Most people like to lump any food that originates in Asia into one category that includes dishes with chicken or fish and rice or rice noodles. This is Asian food to many westerners. And yet, there are just as many culinary styles as there are nations in this vast continent. Chinese and Japanese food, the two types of Asian food prevalent in most western nations, are extremely different. If someone mentioned sushi, you’d automatically equate it to Japanese cuisine, whereas Kung Pao Chicken will instantly put you in mind of Chinese cooking. So if you think that you can lump Vietnamese food into a blanket category of “Asian food”, then you’ve got another thing coming. In fact, the food of this nation is just as unique as the culture and people you will find there (incorporating generations of adoption and adaptation of numerous other world cuisines). And if you’re looking to sample some of the food, here are a few dishes that exemplify the style.
1. Pho. You may actually be familiar with this type of noodle soup since it has become quite popular worldwide in the past several years, with Pho Noodle Bowl shops opening in major urban centers across the globe. The dish is common in the north because of the colder climate, and it incorporates rice vermicelli noodles, sliced meats (chicken or beef, generally), sprouts, peanuts, and broth. You add the spice. It is an extremely savory soup that is served hot and it can be found at both roadside stalls and sit-down dining establishments.
2. Bun Cha. This dish is a favorite in Hanoi and you can get it anywhere on the cheap since it is sold at carts throughout the city. Street food is big business in Vietnam, and pretty much everyone frequents the stalls that sell it, so if you want authentic Vietnamese food, you might have to try some standing on the sidewalk where it is served. You’ll basically get barbequed pork balls with noodles, veggies, and fish sauce, but while this local lunch dish sounds simple, it is simply delicious! Again, this is one you’ll mainly find in the north.
3. Banh Khoai. Much of the food common to the central region of the country can be attributed to the Nguyen emperors, as is this pancake-like dish that will remind some of a frittata. The base is made with rice flour and bean sprouts and fried up in a small pan, but once the batter has been poured, shrimp or pork belly is added to the mix, cooking into one tasty pancake. Traditionally, they are then topped with a delectable peanut sauce, but many people also like to eat them with fruit (banana, star fruit) or a combination of veggies and herbs (sprouts and lettuce with basil and mint, for example).
4. Banh Xeo. This southern dish is a spinoff of banh khoai, but it is different in a number of ways. First, it is much larger than the individual serving size of its central cousin, providing enough food for at least two (maybe more). In addition, the pancake incorporates both green beans and coconut milk, drastically changing the flavor and texture of the dish. And the completed pancake is dipped in fish sauce rather than the traditional peanut concoction. Although it may look the same, it’s a totally different taste.
5. Spring rolls. These are popular throughout the country of Vietnam, and each locale has its own variations. But one of the most interesting takes on this common dish can be found in Goi Cuon, where the rice paper roll is stuffed with shrimp, vermicelli, and mint leaves (served cold) and then dipped in fish sauce.
Emma Martin writes for Charming Tuscany where you can find the best in Tuscany hotels and plan your next luxurious vacation.
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