Vietnamese cuisine

Overview

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its balance of five fundamental taste elements in the overall meal. Each Vietnamese dish has a distinctive flavor which reflects one or more of these elements. Common ingredients include fish sauce, shrimp paste, soy sauce, rice, fresh herbs, fruit, and vegetables. Traditional Vietnamese cooking is greatly admired for its fresh ingredients, minimal use of oil, and reliance on herbs and vegetables. With the balance between fresh herbs and meats and a selective use of spices to reach a fine taste, Vietnamese food is considered one of the healthiest cuisines worldwide.

Regional Variations

Vietnamese cuisine varies by region. In the north, the colder climate limits the production and availability of spices. As a result, the food tends to be less spicy than in other regions. The cuisine of the north is known for its use of soy sauce and fish sauce, and dishes often include beef and pork.

In central Vietnam, the cuisine is known for its bold flavors and the use of many spices. The region is famous for its imperial cuisine, which was developed in the royal kitchens of the Nguyen dynasty.

The southern region of Vietnam has a warm climate and fertile soil, which allows for a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. The cuisine here is often sweet and spicy, with a liberal use of coconut milk.

Popular Dishes

Pho

Pho, a popular Vietnamese noodle soup

Pho is a Vietnamese soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, usually beef or chicken. Pho is a popular street food in Vietnam and the specialty of a number of restaurant chains around the world. Pho originated in the early 20th century in northern Vietnam and was popularized throughout the world by refugees after the Vietnam War.

Bún chả

Bún chả, a Vietnamese dish of grilled pork and noodle

Bún chả is a Vietnamese dish of grilled pork and noodle, which is thought to have originated from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Bún chả is served with grilled fatty pork (chả) over a plate of white rice noodle (bún) and herbs with a side dish of dipping sauce.

Bún bò Huế

Bún bò Huế, a spicy beef noodle soup

Bún bò Huế is a popular Vietnamese soup containing rice vermicelli and beef. Huế is a city in central Vietnam associated with the cooking style of the former royal court. The dish is greatly admired for its balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors and the predominant flavor is that of lemongrass.

Mì vằn thắn

Mì vằn thắn, a Vietnamese noodle soup

Mì vằn thắn is a Vietnamese noodle soup that is influenced by Chinese cuisine. It typically includes egg noodles, wontons, and various meats such as pork or shrimp, served in a flavorful broth.

Bánh mì

Bánh mì, a Vietnamese sandwich

Bánh mì is a Vietnamese sandwich that consists of a baguette filled with a variety of ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and condiments. The baguette was introduced by the French during the colonial period, and the sandwich has since become a staple of Vietnamese cuisine.

Cà ri gà

Vietnamese chicken curry with baguette

Cà ri gà is a Vietnamese chicken curry that is influenced by Indian and French cuisines. It is made with chicken, potatoes, carrots, and coconut milk, and is often served with rice or a baguette.

Chả cá Lã Vọng

Chả cá Lã Vọng, a famous Hanoi dish

Chả cá Lã Vọng is a famous dish from Hanoi, consisting of grilled fish seasoned with turmeric and dill. It is typically served with rice noodles, peanuts, and a dipping sauce.

Mì Quảng

Mì Quảng, a noodle dish from central Vietnam

Mì Quảng is a noodle dish that originates from Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam. It is made with rice noodles, meat (such as chicken, pork, or shrimp), and a small amount of broth, and is garnished with herbs, peanuts, and rice crackers.

Related Pages

• Vietnamese culture
• Vietnamese language
• Vietnamese history