When visiting a new country, we like to know what kind of food we will be consuming when we get there and we also like to know which dishes are recommended. Vietnam is popular for many reasons, with one of them being food as it has so many eccentric dishes that we can try! While there are a lot of different Vietnamese dishes that are worth trying, the following five are ones you definitely shouldn’t miss out on when you go to Vietnam.
- Phở
Phở is more commonly known as noodle soup, which is Vietnam’s unconfirmed national dish. It is typically served with beef and called Phở Bò. Although it is commonly served with beef, it is said that many people prefer the chicken versions of this famous noodle dish. This dish, like many other soups, is said to hold medicinal properties and is the dish that many people in Vietnam consume when they are sick. It is popular to eat for breakfast but can be eaten as a light lunch, dinner or people even enjoy it between meals.
- Cháo
This dish Cháo is simply called “rice porridge”. You ask, why “rice porridge” and not a more extravagant name? The reason is that the word Cháo, like other words in many other languages, has no direct English translation, and the in term “rice porridge” will always be used as the nearest translation for this dish. Although “rice porridge” sounds unappealing, it is actually Vietnam’s best comfort dish. It is creamy, salty and has carbs – what more could you want from a comfort dish? There are various different versions including vegetarian, fish, chicken and pork. The garnish usually includes black pepper and lots of spring onions.
- Bánh Mì Thịt
This is one of Vietnam’s many street foods and is available on almost every street throughout the country. Although it has origins in France as it uses a French baguette, it is the Vietnamese who do great things to plain bread. Vietnamese people tend to add local sausage, pickled vegetables, pork, cucumber, chilli, mayonnaise, pepper and soy sauce.
- Rau Muống Xào Tỏi
Stir-fried morning glory with garlic can also be called water spinach. This dish is very simple as it has very few ingredients. These ingredients include green leaves and stems, fish sauce and garlic. It is incredibly tasty and if you’re stuck for something to order it is well worth trying.
- Vietnamese Summer Rolls
Made with vegetables and rice paper, this dish combines two of the best textures, soft with a little bit of crunch. There are many things that can be added to these rolls including noodles, shrimp, basil and a hint of mint. Add a citrus dip and you have got the perfect snack or appetizer.
Whatever dish you decide to order or make while you are in Vietnam, you can be sure that with every dish you eat you will be more surprised than the last! The reason being is that all Vietnamese meals are full with flavour and packed with delicious ingredients. Happy eating!