping out of the screen" to influence global perceptions. The report notes that while a dish appearing in a film or series can spark initial curiosity, it is the authentic story behind the flavor that drives international tourists to Vietnam. This narrative aligns with the government's strategy to use cultural products as gateways for culinary tourism.
Context & numbers
Michelin Guide 2026 Snapshot: The 2026 Michelin Guide for Vietnam, published in June, recognized 11 one-star restaurants and 72 Bib Gourmand establishments. The Bib Gourmand selection has expanded to include a wider variety of dishes such as bánh cuốn, bánh canh, and bún riêu, moving beyond the traditional dominance of pho and banh mi.
Michelin Distribution:
- Hanoi: 4 One-Star restaurants and 22 Bib Gourmand.
- Ho Chi Minh City: 6 One-Star restaurants.
- Da Nang: 1 One-Star restaurant.
On the radar
- Vietnamese Food in the US: Recent local guides highlight the density of Vietnamese dining in major US hubs, with Houston Chronicle noting the prevalence of banh mi mini-chains in Houston's Asiatown and Dining Out listing 16 top Vietnamese spots in Dallas, including Michelin-recognized kitchens.
- Singapore's Competitive Market: A new guide to Singapore's best Vietnamese restaurants highlights intense competition, with pho prices starting as low as $3.90 and kitchens operating until 5 am to cater to late-night crowds.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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