Lưu trữ Danh mục: Uncategorized

The Characteristics of Southern Vietnamese Cuisine

If Northern cuisine emphasizes refinement and elaboration, and Central cuisine is rich in flavor, Southern Vietnamese culinary culture carries a unique simplicity and rustic charm. The “Seasonal” Style of Southern Cuisine In the South, rivers rich in alluvium and networks of canals and streams make seafood abundant year-round. Shrimp, fish, crab, and other freshwater delicacies […]

Canh Khổ Qua (Stuffed Bitter Melon Soup) – A Symbol of Overcoming Hardship and Welcoming Prosperity

In Southern Vietnam, Canh Khổ Qua is a staple of the Tết feast. Its name, combining “khổ” (hardship) and “qua” (to overcome), reflects the hope that all struggles of the past year will be left behind, embodies resilience and the wish for a prosperous year ahead. Each year, families carefully select the finest bitter melons […]

Bánh Bột Lọc (Stuffed Tapioca Dumplings)

Bánh bột lọc originates from Huế, the capital of the Nguyễn dynasty, and is closely associated with royal cuisine. This dish is believed to have existed for hundreds of years, initially served to kings and the nobility, showcasing a refined and meticulous approach to cooking. Today, bánh bột lọc has become a culinary symbol of […]

Canh Rau Ngót Linh Xương (Star Gooseberry Leaf Soup with Pork Bones)

Another popular choice for hot summer days besides canh cua rau đay, or minced crab soup with jute leaves, is canh rau ngót linh xương, or star gooseberry leaf soup with pork ribs. My grandparents have a small garden where they grow star gooseberry leaf and every summer, I will go out to help them […]

Mì Quảng (Quang Noodles)

Mì Quảng, or Quan noodles, is a famous dish from Quảng Nam province in Central Vietnam, with a history dating back over 400 years. According to researcher Tôn Thất Hướng, Mì Quảng first appeared around the 16th century as a result of the culinary exchange between the Vietnamese and the Cham communities. Over time, the […]

Canh Chua Cá Linh (Linh Fish and Sesbania Flower Soup)

When the flooding season arrives in the Mekong Delta, it brings with it one of the region’s most well-known dishes: Canh chua cá Linh, or Linh fish and Sesbania flower soup. During this time, Linh fish—a type of fish of the carp family, originating from Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake—migrate downstream, offering a fresh and plentiful […]

Bún Mắm (Fermented Fish Noodle Soup)

Bún Mắm, or Fermented Fish Noodle Soup is one of the signature dishes of the people of Central Vietnam, a region where people’s lifestyle is closely intertwined with rivers. It is distinguished by its rich variety of toppings. The broth embodies the the river, while the fish, shrimp, and meats reflect the abundance of nature. […]

Sườn Xào Chua Ngọt (Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs) – Every Vietnamese Child’s Favorite Dish

If you ask any Vietnamese child what their favorite dish is, chances are you’ll hear sườn xào chua ngọt, or sweet and sour pork ribs, come up again and again. It’s one of the most popular dishes in Vietnamese home cooking, winning over taste buds of all ages. When I was little, I BEGGED my […]

Canh Khoai Mỡ Thịt Bằm (Taro Soup with Minced Pork)

Khoai mỡ, or taro, originates from Southeast Asia and later spread across much of the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. In Vietnam, taro is widely cultivated across many regions, particularly in the provinces of the Mekong Delta, where this soup also originated. Taro has been an integral part of Vietnamese cuisine, recognized as […]

Kho Quẹt (Caramelized Pork Dip)

Kho quẹt is a beloved dish in Central Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta. It’s part of the larger family of “kho” dishes, traditional Vietnamese braises that come in many forms, like kho tộ (clay pot braise), kho tàu (Chinese-style braise), and kho lạt (mildly seasoned braise). What makes kho quẹt stand out is its […]

Thịt Đông (Jellied Meat) – From a Kitchen Mishap to an Iconic Dish

No Vietnamese New Year’s feast in the North would be complete without a dish of Thịt Đông, or jellied meat. It’s the only dish in Northern Vietnamese cuisine that has the “frozen” form. And interestingly, its creation was said to be a complete accident. Legend has it that long ago, during the harsh northern winter, […]

Nộm Đu Đủ (Green Papaya Salad) – A perfect balance of sweetness, sourness and spice

It’s not hard to spot nộm đu đủ, or green papaya salad, in a traditional Vietnamese New Year’s feast. With its crisp texture and refreshing flavor, this dish brings perfect balance to rich meaty festive foods like thịt mỡ (Braised pork belly) and bánh chưng (Square sticky rice cake). For its ersatile and light nature, […]

The Characteristics of Central Vietnamese Cuisine

Central Vietnam, the heart of the country, is not naturally blessed with fertile soil or a favorable climate. Arable land is scarce, and the region often faces harsh weather, from scorching heat to relentless storms. Yet, the Central people have cultivated a distinctive and vibrant culinary identity. Central Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its bold […]

Canh Bí Đỏ Linh Xương  (Pumpkin Soup with Pork Bone)

Whenever winter comes, this is the dish I crave the most. A bowl full of warmth and nostalgia. I’ve tried numerous recipes online, and I still like my grandpa’s recipe the most. It reminds me of cold winter evening sitting around the table with my family and savoring the delicious soup together. The pumpkin is […]

Rau Muống Xào Tỏi (Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Garlic) – From Home Kitchens To The Global Stage

Rau muống xào tỏi, or Stir-fried water spinach with garlic,  is one of those dishes that every Vietnamese person has grown up with. Simple yet irresistible, it’s a classic on nearly every family dining table. Despite its simple ingredients, the dish perfectly captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine: fresh, flavorful, and full of soul. Fun […]

Bánh Canh Ghẹ (Crab Thick Noodle Soup)

When it comes to Vietnamese noodle dishes, Bánh canh ghẹ, or Crab thich noodle soup, is certainly one that cannot be overlooked. The dish has many regional variations across the country, but for me, I prefer the Southern style version, which has a slightly sweeter flavor. Ingredients:  Live crabs: 3  Tapioca flour: 1.5 bowls  Rice […]

The Characteristics of Northern Vietnamese Cuisine

The Northern culinary style is known for its moderation, elegance, and attention to natural flavors, making it quite different from the bolder, spicier tastes of  The Central and Southern.  Subtle Yet Flavorful Seasoning One of the most notable features of Northern cuisine is that dishes are lightly seasoned. While Northern cuisine also emphasises the use […]

Đậu Hũ Sốt Cà Chua (Fried Tofu with Tomato Sauce) – A National Staple Family Dish

This is one of my all-time comfort foods. Fun fact: it’s also my younger brother’s favorites. Nothing beats some freshly made hot đậu phụ sốt cà chua served with a bowl of rice. It’s quick and easy to make, vegan-friendly, and a simple yet nutritious dish that has become a staple of many Vietnamese family […]

Thịt Kho Hột Vịt (Braised Pork with Duck Eggs)

A dish that often accompanies bitter melon soup (canh khổ qua) in a Tet feast of the South is Braised pork with duck eggs (Thịt kho hột vịt). This dish, together with Canh khổ qua (Bitter melon soup), is not only a regional culinary specialty but also carries deep cultural and spiritual significance in the […]

Cá Kho Tộ (Braised fish in clay pot)

When people think of the Southern region of Vietnam, they often imagine a vast network of rivers, canals, and streams teeming with a wide variety of freshwater products. The abundance of fish, shrimp, and crabs has naturally shaped the rich and diverse culinary culture of the South. Even a simple ingredient like fish can be […]

Bánh Đa Cua (Crab Noodle Soup) – The Soul of Hai Phong’s Cuisine

Bánh đa cua is a speciality of Hải Phòng, one of Vietnam’s largest port cities. A bowl of bánh đa cua is a harmony of colors and flavors: the reddish-brown noodles blend into the golden, glossy broth, rich with natural sweetness. Fragrant crab meat, buttery crab roe, crispy pork cracklings, and golden fried shallots come […]

Canh Cua Rau Đay (Minced Crab and Jute Leaf Soup) – A Taste of Vietnamese Summer

Every summer in Vietnam, families’ meals are incomplete without a bowl of Canh cua rau đay, or minced crab soup with jute leaves. Simple yet flavorful, this soup has been a staple of Vietnamese home cooking for generations. The sweetness of field crab broth blends harmoniously with the freshness of summer vegetables like luffa, Malabar […]