Information On Vietnam

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Vietnam Food

Vietnamese cuisine is not so much one cuisine but three. It can be conveniently categorized in distinct areas: northern, southern and central.

But no matter where in Vietnam , it is nearly impossible to imagine Vietnamese cuisine without its key ingredient – nuoc mam, fish sauce. This essential condiment is fermented from anchovies but does not really have a fishy taste. It is used in a similar way to soy sauce in Chinese cooking. Along with herbs such as lemongrass, mint, Vietnamese mint, coriander and Thai basil, fish sauce gives Vietnamese cooking its distinctive taste.

Similarly, it is impossible to think of Vietnam without thinking of noodles. The Vietnamese love noodles and will eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner and may have a bowl of noodles in-between as a snack to keep them going! Each area has its own special type of noodles and each is absolutely sure that theirs is the best.

North Vietnam is considered to be the cradle of the Vietnamese culture and the preserver of the tradition and it is from here that many of the classic Vietnamese dishes derive. Perhaps the most famous Vietnamese dish, Pho originated here. Basically rice noodles in soup with meat (beef is the most common, but chicken is also popular), Pho is available all over Vietnam but should be enjoyed at its best in one of the many snack shops of Saigon. Don't forget the extra ingredients such as basil, lime, bean sprouts and peppers which you are expected to add yourself. Northern food tends to be less spicy than elsewhere and where heat is desired, black pepper rather than chilli is used.

Another northern specialty is banh cuon which literally means 'rolled cake'. This is like a savoury pancake made from rice flour and filed with minced pork and wood ear fungus. This is served with a dipping sauce made from the ubiquitous fish sauce mixed with lemon or lime juice and sugar.

Southern Vietnam's cuisine has been more influenced by the outside. The Mekong Delta is Vietnam's food basket and supplier of much of the country's fruit. Some of this finds its way into its cuisine and so, food here tends to be a little sweeter in taste. However, spiciness is also valued and here chillies are used for heat. South Vietnam has been more influenced by outsiders than other area and one can find traces of India in the Southern Vietnamese curries, traces of the French colonists in their baked goods and pâtés and there are many similarities with Cambodian food.

Central Vietnam has a distinct cuisine. In the past this was the home of the Vietnamese Emperors and the area still favours Imperial style cooking even in humble homes and restaurants. This means that instead of one or two dishes being served for a meal, a number of small dishes will be offered. These will consists of lavish spreads in the meals of the wealthy, but even the poorer peasant families will have a range of small vegetable dishes for a meal. But again, don't forget to sample the local noodles such as quang noodles from Da Nang area.

Whenever and wherever you are in Vietnam you are assured of a gastronomic adventure with a difference. You can visit Indochina Odyssey Tours to get more information about Vietnam.

About the Author

Indochina Odyssey Tours - Your trustworthy Indochina Vietnam tour operator since 1987. Personalized and worry-free service in tours, hotels and tickets in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.

Briefing Room EP15: XM22 LMG Weapon Review by Swordsman75 (Bad Company 2: Vietnam)


information on vietnam
information on vietnam