05 Must-try Vietnamese Dishes - Savour the mouth-watering tastes of the charming Southeast Asia

Vietnam’s national dish, Pho, is not only a local classic served in households, street stalls, and restaurants country-wide but also a widely relished delicacy throughout the Western hemisphere. The origin of the traditional dish goes back to the early 20th century in the city of Nam Dinh, even though there are rumours that the dish was originally derived from the French pot au feu. While that is up for debate, one thing is absolutely certain: the unique and intricate flavours the noodle soup combines are like no other, even in its parent Southeast Asian cuisine. The country-wide popularity of Pho is no wonder, so much so that a few regional varieties of the dish have also emerged over the years, especially Pho Bac and Pho Nam, made in the northern and southern parts of the country, respectively, reworking the original combination of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat.

The traditional variety of Vietnamese sandwiches could be best described as the Southeast Asian nation’s alternative to baguette or submarine, but unlike a submarine, the bread is split lengthwise. Delving deep into Vietnamese, Banh mi is more than just another traditional delicacy but a reflection of the country’s Colonial history. The bread/baguette and the meat that goes into the baguette are a legacy of French and Chinese colonialism, while cucumber, carrot, daikon, cilantro, and chillies are representative of Vietnam’s abundance of fresh vegetables and herbs.

For many tourists to the Southeast Asian nation, the traditional pancake is a Vietnamese alternative to Crêpe, for it is immediately reminiscent of the world-renowned delicacy from France. In its basic formation, Banh xeo is a combination of rice flour, water, and turmeric powder stuffed with a filling of scallions, bean sprouts, shrimp, and pork or beef, which packs the crispy fried rice pancake with a world of flavour.

The delectable pork and noodle dish is, without a doubt, one of the most generous dishes of Southeast Asian cuisine. A plate of appealingly white rice noodles combined with an assortment of fresh greens and accompanied by a bowl of steaming hot grilled pork meatballs in broth — understandably, attempting Bun cha with an empty stomach is advisable. The traditional dish has its roots deeply embedded in the city of Hoi An, on Vietnam’s central coast, but is a local classic relished throughout the country.

One could never go wrong with a couple of deep-fried Cha gio, for it is breathtakingly flavoursome like no other. Anyone looking for the delectable Vietnamese fried spring rolls could find them being served at almost any restaurant in Quy Nhon, offered by properties such as Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, and eateries in other parts of the country as well.