Things that foreign tourists need to know about Vietnamese cuisine

DNHN - Vietnamese cuisine is extremely diverse and unique, here are the things that visitors should keep in mind to have a truly rich experience of Vietnamese cuisine.

How to locate an "original" Vietnamese eatery

The Daily Meal has provided tips to help tourists locate authentic Vietnamese restaurants. Typically, in Vietnam, food is served on multiple plates, and each person has a bowl of rice. Customers will combine food from communal plates with rice. If a Vietnamese restaurant does not adhere to these standards, it may be a sign that it does not serve authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

However, when using communal plates in a Vietnamese restaurant, visitors must adhere to certain guidelines. Utilize both hands when transferring plates, and avoid consuming directly from shared plates. Instead, divide the food among individual bowls and savor it slowly.

How Vietnamese restaurants serve food is distinctive. In contrast to Western restaurants, which typically serve appetizers, main courses, and desserts in stages, Vietnamese restaurants typically serve everything at once. These dishes will be shared by all diners.

Additionally, there is a unique feature at some Vietnamese restaurants. In most Western restaurants, the staff will bring the bill to the table for the guest. However, in some Vietnamese restaurants, diners may be required to pay the restaurant owner directly at the checkout counter.

Some distinctive features of Vietnamese restaurants

When entering a Vietnamese restaurant, if chopsticks are not provided, the establishment may not serve authentic Vietnamese cuisine. As chopsticks are the primary eating utensil in Vietnamese cuisine, they are commonly found on the table. In addition, restaurants typically provide spoons to scoop up the broth in dishes like pho.

In addition to observing the restaurant's appearance, guests can also evaluate the establishment's quality by observing how the staff serves.

In Western culture, fast food is often preferred to save time, but in Vietnamese cuisine, a meal is a time for relaxation and enjoyment. Diners frequently prefer to savor their food more slowly. Each meal is brief and Vietnamese people do not consume a great deal of food, but eating slowly and thoroughly enhances digestion and brings out the full flavor of the food. The restaurant may have been "Westernised" if you feel rushed to eat.

transcend common sense

First, visitors to Vietnam will have no trouble locating pho. Pho is one of the most well-known Vietnamese dishes, but the country's cuisine is diverse and brimming with other delicacies. Try more exotic dishes, such as pork belly braised in sweet fish sauce and served with rice, or mussels with rice paper, a crispy fried seafood dish served with rice paper.

Vietnamese cuisine places particular emphasis on fresh herbs, fresh meat, and the distinctive flavor of fish sauce. When combined, these ingredients produce delicious Vietnamese dishes and cuisine. Consequently, to truly experience the distinctive Vietnamese cuisine, you must sample dishes containing these ingredients.

In conclusion, Vietnamese cuisine is not only about the food but also about the restaurant's atmosphere and ambiance. Typically, a traditional Vietnamese restaurant has an open layout, which fosters an atmosphere of closeness and friendliness. In addition to the food, you can also enjoy the cozy atmosphere and converse with locals and friends.

Above all, enjoy the journey of discovering Vietnamese cuisine with an open heart. As a result of the diversity and originality of the cuisine, you are certain to encounter truly unique and unforgettable culinary experiences in Vietnam.

PV (t/h)