International media outlets suggest dishes considered the "soul" of Vietnamese cuisine.

Vietnamese cuisine is a captivating blend of flavors, colors, and textures that has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts around the world.

According to the author, Akarshit Gupta, renowned for its fresh ingredients, fragrant herbs, and the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami (considered the essence of deliciousness), Vietnamese cuisine offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

The author also provides some useful information about Vietnamese cuisine, including its history, main ingredients, iconic dishes, and the extent of its influence.

Five points of balance for the dish.

Like many other Asian culinary traditions, Vietnamese food adheres to the principles of Xu Wing and Mahābhūta. These philosophies emphasize the importance of achieving harmony between the five essential flavor components: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy, creating a balanced dining experience in every meal.

In Vietnam, breakfast is primarily savory and includes very few sugary cereals. A common Vietnamese breakfast ritual involves hot, soupy dishes like pho or bun; fragrant broken rice; and delicious, crispy, hot bread. This is considered an integral part of Vietnamese culture. And although pho has become traditionally a staple breakfast dish, it can still be enjoyed at any time of day.

Furthermore, given Vietnam's hot and humid climate, it's no surprise that people tend to prefer cool, liquid desserts.

Sweet treats like "che" (sweet soup) are incredibly appealing and frequently appear in dessert menus. Besides that, drinks and puddings are also popular dessert choices. A common characteristic of these dishes is that they often incorporate coconut milk, mung beans or black beans, and various fruits. The author was particularly impressed by the delicious and creamy corn or banana sweet soups in Vietnam.

According to the author, Vietnamese cuisine typically offers distinct flavors across the three regions of North, South, and Central Vietnam, each with its own unique culinary identity. While some commonalities exist between these different cuisines, Vietnamese people remain very proud of the distinct characteristics of their regional cuisines.

For example, in northern Vietnam, dishes tend to be less spicy or prefer the spiciness of black pepper over chili. Central Vietnamese cuisine, on the other hand, is known for its complex blend of spicy flavors, creating a captivating mix. Meanwhile, southern Vietnamese cuisine is likened to a delightful symphony of sweet flavors that stimulate the taste buds.

Familiar street food and drinks

As the world's second-largest coffee exporter, Vietnamese coffee beans are nothing special. Affectionately called "rocket fuel" by some, Vietnamese coffee is rich and full of flavor. Vietnamese coffee also helps awaken the senses and boosts confidence throughout the day.

In particular, iced coffee with milk always leaves a lasting impression on those who drink it. Not only locals but also international tourists are captivated by this street drink that can be found anywhere in Vietnam.

Another popular delicacy in Vietnam is blood pudding, usually made from the blood of duck or pig. The dish is served with fish sauce, cooked meat, and various herbs.

In terms of flavor, blood pudding offers a cool, fragrant, and rich taste, often enjoyed with spirits. Although it's a popular dish for special occasions, diners can also find blood pudding served on the bustling streets of Vietnam.

Like the soul of Vietnamese cuisine, fish sauce is considered an essential foundation of Vietnamese gastronomy. This condiment plays a crucial role in many iconic Vietnamese dishes, including pho, spring rolls, banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake), com tam (broken rice), grilled pork with rice, and countless others. Vietnamese culinary tradition owes its invaluable contribution to this special ingredient.

Besides that, balut (fertilized duck egg) is also an affordable, delicious, and nutritious street food widely sold throughout Vietnam. These eggs are especially loved by Vietnamese children, much like boiled chicken eggs are commonly eaten by children in Western countries. Served with essential condiments like ginger and Vietnamese coriander, and presented attractively, balut can be found at almost any roadside eatery in Vietnam.