Dive Into the Flavorful World of Vietnamese Cuisine
Guide for Vietnamese Cuisine Newcomers: Suggestions for Dishes to Try
Stepping into the realm of Vietnamese food? Brilliant! We've got the lowdown from Andrea Nguyen, a renowned culinary expert and cookbook author who's won a James Beard Award. Plus, she's a Vietnamese-born individual, so her insights are, well, drool-worthy.
If you're not already hooked on Vietnamese food, it's high time for a change. Especially for those who are keen on Thai food, you'll find the move to Vietnamese cuisine as easy as a breath of fresh air. That's because both South Asian countries sport many of the same ingredients, just with unique preparations.
From noodle fiends to dumpling enthusiasts, soup connoisseurs to rice diggers, you'll find your taste buds tingling. So, order from your local spot this week and use this guide to help navigate the menu and choose the perfect dish (and you'll even know how to pick the best spot!).
Embrace the Empowering Funk
You've probably heard the term "umami" tossed around by foodies, chefs, and food lover wannabes. It's that savory flavor that adds depth and richness to a dish, and guess who's got it in spades? Vietnamese food! Fish sauce is the key ingredient for creating umami, used in stir-frys, soup broths, dips, and everything in between. It's often accompanied by vibrant herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil, and a kick from spicy chilies.
"The basic components of Vietnamese cooking are often surprising to those unfamiliar with them," notes Nguyen. "But they're exactly what transforms Vietnamese food into rolling hills of flavors, as opposed to Thai food, which is bold and gutsy."
Slurp Down a Steaming Bowl of Pho
Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that's earned its fame, and Nguyen recommends it as a great starting point for beginners. "This dish is terrific because it's delicious and customizable," she explains. Rice noodles are dropped into a bowl of clear yet intensely flavored broth, then heaped with your choice of protein (beef, chicken, seafood, tofu), bean sprouts, basil, mint, cilantro, onions, and sometimes other veggies. Finish it off with a squeeze of lime and a hit of Sriracha if you prefer things spicy. Don't forget about Vietnam's other favorite soup – be sure to try bun bo Hue as well!
Bite into a Banh Mi
Carb enthusiasts, this one's for you! Banh mi is a traditional Vietnamese sandwich with a mix of French and Vietnamese flavors, making it a delicious introduction for beginners. The sandwich starts with a soft, yet crusty baguette spread with mayo (and sometimes pâté), piled high with pickled vegetables (like carrots and daikon, a mild type of radish), cucumber, chilies, cilantro, and protein of your choice (think decadent pork belly, roasted or minced pork, chicken, sardines, or tofu).
Roll Away with Summer Rolls
Goi cuon (often called summer rolls on American menus) are a light yet bursting-with-flavor appetizer or even main course. "Chewy rice paper typically encloses lettuce, herbs, rice vermicelli noodles, and thinly sliced shrimp, pork, or tofu," says Nguyen. Optional extras include veggies and a peanut or sweet chili dipping sauce, and you guessed it – fish sauce is always involved!
For Rice Lovers...
...there are numerous Vietnamese rice dishes to discover. Beginners will love dishes that offer tender grilled or barbecued meats, served alongside a heap of rice or a mountain of skinny rice vermicelli noodles, with fresh cucumber, herbs, and pickled veggies on the side.
Struggling to Choose a Restaurant? Follow This Advice!
"Look for a focused, relatively short menu," advises Nguyen. "Any establishment with a lengthy menu spanning more than two pages can be over-ambitious." She also suggests giving their signature dish a try if they offer one – if it lives up to the hype, you know you've got yourself a winner.
Savor the Experience and Don't Get Overwhelmed!
"Take pleasure in Vietnamese food in your preferred way," asserts Nguyen. "Chopsticks, spoons, forks, or even your hands are all acceptable for eating. Don't be shy to ask for guidance if you don't understand something. Vietnamese folks are proud of their cuisine, and you'll make friends and learn something new in no time."
Ready to Take on It Alone?
If you fancy whipping up Vietnamese dishes at home, Nguyen suggests starting with pho. "Making pho is a breeze even for beginners – if you can boil water, you can create pho! Trust me, I've compiled an entire cookbook about pho that includes quick versions and longer traditional preparations."
Pay a visit to Viet World Kitchen for information on more of Nguyen's cookbooks, cooking classes, regular blog recipes (such as kimchi fried rice and mapo tofu lasagna!), or simply to ask her a question yourself.
Enrichment Data
For a beginner in Vietnamese cuisine, here are some popular and highly recommended dishes:
1. Pho
- Description: Pho is Vietnam's famous noodle soup, typically made with a flavorful broth, fresh herbs, and tender meat (beef or chicken).
- Why Recommended: It's an introduction to the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, offering customization options for newcomers.
2. Banh Mi
- Description: A crispy baguette sandwich filled with savory ingredients like pickled vegetables, grilled meats, and pâté.
- Why Recommended: Banh mi combines French and Vietnamese flavors, resulting in a familiar yet exotic taste experience, making it easy for beginners to enjoy.
3. Bun Cha
- Description: Grilled pork patties and slices served over rice noodles and herbs, accompanied by a sweet and savory sauce.
- Why Recommended: Bun cha offers a balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. It's a great way to experience the diverse taste elements of Vietnamese cuisine.
4. Rice Paper Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn)
- Description: Delicate rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and herbs, served with a peanut or hoisin dipping sauce.
- Why Recommended: Rice paper rolls are fresh and simple, offering a light, refreshing taste of Vietnamese cuisine. They're a great starting point for beginners.
5. Com Tam
- Description: Broken rice dish topped with grilled pork, egg, and pickled vegetables, often drizzled with scallion oil.
- Why Recommended: Com tam is a comforting meal that presents common Vietnamese street food flavors in an approachable way.
6. Bánh Xèo (Crispy Pancakes)
- Description: Thin rice batter pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, often served with fresh herbs.
- Why Recommended: Bánh xèo offers a delightful contrast between a crispy exterior and tender ingredients, providing an exciting dining experience for beginners.
- Delve into the realm of Vietnamese food with Andrea Nguyen's culinary expertise, ready to discover distinct recipes that will surely fascinate you.
- If you're keen on Vietnamese food, then you'll undoubtedly appreciate the unique preparation of signature dishes, especially those featuring fish sauce, which adds umami depth and richness.
- For those ready to take their Vietnamese culinary journey home, definitely consider trying out Andrea Nguyen's Pho cookbook, offering easy-to-follow recipes for making this iconic dish at home.
