A Guide to Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine uses a variety of fresh local ingredients including seafood from its long coastline, fruits, vegetables as well as herbs like lemongrass, Vietnamese mint, coriander and Thai basil. Rice is a staple as are noodles and most dishes come with many additional ingredients like peanuts, dipping sauces, herbs, hot and spicy pastes and lime juice so the diner can personalize their dish to their taste.

Phở

A Hanoi specialty and a national dish, Phở is a favorite of both locals and tourists. Eaten at every opportunity but particularly as a breakfast dish, Phở is a noodle soup with a rich, clear broth made with either beef or chicken. The broth is served with rice noodles and meat, the beef often rare so the heat of the broth cooks it. Like many Vietnamese dishes there appears to be more ingredients on the side than in the bowl with green and white onions, Vietnamese basil, mint, bean sprouts, lime and often chilli sauce, hoisin and fish sauce to add to taste. Be sure to slurp your noodles like a local.

Bánh mì

An example of the French influence on Vietnamese cuisine, the baguette is a popular fast food item in Vietnam often available from street stalls. The fresh crunchy bread rolls are stuffed with pâté, Vietnamese mayonnaise, cold meats, cucumber, pickled radish and carrots with coriander and pepper for a kick.

Gỏi cuôn

Summer rolls are one of the most popular international Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients including shrimp, herbs, pork, rice noodle, mint, and bean sprouts wrapped in rice paper and dipped in Nước chấm – various Vietnamese dipping sauces including Nước mắm pha made of equal parts fish sauce, lime and sugar. They are served fresh and not fried.

Chả giò

Spring rolls are similar to summer rolls but made with ground meat, mushroom, and vegetables particularly carrot then rolled in rice paper and deep fried until it is golden brown and crispy. The sauces on offer often include a delicious peanut sauce.

Gỏi ngó sen

The lotus is the national flower of Vietnam and the root is used in various dishes. Gỏi ngó sen is a light and crunchy salad made from pickled lotus root, radish, carrot, pork and shrimp then topped with a fish sauce vinaigrette, crunchy fried shallots and crushed peanuts.

And for something sweet...

Chuối chiên

A street vendor favorite, a dish of ripe, small bananas deep fried in batter.

Chè

A liquid pudding made from beans, tapioca and sticky rice which has been cooked in coconut milk flavored with pandan leaves and palm sugar.

Fruit

There is amazing, exotic fruit available in Vietnam particularly in the south. Be sure to sample some of these strange but delicious fruits including jackfruit, durian, longan and dragonfruit.

Now that you know what to order, find these delicious foods at the best Hanoi restaurants.