Vietnamese Cuisine: Why Does It Make International Tourists So Fascinated?

From pho, bun cha to nem ran or banh mi, each Vietnamese dish contains its own unforgettable flavor. It is not just about cuisine, it is also a cultural story, the love and creativity of Vietnamese people in each dish. Let’s explore the quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine, to understand why Vietnamese cuisine has captivated the world.

General introduction to Vietnamese cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine has long been a source of national pride, a cultural “language” that helps the world better understand the Vietnamese people – simple, sophisticated but full of creativity. In every meal, Vietnamese people always pay attention to the balance between flavor, color and nutritional value.

Unlike many other cuisines, Vietnamese cuisine focuses on harmony: sour – spicy – ​​salty – sweet flavors blend naturally, creating a refreshing yet rich feeling. From traditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho, bun bo Hue, banh cuon, com tam to rustic dishes such as sour soup, braised fish in clay pot – all demonstrate sophistication and ingenuity in the way they are prepared.

Not only a daily source of energy, traditional Vietnamese dishes are also a symbol of culture, a bridge between the past and the present, imbued with the spirit of “eating is also enjoying and appreciating life”.

Unique harmony in flavors – the essence of Vietnamese cuisine

Before delving into each region, let’s take a look back at the core characteristics that make Vietnamese cuisine famous: the perfect balance of flavors and combinations of ingredients.

Vietnamese people always believe in the concept of “yin and yang harmony” in cuisine. Each dish has a harmonious combination of hot – cold, spicy – sweet, rich – light.

• Pho is a typical example: clear broth, sweet from stewed bones, eaten with green onions, lemon, chili and herbs – both delicate and complete.
• Spring rolls are the perfect combination of meat, shrimp, raw vegetables and rice paper, creating a refreshing and pleasant feeling.
• Vietnamese bread, a dish recognized by the whole world, is a testament to the creativity of combining French and Vietnamese cuisine – crispy on the outside, delicious and flavorful on the inside.

The harmony of flavors is the “key” that makes Vietnamese cuisine familiar and loved globally.

Regional diversity – a colorful culinary picture

If Vietnamese cuisine is considered an art painting, then each region is a distinct color – when combined, creating a rich, vibrant and unforgettable whole. From North to South, each land brings its own flavors, ingredients and cooking methods, clearly reflecting the natural conditions, climate and personality of the people there.

Before going into each region, it can be said that the regional diversity is the factor that helps Vietnamese cuisine always be new, attractive and never boring. Whether you are Vietnamese or an international tourist, just take a tour around the S-shaped country, you will find countless dishes with their own flavors, but still retain the typical “Vietnamese soul” – delicate, balanced and close.

Northern cuisine – elegant, refined and harmonious

Northern cuisine is considered the cradle of many traditional Vietnamese dishes, featuring a light, refreshing flavor, less spicy and less sugar. Northerners often focus on preserving the natural flavor of the ingredients, creating a delicate yet rich feeling.

Typical dishes such as Hanoi pho, bun thang, La Vong fish cakes, xoi xeo, Thanh Tri rice rolls… all show sophistication in the way they are prepared and arranged. Spices are used sparingly, not too strong, not too sweet – true to the elegance and sophistication of the ancient Trang An people.

Northerners’ meals often have many small dishes, neatly presented, harmonious colors, demonstrating a careful lifestyle and respect for balance. It can be said that Northern cuisine represents the elegance and sophistication of the quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine.

Central cuisine – rich, spicy and sophisticated

If the North is famous for its light taste, then the Central cuisine impresses with its strong, spicy and salty taste, reflecting the harsh climate and strong spirit of the people here.

In particular, due to the influence of the ancient Hue royal culture, Central dishes are meticulously prepared, elaborate and delicate to every detail. Each dish is not only delicious but also beautiful like a work of art.

Typical dishes that cannot be missed include Hue beef noodle soup, Quang noodles, banh beo, banh nam, banh loc, banh it tran… All have bright colors, strong spicy flavors and meticulous presentation style.

Central cuisine also shows the spirit of creativity and thrift – the same ingredients can be processed into many different dishes. It is this diversity that helps the dishes here to be both rustic and imbued with the breath of traditional culture.

Southern cuisine – liberal, sweet and diverse

With a year-round tropical climate and abundant raw materials from the plains and rivers, Southern cuisine brings a feeling of liberality, freshness and sweetness, just like the open-mindedness of the people here.

Southern people love dishes with strong, fatty, sweet flavors and use many kinds of vegetables and fruits in preparation. Typical dishes such as broken rice with pork ribs and sausage, sour soup with Linh fish and wild sesban flowers, Nam Vang noodles, pancakes, lotus root salad with shrimp and meat, crab noodle soup, three-color sweet soup… all clearly show that spirit.

Due to cultural exchanges with the Chinese, Khmer and Cham people, Southern cuisine has also become richer in ingredients and flavors. Each dish is not only delicious but also contains a story about cultural harmony, about the spirit of hospitality and creativity of the people of the river region.

Colors converge in the picture of Vietnamese cuisine

The three regions of North – Central – South, each with its own nuances, but when combined, create a diverse and emotional picture of Vietnamese cuisine. From the elegant taste of the North, the spicy taste of the Central region to the sweetness of the South, all blend together, reflecting the richness of nature and the soul of the Vietnamese people.

Not just a simple regional difference, Vietnamese cuisine is also a mirror reflecting cultural life, where each dish carries within it memories, traditions and national pride. That is what makes Vietnamese cuisine so attractive in the eyes of international tourists – simple but sophisticated, rustic but full of humanity.

The combination of Vietnamese cuisine and culture

For Vietnamese people, eating is not only to be full but also to “enjoy”. In every family meal, people not only cook but also express their feelings and care for each other. This makes cuisine a part of living culture – connecting generations.

Traditional Vietnamese dishes are also associated with important holidays, Tet or rituals:

• Banh chung, banh tet symbolize heaven and earth, appearing on the occasion of Tet Nguyen Dan.
• Che troi nuoc is often cooked on Han Thuc festival or ancestor worship ceremony.
• Xoi gac do symbolizes luck, often present in weddings.

Vietnamese cuisine is therefore not only about taste but also about spirit, the connection between people – between tradition and modernity.

Vietnamese cuisine in the eyes of international tourists

Many international visitors to Vietnam admit that Vietnamese cuisine is one of the reasons they want to return. The freshness of the ingredients, the sophisticated seasoning and the simple yet attractive presentation leave a deep impression on them.

On the world culinary rankings, many traditional Vietnamese dishes are regularly featured:

• Pho was voted by CNN as “one of the best dishes in the world”.
• Banh mi is in the top “50 best street foods on the planet” according to TasteAtlas.
• Hanoi spring rolls and bun cha are praised by tourists as “the perfect balance between flavor and nutrition”.

More than just food, Vietnamese cuisine also reflects the friendliness and openness of the Vietnamese people – factors that make international visitors love this country even more.

Vietnamese culinary trends reaching out to the world

Nowadays, the quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine is not only limited to the national level but is spreading strongly to the world. Many Vietnamese chefs have brought traditional dishes such as pho, banh mi, bun bo Hue, nem ran… to famous restaurants in the US, France, Japan, and Korea.

This success comes from the fact that Vietnamese people know how to preserve their original identity but still skillfully adjust to suit international tastes. Vietnamese dishes not only appear in popular eateries but also in prestigious Michelin restaurants.

Not only that, the trend of “green cuisine” – eating healthy, using fresh ingredients and less fat – also helps Vietnamese cuisine to be highly appreciated in the present era. The style of “clean eating – healthy living” which is a characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine, has now become a global trend.

Conclusion

Vietnamese cuisine is not only the pride of the Vietnamese people but also a cultural gift to the world. From simple traditional Vietnamese dishes to creative variations, all express the soul, identity and love of beauty of the nation.

It is the balance, sophistication and harmony in each flavor that has helped the quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine leave a strong impression in the hearts of international friends. No matter who you are, where you come from, just try it once, you will surely understand why Vietnamese cuisine is so attractive.

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