Vietnamese cuisine, specifically dishes like Banh Mi and pho, have been warmly welcomed in the multicultural country of the US. The diverse influences in Vietnamese culture, including French, East Asian, African, and Portuguese, have contributed to the evolution of Vietnamese cuisine. As a result, Vietnamese food has become easy to identify with for many people.

The US has seen a significant rise in the number of Vietnamese restaurants, with nearly 8,000 establishments across the country. In fact, Southeast Asian cuisine, including Vietnamese, Singaporean, and Filipino dishes, has been identified as the top global trend in the National Restaurant Association’s 2023 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast.

One of the reasons for the popularity of Vietnamese cuisine is the wide range of flavors and textures it offers. The combination of sour, sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, along with the use of fresh herbs and vegetables, makes Vietnamese food particularly attractive to people. In recent years, Vietnamese food has been making inroads in the US, driven by the increasing demand for unique and bold flavors.

The COVID-19 pandemic created an opportunity for Vietnamese restaurants to offer their cuisine, as customers grew desperate for unique flavors not found in their pantries. Drive-thru Vietnamese restaurants, like Saigon Hustle in Houston, gained momentum during this time.

Banh Mi, a signature Vietnamese dish, has gained acceptance in the US because it offers a familiar yet different taste experience. It is a Vietnamese sandwich made with an airy and crunchy French baguette, stuffed with a combination of meats, vegetables, and sauces. Banh Mi has its origins in the French influence in Indochina and gained popularity worldwide after the Vietnam War.

Overall, Vietnamese cuisine, with its rich flavors and diverse influences, has become increasingly popular in the US. Vietnamese dishes like Banh Mi and pho have found a place in the hearts and palates of Americans, contributing to the vibrant food scene in the country.

The post The Food Institute: A Boom in the Popularity of Vietnamese Food in the United States appeared first on Vietexplorer.com.