Vietnamese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and balance of textures. From savory noodle soups to diverse rice dishes and flavorful street food, Vietnamese cuisine offers a mouthwatering culinary experience. Let's delve into the rich and delicious world of Vietnamese food with Vietspace!
Vietnamese Cuisine By Region
Local food can vary across different regions due to a number of reasons. Vietnamese food has notable differences by region due to geographical location, climate and different ways of life. These variations surely reflects the country's rich cultural diversity, which is fascinating for the food enthusiasts. Here are key differences that you might notice between the local dishes of Northern, Central and Southern Vietnam.
Northern Vietnamese Cuisine
Colder weather limits the availability of spices, so food is often less spicy and uses less sugar and chilies. Northern cuisine also uses fewer herbs and vegetables, and cooking techniques like stir-frying and slow-braising are used to add warmth. Salty dishes are preferred in the north, and black pepper is the main ingredient for creating heat. Some signature dishes include bánh chưng, a steamed rice cake made for Lunar New Year, and bún thang, a rice vermicelli noodle dish with chicken, eggs, and pork.
Each region of Vietnam has its own culinary traditions, recipes, and cooking styles passed down through generations. These culinary traditions are deeply rooted in local culture and customs, contributing to the distinctiveness of regional cuisines. You can observe this in long established and family-own local eateries in the north.
Central Vietnamese Cuisine
The central of Vietnam produces an abundance of spices, making food spicier than in the north. Central cuisine also retains some French flavors and techniques, but has less Chinese influence than the north. Hue, the former capital of Vietnam, has a culinary tradition that features colorful, decorative food influenced by ancient royal cuisine. The traits of royal cuisine can still be found in many dishes as Hue is the former capital of the last royal dynasty in Vietnam.
Vietnam's varied geography, climate, and agricultural practices result in the availability of different ingredients in various regions. For example, coastal areas like the central region have access to abundant seafood, while the northern regions are known for their freshwater fish and mountainous areas for their unique herbs and vegetables.
Southern Vietnamese Cuisine
The warm weather of southern Vietnam allows for a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and livestock, so food is often tropical and uses fresh herbs. Historical interactions and cultural exchanges with neighboring countries such as China, Cambodia, and Laos have influenced Vietnamese cuisine in different regions. Southern cuisine is sweeter and spicier, and is influenced by Chinese, Cambodian, and Thai cuisine.
Southern cities like Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) are famous for their vibrant street food culture. Sidewalk vendors and food stalls offer a wide variety of dishes, from "bánh mì" (Vietnamese sandwich) to "bột chiên" (fried rice cake) and "hủ tiếu". Southern food uses more sugar, coconut water, and coconut milk, and includes more saltwater and brackish water seafood.
Vietnamese Must-Try Dishes
Vietnamese food is known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, as well as its use of fresh, fragrant, and aromatic ingredients. As Vietnam's geography plays a significant role in its cuisine because the climate and traditions of each region affect the availability of ingredients and spices, it in turn affects the cooking style of each region. When visiting Vietnam from North to South, be sure to try out these significant dishes from each region.
Must-try Dishes in Northern Vietnam
Pho: Pho is more than just a Vietnamese noodle soup, Pho is one of the most iconic Vietnamese dishes that are loved by both locals and travellers. Pho can be enjoyed with chicken or beef broth, however, beef is a more popular Pho. You can taste the sophisticated broth that is generally cooked for hours then find the fragnant spices and fresh herbs truly enhance the taste to the next level.
Vietspace Travel's Tips: Beef pho is available in almost every part of Vietnam. However, when you are in Hanoi, be sure to try out chicken pho as chicken noodle dishes are somewhat more popular in the North.
Bun Cha: Bun cha, also known as Vietnamese bun thit nuong, tantalizes taste buds with its delectable blend of grilled pork (thit nuong), vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs. Embraced by both locals and travelers as a beloved street food, bun cha encapsulates the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam, making it an essential culinary experience for anyone craving an authentic taste of the country. Bun Cha is renowned as a Northern Vietnamese delicacy, while Bun Thit Nuong is widely considered as its counterpart in the south. Both dishes are Vietnamese noodle specialties showcasing grilled pork, fresh herbs, and a sweet chili dipping sauce. Despite their similarities, distinct differences distinguish the two culinary creations such as serving styles and tastes.
Cha Ca La Vong: Cha ca La Vong, also known as turmeric fish, is a famous, sweet and savory dish from Hanoi, Vietnam. It features fried fish marinated in turmeric and served with rice vermicelli, herbs, and a dipping sauce. The dish is served in a hot pan with herbs like dill, scallions, or basil, and garnished with sautéed scallions, dill, vermicelli, chopped peanuts, and cilantro. Cha ca La Vong is a must-try for visitors to Hanoi, not only for its flavor but also for its representation of Hanoian culture. Do you know that there is a street in Hanoi dedicated to this dish? Be sure to visit and try out this tasty dish on your next visit to Vietnam.
Bun Oc: Bún ốc, which translates to "snail vermicelli soup", is a popular, spicy, steamed Vietnamese dish that originated in Hanoi. It's made with rice noodles, freshwater snails, and a thick, aromatic broth that's sweet, sour, and tangy. The broth is made with a variety of ingredients, including purple onion, tomato, paprika, shrimp sauce, and pork bones. The dish is often served with green fried banana and soy cheese, and some say the chewy, meaty snails are the highlight.
Vietspace Travel's Tips: Bún ốc can be eaten as an appetizer and is often served piping hot in the winter, but some prefer the cold version, bún ốc nguội, in the summer. Some say the dish's clear, sweet, and lightly sour broth, combined with the snails' crunchiness and greasy taste, creates a perfect harmony. Others add a bit of chili oil to spice it up
Must-try Dishes in Central Vietnam
Bun Bo Hue: Bún bò Huế is a popular Vietnamese soup made with rice noodles, beef, chả and sometimes pork knuckles. The name translates to "beef-noodle soup from Hue", and the dish is known for its balance of spicy, salty, sweet, and sour flavors, with lemongrass and shrimp paste as the predominant flavors. Bun Bo Hue is loved by locals across Vietnam with differences in taste and serving styles in each region. This dish is a rich soup with many layers of flavours, a must-try for soup lovers.
My Quang: This dish is originated from the Quang Nam province in Central Vietnam. My Quang is a delightful fusion of soup and salad. Despite its sophisticated appearance, this street food staple is anything but pretentious. Its light and bouncy noodles, tinted a vibrant yellow from the turmeric-infused broth, are enriched with peanut oil. Just a ladleful of this flavorful broth is enough to infuse the dish with richness. Toppings can vary widely, ranging from shrimp and chicken to pork belly and snakehead fish. Enjoy mì quảng accompanied by sliced banana flowers, Vietnamese coriander, basil, and bánh tráng me, crispy sesame rice crackers.
Com Hen: Cơm hến (baby basket clams rice) is a traditional Vietnamese dish that originated in Huế, Vietnam. It's made with cooked baby river mussels, rice, peanuts, pork rinds, shrimp paste, chili paste, starfruits, and herbs, and is usually served with the broth from the mussels at room temperature. The dish is a combination of many flavors, including sweet, salty, sour, and spicy, with two different crunchy textures. People love it as the dish is aromatic and delicious while tasting fresh, and healthy. Com Hen is a particularly famous food in the central of Vietnam.
Com Cung Dinh Hue: Hue, Vietnam is known for its royal cuisine, which is considered the pinnacle of Vietnamese cuisine. Hue royal cuisine is known for its refinement, from preparation to presentation, especially well decorated dishes. The royal court savored a selection of exquisite dishes including delicacies such as peacock imperial pie and phoenix patties.
Vietspace Travel's Tips: When in Hue, do immerse yourself in the complete experience of royal dining by enjoying carefully prepared royal dishes with music performance and dressing in royal customs.
Must-try Dishes in Southern Vietnam
Banh Xeo: Known as Vietnamese iconic pancakes, Banh Xeo is an attractive golden and crispy dish that is typically filled with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts. The filling ingredients and the mix of rice flour depend on the eateries' choices. Some people mix rice flour with water and coconut milk, some dip banh xeo in sweet fish sauce and some enjoy it with peanut sauce.
Com Tam: Con Tam, also known as broken rice, is an easily spot dish in many corners of Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnamese locals can enjoy this flavorful dish for breakfast, lunch, dinner or mid-night cravings. Coal-grilled pork chops are the star of this dish. Even though Com Tam is available in many restaurants and chains, most Vietnamese enjoy this dish in their favourite local food stalls and hawkers.
Banh Mi: Baguettes were introduced to Vietnam during the colonial era and they have been changed to tasty versions of Vietnamese Banh Mi. From the crispy baguette, Vietnamese people add their diverse toppings such as different kinds of meat, ham, sauces while pairing with fresh herbs and pickles. The fillings consist of a variety of choices, from simple fried eggs to diverse cold cuts like ham, pork rolls and sausages.
Ca Phe: Coffee is a big part of life in Vietnam. Vietnamese coffee is a traditional, strong, and flavorful drink made with medium to dark roasted coffee, hot water and optional sweetened condensed milk. Vietnamese coffee is typically served in a small, clear glass with a layer of condensed milk at the bottom, and a stainless steel Vietnamese filter on top. As the coffee drips through the filter into the glass, it mixes with the condensed milk, a must-try experience for coffee lovers around the world.
Vietnamese Gastronomy Tour
Embark on a gastronomic journey through the rich and diverse flavors of Vietnam with our Gastronomy Tour crafted for the food enthusiasts. Delve into the heart of Vietnamese cuisine as you explore bustling markets, savor mouthwatering street food, and learn the art of traditional cooking from local experts.
📍13 Days 12 Nights | HCMC - Cai Be - Can Tho - Sa Dec - Da Nang - Hoi An - Hue - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay - Ha Noi
Tour Highlights
Discover Vibrant Markets: Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of local markets, where vendors sell an array of fresh produce, aromatic herbs and exotic spices. Experience the hustle and bustle as you interact with vendors and learn about essential ingredients in Vietnamese cooking.
Indulge in Street Food: Sample an array of delectable street food delicacies at bustling food stalls and hidden eateries. From savory "bánh mì" sandwiches to fragrant "phở" noodle soup, each dish offers a unique taste of Vietnam's culinary heritage.
Cooking Classes: Roll up your sleeves and participate in hands-on cooking classes led by experts. Learn to prepare iconic Vietnamese dishes such as "bánh xèo" (sizzling pancake) and "gỏi cuốn" (fresh spring rolls) using traditional techniques and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the cultural traditions surrounding Vietnamese cuisine. Visit local homes to learn family recipes passed down through generations, gain insight into the significance of food in Vietnamese culture and daily life.
Regional Specialties: Explore the diverse culinary landscape of Vietnam, from the delicate flavors of Northern cuisine to the bold and spicy dishes of the Central and Southern regions. Taste regional specialties unique to each area and discover the culinary nuances that define Vietnam's gastronomic heritage.
You can find tasty food at almost every local restaurant as well as food stall in Vietnam. What is a more satisfying way to discover a new culture than to start with its cuisine? Join Vietspace on a foodie adventure to discover more about Vietnam and its people!
𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐓𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋
☎️ 028 3820 5065
🌐 www.vietspacetravel.com
📧 marketing@vietspacetravel.com
🏢 Vinhomes Golden River - No.2 Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe, HCMC, Vietnam
Other News
Featured Tours