The famous US food website Serious Eats recently published an article introducing 10 Vietnamese dishes praised as delicious and refreshing, which can refresh daily menus. Beyond just suggesting dishes, the article also shared detailed recipes so readers can easily make them at home.
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| Banh xeo - a rustic, delicious dish. |
According to the author, the appeal of Vietnamese cuisine lies in the harmonious combination of fresh ingredients, herbs, and familiar seasonings such as: Fish sauce, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, chili... It is the balance among sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors that creates rich and delicious dishes.
The first dish mentioned is banh xeo, one of the familiar dishes of Vietnamese people. The author explained that the name "banh xeo" comes from the sizzling sound made when the rice batter is poured into a hot pan. The crepe has a golden crust thanks to turmeric powder, crispy on the outside, with a filling of pork belly, shrimp, onion, bean sprouts... Coconut milk added to the batter enhances the richness and aroma, creating a unique appeal for the dish. When enjoyed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and sweet-and-sour dipping sauce, banh xeo delivers a quintessential Vietnamese culinary experience.
In addition, Serious Eats also paid special attention to dishes distinguished by their freshness and harmony of flavors, such as: Cabbage chicken salad, mixed noodle salad, and grilled pork sausage wrapped in rice paper. According to the article, these dishes clearly showcase the hallmarks of Vietnamese cuisine through the combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, pickles, meat, and dipping sauce. The harmony among sour and sweet flavors with herbal aromas creates a distinct appeal, making seemingly simple dishes extraordinary.
Not only introducing refreshing dishes, the US food website also mentioned familiar dishes in Vietnamese family meals, such as: Lemongrass grilled pork ribs, coconut-braised shrimp, stir-fried water spinach with beef, and especially rich, refreshing sour soup. “With its light and delicate flavor, sour soup cooked with fish is a harmonious combination of the natural sweetness of fish, the gentle tartness from tomatoes, and the aroma of herbs and dill. Searing the fish before adding it to the broth helps eliminate any fishy odor, while firming the flesh and adding depth to the flavor,” the author shared.
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| Pho - the pride of Vietnamese cuisine on the world culinary map. |
Even though prepared from humble ingredients, these dishes still impress thanks to their delicate, harmonious seasoning. The aroma of lemongrass in grilled dishes, the harmonious sweet and savory taste of braised dishes, or the light freshness of a bowl of sour soup all demonstrate the ability to maximize the natural flavors of ingredients in Vietnamese cuisine.
In particular, when speaking of Vietnamese cuisine, one cannot overlook pho and noodle soups. Pho and bun bo are regarded as prominent representatives of the depth of Vietnam's culinary culture. According to the author, pho is not only the most famous dish but also considered a "gateway" introducing international diners to Vietnamese culinary culture. The clear, subtly sweet broth, richly layered with flavors simmered from bones and fragrant charred spices, is the key element behind this dish's appeal. When combined with rice noodles, beef, bean sprouts, fresh chilies, and herbs, pho offers a delicate, exceptionally enchanting flavor experience.
Meanwhile, its “sibling” bun bo Hue is introduced as a distinctly bold and robust version. This famous Central Vietnamese dish features a broth simmered from lemongrass, fermented shrimp paste, and beef..., creating an unforgettable signature flavor. The fiery spice, richness, and depth of flavor make bun bo Hue one of the dishes most favored by international diners when exploring Vietnamese cuisine.
The author shared: “Vietnamese dishes are among my absolute favorites, not only because of the fresh, aromatic ingredients and bold, multi-layered flavors, but also because of the simple ingredients that require no great effort to find…”
It is the harmony between bold, naturally sweet flavors from local produce that creates the unique character of Vietnamese cuisine. With its abundant ingredients, diverse cooking techniques, and the refined art of balancing flavors, Vietnamese cuisine continuously affirms its appeal, leaving a profound impression on diners both at home and abroad.
NHU THAO
