Going to Vietnam? You must be excited to spend some time in Bali and explore the beautiful temples, beaches, and get new experiences in the country. However, one thing that you can’t miss is the Food.
The food in Vietnam is quite delicious and you will get a beautiful blend of flavors in each dish. It is recommended to take a food tour during your Vietnam visit and indulge in the flavorful paradise! It can be overwhelming to choose which food to try in Vietnam. That is why I am here to help you out. Here is the list of must try food in Vietnam that you will love.
1. Bún bò Huế (Beef Noodles from Huế)
For the first must try dish in Vietnam, I couldn’t think of anything other than Bangkok bò Huê. It is one of the most popular Vietnamese dishes across the globe.
The dish is made up with rice vermicelli, and thinly sliced beef, it is then served with beef broth and is marinated in a shrimp and lemongrass paste. It is then garnished with several vegetables and cilantro, you can also add some chili sauce if you want to elevate the spice level.
2. Gỏi cuốn (South) or Nem cuốn (North)
(Fresh Spring Rolls or Summer Rolls)
Freshly cooked spring rolls are a huge part of Vietnamese cuisine which is why you must include it in your must try food list. The spring rolls are made differently here and they seem quite refreshing compared to the usual ones that we eat elsewhere in the world.
The spring rolls here are made up of rice paper that are soaked in water for a few minutes and then filled with different ingredients before rolled up. The spring rolls are enjoyed with different types of sauces. You can also learn how to cook these delicacies by taking a cooking class in Vietnam.
3. Phở (Noodle soup)
Phở is undoubtedly one of the must try dishes in Vietnam. This is quite different from your regular noodle soup as it is filled with Vietnamese flavors with an influence of French cuisine. The noodles were introduced to Vietnam by the Chinese, so this dish is quite diverse in its flavors and origin.
You will get different varieties of Phò with different types of ingredients. Traditionally, the dish is made with a light broth as its base, beef bones, and vegetables. At the cooking stage, many spices and herbs are added to enhance the taste and give it the authentic flavor. Overall, it is quite a delicious dish that will leave you wanting for more.
4. Banh Mi (Filled Baguette)
It is yet another popular Vietnamese dish that you will get in every corner of the country. This dish, too, features a blend of Vietnamese and French cuisine.
It is basically a sandwich filled with different types of meat along with various condiments and ingredients such as cilantro, pickled vegetables, mayo, etc.
5. Xôi (Glutinous Rice or Sticky Rice)
Sticky rice is anyway a crucial part of Asian cuisines, and this one will give you the flavors of Vietnam.
Just like other dishes on the list, this one too comes in many varieties and ingredients. Each house might make their sticky rice differently than others. At last, it’s a comfort food that you can have anytime and anywhere.
6. Bánh cuốn (Filled Rice Batter Pancakes)
Bánh Cuôn is certainly an interesting dish that you must try in Vietnam. This is a different kind of dish that you may not have had before. You may like it or not, but it’s definitely worth a try.
It is made with fermented rice batter which is then spread on a hot pan to make a circular shape (it is kind of like a French Crepe or Indian Dosa). Once it’s cooked, it is then filled with minced pork, finely chopped wood ear mushroom, and fried shallots. You can eat it as it is or ask them to cut it into bite size pieces.
7. Cha Ca (Fried Fish)
Cha Ca is also a popular dish in Vietnam that you can find throughout the country. The fish used in the dish is similar to the catfish. The fish are marinated in a special sauce which is made with turmeric, garlic, dill, shrimp paste, chili, and ginger. It is then grilled till it’s cooked nicely..
The dish is served with vermicelli noodles, peanuts, and fresh herbs such as dill and basil. Enjoy this traditional delicacy at a fine dining restaurants to get the most authentic taste.
Conclusion
So these are the most loved dishes in Vietnam that you must try out while you are exploring the country. There are many different ingredients used in the dishes and the cuisines feature diverse flavors which can take time to grow on you.However if you are a foodie then you are going to love local delicacies in Vietnam. Keep a close look at the hygiene precautions while eating at street stalls.
That will be all, hopefully you found this list helpful and are ready to indulge yourself in the Vietnamese flavors!