Welcome to the ultimate foodie adventure in Vietnam! Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of flavours, colours, and culinary delights that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Rich history, inspired culture, and abundant fresh ingredients all combine to make Vietnam a food paradise. The cuisine is a culmination of influences from China, France, India, Thailand, and Cambodia with its own indisputably distinct Vietnamese twist.
Without a doubt, food is at the heart of Vietnamese culture. Friends and family gather around meals for community and celebration, plus only the freshest ingredients are used. On Eureka’s Vietnam Trip, you’ll taste the best street food in Vietnam, feast with the locals, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese cooking class, and so much more!
1. Pho: The Heart and Soul of Vietnamese Cuisine
First up on our flavour expedition is none other than the iconic Pho. Picture this: tender rice noodles swimming in a soul-warming broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices, topped with slices of succulent beef or chicken, and garnished with a squeeze of lime and a handful of fresh herbs. One slurp of this steaming bowl of goodness, and you'll understand why Pho is hailed as Vietnam's national dish. Pro tip: Don't be shy to customise your bowl with a dash of chilli sauce or a sprinkle of bean sprouts for an extra kick!
2. Banh Mi: The Ultimate Vietnamese Sandwich Sensation
Crunchy baguette? Check. Flavorful meat or tofu? Check. Tangy pickled vegetables? Check. Creamy pate and spicy mayo? Double check! Banh Mi is a symphony of textures and flavours packed into a portable package that's perfect for on-the-go munching. Whether you're strolling through the streets of Hanoi or hopping on a cyclo in Ho Chi Minh City, grab a Banh Mi from a street vendor and experience the explosion of tastes this Vietnamese sandwich offers.
3. Bun Cha: Grilled Meaty Goodness in a Bowl
Calling all carnivores! Bun Cha is a meat lover's dream come true. Picture succulent grilled pork patties and sizzling pork belly served alongside vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce that's both sweet and tangy. Mix it all, take a bite, and prepare to be transported to flavour paradise. Bonus points if you wash it down with a glass of refreshing Vietnamese iced tea!
4. Egg/Coconut Coffee: Where Caffeine Meets Creativity
Coffee lovers, rejoice! In Vietnam, coffee isn't just a beverage; it's an art form. Whether you prefer your coffee silky smooth with a dollop of egg yolk or rich and creamy with a splash of coconut milk, you'll find your caffeine fix in Vietnam. Pull up a plastic stool at a local coffee shop, sip your coffee slowly, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Vietnam's coffee culture.
5. Seafood (Hai San): Fresh from the Ocean to Your Plate
With a coastline stretching over 3,000 kilometres, it's no wonder that Vietnam is a seafood lover's paradise. From succulent prawns to tender squid, the Hai San (seafood) in Vietnam is as fresh as it gets. Head to a bustling seafood market or seaside restaurant, take your pick from the day's catch, and prepare to indulge in a feast fit for a king (or queen)!
6. Banh Xeo: Crispy Pancakes with a Vietnamese Twist
Get ready to flip your taste buds upside down with Banh Xeo, Vietnam's answer to the classic pancake. Crispy on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside, Banh Xeo is filled with a mouthwatering combination of shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. Wrap it in a lettuce leaf, dunk it in a savoury dipping sauce, and savour the explosion of flavours with every bite. Warning: Highly addictive!
7. Cao Lau: Noodles Like No Other
Last but certainly not least, we have Cao Lau – a dish that's as mysterious as it is delicious. Legend has it that the secret to Cao Lau lies in its unique noodles, which are made using water from an ancient well in the town of Hoi An. Topped with slices of pork, crunchy croutons, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of umami-rich sauce, Cao Lau is a symphony of flavours that will leave you craving for more.
So there you have it, fellow foodies – 7 must-try delights to savour on your Vietnam adventure! Whether you're slurping noodles in Hanoi or sipping coffee in Saigon, one thing's for sure – your taste buds are in for a treat. So pack your appetite and prepare for a culinary experience like no other. Bon appétit!
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