Top 5 best Vietnamese traditional food that you must try

Top 5 best Vietnamese traditional food that you must try

Do you know anything about Vietnamese traditional food? What are the famous and best dishes that you must try when you’re here? Don’t worry, let’s explore the uniqueness of Vietnamese culinary culture and check out the top 5 traditional Vietnamese food with Prime Travel in this post below:

1. What makes Vietnamese food special and unique? 

With a culinary heritage spanning thousands of years, Vietnamese food boasts a fascinating narrative shaped by its geography and historical backdrop. Vietnam’s tropical climate permeates its food, resulting in a memorable experience.

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Situated along Southeast Asia’s coastline, the country’s cuisine draws inspiration from the abundant coastal resources. Emphasizing the use of fresh ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs, Vietnamese food steers clear of excessive oil and sugar, offering a health-conscious approach to dining.

Distinguished by its unparalleled diversity and distinct flavors, Vietnamese food adheres to the principle of yin and yang, seeking to harmonize and balance various taste, including spicy, sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. This culinary philosophy not only tantalizes the palate but also promotes overall well-being.

What sets Vietnamese traditional food apart is its remarkable combination of culinary influences from numerous cultures, including China, France, India, Cambodia, and beyond. This cultural fusion has endowed Vietnamese cuisine with its own unique identity, making it a captivating and enriching culinary journey for all.

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2. Top 5 Vietnamese traditional dishes

2.1. Phở (Noodle Soup) 

Pho, a traditional Vietnamese food, holds a captivating and storied past. This noodle soup, featuring a fragrant broth crafted from beef or chicken, intertwined with rice noodles, herbs, and succulent meat, originated in northern Vietnam during the late 19th century. 

Over time, Pho evolved into a beloved street food in Hanoi, where itinerant vendors would carry mobile kitchens suspended on poles. Today, Pho stands proudly as Vietnam’s national dish, symbolized the essence of its culture.

Pho is a delicious dish that you can enjoy any time of the day. You can customize your bowl with different sauces, toppings, and herbs to suit your taste. Whether you choose beef or chicken Pho, the meat cooks quickly in the hot broth, while fresh ingredients like bean sprouts, basil, cilantro, lime, chili, hoisin sauce, and sriracha sauce add color and flavor. Pho is a comforting and satisfying meal that can warm your heart and make you satisfied. 

2.2. Bánh mì (Bread) 

Banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that combines the influences of French and Vietnamese cuisines. It consists of a crispy baguette filled with various meats, pickled vegetables, herbs, and sauces. Banh mi was invented in the 1920s by Vietnamese street vendors who sold their sandwiches to French soldiers during the colonial era.

Banh Mi reflects the history and culture of Vietnam. It uses local ingredients like cilantro, daikon, carrot, chili, and fish sauce to create a distinctive flavor that is both savory and refreshing. It also adapts to different regions and preferences by offering different types of meat, such as pork, chicken, beef, pate, or tofu. Banh mi is a versatile and customizable sandwich that can suit any taste. 

Banh mi can be found in many places around the world, especially in countries with a large Vietnamese diaspora. However, the best place to enjoy banh mi is in Vietnam itself, where you can find authentic and fresh banh mi at street stalls, markets, or cafes.

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2.3. Nem (Spring Roll) 

One of the dishes that you should not miss when visiting Vietnam is spring roll. Spring roll is a type of pastry that can be fried or fresh, and filled with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, noodles and herbs. The filling can vary depending on the region, season and personal preference of the cook. Some of the common fillings are pork, shrimp, crab, chicken, egg, carrot, cabbage, bean sprouts, vermicelli, mint, basil and cilantro. 

Spring roll is also a great way to experience the culture and cuisine of Vietnam, as each region has its own style and flavor of spring roll that showcases its local ingredients and specialties. For example, you can try the northern style fried spring roll with minced pork and mushrooms, the southern style fresh spring roll with shrimp and herbs, or the central style grilled spring roll with beef and lemongrass. You can find spring rolls in many places in Vietnam, from street vendors to restaurants.

No matter where you eat spring rolls, you will be delighted by its crispy or soft texture, savory or sweet taste, and aromatic or spicy smell. Spring roll is a dish that you will never get bored of, and always want to come back for more. It is a perfect example of how Vietnamese food is simple yet sophisticated, delicious yet healthy, and diverse yet harmonious.

2.4. Chè (Vietnamese sweet dessert) 

If you are looking for a sweet treat in Vietnam, you should not miss Che, a traditional Vietnamese dessert that comes in many forms and flavors. Che can be a pudding, a beverage, a soup, or a custard, depending on the ingredients and the preparation method. 

There are many kinds of che in Vietnam, each with its own distinctive taste and appearance. Some of the most popular ones are:

• Che ba mau: A colorful dessert with three layers of beans and jelly in coconut milk..
• Che buoi: A creamy pudding with pomelo segments and tapioca pearls.
• Che thai: A fruit cocktail with various fruits, jelly cubes, and coconut cream.
• Che bap: A corn pudding with sweet corn kernels and coconut milk.

Che is also served at family gatherings or festivals, such as Tet or Mid-Autumn Festival, as a symbol of sweetness and happiness. Che is more than just a dessert; it is a way to experience the rich and vibrant culture of Vietnam.

2.5. Xôi (Sticky Rice) 

Vietnamese sticky rice, or xôi, is a popular dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Sticky rice is made from glutinous rice that has been soaked, steamed, and mixed with various ingredients such as coconut milk, mung beans, peanuts, sesame seeds, or meat. 

Sticky rice can be sweet or savory, depending on the toppings and seasonings. Some of the most common types of sticky rice are Xoi vo (with mung bean paste), Xoi lac (with peanuts), xoi dua (with coconut milk), and Xoi man (with meat and eggs). Sticky rice is an integral part of Vietnamese culture, as it is often served during festivals, weddings, and other special occasions. It is also a symbol of prosperity, happiness, and gratitude. 

For many Vietnamese people, sticky rice is a comfort food that reminds them of their childhood and family. Whether you prefer it plain or with a variety of flavors, sticky rice is a delicious and satisfying way to experience Vietnamese cuisine.

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3. Vietnamese Traditional Food: What to Know Before You Try

Vietnamese food is a delicious and diverse cuisine that offers a variety of dishes, flavors, and ingredients. However, before trying Vietnamese food, there are some things you should be aware of to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Food safety and hygiene: Vietnamese food is often prepared with fresh herbs, vegetables, and meats, which can be prone to contamination if not handled properly. To avoid food poisoning, make sure to eat at reputable restaurants or street stalls that have good reviews and ratings.

• Food allergies: Vietnamese food may contain common allergens, such as peanuts, soy, sesame, shellfish, or gluten. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, make sure to inform the staff before ordering and ask for the ingredients of the dishes you want to try. You can also learn some basic Vietnamese phrases to communicate your dietary needs, such as “Tôi bị dị ứng với...” (I am allergic to…) or “Tôi không ăn được…” (I cannot eat…).

• Exotic food: Vietnamese food is known for its adventurous and exotic dishes, such as insects, blood pudding, rat meat, or fertilized duck eggs. These dishes are considered delicacies by some locals and may be offered to you as a sign of hospitality or curiosity. If you are feeling brave and adventurous, you can try these dishes at your own risk and discretion. However, if you are not comfortable or interested in eating them, you can politely decline by saying “Cảm ơn nhưng tôi không ăn” (Thank you but I don’t want to eat) or “Tôi không thích món này” (I don’t like this dish). 

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Conclusion

To conclude, Here is the information about 5 traditional dishes in Vietnam that Prime Travel has shared with you. We hope that after reading this post, you’ll be equipped with the ultimate guide to experiencing the best of Vietnamese cuisine.

Furthermore, if you want to discover deeper insight into the beauty of traditional food, you might consider booking a “Dinner with Locals” experience. This opportunity not only allows you to savor traditional dishes from Vietnam but also brings a chance to interact and learn from the locals in Hanoi.

Check out Prime Travel’s Hanoi tours here:

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