In the south, the food tends to be spicier, while the northern cuisine has more Chinese elements. French influence is also apparent. You’ll see women on street corners selling fresh baguettes and shops advertising pate and pastries. The French also introduced cafe culture. Vietnam’s Central Highland produce some of the most aromatic coffee beans in the world, as well as black and green tea.

The Vietnamese word for meal, “com”, also translates as “rice”, and no Vietnamese meal is complete without it. Rice noodle soups with chicken or beef, known as “pho”, are a Vietnamese staple. “Nem” (in the north) or “cha gio” (in the south) are bite-sized, fried spring rolls, which are another Vietnamese classic. Beef, chicken and pork are common ingredients, and with its long coastline, Vietnam offers delectable, fresh seafood. Dishes to try include “cha ca”, filleted fish grilled over charcoal, “muc xao chua ngot”, sweet and sour squid, and “tom bao mia”, grilled shrimp with sugarcane. Another highlight is the abundance of fresh fruit. Along with tropical favorite like mangoes, pineapples and melons, Vietnam’s orchards produce exotic fruit like blue dragon fruit, star fruit and mangosteens.

So dont forget to join in a cooking class once you visit Vietnam!

Source: Vietnam Tour Guides