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Phở (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Phở is arguably the most famous Vietnamese dish, widely known and loved across the globe. This aromatic noodle soup consists of a clear, flavorful broth, rice noodles (bánh phở), and a choice of meat, often beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà). The soup is typically served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, chili, and hoisin sauce on the side, allowing you to customize the flavor to your liking.
The key to great phở lies in the broth, which is simmered for hours with a blend of spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. It’s a dish that represents the harmony of Vietnamese flavors: savory, sweet, sour, and spicy.
Why it's perfect for beginners:
Phở is light, comforting, and can be tailored to your taste preferences. Its balance of flavors makes it an ideal introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.
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Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich)
Bánh mì is a Vietnamese sandwich that fuses traditional French baguettes with Vietnamese ingredients, creating a unique and delicious fusion. The sandwich is typically filled with a variety of meats (such as grilled pork, chicken, or pâté), pickled vegetables like carrots and daikon radish, fresh cucumber, cilantro, and spicy chilies. The crispy baguette contrasts with the tender filling, making each bite a delightful experience.
Why it's perfect for beginners:
Bánh mì is an accessible and portable dish that’s perfect for first-timers. It combines the familiar comfort of a sandwich with the bold flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
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Gỏi Cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)
Gỏi cuốn, or Vietnamese spring rolls, are fresh and healthy appetizers that combine rice paper with a variety of ingredients. These rolls typically contain shrimp, pork, rice vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and lettuce, all wrapped in translucent rice paper. The rolls are served with a peanut or hoisin-based dipping sauce.
Unlike fried spring rolls, gỏi cuốn is served fresh, offering a light and refreshing dish. The balance of fresh vegetables and proteins makes it a popular choice, especially during the summer months.
Why it's perfect for beginners:
Gỏi cuốn is a great starter dish because it’s light, refreshing, and not overwhelming in terms of flavor. The dipping sauce adds an extra layer of deliciousness that complements the freshness of the rolls.
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Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles)
Bún chả is a Vietnamese dish from Hanoi that consists of grilled pork (often pork belly or minced pork patties) served with vermicelli noodles (bún), fresh herbs, and a side of dipping sauce called nước chấm. The dish is often accompanied by fried spring rolls and can be eaten as a light meal or a hearty snack.
The pork is usually marinated with garlic, lemongrass, sugar, and fish sauce, then grilled over charcoal, which imparts a smoky flavor. The dipping sauce is made from fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, lime juice, and chili, balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
Why it's perfect for beginners:
Bún chả is flavorful without being too complex. The grilled pork adds a smoky richness that pairs well with the fresh herbs and noodles, making it a satisfying choice for those new to Vietnamese food.
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Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)
Cơm tấm is a popular dish in Southern Vietnam, typically made with broken rice, which is a type of rice that has been cracked during the milling process. This dish is usually served with grilled pork (either pork chop or shredded pork), but other variations include chicken, fish, or even tofu. Cơm tấm is often accompanied by pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a fried egg, all topped with a drizzle of sweet fish sauce.
The dish is hearty and flavorful, with the grilled pork offering a savory contrast to the slightly sweet, tangy fish sauce. It’s often eaten for lunch or dinner and is a staple in Vietnamese street food culture.
Why it's perfect for beginners:
Cơm tấm is simple yet satisfying, making it an easy-to-enjoy dish for anyone new to Vietnamese cuisine. The grilled pork adds depth of flavor, while the broken rice provides a comforting base.
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Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Crepes)
Bánh xèo are savory Vietnamese crepes made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, giving them a bright yellow color. The crepes are filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and sometimes mushrooms. Once cooked, they are typically served with fresh herbs, lettuce, and a dipping sauce.
To eat bánh xèo, you tear off a piece of the crepe, wrap it in a lettuce leaf with herbs, and dip it in the sauce. The result is a crispy, savory bite that's bursting with flavor.
Why it's perfect for beginners:
Bánh xèo offers a fun and interactive dining experience, where you can roll your own bites of the crepe, making it ideal for those new to Vietnamese food. The crispy texture combined with the fresh herbs makes it a flavorful choice for any beginner.
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Canh Chua (Vietnamese Sour Soup)
Canh chua is a Vietnamese sour soup typically made with fish or shrimp, fresh vegetables (such as tomatoes, okra, and pineapple), and a tangy, broth-based soup. The soup is flavored with tamarind, which gives it its distinctive sour taste, and is often seasoned with herbs like cilantro and basil. It’s typically served with rice, making for a balanced and light meal.
Why it's perfect for beginners:
Canh chua’s tangy, refreshing flavor profile makes it a great option for beginners. It’s a perfect introduction to the balance of sour, salty, and sweet flavors common in Vietnamese cuisine.
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Bánh Bao (Vietnamese Steamed Buns)
Bánh bao are soft, steamed buns filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, chicken, mushrooms, or even egg. The buns are fluffy and slightly sweet, providing a satisfying contrast to the savory fillings. These buns are often eaten as a snack or light meal, and they are especially popular for breakfast in Vietnam.
Why it's perfect for beginners:
Bánh bao is comforting, easy to eat, and doesn’t require an acquired taste. The steamed buns are soft and familiar, making them an ideal introduction to Vietnamese street food.
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Hủ Tiếu (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Hủ tiếu is a Vietnamese noodle soup that originates from the southern region of Vietnam. It is typically made with a clear broth, rice noodles, and various types of meat, such as shrimp, pork, or beef. Hủ tiếu can also be made with a dry noodle version, where the noodles are served separately from the broth and tossed with sauce and toppings.
The soup is often garnished with fried shallots, fresh herbs, and chili, allowing you to adjust the flavor to your liking. Like phở, hủ tiếu is highly customizable, and each region has its own variation.
Why it's perfect for beginners:
Hủ tiếu is a versatile and flavorful noodle dish that’s similar to phở but with a slightly lighter broth. It’s easy to enjoy and perfect for those seeking a mild yet tasty Vietnamese dish.
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Chè (Vietnamese Desserts)
Chè refers to a variety of Vietnamese desserts, which can range from sweet soups to puddings and jellies. Some popular varieties include chè ba màu (three-color dessert), chè đậu đỏ (red bean soup), and chè thưng (coconut and sticky rice). These desserts are often made with beans, coconut milk, and fruit, providing a sweet, refreshing end to a meal.
Why it's perfect for beginners:
Chè offers a unique and delightful sweet experience that’s both comforting and refreshing. It's an easy introduction to the dessert side of Vietnamese cuisine and a fun way to end a meal.
Conclusion
Vietnamese cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, textures, and aromas, and these must-try dishes are the perfect starting point for beginners. From the iconic phở to the crispy bánh xèo and the sweet chè, each dish offers something unique, making your journey into Vietnamese food a delightful adventure. By exploring these dishes, you'll not only experience the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam but also develop a deeper appreciation for the balance and complexity of its flavors. So, whether you're cooking at home or dining at a Vietnamese restaurant, these dishes will help you immerse yourself in the beautiful world of Vietnamese cuisine.
Here are some delicious food and drinks to try when ordering from PHO restaurants in Toronto:
House Special Beef Noodle Soup (Phở Đặc Biệt)
Udon Noodle Soup with Shrimp (Bánh Canh Tôm)
Pork Blood Jelly Congee (Cháo Huyết)
House Special Rice Noodle in Soup (Hủ Tíu Đặc Biệt)
