Culinary guide Vietnam

Every food enthusiast should try the Vietnamese cuisine, which is among the world's most varied and flavorful. Vietnamese cuisine is a perfect fusion of French and Chinese influences with regional flavors and ingredients, from savory soups to crispy spring rolls. Furthermore, each province has its own specialties. Read more in this blog about Vietnamese cuisine and must-try foods, drinks, and fruits!

The fundamentals of the Vietnamese kitchen

Rice, like in many other Asian countries, is probably the most popular ingredient, as it is served with almost every meal. To give your dish an umami flavor, most restaurants also provide you with fish sauce and soy sauce. A sauce made of fermented fish and salt may not sound appetizing, but trust me when I say that the flavor it adds to your dish is simply amazing.

Whether you like it or not, coriander is a popular herb in Vietnamese cooking. Vietnamese cuisine makes extensive use of fresh herbs such as (lemon) basil, mint, and lemongrass. They not only add a burst of freshness and aroma, but also a flavor punch that will make your taste buds dance. And don't forget about the vegetables! Vietnamese dishes frequently include bean sprouts, cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers.

If you've had your fill of rice, try rice noodles as an alternative. Some authentic stir-fried rice noodles include tofu or tempeh, a popular vegetarian protein source in dishes. Lastly, coconut milk is frequently used to add sweetness and creaminess to dishes, while peanuts are used as a garnish to add a crunchy texture to a dish.

My favourite meal in Vietnam: family dinner!

A lot of ingredients, each with their own personality, making Vietnamese cuisine very diverse with some unique flavor combinations. Here is my list of 10 must-try dishes in Vietnam to truly appreciate the uniqueness of their cuisine:

Family dinner!

Not 100% a dish, but it's also about the experience with this one that makes it my favourite. I've had a few family dinners when I was in Northern Vietnam (Sapa & Hà Giang Loop). The family prepares some side dishes to serve with rice, such as tofu, chicken and several vegetables.

Phó

Phó (pronounced "fuh"), a noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various meats and vegetables, is one of Vietnam's most famous dishes. It's without a doubt the most popular breakfast dish and is offered at eateries, luxury hotels, and even food carts on the street. It tastes best when accompanied by fresh herbs, lime wedges, and a spicy dipping sauce.

Most restaurants only serve it for breakfast, a few do serve it for lunch and dinner. Don’t be late to the party, as it can sometimes be sold out at 09:00.

Hanoi: Khoi Hoi

It tastes even better when you've made a bowl yourself!

Bánh mi

Bánh mi, a French-inspired sandwich adapted to Vietnamese taste, is another popular dish in Vietnam. The baguette is stuffed with a variety of meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, making it a tasty and convenient snack. You can eat a bánh mi whenever you want, as I did for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Hoi An: Bánh mi Phuong

I need to improve my food photography skills :-)

Spring rolls

Vietnamese cuisine is also known for its fresh spring rolls, or gỏi cuốn, made with rice paper wrappers filled with shrimp, pork, or vegetables and served with a peanut dipping sauce. They're a light and healthy appetizer that can be found in almost any restaurant. Usually also one of the dishes you make in a cooking class.

Made by me!

Bún chà

One of the most unique dishes in Vietnam is bún chả, which consists of grilled pork patties served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. It's a dish unique to Hanoi, and it's a must-try for anyone visiting the chaotic capital city of Vietnam.

Hanoi: Bun Cha Dac Kim or Bun Cha Huong Lien

Coffee (Cà phê)

Cà phê sữa đá, or Vietnamese iced coffee, is another Vietnamese specialty. It's a strong and sweet coffee with condensed milk that's served over ice. It's a popular drink in Vietnam, and you can find it at almost any cafe or restaurant.

When in Hanoi, don't forget to order an egg coffee. A creamy and sweet coffee with a thick and frothy texture. It is typically served hot, but in the hot summer months, it can also be served over ice. It is thought to have started in Hanoi in the 1940s, when milk was scarce and egg yolks were used as a substitute. Vietnamese coffee, condensed milk, and egg yolks are whisked together to make a frothy and creamy topping for the drink.

Hanoi: Café Giang!

Bánh xèo

A savory pancake filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. The pancake is cooked until golden brown and crispy on a hot skillet. After that, it's folded in half and served with fresh lettuce leaves, herbs like mint and cilantro, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce made with fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili.

To eat Banh Xeo, tear off a piece of the pancake, wrap it in a lettuce leaf with some herbs, and dip it into the sauce. The combination of the crispy pancake, savory fillings, fresh herbs, and tangy sauce creates an irresistible burst of flavors in your mouth. Very common in the middle provinces of Vietnam.

Hue: Maison Trang

Bún bò Huế

A spicy beef noodle soup that's originally from the city of Huế in central Vietnam. Bún bò Huế is the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day, and it's a great way to experience the bold and spicy flavors of the central Vietnamese cuisine

Fried rice / noodles

Fried rice and noodles are traditional Vietnamese dishes that are both delicious and filling. Fried rice, also known as com rang or com chien, is made by combining leftover rice, vegetables, eggs, and meat or seafood in a pan. Fried noodles, known as mi xao or hu tieu xao, on the other hand, are made with wheat or rice flour noodles. The noodles are then cooked and stir-fried with a variety of sauces and spices, as well as vegetables, meat or seafood.

They're also great options for budget-conscious travelers looking for a quick and tasty meal on the go. If you enjoy fried rice or noodles, make sure to try these Vietnamese versions while traveling. Personally, I preferred the noodles over the rice and liked to season it with soy sauce and red chili peppers.

Dragon fruit

Vietnam is also well-known for its exotic and delicious fruits. One of the most well-known is the dragon fruit, which is grown in the country's south. The fruit is bright pink on the outside with green scales and white or pink on the inside with black seeds. It has a mildly sweet flavor and is frequently eaten alone or in fruit salads. Personally my favourite fruit and I am already missing it since we don't have it here in The Netherlands.

More tropical fruits

Jackfruit: A large and spiky fruit that can weigh up to 80 pounds, jackfruit is another popular fruit. The flesh is sweet and tangy and can be eaten alone or in savory dishes such as curries or stews. Because of its texture and ability to absorb flavors, it is also a popular vegetarian substitute for meat.

Mangosteen: This small, round fruit has a dark purple exterior and a white, juicy interior with a sweet and tangy flavor. It's frequently served as a dessert on its own or in fruit salads.

Durian: A fruit that is loved by many but feared by others due to its strong and pungent smell. Durian is a popular fruit in Vietnam, enjoyed by both locals and tourists. Although the fruit is grown throughout the country, the Mekong Delta region is known for producing some of the best durians.

In Vietnam, durian is frequently consumed on its own or in desserts such as durian ice cream, durian cake, or durian sticky rice. It is also used as a seasoning or flavor enhancer in savory dishes such as durian chicken. Durian is frequently sold at local markets or by street vendors, and it is a popular snack among locals who eat it while socializing with friends or family.

While some people dislike the smell of durian, lots of other people enjoy the fruit's rich and creamy texture, which has been compared to custard or cream cheese. If you happen to be in Vietnam, don't be afraid to try durian and see what all the fuss is about!