Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and balance of textures. If you have the opportunity to try Vietnamese dishes, here are some iconic delicacies to experience:
- Pho: This iconic Vietnamese noodle soup is a must-try. It typically consists of tender rice noodles, flavorful broth, and slices of either beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga). Garnish it with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, and chili to add extra flavor.
- Banh Mi: Known as Vietnam’s famous sandwich, banh mi combines French and Vietnamese influences. It features a crispy baguette filled with various ingredients such as grilled pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a special sauce.
- Bun Cha: Originating from Hanoi, bun cha is a flavorful dish consisting of grilled pork patties, served alongside vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime, garlic, and chili.
- Banh Xeo: Banh xeo is a delicious savory pancake filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. It is often accompanied by a mix of lettuce leaves and rice paper, which you can use to roll the pancake before dipping it into a tangy sauce.
- Goi Cuon: Also known as fresh spring rolls or summer rolls, goi cuon is a refreshing and healthy dish. These translucent rice paper rolls are filled with shrimp, pork, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and sometimes vegetables. They are typically served with a peanut dipping sauce.
- Cha Gio: Cha gio, or Vietnamese spring rolls, are crispy fried rolls filled with a mixture of ground pork, vegetables, and sometimes shrimp or crab. They are often eaten dipped in a sweet and tangy fish sauce.
- Com Tam: Com tam is a popular dish consisting of broken rice served with grilled pork chops (suon), shredded pork skin, steamed egg, pickled vegetables, and a fish sauce dressing. It offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
- Banh Cuon: Banh cuon are delicate steamed rice rolls filled with minced pork and wood ear mushrooms. They are often served with bean sprouts, herbs, fried shallots, and a nuoc cham dipping sauce.
- Ca Kho To: Ca kho to is a traditional Vietnamese braised fish dish cooked in a clay pot. The fish, commonly catfish, is simmered in a caramelized sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. It is often served with rice.
- Che: Che refers to a variety of Vietnamese sweet desserts and beverages. These can include colorful and refreshing creations such as che ba mau (three-color dessert), che chuoi (banana coconut dessert), or che bap (corn pudding).
Remember, these are just a few highlights of Vietnamese cuisine. Exploring the diverse culinary offerings of Vietnam will lead you to discover many more tantalizing dishes.