While pho and banh mi have undoubtedly earned their rightful places as international culinary sensations, the true essence of Vietnamese cuisine extends far beyond these beloved dishes.
A kaleidoscope of flavours, textures, and regional influences awaits the adventurous palate within the vast tapestry of Vietnamese gastronomy. From the northern sophistication of Hanoi to the imperial heritage of Hue, the coastal delights of Da Nang, the highland charms of Da Lat, and the bustling streets of Saigon, Vietnam's culinary landscape is a vibrant mosaic of diversity.
The common thread in Vietnamese cuisine is the delicate blending of spices and the use of chewy, crunchy ingredients. Each region in Vietnam has its own unique taste and culinary essence, influenced by variations in climate, soil, and cultural influences.
Get to know the culinary contrasts among Vietnam's key provinces to add an extra dimension to your next Vietnamese meal!
Hanoi's sticky rice with coconut is a harmonious combination of rustic ingredients such as nuggets, lotus seeds or green beans and a few strands of shredded coconut, sticky rice with a mild. (© Shutterstock)
Hanoi
Fresh herbs and traditionsNorthern cuisine in Hanoi reflects a rich and ancient cultural heritage. The dishes may appear simple in terms of preparation and presentation, but they possess their own intricate sophistication.
The flavours in Northern dishes are moderate, with a harmonious interplay of spices that create simple yet delicious meals. The flavour profile tends to be delicately sour, without the intense spiciness found in Central dishes or the pronounced sweetness of Southern cuisine.
As the capital of various dynasties, Hanoi is considered the birthplace of culinary excellence in the North. Its culinary delights include iconic dishes such as pho, bun thang, bun cha, sticky rice with various toppings, as well as delectable snacks like com Vong (green rice), Thanh Tri rice rolls, and unique spices such as ca cuong (water bug) essential oil and Lang basil.
Try here:
- Tầm Vị
- 1946 Cua Bac
- Phở Gà Nguyệt
- Don Duck Old Quarter
Bun bo Hue, a dish from Hue. (© Shutterstock)
Hue
A royal touchHue, the former capital during the last dynasty of Vietnam, boasts a culinary tradition that exudes sophistication and ethereal beauty in every aspect, from ingredient selection to processing and presentation. Historical records indicate that there were 1,300 dishes in Hue cuisine, and approximately 700 of them have been preserved to this day.
Hue dishes offer a remarkable interplay of flavours, encompassing a wide range from salty, sweet, and fatty to sour, acrid, bitter, and spicy. What sets them apart is the clarity of taste that shines through in each dish. Notable examples include Bun Bo Hue, the renowned Hue beef noodle soup, an assortment of rice cakes, mussel rice, bean curd sweet soup, and green bean soup.
The influence of the royal culinary style is particularly evident in Hue cuisine, contributing to its exceptional level of sophistication. Take, for instance, the dragon-shaped fig salad or spring rolls. Chefs meticulously select various vegetables, expertly shaping them into decorative forms, and then artfully combine them to create visually stunning dishes. Even vegetarian options are wrapped and adorned with lotus leaves or lotus flowers, enhancing the overall beauty and delicacy of the dish.
Quang noodles, a common dish in Da Nang. (© Shutterstock)
Da Nang
All about seafoodWhen discussing Da Nang cuisine, one cannot overlook the renowned mì Quảng (Quang noodles). These noodles are characterised by the sweetness of the bone broth and the hearty, thick texture that forms the essence of a comforting bowl. Chefs have the creative freedom to craft a wide array of noodle bowls, ranging from traditional flavours like chicken noodles and meat noodles to more unique variations such as rib noodles, fish noodles, and eel noodles.
As a coastal city, Da Nang takes pride in its seafood dishes. Delicacies made from various types of fish, scallops, blood cockles, oysters, crabs, and clams truly showcase the coastal flavours and culinary prowess of the region.
In the central region, including Da Nang, a plethora of specialty rice cakes (banh) grace the culinary landscape. These cakes are made from rice flour or glutinous rice flour, prepared with rustic ingredients and homemade dipping sauces. Notable examples include banh nam, banh beo, banh can, banh dap, banh uot, banh trang, and many more, each offering a unique taste and texture experience.
Try here:
- Bếp Nhà Xứ Quảng
Banh can is a type of savoury mini pancake which is also very popular in Da Lat. (© Shutterstock)
Da Lat
Veggie (plus coffee) heavenThe Da Lat Plateau is blessed with a mild climate, offering cool and refreshing weather throughout the year because it's a city located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. As a melting pot where residents from various regions of Vietnam converge, Da Lat boasts a diverse and distinctive culinary landscape, blending elements from different culinary traditions, including Vietnamese, French, and ethnic minority cuisines.
Fresh and locally sourced, Da Lat is often referred to as the 'City of Eternal Spring' due to its mild climate, which is ideal for growing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. As a result, the cuisine in Da Lat is known for its freshness and use of locally sourced ingredients. You'll find an abundance of fresh produce, including strawberries, avocados, artichokes, a wide range of greens, and even flowers.
Indulging in vegetables in Da Lat is a one-of-a-kind adventure, where each bite unlocks a world of unique flavours you won't find elsewhere. These veggies are the epitome of freshness, crunchiness, and natural sweetness, adding an extra layer of flavour to every dish. When you sit down for a meal in Da Lat, get ready for a vibrant green parade featuring watercress, bok choy, cabbage, and chrysanthemum, turning your dining experience into a healthy feast that your mother would approve of.
Com tam, the delectable shredded pork skins, steamed egg meatloaf, and gigantic chargrilled pork ribs served atop broken rice at Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền in Ho Chi Minh City. (© Mervin Lee/ MICHELIN Guide Vietnam)
Saigon/ Ho Chi Minh City
The sweet and sour melting potHo Chi Minh City, the vibrant Saigon, is where a culinary adventure takes place. It's a melting pot where scrumptious dishes from every nook and cranny of Vietnam come together and get a southern sweet and sour makeover. But that's not all – Saigon has been spiced up by foreign culinary cultures from the 18th century onward, including influences from Thailand, Cambodia, China, India, France, and even a dash of the United States. The result? Saigon cuisine is a delightful dance of regional and international flavours, making your taste buds tango with joy.
From the break of dawn until late at night, whether amidst opulent buildings or humble alleyways, and whether dining at fusion restaurants or street food stalls, Saigon is always bustling with people savouring its diverse culinary offerings. Notable Saigon dishes include broken rice (com tam), pan bread, Nam Vang noodle soup, banh canh, an assortment of snails, and many more. Additionally, a visit to Chinatown (Districts 5 and 6) presents a unique food journey featuring authentic Chinese dishes infused with Vietnamese flavours.
Try here:
- Phở Hoà Pasteur
- Bếp Mẹ ỉn (Le Thanh Ton)
- Rice Field
- Cuc Gach Quan
READ MORE: What Is Cơm Tấm? An Introduction To Ho Chi Minh City’s Famous Broken Rice Dish And The Best Place To Get It
Illustration image: © Shutterstock
Illustration image: © Shutterstock
