If you're a foodie with a taste for adventure, Vietnamese food is a culinary gem that should be on your radar. With its complex flavours, fresh ingredients, and rich history, the best Vietnamese cuisine offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Whether travelling to Vietnam or teaching, this guide will introduce you to the must-try dishes and culinary hotspots that will make your taste buds sing.
The Rich History of Vietnamese Food: A Melting Pot of Cultures and Flavors
The history of Vietnamese food is a fascinating tale that intertwines with the country's changing political and cultural landscape. The foundation of Vietnamese cuisine dates back to the indigenous people of Vietnam who settled in the Hong River Valley around 12,000 BC.
Over the centuries, the cuisine evolved as cooking tools became more sophisticated and influences from other countries, such as China, France, and neighbouring Southeast Asian nations, became more prominent.
The Birth of Noodles and the Chinese Influence
In the 2nd century BC, Nam Viet, which included present-day Vietnam, was considered a Chinese province. For 1,000 years, the Vietnamese people lived under the reign of various Chinese dynasties.
This period saw the introduction of noodles to Vietnamese cuisine, a culinary innovation that originated in China. Noodles made from millet, wheat, rice, and eggs were exported to Vietnam and soon became an integral part of the local diet.
The French Colonial Legacy and Culinary Fusion
From 1887 to 1954, Vietnam was a part of French Indochina, and the solid culinary influences of French cuisine can still be seen today. The most famous example of this fusion is banh mi, a sandwich made with various pork products, pickled vegetables, and a toasted baguette.
This delicious creation highlights the unique blend of Vietnamese and French flavours, now a modern Vietnamese food hallmark.
Exploring the Best of Vietnamese Cuisine: A Foodie's Must-Try List
With its diverse flavours and ingredients, Vietnamese cuisine offers various dishes for foodies to explore. Here are ten of the best dishes that showcase the depth and complexity of Vietnamese food.
1. Pho: The Quintessential Vietnamese Dish
Regarding Vietnamese food, pho is undoubtedly the star of the show. This iconic noodle soup consists of either beef or chicken broth simmered for hours and served piping hot with a heaping plate of crunchy leafy greens and aromatic herbs. Despite its simple ingredients, pho is a symphony of flavours that has captured the hearts of foodies worldwide.
2. Banh Mi: A Tasty Fusion of Vietnamese and French Flavors
Banh mi, which translates to "bread" in Vietnamese, is a sandwich traditionally made with pork products, pickled vegetables, and a toasted baguette. The perfect fusion of Vietnamese and French flavours, banh mi is a must-try for anyone seeking a taste of Vietnam's culinary history.
3. Banh Xeo and Banh Khot: Crispy Crepes and Mini Pancakes
Banh xeo is a savoury crepe made from rice flour and turmeric powder, giving it a distinct yellow hue. Stuffed with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, these crepes are often wrapped in lettuce, garnished with herbs, and dipped in fish sauce. Banh khot is a mini pancake version of banh xeo, featuring a single shrimp in the centre. Cooked in a special cast-iron plate, these bite-sized treats boast a crunchy exterior and fluffy interior.
4. Bun Rieu: A Flavorful Crab and Tomato Noodle Soup
Bun rieu is a noodle soup dish with a crab and tomato broth foundation. Combining the crustaceans' piquant aroma and the tomatoes' acidity creates a unique flavour profile. Vermicelli noodles are often used, with toppings that include meatballs, pork knuckles, fried tofu, fish, snails, and blood cubes.
5. Goi Cuon: Fresh Spring Rolls
Goi cuon, or fresh spring rolls, are a lighter and healthier alternative to their fried counterpart, cha gio. Slices of pork, shrimp, lettuce, mint, and vermicelli noodles are neatly wrapped in translucent rice paper and served with a hoisin-peanut dip.
6. Thit Kho To: Caramelized Pork Belly
Thit kho to is an addictive dish featuring chunks of pork belly slowly braised in sugar and fish sauce until fork-tender. Served in a clay pot, it's best enjoyed with rice, and boiled vegetables dipped in the sauce. For seafood lovers, try the ca kho to, made with catfish, instead.
7. Bun Bo Hue: A Spicy, Sour, and Sweet Noodle Soup
Bun bo Hue is a hearty beef noodle soup with a lemongrass-infused broth seasoned with shrimp paste, sugar, and chilli oil. The dish is named after its origin city, Hue, and is often served with various meats, lime, and herbs. Bun bo Hue is a must-try for any foodie with its perfect balance of spicy, sour, sweet, and salty flavours.
8. Rau Muong Xao Toi: Stir-fried Morning Glory
Rau muong, or morning glory, is a staple vegetable in Vietnamese cuisine. Best enjoyed stir-fried with copious amounts of garlic and a hint of fish sauce and sugar; this simple yet tasty dish showcases the importance of fresh ingredients in Vietnamese food.
9. Bo Kho, Bo Nhung Dam, and Bun Cha: World-Renowned Meat Dishes
Vietnamese dishes like bo kho (stewed beef), bo nhung dam (beef in vinegar hot pot), and bun cha (grilled pork meatballs with vermicelli noodles) have been named among the world's 100 best meat dishes by the TasteAtlas. These dishes highlight the mastery of Vietnamese cuisine in creating flavorful and satisfying meat-based meals.
10. Michelin-Starred Vietnamese Restaurants
Vietnamese cuisine has gained international recognition with four restaurants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City receiving Vietnam's first-ever Michelin stars. These culinary hotspots, including Anan Saigon, Hibana by Koki, Gia, and Tam Vi, showcase Vietnamese chefs' exceptional talent and creativity.
Embrace the Flavors of Vietnam
Vietnamese food is a treasure trove of flavours and textures that every foodie should explore. As you travel and work in Vietnam, teaching or simply enjoying the local culture, take the time to indulge in the country's rich culinary history.
From street food to fine dining, Vietnamese cuisine offers an unforgettable gastronomic journey that will leave you craving more.
Hungry for some authentic Vietnamese chow? Get Vietnam ready and teach in foodie heaven. Grab a copy of The Ultimate Guide To Teaching In Vietnam here.
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