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Traditional Vietnamese Foods

Feb 23 , 2012

Many Asian countries like to use spices and other herbs in their cooking and the Vietnamese are no different. The food is different than anywhere else in the world and when eating in Vietnam, there is more than enough to sample. Here are some of the best traditional Vietnamese foods.


Vietnamese food is similar to food of other Asian countries in that it does not use a lot of oil during preparation and uses a lot of different herbs. The food of Vietnam is a perfect balance of fresh meat, herbs, and spices. While there is a great diversity of food in Vietnam, there are some foods that are traditionally Vietnamese.

Bun goi da: This noodle-soup is the perfect way to start a meal. It is served with fresh vegetables and is one of the favorite dishes of the Soc Trang Province. Among the ingredients in the soup are rice noodles, pork, prawns, soybean paste, sliced red chili, and herbs. Add in some flavored hot broth and taste the perfection.

Banh it: This sticky rice cake comes with coconut or green bean stuffing that is wrapped in pinnate leaf. It is often found at parties and wedding ceremonies and is similar to a finger food. Add in a little sugar for taste.

Banh Xeo: This is similar to eating tacos or other do-it-yourself dishes. Banh Xeo is created through a process of wrapping crepe in lettuce with basil and cilantro. Add in some shrimp, bean sprouts, and thinly sliced pork. Take a bite and ignore the fact that the inside may fall all over the table because the taste will likely be spectacular.

O mai: This tasty treat is a salted or sugared, dry apricot that is a delight for many people in Vietnam. The dish is made by soaking the apricots in water overnight and then cooked in the same water. Cook until tender and mash them in a blender. The core is then peeled and the apricot is cut into small pieces. They are then cooked until tender and are a tasty treat for the local Vietnamese.

Com: This green sticky rice is made only in autumn by the Vietnamese and is served with red persimmons and ripe bananas. This dish may not look all too appealing, but is rather tasty when cooked right.

Banh khuc: When it comes to dessert, the Vietnamese know how to do it. This traditional cake of Vietnam is extremely delicious. It is a rice ball made of glutinous rice mixed with cudweed. It is then filled with green bean paste, pork, and spices. Give it and try and it will surely not disappoint.

Banh Puh The: This a special cake that is meant to show the love between a husband and a wife. It is most often served at Vietnamese weddings and is often used as a wedding invitation. It is sweet with a jelly-like texture made of tapioca flour, pandan, mung bean paste, sugar, sesame seeds, and coconut milk.

After enjoying a meal of delicious Vietnamese foods, discover the best historic sites in Ho Chi Minh City.


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