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This recognition affirms the position of Vietnamese street food on the world culinary map. These three dishes are not only a source of pride for Vietnamese people but also "ambassadors" promoting Vietnamese culture and tourism to international friends.
Accordingly, in the new list of the 100 best street foods in the world, updated in mid-May by the food website Taste Atlas, three Vietnamese dishes are mentioned: banh mi, pho, and com tam. The selection criteria for the dishes are based on the opinions of experts and diners around the world, as well as the popularity, unique flavor, and widespread appeal of each dish.
Vietnamese banh mi is ranked 6th on Taste Atlas's list of the 100 best dishes in the world, with a score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. They also guide international diners on how to pronounce the dish as "bun mee" and introduce it as a popular local food.
Vietnamese Banh Mi: From a humble street food to a global culinary journey.
Vietnamese banh mi consists primarily of a crispy baguette, a legacy of French cuisine introduced to Vietnam. This type of bread has been adapted to suit Vietnamese tastes and has become an indispensable part of Vietnamese street food. The fillings are rich and diverse, often including meat (such as grilled pork, chicken, beef, or pate), cilantro, chili peppers, pickled vegetables, herbs, and special sauces, reflecting the unique Vietnamese palate.
Banh mi not only offers a wonderful flavor but also serves as a testament to the culinary exchange between Vietnam and France. The exquisite combination of crispy bread and fresh, skillfully prepared ingredients has created a beloved dish not only in Vietnam but also worldwide.
Com Tam, rated 4.5 stars and ranked 40th on the list of best dishes, is a signature dish in Ho Chi Minh City. Com Tam is made from broken rice, a type of rice whose grains are broken during drying, transportation, or milling. The broken rice grains are similar to regular rice, only smaller, creating a unique texture and flavor.
Born as a popular and easy-to-eat dish among the working class in the South, the dish has gradually found its way to the elite, thanks to Vietnamese chefs.
This dish is typically served with a variety of accompaniments, including fried eggs with whole yolks, creating a rich and appealing flavor. Thinly sliced pork skin mixed with roasted rice flour creates a crispy and fragrant texture. Marinated and grilled pork ribs are the main component that gives broken rice its distinctive flavor. Fresh vegetables balance the flavors and enhance the crispness. Fried scallions, drizzled over the rice, add richness and aroma. The most special element of this dish is the sweet and sour dipping sauce, made from fish sauce, sugar, vinegar or lemon juice, and garlic and chili peppers, which enhances the flavor.
Broken rice (Com Tam) is not only a popular dish in the daily lives of people in Ho Chi Minh City, but also a part of the local culinary culture. The combination of broken rice and a variety of side dishes creates a nutritious and flavorful meal, attracting not only locals but also international tourists visiting the city.
Traditionally, a meal consisted only of rice, fried shallots, and a piece of pork skin. Nowadays, Vietnam is famous for its grilled pork ribs.
Pho is the third dish mentioned, ranking 54th with 4.4 stars and described as "Vietnam's national dish," "convenient street food that reflects the local lifestyle." Pho is also the most popular Vietnamese dish abroad thanks to its unique, simple yet elegant flavor.
The "national dish" of Vietnam.
Traditionally, pho broth is made from chicken or beef stock, simmered over low heat for at least three hours to achieve a natural sweetness. Adding local herbs and spices is considered by Taste Atlas to "elevate pho to a new level."
Pho, a unique and delicious Vietnamese dish of world-class quality.
In addition, Taste Atlas also highly appreciates the diversity and richness of Vietnamese street food with many unique and attractive dishes such as bun cha, banh xeo, goi cuon, etc.
This is good news for Vietnam's tourism industry, helping to attract international tourists to explore and enjoy the delicious and unique street food of our country.
