Vietnamese cuisine is a delightful tapestry of flavors, textures, and aromas that has captivated food lovers around the world. From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, the balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory is a hallmark of Vietnamese dishes. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through some of the most famous Vietnamese dishes, each representing a unique region and culinary tradition.
No exploration of Vietnamese food would be complete without mentioning phở. This iconic noodle soup is Vietnam’s national dish, originating from Hanoi in the north. A steaming bowl of phở features rice noodles bathed in a fragrant, slow-cooked broth, usually beef-based. Topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime, the flavors of phở are a harmonious medley that will leave you craving for more.
Heading further south to Ho Chi Minh City, we encounter bánh xèo, a popular street food dish. Bánh xèo translates to “sizzling cake” due to the sound the batter makes when poured onto a hot skillet. This crispy pancake is filled with a variety of ingredients such as bean sprouts, shrimp, pork, and mung beans. Wrap it in fresh lettuce leaves and dip it in a tangy fish sauce, and you have a delicious explosion of flavors in each bite.
No seafood lover should miss cá kho tộ, a traditional Vietnamese caramelized fish dish. The fish, often catfish or snakehead, is cooked slowly in a clay pot with a savory caramel sauce, creating a luscious and slightly sweet flavor. The result is tender, succulent fish with a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice.
For those seeking a truly authentic Vietnamese experience, bún chả is a must-try dish. Made famous by former President Barack Obama during his visit to Hanoi, bún chả is a combination of grilled pork patties, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce served with fried spring rolls. This flavorful dish showcases the vibrant and bold flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Moving to southern Vietnam, we find cơm tấm, also known as broken rice. This dish originated from the leftovers of broken grains of rice sold at a discounted price. Today, cơm tấm is a beloved street food staple that typically includes grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, steamed egg cake, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of fish sauce. The unique texture of the broken rice adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
Hailing from the northern region, bánh cuốn is a delicate rice noodle roll that can be enjoyed any time of the day. The thin, silky rice crepes are filled with a mixture of ground pork, mushrooms, and shallots. Served with a side of tangy fish sauce and garnished with crispy fried shallots, bánh cuốn is a comforting and light dish that showcases the meticulous skills required to make the perfect rice crepes.
