Vietnamese cuisine is a huge treasure trove containing many unique dishes. It is not only delicious, beautiful, attractive but also contains many meanings. Let’s follow us to learn more about this fascinating culinary world!

What is Vietnamese cuisine?

Vietnamese cuisine is the name given to the way Vietnamese people prepare food. It is the principle of mixing spices and ingredients according to common tastes to create dishes with rich flavors suitable for Vietnamese people and imbued with Vietnamese cuisine.

Although there are many differences between regions, Vietnamese people still have a strong general meaning about all popular dishes in Vietnam. And it clearly shows the taste of the Vietnamese community.

Characteristics of Vietnamese cuisine

Vietnam is an agricultural country in the tropical monsoon region. And especially, the territory of Vietnam is clearly divided into 3 regions: North, Central, South. Because of the diverse geographical, ethnic, climate, cultural, etc. characteristics, the cuisine is also very diverse and rich. 

Vietnamese cuisine is very diverse with many dishes such as boiled, stir-fried, fried, steamed, … extremely nutritious and diverse foods. You can enjoy vegetables from each region. And popular meats are processed into many unique and delicious dishes.

Vietnamese people also have some Buddhist vegetarian dishes made from plants: vegetables, tubers, etc. These dishes do not process food sources from animals and products containing animal ingredients. The world of vegetarian cuisine is also very diverse and unique.

Regional specialties

Northern Cuisine

In the world of Northern cuisine, the taste will be moderate, not too strong. However, it will have bright colors and not have strong spicy, fatty, sweet taste. But mainly focus on diluted fish sauce, shrimp paste to highlight the unique flavor of Northern people. 

In which Hanoi is considered the culinary quintessence of the North with a variety of dishes:

• Noodle soup
• Bun thang 
• Snail noodle soup 
• Com lang vong 
• Rice rolls
• ….

Central cuisine

The Central region has a stronger and more intense flavor. That is the unique feature of this region. This is a special point that shows the attention-grabbing flavor. There are many spicy and special dishes for you. With more diverse and vibrant color combinations. Mainly leaning towards red and dark brown. 

Vietnamese culinary culture

This region is especially famous for its sour shrimp and various types of shrimp paste. Hue cuisine is also influenced by royal and imperial culinary styles. Therefore, it is very sophisticated in preparation, presentation, color and diversity.

Southern Cuisine

This region is heavily influenced by Chinese cuisine. Southern dishes tend to be sweet and spicy. Popular dishes include fish sauce and dried fish. 

Southern dishes are rustic and unique: Field mice braised in coconut water, steamed bats and crows with fermented bean curd, snakes cooked with green bean porridge, etc.