Vietnamese cuisine is a style of cooking derived from Vietnam. Fish sauce and paste, soy paste,
rice, fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables are commonly used. Vietnamese recipes utilize
a diverse range of herbs, including lemongrass, mint, Vietnamese mint, long coriander and
Thai basil leaves. Vietnamese cuisine varies slightly from region to region, with many
regions having their own specialties. Generally, northern Vietnamese cuisine is known for being
bland, while southern Vietnamese cuisine is known for being spicy.
Traditional Vietnamese street food is greatly admired for its fresh ingredients, minimal
use of oil, and heavy reliance on herbs. Vietnamese food is commonly ranked as one of the healthiest
cuisines in the world. The most common meats used in Vietnamese street food are fish, chicken,
pork, beef, and various kinds of seafood. The Vietnamese also have a strong vegetarian
tradition influenced by Buddhist values.
Street side eateries in Vietnam typically advertise phở and cơm. Though cơm literally
means rice, the sign means the restaurant serves a plate of rice accompanied with fish
or meat and vegetables. Cơm is used to indicate eating in general, even when rice is not served.
Though they may look filthy, street side eateries are generally safe so long as you avoid under
cooked food. Vegetarian food is quite easy to find anywhere in Vietnam due in large part
to the Buddhist influence. These restaurants will run from upscale to street stall.
In rural and regional areas it is usually safest to eat the locally grown types of food
as these are usually bought each day from the market. It is not uncommon that after
you have ordered your meal a young child of the family will be seen running out the back
towards the nearest market to purchase the items.