How to eat like a local in Vietnam

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam? If so, your taste buds are in for a treat. Vietnamese food is a lot more than just the popular pho. From complex and luxurious flavours from different dynasties to the influence of Chinese and French cuisine, Vietnamese food is delectable and varied.

How to enjoy pho in Vietnam?

Let’s start with the most popular Vietnamese dish. Complex, spice-infused and flavourful, pho is a deceptively simple-looking beef noodle dish. You can get this anywhere in Vietnam from Quy Nhon restaurants to street food corners. Beef cuts, bones, ginger cinnamon, coriander and star anise simmer over a slow fire to create a rich broth for pho. The noodles and beef turn out tender and full of flavour. And, the toppings (herbs, bean sprouts and bird’s eye chilli), create a heavenly dish. Resorts like the Anantara Quy Nhon Villas frequently offer pho to their guests on request. Try it for breakfast for a long, energetic day of exploring.

How to enjoy Gỏi Cuốn in Vietnam?

Salad rolls or spring rolls made with rice paper, Gỏi Cuốn is filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli and herbs. They serve the rolls with peanuts mixed in delicious hoisin sauce. The rice paper might be a bit hard to bite into, but the filling and sauce more than make up for it. Try these rolls as a snack to keep you going.

How to enjoy Bò Kho in Vietnam?

Another breakfast or lunch favourite, Bò Kho is a beef or tofu dish. They simmer the meat or tofu in a broth of fish sauce with coconut water, carrots, onions and coriander over low heat for some time to get tender chunks of rich meat. You can dip pieces of French bread in the stew and enjoy the meat along with each mouthful of bread. They serve a side dish of fresh leaves, lime and chillies along with Bò Kho.

How to enjoy Bún Chả in Vietnam?

Hailing from Hanoi, Bún Chả is a delicacy. Each bowl of Bún Chả contains rice vermicelli, pork (grilled), fish sauce and a handful of fragrant herbs. It is a simple yet delicious and nutrient-packed dish.

How to enjoy Bún Mắm in Vietnam?

Different food stalls prepare Bún Mắm with a touch of their unique signature. Generally, a tastebud-tingling hodgepodge, Bún Mắm mainly includes rice vermicelli, chunks of seafood and pork, fish paste and a mix of herbs and sprouts. It is a healthier version of Pho. Grab this dish for a quick lunch from a food stall on a busy day.

How to enjoy Gà Nướng Sả in Vietnam?

Simple yet mouthwatering, Gà Nướng Sả is grilled chicken cooked well with lemongrass and fish sauce. They serve this on a bed or vermicelli noodles. Try this dish in the evening, as part of an early dinner.

How to enjoy Cơm Tấm in Vietnam?

Originally a poor farmer’s dish, made with ‘broken rice’ they didn’t want to sell, Cơm Tấm is a cheap comfort food. You can find this practically anywhere in Vietnam. It is essentially a bed or rie laden with greens, herbs and meat (mostly pork). Try this at a street food stall to enjoy an authentic experience.

How to enjoy Ốc len xào dừa?

The French influence certainly comes up in Ốc len xào dừa. Mostly found in Ho Chi Minh City, this dish is made with mud creeper sea snails simmered in coconut milk. Lemongrass, coriander, garlic and fiery chilli add a depth of flavour to the sea-inspired dish. Pair it with beer to savour the ultimate Ốc len xào dừa. Bite into creamy, sea-tasting snails and slurp the wholesome, spice-infused broth.