Cuisine fit for an Emperor
Though closely related to Chinese cuisine, Vietnamese food is quite distinct. Herbs and seasoning are favoured over sauces, boiled or steamed are favoured over stir-fries. Many guests are surprised at the complexity of flavours and the lesser use of the hot chillies found in so much of Vietnam’s neighbours cuisine. The French influence is very apparent especially in the morning…the coffee is exceptional as is the huge variety of breads.
One of the most exciting things about Vietnamese food is difference to be found in each regions cuisine as you travel up, or down, the country. Food is far spicier in the south and shows many similarities to that of Thai or Indian, whilst in the north it is far closer to that of China's with the popularity of stir fried and noodle dishes. Throughout Vietnam the seafood is excellent as you are never far from the coast!
Pho Ga (pronounced ‘fur ga’)
Vietnam’s best known dish, pho, is also your own creation. Take a delicious soup made up of stock, rice noodles, chicken or beef and combine this with coriander, mint, chilli paste, garlic vinegar and basil leaves – as much or as little of each as you want. For a final flourish, half a lime can be squeezed on top and mixed into the steaming bowl of delight. To be eaten with chopsticks and a spoon: watch and learn! The trick is to catch any stray pieces and avoid splashing the steaming broth onto yourself.
Picture yourself eating this whilst perched on a tiny plastic stool at an equally tiny table; you’re surrounded by droves of locals who tuck into this tasty delight at least once a day at one of the many Pho Cafes lining the streets throughout Vietnam. Put simply, your visit to Vietnam is not complete without trying it at least once and most of you will become addicted to this quintessential Vietnamese dish.