Joanna James
Offering foodies the world over an array of delectable delights, Vietnamese food is best savoured in its home base. From popular street foods to traditional meals that are regularly served in local households, here's a list of Vietnamese food that all travellers must try.
As a firm favourite in Vietnamese cuisine, this grilled banana and sticky rice treat is both a dessert and a snack that's sold on the streets. Considered a comfort food by many locals living overseas, this popular dish is so rich in natural flavour that it hardly requires any seasoning. The grilled bananas and the coconut milk-infused rice go so well together that kids and adults can't resist this decadent little pick-me-up that's available at all hours of the day.
If Thailand is synonymous with Pad Thai, the dish Vietnam is synonymous with is definitely a bowl of Pho. The meal is so well-loved that it has been added to the English dictionary and variations of Pho are served in most Asian restaurants around the world. Those who are fortunate enough to be holidaying in Vietnam, however, can savour Pho in its most authentic and traditional guise. A hearty noodle soup made using rice noodles, chicken /beef meat slices and fresh herbs, Pho is a nutritious meal that ticks all the flavour categories.
Seafood lovers based at Avani Quy Nhon Resort and other bases will find that the best restaurants in Vietnam each offer their take on this classic local meal. This rice vermicelli broth is both tangy and spicy thanks to the use of crab meat, bean sprouts, tomatoes, tofu and a plethora of spices and herbs. As a dish that's beloved among fans of Vietnamese cuisine, the traditional meal is one that's both filling and high in nutritional value.
As a dish that's a leftover from Vietnam's colonial era, Bahn Mi has often been called the country's take on French Baguettes. As a savoury bread meal that's often consumed for breakfast, Bahn Mi does require a baguette to serve as the "bun" that makes up the sandwich. Although the filling in each Bahn Mi sandwich differs from bakery to bakery, most will feature a number of pickled veggies, grilled meat items and herbs.
While most staples in Vietnamese cuisine are savoury and tangy, visitors should not miss out on a sweet and decadent serving of Che when travelling around the country. As the most widely available dessert in Vietnam locals and expats frequently order the treat from roadside kiosks and restaurants. Although coconut cream and Pandan jelly are a constant in every incarnation of Che, some vendors use mung beans while others use tapioca pearls to add texture to this refreshing dessert/beverage. Garnished with peanuts and crushed ice, it is the perfect way to beat the heat when sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City.
Listed as Vietnamese Summer Rolls on most menus in Southern Vietnam, this light and airy snack is the perfect accompaniment for a cup of coffee or tea. Comparable to spring rolls, Goi Cuon uses transparent rice paper to encase noodles, shrimp, veggies and herbs and create crunchy bite-size delights.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
