Vietnamese cuisine is a tantalizing symphony of flavours that captures the essence of the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Renowned for its balance of sweet, savoury, sour, and umami notes, Vietnamese dishes are a celebration of fresh and aromatic ingredients. The culinary landscape of Vietnam is deeply rooted in its history, shaped by influences from Chinese, French, and Southeast Asian cuisines. From the vibrant street food stalls to the refined offerings in upscale restaurants, the flavours of Vietnam showcase a harmonious blend of herbs, spices, and traditional cooking techniques. Make sure to try these out when staying in a resort in Hoi An like the luxurious Anmira Resort & Spa Hoi An.
Pho
Arguably the most renowned Vietnamese culinary delight and unofficially hailed as the national dish, pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a delightful interplay of luscious rice noodles and either thinly sliced raw beef or chicken, bathed in a fragrant broth infused with the aromatic essence of roasted onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Adorned with coriander, onion, green onion, and bean sprouts, this dish is an absolute culinary must-try.
Banh Mi
A prominent culinary legacy stemming from nearly a century of French colonial influence, banh mi stands as the Vietnamese iteration of a baguette. Several variations of banh mi exist, with the most popular being banh mi thit, a baguette that boasts a crisp exterior and a fluffy interior, generously adorned with pâté, slices of Vietnamese sausage, cucumber strips, pickled carrot and radish, fresh herbs, and chilli slices.
Mi Quang/Cao Lau
In Vietnam’s Quang Nam province, situated in Central Vietnam and encompassing the cities of Hoi An and Danang, a delectable array of noodle soups awaits culinary enthusiasts. Among these, mi Quang stands out—a savoury fusion of half-soup and half-salad featuring pork, prawn, quail eggs, and rice cracker shards. Equally enticing is cao lau, characterized by local noodles with a captivating mythical backstory, combined with pork and fresh herbs.
Bun Cha
Bún chả, recognized as Vietnamese pork meatballs paired with vermicelli noodles, is a widely enjoyed dish in Vietnam believed to have its roots in Hanoi. It is commonly available in a variety of settings, ranging from street food vendors to restaurants throughout the city.
