Exploring the Rich Flavors of Vietnamese cuisine: 15 Delights
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, balancing the delicate interplay between sweet and salty tastes. Let’s have a taste of the wonders of Vietnamese cuisine with this list of 15 typical sweet and salty Vietnamese foods.
1. Pho Bo (Beef Noodle Soup):
The well-known Vietnamese traditional meal by excellence! Pho Bo combines a savory beef broth with rice noodles, topped with fresh herbs such as the delicate lemongrass.
2. Ban Bao (White Rose) and Wonton
White roses are Vietnamese ravioli formed by a dough made of steamed and translucent rice. Inside we find shrimp or pork served with a sauce. The dish looks like a flower, hence its name white roses, given by the French.
For the crispy version, you should go for the Wonton. It is the Vietnamese version of a tortilla made with rice flour, shrimp, pork, eggs and spices. It can also be available in soup.
4. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich):
A popular street food, Banh Mi Thit Nuong features crispy baguettes filled with grilled pork or chicken, pickled vegetables, and a medley of savory and sweet sauces.
It is a dish that has the influence of the French colony with the bread similar to the traditional French Baguette but with the taste of Vietnam with the coriander and the carotte and cucumber for fresher
5. Banh Xoai (Mango Cake)
Made from sticky flour, hazelnuts, and sugar, no mango. The cake is soft and except for the center of the cake, the shell is quite bland and floury. It is not made of Mango but it has this name due to its shape which looks like mango seeds.
6. Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls):
These translucent rice paper rolls are filled with shrimp, herbs, pork or shrimps, and vermicelli, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavors, enhanced by a sweet and savory dipping sauce.
7. Cha Ca Thang Long (Turmeric Fish with Dill):
This Hanoi specialty features turmeric-marinated fish, cooked with dill and served with rice noodles, creating a dish that is both aromatic and savory.
8. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepes):
Crispy and golden Banh Xeo are filled with a savory mixture; The mixture is made of pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, mushrooms while a sweet and tangy dipping sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.
It came with a leaf of salad, mint, and coriander. It combines well with nuoc mam, lemon, and a little bit of chili.
9. Spring Rolls (Nem Ran Hay Cha Gio)
The Vietnamese fried spring rolls are made with chicken, shrimp, and vegetables (carrots, mushrooms, and cucumber) rolled in rice paper. They come along with a sour sauce.
10. Bún Bò Nam Bộ
A traditional recipe from Vietnamese cuisine, it comes with various declination. Made from a basis of rice vermicelli served at room temperature, with beef meat and crudity, and of course, the aromatic herbs and nuoc mam which is the quintessence of the Vietnamese flavors.
11. Com Chien (Fried Rice)
Vietnamese fried rice typically incorporates a balance of sweet and savory flavors, often featuring a variety of meats, vegetables, and soy sauce. Warm and salty this meal is a must try.
12. Bun Rieu (Crab Noodle Soup):
This noodle soup boasts a flavorful broth made with crab, tomatoes, and various spices and is a savor and atypic dish.
13. Nom Hoa Chuoi (Banana Flower Salad):
A refreshing salad made from shredded banana flowers, herbs, and a sweet and tangy dressing, providing a unique balance of flavors.
13. Ca Phe Trung (Egg Coffee) and Ca Phe Sua Da
Vietnamese egg coffee is a sweet and creamy concoction made with egg yolks, condensed milk, and robust Vietnamese coffee. If you are not fond of eggs, just try the normal Ca Phe Sua Da which is a cold brew coffee with condensed milk for the sweetness.
14. Chao Tom (Grilled Shrimp on Sugarcane):
Shrimp paste is wrapped around sugarcane, grilled to perfection, and served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce, offering a delightful contrast of flavors.
15. Ca Kho To (Caramelized Fish in Clay Pot):
Fish is braised in a savory and sweet caramel sauce. It results in a dish that is both comforting and full of rich, complex flavors. Take only white rice with it and mix it with the fish sauce!
The cuisine of Vietnam is at the image of the country, warm, full of flavours and surprise! It is as various as its regions and will leave you with a feeling of happiness and calmness in your heart and soul.
Curious to discover another Asian cuisine? Check my post on the rich cuisine that Japan offers!
