Vietnamese cuisine: national dishes and interesting features

Vietnamese cuisine impresses with its diversity — there are more than 500 traditional dishes here! Vietnamese people love seafood, use a huge number of spices and seasonings, eat plenty of vegetables and, of course, never say no to rice. You’ll learn about these and other traditions of Vietnamese cuisine further in our article.

Interesting features of Vietnamese cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is famous for the harmony of five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. This balance is achieved thanks to the use of natural ingredients: lime, fish, sugar, chili pepper, and soy sauce.

Vietnamese people prefer frying in fat rather than oil. Vegetables, herbs, and greens are indispensable components of almost any dish. Cilantro, mint, lemongrass, and basil are especially popular. Freshness of ingredients is a key characteristic, as Vietnamese people believe it guarantees not only taste but also health benefits.

In Vietnam, rice is much more than just a side dish. It is used to prepare main courses, soups, appetizers, and even desserts. For example, rice noodles are the base of many famous dishes, such as pho soup.

Cooking is usually done by quick stir-frying, boiling, or steaming. This allows you to preserve the maximum amount of nutrients and minimize the use of fats. That is why Vietnamese cuisine is considered balanced and healthy.

Cooking in Vietnam: which ingredients are used?

An abundance of fresh vegetables, fruit, and seafood — thanks to the favorable climate, Vietnam has a true variety of products for cooking. Rice is the foundation of Vietnamese cuisine. It is used to prepare both main dishes and desserts.

Dishes also include:

• Fresh herbs and greens.
• Spices and seasonings.
• Coconut milk and coconut water.
• Meat and seafood (squid, fish, shrimp).
• Tofu and soy products.

The most popular national dishes of Vietnamese cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is unique thanks to its abundance of ingredients and the simplicity of preparation. It is built on freshness, balance of flavors, and healthy products. Because of this, every dish offers not only taste pleasure but also a piece of Vietnamese culture.

Pho soup

The true culinary symbol of Vietnam! The dish is made with chicken or beef, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. Its unique taste is achieved thanks to spices (star anise, cinnamon, and ginger). This dish is the number one breakfast for millions of Vietnamese people.

Nem

Vietnamese spring rolls, or nem, can be fried or fresh. They are made from rice paper filled with vegetables, shrimp, meat, or tofu. The dish is served with a special sauce based on fish sauce, garlic, and lime.

Banh mi

This dish is a legacy of the French colonial era. Banh mi is a sandwich made with a crispy baguette filled with pâté, meat, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and sauces.

Bun cha

This dish is an ideal option for lunch. Bun cha consists of grilled pork patties, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce based on fish sauce.

Vietnamese coffee and other popular drinks

Vietnam’s national cuisine is also rich in a variety of drinks. The best traditional dishes are complemented by Vietnamese coffee. This special drink is brewed from dark roasted beans. It is usually served with condensed milk and ice. The drink has a rich flavor and is wonderfully invigorating.

Vietnamese people also love:

• salty lemonade chanh muoi;
• rice wine;
• sugarcane juice.

Now you know what lies at the heart of Vietnamese cuisine and which dishes you absolutely must try! With care for you, the Pronto team.