Christmas is not only a religious occasion but also a time for families and friends to gather and indulge in a sumptuous feast. If you intend to celebrate Christmas in Vietnam, you will have the opportunity to enjoy special Vietnamese Christmas food. Each dish embodies the spirit of joy, togetherness, and culinary creativity. Read on to explore some exquisite dishes that you should try during your Vietnam travel journey!
1. Roasted turkey - popular Christmas food in Vietnam
Roast turkey is an incredibly popular Christmas dish among British people. It is a symbol of festive celebrations, often enjoyed with family and friends. Interestingly, thanks to US President Lincoln's recognition of Thanksgiving as an international holiday, this dish has gained popularity worldwide and has become one of the Vietnamese Christmas foods as well.
On Christmas Eve, you can easily find numerous restaurants in Vietnam serving roasted turkey. The succulent turkey is typically seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and roasted to perfection. The shiny look and mouthwatering smell of roasted turkey add a special touch to the party table, making it feel complete.
2. Christmas pudding
Christmas pudding has a rich and fascinating history. In the old days, it used to be made with wine, herbs, onions, plums, veal, breadcrumbs, dried fruits, and spices.
However, in the 15th century, the recipe was changed, leaving out the vegetables and meat. What many people enjoy about it is the sweet candy layer on top of the cake. And the surprise of finding a coin inside is seen as a sign of good luck for the person who discovers
it. Although pudding is not a traditional Vietnamese Christmas food, numerous restaurants serve it on Christmas Eve in Vietnam.
3. Candy cane - indispensable Vietnamese Christmas food
Candy cane is an essential treat during Vietnamese Christmas celebrations. It is characterized by its primary white color, adorned with alternating red and green stripes. Symbolically, the white signifies the purity and holiness of God, while the red represents His blood. The candy cane's shape is a simple stick, but it carries a deeper meaning. When you turn it upside down, it actually forms the letter J, which is the initial letter of Jesus. This little detail adds a profound layer of significance to this beloved Christmas sweet.
>>> Check out the top 12 toothsome Vietnamese street food dishes to savor on your trip!
4. Christmas sugar cookies
Another delightful addition to the Vietnamese Christmas table is the sugar cookie, a cherished holiday treat. These sweet cookies are crafted from a blend of ginger, almonds, breadcrumbs, sugar, and a touch of fruit. What makes them even more delightful is that, before baking, you can mold the dough into various shapes to suit your preferences. A platter of these colorful sugar cookies on the party table is sure to captivate everyone, from the youngest to the oldest guests. They really add a festive touch to the celebration.
5. Vietnamese noodle soups
When celebrating Christmas Eve in Vietnam, besides just enjoying festive treats, it is ideal to try a delightful variety of Vietnamese noodle soups. The choices are both diverse and delectable, including Pho, Bun bo Hue noodles, Mi Quang, Ken noodles, Cao Lau, fried fish cake noodle, red noodle soup with crab, crab tapioca noodle soup, and fermented fish noodle soup. These noodle soups, each with its own unique character, provide a comforting and enjoyable way to spend Christmas Eve with family and friends in Vietnam.
Sharing steaming bowls of noodles fosters togetherness and creates cherished moments and warm memories during this special time of year.
6. Vietnamese spring rolls - delicious Vietnamese food for Christmas
Enjoying Vietnamese spring rolls on Christmas Eve is a delightful way to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Vietnam. There is a lot of creativity in the types of Vietnamese spring rolls you can find. Each region of the country has its own recipe for making spring rolls. Some of the most popular ones include fried Vietnamese spring rolls, fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, pho Vietnamese spring rolls, Vietnamese spring rolls with crab meat, and vegetarian lettuce rolls.
>>> Let’s explore some stunning Vietnamese Christmas decorations!
7. Vietnamese cakes
Instead of savoring classic Christmas cakes as usual, why not try some types of Vietnamese cakes to make this Christmas Eve extra special? These cakes are famous for their diverse tastes and cultural significance, making them a must-try for food lovers. With every bite, Vietnamese cakes provide a taste of the nation's culinary heritage and traditions. Some great options to try include Vietnamese rice cake, Vietnamese banana cake, Vietnamese honeycomb cake, and Vietnamese mung bean cake. Besides other Vietnamese Christmas foods, Vietnamese cakes will be a great addition to your cozy Christmas dinner.
8. Vietnamese salad
Vietnamese salads are an important part of the Christmas feast, balancing out the richness of dishes like roasted turkey. They are filled with fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, and tasty dressings, offering a healthy and flavorful taste of Vietnam. You definitely do not want to miss Vietnamese chicken salad, Vietnamese papaya salad, Vietnamese mango salad, and Vietnamese cabbage salad. These salads add a light and tasty touch to your Christmas meal, making it even more enjoyable. So, include Vietnamese salad in your holiday tradition and savor the goodness this Vietnamese Christmas food brings to the table.
9. Che (sweet soup) - one of the must-try Vietnamese Christmas desserts
Being one of the most exquisite treasures among Vietnamese desserts, sweet soup (“chè” in Vietnamese) is the perfect choice to conclude your Christmas dinner. This delightful treat is created from a medley of ingredients, including beans, fruits, nuts, and glutinous rice. Thanks to its sweet and refreshing flavor, it is especially perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings on a cozy day. There are various popular versions of che to explore. "Che Ba Mau" is a favorite, featuring three different colored beans, while "che Thai" combines fruits and coconut milk for a unique twist. You can easily find che at street vendors, local markets, and restaurants all around Vietnam.
>>> Don’t forget to listen to some popular Vietnamese Christmas songs and find your Christmas jam!
If you are looking for some destinations in Southeast Asia to enjoy your Christmas Eve, it is highly recommended that you visit Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, or Ha Long to experience the Christmas vibe in Vietnam. In these destinations, you should stay at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl. You will experience world-class accommodation and all sorts of amenities, such as outdoor swimming pools, children's playgrounds, babysitting services, restaurants, bars, gyms, and so on. Moreover, you can unwind at the world-class VinWonders entertainment complexes. They will definitely bring you and your beloved many interesting experiences.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long to have a luxurious stay during your holiday!
Vietnamese Christmas food adds a special touch to the holiday season with its unique flavors and cultural significance. From tasty roasted turkey and aromatic spring rolls to sweet delights like che and traditional cakes, these dishes bring people together in celebration. If you are in Vietnam for Christmas or keen to explore new flavors, Vietnamese Christmas food provides a diverse and delicious experience.
