07/07/2020
π² A Localβs Guide to Vietnamese Food
Hello, itβs Expat Guide 101 again and weβre here with Part 5 β A localβs guide to Vietnamese food. Weβll give you the most basic understanding about Vietnamese food and how to enjoy it like a local.
1οΈβ£ Whatβs in Vietnamese food?
The country is roughly divided into 3 main regions: Northern, Central and Southern Vietnam. While the cuisines of these regions have their own specialties, they all share some common traits that can be found not only throughout Vietnam but also in any Southeast Asian country.
The first is the heavy use of fish sauce. Fish sauce is used in almost any meal for dipping and seasoning. The most concentrated types of fish sauce are produced in Central Vietnam, while the other regions will sometimes use soy sauce as an alternative.
The second is the use of chopsticks. Vietnamese cuisine is heavily influenced by Chinese traditional food culture, which is reflected in the way a meal is served and enjoyed in Vietnam. Using chopsticks is one of the most essential skills you need to acquire in order to enjoy a Vietnamese meal to the fullest.
While the Central region loves the spicy taste, Southern Vietnam enjoys a much sweeter flavor. Food in the North generally suits all kinds of eaters.
2οΈβ£ When should I eat?
While food stalls are common on any sidewalks in big cities, it might be hard to find somewhere decent to eat if itβs not meal time. Breakfast stalls are in service from 5am to 10am, lunch stalls from 12pm to 2pm, and 6pm to 8pm is the time for street hotpots, grilled seafood and barbecue sessions.
3οΈβ£ Where should I eat?
βThe more the merrierβ β that holds true even when it comes to picking a place to eat. Head for the places with a small crowd, which serves as a testament to the quality of the stallβs food.
If you want a more detailed checklist, here is one:
β¬οΈ Is the setting clean and hygienic?
β¬οΈ Do the ingredients look bright and fresh?
β¬οΈ Is it positively reviewed by tourists?
β¬οΈ Is there a long line of customers waiting to be served?
If all the boxes are checked, youβre safe to go.
4οΈβ£ What should I order?
There is a long list of what you should try in Vietnam, but weβve compiled a short list of the most notable dishes:
βͺοΈ Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich)
βͺοΈ Pho (rice noodles soup served with beef and a heavy broth)
βͺοΈ Che (sweet gruel)
βͺοΈ Bun cha (grilled pork served with rice noodles and fish sauce)
βͺοΈ Nem nuong (grilled pork sausage)
βͺοΈ Goi cuon (Vietnamese summer rolls)
βͺοΈ Banh cuon (steamed rice rolls)
If you donβt know what to order, donβt be afraid to ask for either the signature dish of the restaurant, or whatever the next table is having.
5οΈβ£ What should I do at the table?
Generally speaking, you will always eat first and pay later at Vietnamese food stalls.
π Place your order in the counter, then pick a table to sit at and wait.
π Use the given tissues or your own to wipe the chopsticks and spoons before using them. If youβre not by yourself, itβs polite to do that for your companion(s).
π Locate the extra condiments on the table, which can include garlic in vinegar, fish sauce, chili paste, salt and pepper, and limes. Feel free to customize your meal to your liking.
π Ask the waiter/waitress for instruction if youβre unsure about how to have your meal.
6οΈβ£ What should I say?
A basic βEm Ζ‘i!β (for someone younger than you), βAnh Ζ‘i!β (for a male older than you), βChα» Ζ‘i!β (for a female older than you) will draw the attention of the server.
If youβre vegetarian, youβd want to keep in mind the word βΔn chayβ (vegetarian food). Use your fingers to refer to the number of servings you want. When ready to leave, simply say βTΓnh tiα»nβ.
π Those are the most basic things to know when it comes to eating in Vietnam. Generally speaking, Vietnamese food is healthy, flavorful and suits all kinds of eaters. Donβt worry β youβll find your favorites in no time.
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