How to eat like a local in Vietnam – savour the flavours of this Southeast Asian gem

The cuisine of Vietnam has been largely influenced by the ancient dynasties and those traders who arrived here from nations such as India, China and Japan. While the whims and fancies of the French colonists are still retained in how food is prepared, Vietnamese cuisine is a celebration of multiple cultures, traditions and thought patterns. Provided below is how you can go about eating like a Vietnamese does.   

nguyen-viet-bao-loc-private | img via wikipedia commons

Commence your travels within the nation’s capital

Nestled in northern Vietnam is the city of Hanoi which is the country’s capital and in short, a bustling enclave renowned for its historic ties to the French and Chinese. With a history of well over 1,000 years, Hanoi is arguably, the best place to kick off your foodie journeys under neon light-filled cobblestone streets where fascinating architecture will be your constant companion. Beeline for the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem District) which will also require that you bring along your best bartering skills in the event you want to do a bit of shopping after a hearty meal. The dish titled Pho is often had for breakfast while the classic noodle dish called Bun Bo Nam Ba cannot be excluded from your culinary priorities. However, reserve plenty of room in your tummy for some Bahn Mi which is a Vietnamese sandwich made with pickled vegetables and tender chicken that will make your mouth water. Before you leave the city, be sure to have given your tastebuds one unforgettable encounter with a choice of Vietnamese coffee served with an egg (egg coffee) or local coffee which is made with sweetened condensed milk that is sure to leave an aftertaste you would not want to part company with. 

Head over to Hai Phong

The seaport of Hai Phong found in northern Vietnam will draw you in at a rate of knots if you are in the mood for impressive seafood spreads that will have you licking your lips with amazing ease. While top-notch eateries are a convenient find, what you need to be focussing on is the region’s lengthy list of street food stalls from where aromas you never thought existed before will come wafting through. Of particular importance is the sought-after noodle soup referred to as Banh Da Cua which fits in all the crab meat imaginable. Aside from the crab, one will be seen enjoying a host of veggies, onions and spinach which go into preparing this household name in Hai Phong’s culinary culture. Furthermore, you may put on your bravest face and make for Ga Market where you will learn of what ingredients the locals include in their cooking. While the services of a tour guide can also be obtained for this purpose, your trip must nevertheless include some downtime along the shores of Tam Bac Lake with a cup of Vietnamese-style coffee in hand where you can witness life unfolding in its merry manner. A good way to maximise your time in this part of Vietnam will be to book suitable accommodation. One such facility is Somerset Central TD Hai Phong City which provides guests with stays within Hai Phong serviced apartments.   

Stop by Hoi An

Boasting a proud legacy that dates back to the height of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hoi An in central Vietnam will serve as a magnet for all you food connoisseurs out there who crave unique and authentic fare. In terms of what to satisfy your tastebuds with, look no further than tucking into a combination of herbs, sliced roast pork and thick noodles which are called Cao Lau or White Rose Dumplings which allows you to savour steamed prawns mixed in rice dumplings that are smeared with fried onions, chillies and garlic.

 “Xin Chao” Ho Chi Minh City

The streets of Ho Chi Minh City are perfect to unleash the foodie in you where you can unwind and bask with panoramas of age-old temples, stunning skyscrapers and French colonial architecture to take pleasure of. Found at the very corner of District 5 is Binh Tay Market where you will be led towards an open-air food court where a wide spectrum of delicacies can be delighted in including Banh Beo which is a pork filling-based steamed bun. Also, the night market that sets up alongside the main hall at Ben Thanh Market must be visited for you will be able to pick and choose from some of the nation’s most appealing of street food variants.