Organized by the method and style in which they are traditionally prepared and enjoyed, recipes range from appetizers, snacks, salads, and sandwiches to grilled dishes, stir-fries, wraps and rolls, hotpots, noodles, rice, broths, and desserts, as well as pickles, sauces, and other pantry staples. Dishes include familiar favorites, such as Summer Rolls and Grilled Pork with Vermicelli, alongside lesser-known gems, including Chicken and Banana Blossom Salad, Savory Sticky Rice and Mung Bean Dumplings, Sauteed Baby Clams with Rice Crackers, Coconut Pandan, and Baked Palm Sugar Honeycomb Cake.

Author Anaïs Ca Dao van Manen travelled across the country, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the highlands of Hà Giang, to learn from local cooks, discover unique ingredients, and master classic techniques. Every dish in Vietnam: The Cookbook is infused with her firsthand experience, deep respect for tradition, and love for Vietnamese food.