Vietnam is not only famous for its stunning natural landscapes but also for its culinary paradise that captivates visitors with iconic dishes. From the fragrant pho to the crispy banh mi, each dish carries its own cultural story and unique flavor. Many international travelers have fallen in love with Vietnamese cuisine, seeking opportunities to savor these remarkable dishes again. So, what makes Vietnamese food an indispensable part of the journey for food enthusiasts from around the world?
Pho – Vietnam’s culinary icon
When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, pho is a must-mention – a dish considered the “soul of the nation”. A steaming bowl of pho, fragrant with clear broth simmered from beef bones for hours, combined with soft pho noodles and thin slices of rare beef. When enjoyed, the subtle sweetness of the broth blends with the aroma of herbs and chili sauce, creating an unforgettable symphony of flavors.
Not only popular in Vietnam, pho has also made a strong impression on international diners. Many restaurants specializing in pho have appeared in major cities around the world, such as New York, Paris, and Tokyo, helping this dish spread and become a part of global cuisine.
Banh mi – “The world’s most delicious sandwich”
If pho is a symbol of elegance, banh mi represents convenience and diversity. Praised by prestigious newspapers like CNN and BBC, Vietnamese banh mi is the perfect combination of a crispy crust and a generous filling with pâté, cold cuts, cucumber, herbs, and a special sauce. The fusion of Western ingredients and Eastern flavors creates a dish with a unique identity, making it irresistible to anyone who tries it.
Not only that, Vietnamese banh mi also has diverse variations depending on the region. In Hoi An, Mrs. Phuong banh mi with its rich filling and signature sauce captivates tourists. In Saigon, banh mi xiu mai (banh mi with pork sausage) offers a completely different experience, ensuring the dish’s enduring popularity over time.
Bun cha – The blend of grilled pork and the dip
Bun cha is one of the dishes that leaves a lasting impression on foreign diners. The dish consists of minced meat patties and fragrant grilled pork belly slices cooked over hot coals, served with fresh noodles, raw vegetables, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. The appeal of bun cha lies in the combination of the rich flavor of grilled meat and the balanced dipping sauce, creating a perfect harmony in every bite.
In 2016, former U.S. President Barack Obama enjoyed Hanoi’s bun cha during his visit to Vietnam, which made the dish even more famous internationally. The simplicity yet refinement of each ingredient has made bun cha a street food favorite among foreign diners.
Cha Ca La Vong – Unique taste of Hanoi
Another Hanoi specialty that international tourists can hardly miss is Cha Ca La Vong (La Vong catfish sausage). The fish is marinated with spices, fried crispy, then cooked with scallion oil and dill, creating an irresistible dish. When served, it’s enjoyed with rice noodles, roasted peanuts, and fermented shrimp paste, all blending together in a burst of distinct flavors.
The special thing about this dish is that it has been around for more than 100 years, becoming a part of Hanoi’s culinary heritage. Today, restaurants specializing in Cha Ca La Vong not only welcome local diners but also attract many international visitors who come to experience it.
Egg coffee – Unique and charming
In addition to traditional dishes, Vietnam also boasts unique beverages, with egg coffee being a prime example. The smooth, rich coffee is topped with a creamy egg foam, creating a blend of the coffee’s bitterness and the sweet, rich flavor of whipped egg yolks. This seemingly simple combination results in a drink that strongly reflects the creative mark of Vietnamese cuisine.
International tourists visiting Hanoi often don’t miss the chance to try egg coffee at traditional cafés. Considered one of Vietnam’s most unique beverages, egg coffee is not only a taste experience but also an intriguing addition to the global culinary map.
Vietnamese specialties not only captivate tourists with their delicate flavors but also carry deep cultural values. From simple dishes on the streets of Hanoi to the small stalls along the roads of Saigon, each dish tells its own story about origin, tradition, and creativity. With such richness and appeal, Vietnamese cuisine will forever be a significant highlight on the global culinary map.
Aurora | Cameron Truong
