Top 10 Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes for New Foodies
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its vibrant flavours, fresh ingredients, and healthy cooking methods. Exploring this rich culinary tradition can be an exciting adventure for new foodies. From savory soups to refreshing salads and flavorful street foods, Vietnamese cuisine has something for everyone. Here are the top 10 must-try Vietnamese dishes for those new to this delightful and diverse food culture.
1- Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Pho is the most famous Vietnamese dish and a perfect starting point for new foodies. This aromatic noodle soup has a clear broth, rice noodles, herbs, and usually beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga). The broth is simmered for hours with bones, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon, giving it a deep, rich flavour. It’s typically garnished with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and green onions and served with lime wedges, bean sprouts, and chilli.
Why You Should Try It: Pho is a quintessential Vietnamese comfort food. It’s light yet satisfying, making it an excellent introduction to the flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.
2- Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich)
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that reflects the country’s colonial history, blending French and Vietnamese culinary traditions. It comprises a crispy baguette with various ingredients, including pate, sliced pork, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chilli. Variations can include chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Why You Should Try It: Banh Mi offers a unique fusion of flavours and textures. The crunchy baguette, savoury meats, and tangy pickled vegetables create a harmonious and satisfying meal.
3- Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls)
Goi Cuon is a healthy and refreshing appetizer from fresh spring or summer rolls. These translucent rice paper rolls are filled with fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, or tofu and are often served with a dipping sauce made of hoisin and peanut sauce.
Why You Should Try It: Goi Cuon is a light and healthy option that showcases the fresh herbs and vegetables central to Vietnamese cuisine. It’s also a fun dish to eat with your hands, making it an excellent starter for a Vietnamese meal.
4- Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Noodles)
Bun Cha is a Northern Vietnamese dish consisting of grilled pork patties, and slices of pork belly served over a bed of vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chilli. A basket of greens and pickled vegetables often accompanies it.
Why You Should Try It: Bun Cha is a refreshing dish that balances savoury, sweet, and tangy flavours. The grilled pork adds a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the fresh herbs and noodles.
5- Cao Lau (Hoi An Noodles)
Cao Lau is a regional specialty from Hoi An. It features chewy rice noodles, slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons, all dressed in a rich, slightly sweet broth. The dish is unique because the noodles are traditionally made with water drawn from ancient Cham wells around Hoi An.
Why You Should Try It: Cao Lau is a unique dish that tastes Hoi An’s culinary heritage. The combination of textures and flavours makes it a memorable experience for any foodie.
6- Cha Gio (Fried Spring Rolls)
Cha Gio, or fried spring rolls, are crispy rolls filled with ground pork, mushrooms, noodles, and vegetables. They are typically wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Cha Gio is usually served with a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, lime, sugar, garlic, and chilli.
Why You Should Try It: Cha Gio is an addictive snack or appetizer. The crispy exterior and savoury filling make it a crowd-pleaser and a great introduction to Vietnamese finger foods.
7- Com Tam (Broken Rice)
Com Tam, or broken rice, is famous in Southern Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City. It features broken rice grains served with various toppings, including grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, a fried egg, and pickled vegetables. A side of fish sauce often accompanies it.
Why You Should Try It: Com Tam is a hearty and flavorful dish that provides a taste of Southern Vietnamese cuisine. The variety of toppings and textures make it a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
8- Bun Bo Hue (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
Bun Bo Hue is a spicy and aromatic noodle soup from Hue in Central Vietnam. It features thick rice noodles, beef shank, oxtail, and often pork knuckles in a spicy and fragrant broth made with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chilli. The soup is garnished with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and bean sprouts.
Why You Should Try It: Bun Bo Hue offers a bold and spicy flavour profile that differentiates it from other Vietnamese noodle soups. It’s a must-try for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their food.
9- Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepes)
Banh Xeo is a savourya Vietnamese crepe from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. They are typically filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and green onions, then folded in half and served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce.
Why You Should Try It: Banh Xeo is a fun and interactive dish. The crispy crepe and flavorful filling, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce create a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.
10- Che (Vietnamese Dessert)
Che is a traditional Vietnamese dessert that comes in many varieties. It is often made with beans, jellies, fruit, and coconut milk. Some popular types include Che Ba Mau (a three-colour dessert) and Che Thai (a fruit cocktail dessert). She is typically served cold and can be a refreshing end to a meal.
Why You Should Try It: Che offers a sweet and refreshing conclusion to a Vietnamese meal. The diverse ingredients and flavours provide a unique dessert experience different from Western sweets.
Tips for New Foodies Exploring Vietnamese Cuisine
Exploring Vietnamese cuisine can be a rewarding experience for new foodies. Here are some tips to make the most of your culinary adventure:
- Start with the Basics: Begin with well-known dishes like pho and banh mi to familiarize yourself with Vietnamese cuisine’s essential flavours and ingredients.
- Visit Authentic Restaurants: Look for Vietnamese restaurants prioritizing authentic recipes and fresh ingredients. Asking for recommendations from Vietnamese friends or online reviews can help you find the best places to try.
- Try Street Food: Street food is an integral part of Vietnamese culture. Visit local markets or street vendors to experience the vibrant street food scene.
- Learn About the Ingredients: Understanding the ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking can enhance your appreciation of the dishes. Take the time to learn about different herbs, spices, and commonly used sauces.
- Be Adventurous: Don’t be afraid to try new and unfamiliar dishes. Vietnamese cuisine offers various flavours and textures, so stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to delicious discoveries.
- Ask Questions: If you’re dining at a Vietnamese restaurant, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations or explanations of the dishes. They can provide valuable insights and help you make informed choices.
- Cook at Home: Trying to cook Vietnamese dishes at home can deepen your appreciation for the cuisine. Look for recipes online or in cookbooks and experiment with different dishes in your kitchen.
- Embrace Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are a cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine. Avoid using generous amounts of cilantro, mint, basil, and other herbs in your dishes.
- Balance Flavors: Vietnamese cooking balances sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavours. Please pay attention to this balance when trying new dishes and appreciate the complexity it brings.
- Enjoy the Experience: Finally, take the time to savour and enjoy the experience of trying new foods. Vietnamese cuisine is meant to be enjoyed slowly, with an appreciation for the flavours and the culture behind them.
To Sum Up
Vietnamese cuisine is a treasure trove of delightful and diverse dishes that offer something for every palate. For new foodies, the journey through Vietnamese food can be a thrilling adventure, filled with aromatic soups, crispy snacks, and refreshing desserts. By starting with these top 10 must-try dishes — pho, banh mi, goi cuon, bun cha, cao lau, cha gio, com tam, bun bo hue, banh xeo, and che — you can experience the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam and develop a deep appreciation for its vibrant flavours and fresh ingredients.
Whether dining at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant, exploring street food or trying to cook these dishes at home, the world of Vietnamese cuisine is waiting to be discovered. So, take a culinary leap and immerse yourself in Vietnamese food’s delicious and healthful world.
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