Quickly growing in popularity all over the world, Vietnamese cuisine is packed full of flavour, and is a central part of the culture of the country. One of the greatest things about travel is immersing yourself in the local food scene and venturing as far away from the comforts of your own cuisine, and so here is a quick breakdown of some dishes that are worth trying during your trip to Vietnam.
Pho - perhaps the most well known and the most popular Vietnamese dish found abroad is the Pho. This found absolutely everywhere and anywhere in Vietnam, from the more established restaurants to makeshift Pho stands on the streets. It consists of a salty broth which contains rice noodles, meat (which is usually chicken or beef) and a generous serving of herbs. This dish is eaten by tourists and locals alike, and if you see a crowd of people seated on the street, you have most likely stumbled across a group of people enjoying it.
Bahn xeo - This is a very fine pancake, or crepe, like dish, which has been filled with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts as well as a garnish of herbs. The local way to eat this is to cut it into small pieces and to roll it in rice paper or lettuce before marinating or dipping it into the sauce that is served with it. Every chef has their preference on sauce and this will vary depending on region and the restaurant.
Bún Ch? - This is another popular dish all over Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi. This is grilled pork sausage dish served with bean sprouts, rice noodles, pickled vegetables and herbs, all brought together with nuóc châm sauce which should be used to cover the entire dish.
Bánh Mì - Much like Pho, this is another dish that has spread itself across international borders and can be found all over the world. This is actually a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisine and originates from French Colonisation, when the French arrived with baguettes. The baguettes were filled with Vietnamese ingredients such as crispy pork belly, daikon radish, meatballs and picked carrots and usually a lot of chilli peppers, and they can be found all over Vietnam.
Bot Chien - This one is particularly popular in Saigon as street food, and is often consumed in the early hours of the morning during nights out, much like doner kebabs in England. It consists of crispy fried rice flour dough with egg, and is served with papaya, shallots, pickled chilli sauce, green onions and vinegar.
Canh - No trip to Vietnam is complete without trying Vietnamese soup. Soup is often the cheapest and most flavoursome option on the menu, and they make particularly good snacks if you're not feeling too hungry. The Canh soups are mostly found in the South and contain a mixture of seafood, vegetables and herbs served in a starfruit, tamarind, pineapple or tomato base. There are a lot of contrasting flavours and textures that will send your taste buds on an adventure.
Bahn Cam - This is a popular fried dessert, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, and speckled with sesame seeds. They are filled with a sweet bean paste and are a particular favourite amongst the locals.
Xoi - This is a savory rice which is very sticky in texture and, while it is served with chicken or pork or even eggs, often steals the show and becomes the centre of the entire dish. Whatever protein is served with the rice, you can expect dried shallots on the top.
While you will find burger and pizza restaurants if you look hard enough, isn't it better to ditch the comfort food and try something exciting and new? While you may eat something you absolutely hate, you may also go home with a new favourite food and a new found appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine.