Beyond The Banh Mi
By Nguyen Thinh
Vietnam is a country that is famous for its rich and diverse food culture. From Pho to Banh Mi, Vietnamese cuisine has found its place in the global culinary scene. However, there is a whole world of Vietnamese street food that remains obscure to the outside world.
Street food culture in Vietnam is deeply ingrained in the daily lives of the locals. It is not uncommon to find street food vendors on every corner selling a variety of dishes that are unique to each region of the country. While some of these dishes have gained popularity over the years, there are still many obscure Vietnamese street foods waiting to be discovered.
One such dish is Banh Trang Nuong. This dish originated in Da Lat, a city in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Banh Trang Nuong is a grilled rice paper dish that is topped with a variety of toppings such as quail eggs, dried shrimp, and scallions. The dish is then drizzled with a sweet and savory sauce that complements the crispy texture of the rice paper.
Another Vietnamese street food is Banh Khot. This dish is a popular snack in Southern Vietnam, particularly in the Mekong Delta region. Banh Khot is a small, savory pancake that is made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric powder. It is then topped with shrimp, scallions, and mung beans. The dish is served with a side of fresh herbs and a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
Moving on to Northern Vietnam, we have Bun Dau Mam Tom. This dish is not for the faint of heart as it is made with fermented shrimp paste, which has a pungent odor. Bun Dau Mam Tom is a noodle dish that is served with tofu, pork belly, and herbs. The fermented shrimp paste is the star of the dish, and while it may take some getting used to, it is a must-try for anyone visiting Northern Vietnam.
We also have Banh Canh Cua. This dish is a thick noodle soup that is made with crab and pork broth. It is served with a variety of toppings such as crab meat, shrimp, and scallions. Banh Canh Cua has its roots in Central Vietnam, particularly in the city of Hue. The dish is a testament to the region’s rich culinary history and is a must-try for anyone visiting the area.
Vietnamese street food is a treasure trove of unique and delicious dishes waiting to be discovered. While some of these dishes may seem obscure to the outside world, they are an integral part of Vietnam’s food culture. Reject the rise of Western fast food and be sure to explore the diverse world of Vietnamese street food and discover the hidden gems that await you.