Vietnam food list is a mesmerizing tapestry of flavors, aromas, and textures that showcases the country's rich culinary heritage. This guide delves into the diverse and vibrant world of Vietnamese cuisine, exploring the iconic dishes and regional specialties. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind Vietnam food list, uncovering the cultural significance, unique ingredients, and unforgettable tastes that make it a true gastronomic paradise!
1. Northern Vietnam food list: Top 8 delicious dishes
Get ready to embark on a delicious culinary journey as we explore the rich and diverse list of food in Vietnam's northern regions.
1.1. Pho
If you have not tried Pho yet, you are in for a treat! Pho is a delicious and comforting noodle soup that packs incredible flavors and aromas. The dish typically includes a savory broth made from simmering beef bones for hours and infused with fragrant spices.
Thin rice noodles are then added to the broth along with tender slices of beef or chicken, creating a satisfying combination that warms your soul. From the first spoonful to the last slurp, this hearty Northern Vietnam dish is sure to leave you hooked.
1.2. Vietnamese rice rolls (Banh cuon)
Rice rolls are a delectable dish that will leave your taste buds yearning for more. Made from a thin sheet of steamed rice batter filled with various savory ingredients such as minced pork, mushrooms, and onions, Vietnamese steamed rice rolls are truly a culinary masterpiece.
Served with a side of dipping sauce, these rolls are a perfect appetizer or main course option for any occasion. Whether you are enjoying them at a local street food stall or in the comfort of your own home, Vietnamese rice rolls will never disappoint!
1.3. Rice vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste (Bun dau mam tom)
Rice vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste, locally known as "Bun dau mam tom," is a delicious and popular Vietnamese street food dish that perfectly combines contrasting flavors and textures.
In this casual yet flavorful dish, rice vermicelli noodles are served alongside deep-fried tofu cubes, fresh herbs, and a pungent dipping sauce made from fermented shrimp paste. Bun dau mam tom can be enjoyed as a quick street food snack or as part of a larger feast in a relaxed setting.
1.4. Vu Dai braised fish (Ca kho Vu Dai Ha Nam)
Vu Dai braised fish is a popular Ha Nam dish that perfectly captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. It consists of tender fish fillets that are first marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, garlic, coriander, and black pepper. The fillets are then slowly simmered in a clay pot until they become succulent and infused with rich flavors.
The resulting dish boasts a perfect balance between sweet and savory notes, with a hint of spice from the black pepper. The braising process not only intensifies the flavor but also gives the fish a silky texture that simply melts in your mouth.
1.5. Spicy fish noodle soup (Bun ca)
If you are in Hai Phong and craving a delicious and comforting bowl of soup, then you definitely need to try the spicy fish noodle soup. This specialty is not only flavorful, but it also offers a unique twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
The broth is made by simmering fish bones with fragrant herbs and spices, resulting in a rich and aromatic base that will tantalize your taste buds. The noodles are typically rice vermicelli, which adds a lightness to the dish, while the generous serving of fresh fish provides a meaty texture.
But what sets this dish apart is the heat! The soup is packed with fiery chili peppers that give it an intense kick. Each spoonful brings together the perfect balance of flavors: spicy, tangy, and savory.
1.6. Rice vermicelli with grilled pork (Bun cha)
Rice vermicelli with grilled pork is another Vietnamese dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy. It consists of tender slices of grilled pork, served over a bed of vermicelli noodles alongside an array of fresh herbs and vegetables.
What truly makes this dish stand out is the fragrant dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili. The combination of smoky flavors from the grilled pork, the soft and delicate texture of the rice vermicelli, and the refreshing crispness of the accompanying herbs creates a harmonious culinary experience.
1.7. Sticky rice with ant eggs (Xoi trung kien)
Sticky rice with ant eggs, also known as “Xoi trung kien” in Vietnamese, is a unique and delightful dish that can satisfy any adventurous eater. It includes glutinous rice cooked and topped with a generous portion of ant eggs.
The sticky rice itself has a chewy yet tender consistency that pairs harmoniously with the crunchiness of the ant eggs. Although it may seem unconventional to some, this dish offers a remarkable gastronomic adventure for those willing to try something new.
1.8. Bamboo-cooked sticky rice (Com lam)
Bamboo-cooked sticky rice involves the use of young bamboo shoots as cooking vessels, adding a distinct flavor and aroma to the sticky rice. The process starts with selecting high-quality glutinous rice that is soaked in water overnight until it becomes soft and pliable.
Then, it is stuffed into hollowed-out sections of bamboo and placed over an open fire or hot charcoal. Com lam is often enjoyed by locals during outdoor picnics or as street food, providing a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite.
>>> TOP 12 popular Vietnamese dishes to satisfy your inner foodie
2. Vietnam food list: Top 6 must-try specialties in Central Vietnam
Embark on a gastronomic exploration of Vietnam's culinary treasures with this tantalizing central Vietnamese food list.
2.1. Hue beef noodle soup (Bun bo Hue)
Hue beef noodle soup is a hearty and flavor-packed dish that originates from Hue. The star of the dish is tender slices of beef shank combined with thick rice noodles, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime for added tanginess. The flavors in each spoonful intertwine harmoniously to create a culinary experience that is both comforting and satisfying.
2.2. Clam rice (Com hen)
Clam rice is a mouthwatering delicacy that originates from Central Vietnam. The base of Com hen consists of fragrant and tender rice topped with freshly caught clams, which are cooked until they become juicy and succulent.
The dish is then enhanced with an array of ingredients, such as roasted peanuts, crispy pork rinds, and thinly sliced green onions. To add an extra kick, a hearty spoonful of chili sauce can be added according to personal taste preferences.
2.3. Cao lau - A must-have on the list of Vietnamese foods
Cao lau is an absolute must-have for any food lover visiting the country. This unique and flavorsome dish originated in the ancient town of Hoi An and boasts a fascinating blend of influences from Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisines.
Topped with succulent slices of pork, crispy bean sprouts, fragrant herbs, and crunchy croutons made from deep-fried rice paper, every bite bursts with layers of contrasting flavors and textures. For an added touch of umami goodness, Cao lau is also typically served with a rich broth made from pork bones simmered for hours.
2.4. Nghe An eel soup (Sup luon Nghe An)
Nghe An eel soup is an aromatic soup dish originating from the Nghe An province in Vietnam. It consists of tender pieces of eel cooked in a rich broth infused with various herbs and spices.
Whether you are a seafood lover or someone looking to explore Vietnamese cuisine, Nghe An eel soup is sure to delight your taste buds with its authentic flavors and comforting warmth.
2.5. Quang Binh thick noodle soup (Banh canh Quang Binh)
If you are a fan of hearty and comforting Vietnamese soups, then you definitely need to try Quang Binh thick noodle soup. This dish originates from the central region of Vietnam and is a staple in many households there.
What sets it apart is the thick and chewy noodles that are made using tapioca or rice flour, giving the soup its signature texture. The broth is typically rich and flavorful, made by simmering pork bones for hours with fragrant herbs and spices. The soup is then topped with an assortment of ingredients.
2.6. Rice paper with pork (Banh trang cuon thit heo)
Rice paper with pork is a delicious Da Nang street food that combines the freshness of vegetables with the succulent flavors of grilled pork. This dish typically consists of seasoned slices of pork, along with cucumber, lettuce, bean sprouts, and herbs, all tightly wrapped in translucent rice paper.
The result is an explosion of textures and a medley of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Dipped in a tangy fish sauce or peanut sauce for added depth of flavor, this dish is perfect for those looking for a light yet satisfying meal option.
>>> TOP 15 must-try Vietnamese rice noodles for an explosion of flavors
3. Southern Vietnam food list: 6 of the best dishes to try in South Vietnam
Prepare your taste buds for a flavorful adventure as we delve into the vibrant and enticing list of Vietnamese food in the south.
3.1. Crab thick noodle soup (Banh canh ghe)
Featuring thick rice noodles in a rich and flavorful broth and succulent chunks of crab meat, "Banh canh ghe" is a popular dish in South Vietnam that combines the comfort of a hearty soup with the delightful taste of fresh crab. Whether enjoyed on a chilly day or as a satisfying meal at any time of year, Vietnamese crab thick noodle soup is sure to leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
3.2. Phu Quoc herring salad (Goi ca trich Phu Quoc)
If you find yourself on the beautiful island of Phu Quoc, make sure to try their famous Phu Quoc herring salad. This delightful dish is a fantastic blend of flavors and textures. The main ingredient, fresh herring, is marinated with a combination of fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili for a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
The fish is then mixed with shredded green mango, carrots, and herbs. The use of local ingredients ensures an authentic experience that showcases the island's culinary heritage.
3.3. Can Tho crispy pancake (Banh xeo Can Tho)
Can Tho crispy pancake is a dish that will satisfy any cravings for a crunchy and savory treat. This pancake is made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric powder, which gives it a vibrant yellow color.
Filled with an array of ingredients such as bean sprouts, pork belly slices, and green onions, Can Tho crispy pancakes offer a mouthwatering combination of flavors. The pancake is typically enjoyed by wrapping it in fresh lettuce leaves or rice paper along with herbs before dipping it into sweet fish sauce.
3.4. Hu tieu Sa Dec
Hu tieu Sa Dec is a mouthwatering noodle soup that is sure to satisfy any hungry food lover. What sets it apart from other noodle soups is its combination of various flavors and textures.
The soup base is rich and flavorful, often made with a mix of pork bones, dried shrimp, and shallots. The star ingredient of this dish is the silky-smooth rice noodles, which are accompanied by succulent slices of pork, hearty chunks of tofu, and plump shrimp. Topped off with aromatic herbs, each spoonful offers a burst of flavor!
3.5. Vietnamese summer rolls (Goi cuon)
Goi cuon is a light and healthy dish made of translucent rice paper wrappers filled with a vibrant assortment of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, succulent shrimp or tender grilled meat, and vermicelli noodles.
The beauty of Vietnamese summer rolls lies in their versatility. You can customize them to your liking by adding your favorite ingredients. The rolls are often dipped into a traditional peanut sauce or fish sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
3.6. Ken noodles (Bun ken)
Ken noodles, more commonly known as "Bun ken" in the local street food scene, are a delectable staple that truly embodies the fusion of flavors. These flat rice noodles are stir-fried to perfection with an assortment of fresh vegetables and succulent chunks of your protein of choice.
The dish is then elevated with a generous amount of aromatic herbs. What sets Ken noodles apart is its irresistible sauce, a delicately balanced concoction made from various condiments. It is perfect for any casual gathering or quick lunch fix!
Aside from the list of Vietnamese foods above, you can try: turmeric fish, shrimp cake, banh mi Hoi An, Hoi An chicken rice, Vietnamese fish cake, Vietnamese spring rolls, green sticky rice, etc., on your Vietnam travel.
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By combining your stay at Vinpearl hotels and resorts with a visit to VinWonders, you can immerse yourself in the best of Vietnamese cuisine and entertainment, creating unforgettable memories during your trip to Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, or Da Nang.
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Vietnam food list is a delightful tapestry of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions. Whether you find yourself in the vibrant north, the central region with its royal heritage, or the bountiful southern landscapes, there is always something new and exciting to discover on Vietnam food lists. From the rich and aromatic flavors of Hue beef noodle soup to the fresh and vibrant ingredients of Vietnamese summer rolls, each dish tells a story and invites you to embark on a culinary adventure.
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