Top 5+ Vietnamese Dishes Every Beginner Should TryDiscover the Flavors, Pronunciation, Tips for Enjoying, and FAQs
Vietnamese cuisine is a delightful combination of distinct flavors, fresh ingredients, and unique cooking techniques. If you’re new to this vibrant cuisine, this guide will introduce you to the top 5+ Vietnamese dishes every beginner must try. Let’s explore the tastes of Vietnam together!
What are the best Vietnamese dishes for beginners?
1. Vietnamese iced coffee (Cà phê sữa đá)
What is Vietnamese iced coffee?
Vietnamese iced coffee (Ca phe sua da) is a traditional drink made with strong coffee brewed using a phin filter, sweetened condensed milk, and ice. Known for its bold, rich flavor, it’s made from robusta beans grown in Vietnam’s Central Highlands—widely regarded as some of the best coffee in the world.
How to pronounce ca phe sua da
Ca phe sua da, the Vietnamese iced coffee, is pronounced as “kah-fey-suh-dah”. Here’s the breakdown:
What does Vietnamese iced coffee taste like?
Vietnamese iced coffee is rich and bold, with a strong, full-bodied flavor that comes from dark-roasted robusta beans. The deep coffee taste is perfectly balanced with the sweet, creamy smoothness of condensed milk. Served over ice, it’s incredibly refreshing—especially on a hot day
Why should you try Vietnamese iced coffee as a beginner?
Where are the best places to try Vietnamese iced coffee in Vietnam?
What is the average price of cà phê sữa đá in Vietnam?
Pro Tip: Before drinking your Vietnamese iced coffee, make sure to stir it well to blend the sweetened condensed milk with the strong coffee. Take small sips and savor the rich, bold flavor with each one. Also, keep in mind that drinking it at night might keep you awake due to its strong caffeine content!
2. Vietnamese noodle soup (Phở)
What is Vietnamese noodle soup?
Vietnamese noodle soup, also known as Pho, is a traditional dish made with rice noodles, flavorful broth, and thinly sliced beef or chicken. It’s often served with a variety of condiments like chili, lime, Vietnamese fish sauce, and Vietnamese herbs such as Thai basil, culantro, and bean sprouts. The broth is made by simmering beef bones (or sometimes pork) with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger for hours to create a rich, aromatic flavor.
How to pronounce pho soup (Vietnamese noodle soup)
When saying “pho,” which refers to the famous Vietnamese noodle soup, the pronunciation might be different from what it looks like. Here’s the correct way to say it:
What does Vietnamese noodle soup taste like?
Vietnamese noodle soup, one of the top Vietnamese dishes that are easy to try for first-time travelers, offers a unique taste with a blend of key ingredients:
Why should you try Vietnamese noodle soup as a beginner?
Where are the best places to try Vietnamese noodle soup in Vietnam?
What is the average price of Vietnamese noodle soup in Vietnam?
3. Vietnamese sandwich (bánh mì)
What is Vietnamese sandwich?
Vietnamese sandwich, or banh mi, is one of the most popular Vietnamese dishes. It features a crispy, thin baguette with a soft and airy interior, typically filled with savory ingredients like meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and sliced green chili for a flavorful and satisfying bite. This iconic dish blends French and Vietnamese culinary influences.
How to pronounce banh mi
Banh mi is pronounced /ˌbɑːn ˈmiː/ according to the Oxford Dictionary. It sounds like “bahn mee” with the stress on the second syllable.
What does Vietnamese sandwich taste like?
A Vietnamese sandwich, or banh mi, combines crispy bread, savory fillings, and vibrant toppings for a bold and balanced flavor.
Why should you try banh mi as a beginner?
Where are the best places to try banh mi in Vietnam?
The best places to try banh mi in Vietnam are in cities like Hanoi, Hue, Da Lat, Da Nang, Hoi An Ancient Town, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. You can easily find this iconic sandwich at vendor stalls or mobile carts all over the country. In Hoi An Ancient Town, don’t miss Banh Mi Phuong, a favorite spot for both locals and international travelers
What is the average price of banh mi in Vietnam?
The average price of banh mi in Vietnam typically ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 VND, depending on the location and the ingredients. You can find affordable options at street vendors, while more specialized shops might charge a bit more for premium fillings.
4. Vietnamese sizzling pancakes (bánh xèo)
What are Vietnamese sizzling pancakes?
Vietnamese sizzling pancakes, or banh xeo, are crispy rice flour pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. They offer a satisfying crunch with a slight chewiness. Typically served with fresh greens like lettuce, mustard greens, Vietnamese coriander, and basil, bánh xèo is enjoyed with a flavorful Vietnamese fish sauce for dipping.
How to pronounce banh xeo
Banh xeo is pronounced as /Bahn-say-oh/:
What does banh xeo taste like?
Banh xeo is a crispy pancake made from rice flour, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. The herbs, like lettuce and basil, add a nice crunch and freshness. When you dip it in Vietnamese fish sauce, it gets a tangy, savory flavor that makes the whole dish taste amazing. It’s a perfect mix of crunchy, juicy, and fresh!
Why should you try banh xeo as a beginner?
Banh xeo is irresistible with its delicious taste, the perfect balance of ingredients, and its easy-to-eat nature, making it a great choice for beginners.
Pro Tip: Banh xeo is the ideal dish for chilly, rainy days, offering a warm, crispy bite that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Where are the best places to try banh xeo in Vietnam?
Banh xeo is a popular dish across Vietnam, so you’ll easily find it wherever you go. Simply search for “quán bánh xèo” (which means “Bánh xèo restaurants”) on Google Maps, and you’ll discover plenty of local spots to enjoy this delicious dish.
Here are the best spots to try it across the country:
How to find the best banh xeo spots in Vietnam
Since banh xeo is a beloved dish in Vietnam, you can easily find it all across the country. Here are a few tips to help you discover the best banh xeo spots.
Use Google Maps: The quickest way to discover great banh xeo places is to search for “bánh xèo” or “quán bánh xèo” on Google Maps. You’ll get a list of well-rated restaurants and street food vendors, plus customer reviews.
Explore Food Streets: In big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, you’ll find food streets with multiple vendors selling bánh xèo. It’s a great way to sample a variety of flavors.
What is the average price of banh xeo in Vietnam?
The average price of banh xeo in Vietnam ranges from 5,000 to 50,000 VND (from approximately $0.20 to $2) per piece, depending on the location and vendor.
5. Fresh Vietnamese spring rolls (nem cuốn/gỏi cuốn)
What are fresh Vietnamese spring rolls?
Fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, also known as ‘goi cuon’ or ‘nem cuon,’ are one of healthy Vietnamese dishes for beginners. They are a refreshing and light option made with a variety of Vietnamese herbs like lettuce, basil, and perilla, combined with boiled pork and shrimp. These ingredients are wrapped in rice paper and served with a flavorful dipping sauce, offering a light and delicious meal option.
Fresh Vietnamese spring rolls are a healthy choice for beginners due to their fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients like herbs, lettuce, and shrimp. They are light, low in calories, and easy to digest.
How to pronounce goi cuon
Goi cuon is pronounced as /gɔɪ kwun/
What does goi cuon taste like?
Goi cuon offers a delightful combination of fresh ingredients, with fragrant herbs, tender shrimp and pork, and the chewy texture of rice paper. The dish is perfectly complemented by the rich, savory flavor of Vietnamese dipping sauce, making it a light yet flavorful treat.
Why should you try goi cuon as a beginner?
Goi cuon is a perfect choice for beginners because it’s light, healthy, and delicious. With fresh ingredients and a flavorful dipping sauce, it’s an easy introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.
How to find the best goi cuon spots in Vietnam
When searching for goi cuon spots on Google Maps, try using keywords like “Gỏi cuốn” or “Quán gỏi cuốn” (meaning “gỏi cuốn restaurants”). This will help you find the best places to enjoy this delicious dish!
If you’re in a specific city, add the location to your search. For example:
Pro Tip: Look for restaurants with the highest ratings and positive reviews. It’s a good idea to search for reviews in English to get a better understanding of the taste and if the restaurant suits your preferences. This will help you choose a spot that matches your taste for goi cuon!
What is the average price of goi cuon in Vietnam?
The average price of goi cuon in Vietnam ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 VND per piece, making it an affordable and popular snack enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
6. Grilled pork with rice noodles (bún chả)
What are grilled pork with rice noodles?
Grilled pork with rice noodles, or bun cha, is a traditional Vietnamese dish made of grilled minced pork, often cooked over charcoal. It is served with rice noodles, fresh Vietnamese herbs, pickled vegetables like green papaya or carrots, and a flavorful Vietnamese dipping sauce.
Dish Spotlight: Bun cha gained international fame after being featured on the show Parts Unknown, where former US President Barack Obama and host Anthony Bourdain enjoyed this delicious dish together.
How to pronounce bun cha
Bun cha is pronounced as /boon-cha/
What does bun cha taste like?
Bún chả offers a perfect balance between sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and smoky. The grilled pork adds a smoky depth, while the sweet and sour flavors come from the dipping sauce and fresh herbs. The spicy kick comes from the garlic, chili, and pepper used in the seasoning. The combination of savory pork, fresh vegetables, and the tangy, spicy sauce creates a deliciously harmonious and flavorful dish.
Where are the best places to try bun cha in Vietnam?
The best place to try bun cha is Hanoi, where the dish originated. Some must-visit spots include Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously known for hosting former President Obama in 2016, and Bun Cha Dac Kim, a popular spot for its flavorful and authentic bun cha.
When searching for bun cha spots, use keywords like “quán bún chả” on Google Maps. If you’re looking for a specific city, try searching for “Quán bún chả ở Hà Nội” for more precise results.
What is the average price of bun cha in Vietnam?
The average price of bun cha in Vietnam ranges from 25,000 to 60,000 VND per serving, depending on the location and the restaurant.
Best Vietnamese dishes: Prices and best times to eat for first-time travelers
Here’s a table summarizing the best Vietnamese dishes for beginners, including their Vietnamese pronunciation, price, and the best time to enjoy them.
Note: The prices mentioned for each dish are average estimates. Actual prices can vary depending on the restaurant, location, and portion size. You might find some places offering lower or higher prices than what’s listed here.
How to find the best Vietnamese restaurants on your first visit
If you’re visiting Vietnam for the first time, here are some tips to help you find great places to try Vietnamese dishes:
Search on Google Maps or TripAdvisor
Search for specific dishes you want to try. These sites often show reviews, ratings, and directions to popular local spots.
Learn common keywords
When searching on Google Maps, try Vietnamese phrases like “quán phở ngon” (good pho restaurants) or “quán bánh xèo ngon ở Hà Nội” (good banh xeo restaurants in Hanoi). Adding the city name helps you find local recommendations quickly.
Most restaurants in Vietnam don’t use English for their names on Google Maps or menus, so searching in Vietnamese ensures more accurate and relevant results.
Searching in a specific city:
Use the structure: “Quán + [Dish Name] + ở + [Location]”.
For example, to find banh xeo in Hanoi, type: “Quán bánh xèo ở Hà Nội“.
Searching for places near you:
Use the structure: “Quán + [Dish Name] + gần đây“.
For example, to find pho near you, type: “Quán phở gần đây“.”
Look for English reviews
While many places have reviews in Vietnamese, prioritize spots with English reviews to see if the flavors match your preferences.
Ask locals for recommendations
Don’t hesitate to ask hotel staff or tour guides for their favorite places. They often know hidden gems.
FAQs about Vietnamese cuisine for beginners: Top dishes, tips, and more
What to eat in Vietnam for a first visit?
What is the famous soup in Vietnam?
How to ask for vegetarian food in Vietnam
What does “chay” mean in Vietnamese?
How to Find Vegetarian Restaurants in Vietnam
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© 2024 vivavn.com
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