5 impressive things about Vietnamese cuisine in the eyes of international friends

Vietnamese cuisine is not just about dishes and recipes; it serves as an ambassador that spreads the cultural identity of the Vietnamese people. Let’s explore the impressive aspects of Vietnamese culinary culture on the international stage in the following article!

Introduction to Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnam is recognized as one of the world’s famous culinary destinations and takes pride in always holding an important place in the minds of international travelers when it comes to a rich culinary culture combined with unique flavors, offering a multi-dimensional experience.

On the “global culinary map” – “Taste Atlas”, with an average score of 4.44/5 rated by culinary experts, chefs, and international guests, Vietnamese cuisine boldly ranks 22nd in the list of the 100 best cuisines in the world for 2023, with two representative dishes being bánh mì and phở bò.

Notably, Vietnamese cuisine has had the honor of receiving major awards such as “Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination 2023” for Hanoi. Additionally, on various travel websites in the U.S., Vietnam has been voted as one of the top 5 countries with the most appealing cuisine in the world.

5 Impressive Aspects of Vietnamese Cuisine Often Mentioned by International Friends

Famous for its unique, rich, and diverse cuisine, what are the impressions of international guests about Vietnamese cuisine?

Aspect 1: The Diversity of Dishes

From the delicate flavors of Northern cuisine, the savory soul of Central dishes, to the sweet symphony of Southern tastes, each dish is a journey exploring the culture and culinary traditions of Vietnam.

Emerging from a rice-based agricultural background, most Vietnamese dishes, whether simple or sophisticated, humble or unique, are closely linked to rice. They have gradually been crafted to align with the country’s development. As a result, Vietnamese cuisine is known as a treasure trove connected to a diverse culture that has been refined over centuries.

Aspect 2: Unique Flavors and Ingredient Combinations

Vietnamese people place great importance on harmony in every dish. A complete flavor must meet two basic criteria: it should be delicious and visually appealing. Nutritious and healthy ingredients such as vegetables and meat are skillfully combined with various cooking methods, from boiling, steaming, and simmering to frying, sautéing, and mixing, creating richness in every moment of enjoyment.

Vietnam is greatly influenced by Chinese culture, which is why Buddhist philosophy is clearly reflected in Vietnamese cuisine through the concept of yin and yang and the five elements. In this harmonious blend of flavors, Vietnamese dishes are seasoned with five basic tastes: spicy (metal), sour (wood), salty (water), sweet (earth), and bitter (fire), creating a distinctive and contrasting texture.

However, despite the emphasis on seasoning, Vietnamese chefs do not overlook the original flavors of each ingredient. With a selective approach to ingredient usage, Vietnamese cuisine not only stands out from any other dishes in Southeast Asia but is also celebrated as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world.

Aspect 3: The unique and strange dish

Vietnamese cuisine, with its many unique dishes made from ingredients that are not commonly found elsewhere, always holds a strange allure for international travelers. Depending on the climate, geographical location, and local customs and beliefs, people have different ways of preparing and utilizing cooking ingredients.

Duck embryo eggs (trứng vịt lộn) are one of the rustic and familiar dishes for Vietnamese people, yet they often surprise many foreign guests due to their appearance—this dish is made from duck eggs with developed embryos. However, after a few tries, some travelers have come to enjoy this dish deliciously.

Durian – the “king of fruits” with its strong aroma leaves an unforgettable impression on many travelers who visit Vietnam. Although it may be strange and unfamiliar to foreign tourists, the dishes made from durian are characterized by their unique flavors and nutritional benefits.

Aspect 4: The dipping sauce

In Vietnamese cuisine, dipping sauces are considered the “soul of the nation.” Each Vietnamese dish comes with a unique dipping sauce that not only adds a delightful flavor but also balances the taste and enhances the richness of the meal.

Extracted and processed from the finest essences of the ocean, fish sauce (nước mắm) is considered the quintessence that marks the uniqueness of Vietnamese cuisine on the world map. Additionally, the S-shaped country is also famous for its impressive varieties of fish sauce, such as shrimp paste (mắm tôm), fermented fish sauce (mắm ruốc), ect.

Aspect 5: The way of enjoy the Vietnamese cuisine

For generations, Vietnamese people have regarded cuisine as a form of medicine, due to its ability to restore the balance of yin and yang within the body. A nutritious dish is artfully combined with the five elements, which is why the tradition of eating according to the climate or season to maintain balance is quite common.

With a profound understanding of culinary culture, Vietnamese people not only focus on the flavors of their dishes but also engage all the senses – hearing, sight, smell, and touch – during a Vietnamese meal. The harmonious presentation, beautiful ambiance, and cozy atmosphere are all part of the delicate art of dining that is deeply ingrained in the minds of the Vietnamese people.

Recommendations for Must-Try Vietnamese Food Destinations

Highlighting Notable Restaurants in Da Nang and Exploring the Impressive Aspects of Vietnamese Cuisine that Attract Both Domestic and International Tourists.

Cá Gỗ Vietnamese Restaurant

Located on the third floor of HAIAN Beach Hotel & Spa, Cá Gỗ restaurant was established with the concept of providing a culinary journey along the S-shaped map of Vietnam. In a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere, the restaurant offers Vietnamese meals that blend traditional and modern elements, aiming to introduce international diners to the image of a traditional Vietnamese meal.

With decorative details rich in Vietnamese identity, such as oil lamps and Bat Trang ceramic bowls, Cá Gỗ Vietnamese Restaurant is a wonderful representation of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, crafted by the skilled hands of talented chefs. With a diverse menu ranging from Asian to European dishes, each meal is meticulously prepared and presented, offering an indescribable sense of familiarity.

Address: 3rd Floor, 278 Vo Nguyen Giap, Da Nang

Opening Hours:

Phone: (+84) 236 2228 666 

Email: cagovietnameserestaurant@gmail.com 

Website: https://cago.haianbeachhotelspa.com/ 

Menu: https://online.pubhtml5.com/zmkve/hxmr/ 

Dong Duong Restaurant

With the slogan “Creating a private and cozy space for your family,” Đông Dương restaurant impresses diners with its luxurious, elegant, and sophisticated atmosphere. Guests not only enjoy the delightful flavors of Asian cuisine but also have the opportunity to explore and learn about the French-style house and its antique artifacts.

In particular, the “home-cooked meal” menu will take guests on a journey to experience pure Vietnamese cuisine, featuring traditional family dishes such as crab soup, braised fish, and pickled eggplant.

Address: 18 Tran Phu, Hai Chau, Da Nang

Opening Hours:

Phone: 0236.3889.689

Email: nhahangdongduong@gmail.com

Website: https://dongduongrestaurantdn.com.vn/trang-chu/

Truc Lam Vien

As one of the few Vietnamese restaurants with over 20 years of history in Da Nang, Trúc Lâm Viên enchants diners with its classic ambiance reminiscent of the dreamy city of Hue and a menu rich in Vietnamese flavors, featuring dishes like Quang noodles and spring rolls.

Address: 08 Tran Quy Cap, Da Nang

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Phone: 0934 198264

Email: truclamviendn@gmail.com

Website: https://truclamvien.com.vn/

Conclusion

Vietnamese cuisine always embodies the distinctive essence that the people of the S-shaped land have preserved for generations. Let Cá Gỗ Vietnamese Restaurant take you into the world of Vietnamese culinary with countless impressive and enticing experiences!

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Contact detail:

Cá Gỗ Vietnamese Restaurant – Homely Litting Dining 

Address: 3rd Floor, 278 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang

Hotline: (+84) 236 2228 666 

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/cagorestaurantdn 

Website: https://cago.haianbeachhotelspa.com/