Few countries are as famous for their food as Vietnam. With the combination of fresh herbs and spices, perfectly grilled meats, and delicious desserts; it’s no wonder that millions of people travel there each year to experience the delights of Vietnamese cuisine.
The country is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is famous for its stunning water. However, the real allure of Vietnam is its food. You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants serving Vietnamese cuisine and you’ll be able to choose from a multitude of options, no matter what you prefer – be it spicy, sour, or sweet!
So, whether you’re planning to visit the country for a day or a week, you’d better get ready to try some of the most amazing dishes ever! Let’s take a look at some of the most unique and delectable foods that you’ll find in Vietnam.
Bánh xeo
Spicy chicken rice is one of the most popular foods in Vietnam and it’s really not that difficult to make. You’ll need to find some finely diced and stir-fried chicken and then you’ll just need to add rice to the wok or hotplate and stir-fry it together. The result is a fluffy, delicious chicken rice dish that you can prepare in a matter of minutes.
It might seem strange that Vietnam is inhabited by largely Chinese people, yet its cuisine is heavily influenced by the countries it was colonised by – France and the United States. One of the more unique dishes that you’ll try is bánh xeo – literally meaning ‘banana pancake’. If you’ve never had a pancake served in a hotbed, you’ll be in for a real treat!
The dish consists of perfectly golden fried banana pieces, that are wrapped in a slightly sweet and sour pastry. When you bite into one of these, you’ll be transported away to somewhere between paradise and hell – the experience is unforgettable!
Chắp phấn
If you’re a big fan of pepper, you’ll be in for a real treat with chắp phấn – literally ‘pepper blending’. This is a Vietnamese adaptation of Chinese five-spice flavouring and it gives the food an amazing kick! It’s usually served alongside fish or meat and some spring vegetables and you’ll find it in the form of a spicy paste, or flakes that you can sprinkle on food straightaway – the choice is yours!
Chắp phấn is extremely versatile and it can be used to give any dish that special flavour. There are several versions of the spice mixture, so you’ll most likely find one that suits your taste buds perfectly! As an Australian, you’ll probably be accustomed to dealing with large amounts of heat, so you might find that the chắp phấn in Vietnam is a little less fiery than the usual brand. The combination of sweet, sour, and spice flavours in the paste are unmatched and it’s definitely worth putting in your culinary repertoire!
Tôm tam
Tôm tam is a Vietnamese classic that you’ll have no trouble finding wherever you go. The boiled beef, or chicken versions are available everywhere and you can choose your own vegetables side – either way, you can’t go wrong!
The humble beginnings of this dish were as a way of using up all the parts of the animal that the customer did not want. Back in the day, you would purchase the entire head of the animal and get your meat straightaway – in Vietnam, it was originally a way of using everything but the bones! The dish consists of pieces of beef, chicken, or duck that are stewed together in a rich and savoury broth. The best part is that you get to choose what kind of meat you want and how you want it cooked. You might opt for slow simmering for several hours, until the meat comes apart at the touch of a fork, or you might want to get it ready in less time by choosing a different method of cooking.
From small family-run eateries, to large banquet halls, you’ll find that every restaurant and eatery in Vietnam will have one or two classic dishes on their menu. If you’re looking for a place to eat, you might want to consider trying a local establishment, where you can get a taste of Vietnamese cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the people.