Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a delicate balance between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Here are the top ten must-try Vietnamese dishes.
Pho
Pho is arguably the most famous Vietnamese dish and has gained popularity worldwide. The dish originates from Northern Vietnam, specifically Hanoi, and has regional variations. The broth is the heart of this dish, made by simmering beef or chicken bones along with charred onions, ginger, and a blend of spices such as star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Thinly sliced meat, beef or chicken, is cooked briefly in the piping hot broth before serving.
The soup is typically garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, and green onions, along with bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chilies, allowing diners to customize their bowls to their taste.
Banh Mi
The Banh Mi sandwich is an iconic Vietnamese street food that reflects the country's French colonial influence. The baguette, which is lighter and airier than its French counterpart, is the foundation of the sandwich.
Traditional fillings include various types of cold cuts such as ham, head cheese, or pâté. Grilled meats like lemongrass-marinated pork or tofu are also popular for a vegetarian option. The sandwich is then topped with pickled daikon, radish, and carrots, cucumber slices, fresh cilantro, and spicy chili sauce or jalapeños, creating a harmonious combination of flavors and textures.
Bun Cha
This dish is believed to have originated in Hanoi and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Bun Cha features small grilled patties or slices of seasoned pork, usually marinated in fish sauce, sugar, and various spices, which are grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor.
The pork is served with a side of cold vermicelli noodles, a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, and water, and an assortment of fresh herbs and vegetables such as lettuce, mint, and cilantro. Diners can either dip the noodles and meat into the sauce or mix everything together in a bowl.
Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Goi Cuon, or fresh spring rolls, are a popular appetizer in Vietnamese cuisine. The rolls are made by soaking thin rice paper in water briefly to make them pliable, then filling them with a combination of ingredients that usually include cooked shrimp, thinly sliced pork, rice noodles, and an assortment of fresh herbs such as mint, cilantro, and lettuce.
The rolls are served cold and are often accompanied by a dipping sauce made from hoisin sauce, peanut butter, and water, sometimes garnished with crushed peanuts. Goi Cuon is a light and refreshing dish, perfect for warm weather or as a starter before a heavier meal.
Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo is a Vietnamese savory pancake with a crisp, delicate texture. The name "Banh Xeo" translates to "sizzling cake" due to the sound the batter makes when it hits the hot pan. The batter is made from a mixture of rice flour, water, and turmeric, which gives the pancakes their signature yellow hue.
The pancake is typically filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs, then folded in half and cooked until crispy. Banh Xeo is traditionally served with lettuce leaves, which are used to wrap pieces of the pancake, and a dipping sauce called "Nuoc Cham," made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, and garlic. The combination of flavors and textures makes Banh Xeo a delicious and satisfying dish.
Source: I See Yummy. (2023, April 11). Top 10 Must try Vietnamese food [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vRtzkoV-Oc