Vietnam is a country that offers a gastronomic adventure to any traveler who visits it. With its unique flavors, spices, and cooking techniques, Vietnamese cuisine can satisfy a wide range of palates. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the top Vietnamese foods and drinks that you cannot miss during your travels to Vietnam.
1. Pho
Pho is perhaps one of the most famous Vietnamese foods, consisting of a rich and light broth flavored with fresh herbs, beef, and rice noodles. It is typically served with lime, chili, and sometimes fresh basil or bean sprouts. Pho is widely eaten throughout Vietnam and reputable restaurants will serve pho at breakfast time too.
2. Banh Mi
Banh Mi is the Vietnamese version of a sandwich. It’s made with crispy French bread, pickled vegetables, cilantro, a variety of meats, and pate. Banh Mi is a must-try when traveling in Vietnam. You can find them on almost every street corner, and they’re usually very affordable (around 1-2 USD for a delicious sandwich).
3. Bun Cha
Bun Cha is a Northern Vietnamese dish made of grilled pork patties, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a sweet and savory dipping sauce. It’s a popular lunch dish and can be found all over Vietnam, but it originates from Hanoi.
4. Ca Phe Trung
Coffee lovers cannot miss the famous Ca Phe Trung, also known as Egg Coffee. This drink is made with Vietnamese coffee, egg yolks, and condensed milk, whipped together into a creamy, frothy concoction. It’s a must-try for anyone traveling to Vietnam, especially if you’re a coffee lover.
5. Ca Phe Sua Da
Ca Phe Sua Da is a popular Vietnamese iced coffee. It’s made by brewing strong coffee, pouring it over ice, and adding sweetened condensed milk. This coffee is smooth and creamy, perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot summer day.
6. Com Tam
Com Tam is a popular rice dish characterized by broken rice and served with grilled meat, vegetables, a fried egg, and a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a filling and flavorful dish that’s a staple of local Vietnamese foods.
7. Goi Cuon
Goi Cuon is a type of Vietnamese spring roll filled with pork, shrimp, noodles, and fresh vegetables, wrapped in delicate rice paper. They’re served cold and typically accompanied by a sweet and sour dipping sauce. This dish is healthy, light, and refreshing, making it popular for travelers.
8. Bun Bo Hue
Bun Bo Hue is a popular Vietnamese soup known for its spicy and aromatic flavors. It is made with beef broth, rice noodles, beef slices, pork, and spicy chili oil, lime, and herbs. This soup is a local specialty of Hue, a city located in Central Vietnam.
9. Nem Ran
Nem Ran is a popular Vietnamese appetizer consisting of savory fried spring rolls stuffed with vegetables, meat, and/or seafood. They’re crispy and served hot and typically accompanied by a sweet and sour dipping sauce. Nem Ran is commonly ordered as a starter or snack.
10. Bia Hoi
Bia Hoi is a type of Vietnamese beer that’s light, refreshing, and cheap. It’s brewed locally and delivered to bars and restaurants daily. This beer has a low alcohol content, making it a safe and easy drink for travelers to sample.
In conclusion, Vietnamese cuisine is rich and diverse, and these are just some of the dishes that you can’t miss during your travels to Vietnam. From pho to banh mi to Ca Phe Trung, the flavors, spices, and cooking techniques used in Vietnamese cuisine will keep you coming back for more. So, take a culinary adventure and explore everything that Vietnamese foods and drinks have to offer.
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