Welcome to Vietnam, where culinary treasures await you at every turn. Beyond the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, this Southeast Asian gem is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse array of regional specialties that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. From the delicate flavors of Hanoi’s iconic Phở to the fiery spices of Hải Phòng’s Bánh Mỳ Cay, each region in Vietnam has its own culinary secrets and traditions to share. Join us on a gastronomic adventure as we explore over 20 mouthwatering dishes, each one a delicious invitation to immerse yourself in the rich and captivating flavors of Vietnam. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey you won’t soon forget!
In this article, we will take you on a gastronomic journey through the different regions of Vietnam, highlighting over 20 tantalizing specialty dishes that are bound to enthrall your taste buds.
Lợn Cắp Nách, also known as “hanging armpit pig,” is an intriguing specialty dish exclusive to Lai Châu. Its name derives from its small size, which allows it to be carried in the armpit or conveniently tucked away in a bag. Lợn Cắp Nách is known for its exquisite flavors and tender meat, making it a delightful choice for various cooking methods like steaming, grilling, smoking, stir-frying, or boiling.
Thịt Chua, a simple yet unique dish, originated from Thanh Sơn in Phú Thọ province. This specialty dish is prepared by marinating pork with ground roasted rice to create a distinctive flavor. The locals have mastered the art of preserving meat in bamboo or rattan tubes, resulting in a mouthwatering delicacy that is hard to resist.
Xôi Chim is a traditional sticky rice dish from Mường Thanh in Điện Biên province. It is prepared with glutinous rice and fragrant rice cooked together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The dish, is often accompanied by grilled or steamed chicken and topped with various condiments, making it a savory delight.
Hà Giang is famous for its Thịt Trâu Gác Bếp, a rustic specialty dish featuring buffalo meat. The meat is marinated with various herbs and spices, then grilled over an open fire. The result is tender, smoky, and incredibly flavorful meat that showcases the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Sapa, located in Lào Cai province, offers a delectable specialty known as Món Nớng Sapa, or Sapa-style grilled dishes. The local mountainous terrain and cool climate contribute to the unique flavors of the grilled meats and vegetables. Whether it’s tender grilled pork, succulent chicken, or fresh vegetables, Món Nớng Sapa is a must-try for food enthusiasts.
Nam Định is renowned for Chè Kho, a traditional sweet dessert made from various ingredients such as sticky rice, mung beans, coconut milk, and sugar. The dish is slow-cooked until it reaches a sticky, caramelized consistency, resulting in a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Hải Phòng is home to Bánh Mỳ Cay, a spicy street food delicacy that will tickle your taste buds. This dish features a crispy baguette filled with a variety of savory ingredients, such as pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and a spicy chili sauce. Bánh Mỳ Cay is a popular choice for those seeking a quick and satisfying snack.
No culinary journey through Vietnam would be complete without mentioning Phở, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup. Hà Nội, the capital city, is the birthplace of this renowned dish. Phở is made with aromatic broth, rice noodles, and slices of tender beef or chicken, topped with fresh herbs and bean sprouts. It is a beloved dish that has gained international recognition.
Indulge your sweet tooth with an enchanting dessert from Hà Tĩnh province in Vietnam—Cu Đơ. This delightful treat is a beloved specialty that will captivate your taste buds. Cu Đơ is a sweet cake that showcases the culinary craftsmanship of Hà Tĩnh. Made from a blend of glutinous rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk, this soft and chewy cake offers a tantalizing sweetness that lingers on the palate. Sometimes, Cu Đơ is also filled with mung bean paste or shredded coconut, adding layers of flavor and texture.
Ninh Bình is renowned for its Thịt Dê, or goat meat specialties. The local cuisine features various goat-based dishes, including grilled goat, goat hotpot, and stir-fried goat. The tender and lean meat, combined with aromatic spices and herbs, creates a delightful and savory experience for meat lovers.
Cháo Lươn, a specialty dish from Nghệ An province, is a comforting and nourishing eel porridge. The eel is simmered in a flavorful broth until tender and served over a bowl of steaming rice porridge. The combination of soft rice grains and succulent eel creates a dish that is both satisfying and soothing.
Thanh Hóa is renowned for its Nem Chua, a type of fermented pork roll. The pork is marinated with garlic, chili, sugar, and other spices before being wrapped in banana leaves and fermented for several days. The result is a tangy and slightly sour delicacy that is enjoyed as a snack or accompaniment to meals.
Huế is famous for its royal cuisine, and Cơm Âm Phủ is a standout dish from this region. It consists of a multi-layered rice dish, with each layer featuring a different ingredient such as pork, shrimp, mung beans, and lotus seeds. The dish is steamed to perfection, resulting in a visually stunning and flavorful ensemble.
Mỳ Quảng is a signature dish from Đà Nẵng, characterized by its thick rice noodles, savory broth, and a variety of toppings. The dish typically includes shrimp, pork, herbs, peanuts, and crispy rice crackers. M Qung is a well-liked dish that both locals and visitors enjoy because of the combination of flavors and textures.
Don is a traditional dish from Quảng Ngãi province, featuring crispy rice paper rolls filled with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs. The rolls are then deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crunchy exterior and a savory filling. Don is often served with fresh vegetables and a dipping sauce, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Bún Sứa is a unique specialty dish from Nha Trang, known for its fresh and succulent jellyfish. The jellyfish is thinly sliced and served over a bed of rice noodles, along with various herbs, peanuts, and a tangy fish sauce dressing. Bún Sứa offers a refreshing and distinctive culinary experience for seafood enthusiasts.
Đà Lạt is famous for its Bánh Tráng Nướng, a grilled rice paper dish. The rice paper is topped with a mixture of minced pork, quail eggs, dried shrimp, and scallions, then grilled until crispy. It is often enjoyed with a side of fresh herbs and a sweet and savory sauce, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Cơm Tấm is a beloved dish in Sài Gòn (Ho Chi Minh City) and is considered a quintessential street food. It consists of broken rice topped with grilled pork, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and a side of fish sauce. Cơm Tấm is a flavorful and fulfilling meal that reflects the vibrant culinary scene of the city.
Bình Dương is renowned for Gà Quay Xôi Phồng, a dish that combines roasted chicken with sticky rice. The chicken is marinated with aromatic spices and then roasted to perfection, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. It is served alongside sticky rice, creating a satisfying and comforting combination.
Sóc Trăng is famous for Bánh Pía, a traditional mooncake-like pastry filled with mung bean paste, or durian. The flaky crust and sweet filling make Bánh Pía a popular gift and a delightful treat for those with a sweet tooth.
Vietnam’s regional specialties showcase the country’s diverse culinary heritage, with each dish telling the story of its respective region. From northern delicacies to central delights and southern street food, Vietnam’s cuisine is a true reflection of its rich cultural tapestry. So, embark on a culinary adventure and savor these enchanting regional specialties that are sure to leave you craving for more.
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