Meaning
Praising the taste of food
Cultural Background
Complimenting food is a way to show 'hiếu khách' (hospitality) and appreciation for the host's labor. It is often said multiple times during a meal. People in the North might be more subtle. They might say 'Vừa vặn' (perfectly balanced) alongside 'Rất ngon'. Southerners are often more expressive and might use 'Ngon quá xá' or 'Ngon hết sảy' to show extreme delight. In overseas communities, 'Rất ngon' is a vital link to heritage, often used by younger generations to connect with their grandparents' cooking.
Add 'ạ' for respect
Always add 'ạ' at the end when speaking to someone older than you to sound like a polite local.
Body language matters
Nod your head slightly and smile while saying 'Rất ngon' to show sincerity.
Meaning
Praising the taste of food
Add 'ạ' for respect
Always add 'ạ' at the end when speaking to someone older than you to sound like a polite local.
Body language matters
Nod your head slightly and smile while saying 'Rất ngon' to show sincerity.
Don't over-intensify
Saying 'Rất rất rất ngon' sounds a bit childish. Use 'Ngon tuyệt vời' instead for higher praise.
Use for drinks too
Don't forget you can use this for smoothies, coffee, and tea!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct intensifier to say 'Very delicious'.
Món phở này ___ ngon.
'Rất' is the only one in the list that correctly precedes the adjective 'ngon'.
Which of these is the most polite way to compliment an elder's cooking?
How do you say 'It's very delicious' to your Vietnamese grandmother?
The addition of 'ạ' makes the phrase respectful for elders.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Bạn thấy món bún chả thế nào? B: ___________
The question asks 'How do you find the bún chả?', so a compliment is the logical answer.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are eating a very tasty snack with a close friend and want to use slang.
'Ngon nhức nách' is a popular slang term for friends.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Ngon'
Food
- • Phở
- • Bánh mì
- • Cơm
Drinks
- • Cà phê
- • Trà sữa
- • Nước cam
Slang
- • A good deal
- • A deep sleep
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMón phở này ___ ngon.
'Rất' is the only one in the list that correctly precedes the adjective 'ngon'.
How do you say 'It's very delicious' to your Vietnamese grandmother?
The addition of 'ạ' makes the phrase respectful for elders.
A: Bạn thấy món bún chả thế nào? B: ___________
The question asks 'How do you find the bún chả?', so a compliment is the logical answer.
You are eating a very tasty snack with a close friend and want to use slang.
'Ngon nhức nách' is a popular slang term for friends.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for a movie you should use 'Rất hay'. 'Ngon' is strictly for food, drinks, or specific slang contexts.
'Ngon quá' is more emotional and common in spoken Vietnamese. 'Rất ngon' is slightly more formal/standard.
You can say 'Cũng được' or 'Ăn được' (edible/fine).
You say 'Không ngon'.
Only in very informal slang (like 'attractive'), but be careful as it can be seen as rude or objectifying.
No, Vietnamese often omits the subject. Just 'Rất ngon!' is a perfect complete sentence.
The pronunciation of 'Rất' changes (Zat vs Rat), but the meaning is identical.
You can say 'Đầu bếp nấu rất ngon!'
Usually no, unless the water has a specific flavor (like mineral water). For plain water, it's just 'mát' (cool).
'Ngon nhức nách' for friends, or 'Ngon tuyệt' for general use.
Related Phrases
Ngon quá
similarSo delicious!
Ngon miệng
relatedAppetizing / Enjoy your meal
Đậm đà
specialized formRich/Flavorful
Tuyệt vời
builds onWonderful/Great
