The history of Vietnamese food is as complex as it is captivating. Today, the cuisine of Vietnam is famous all over the world. Not only due to the presence of a variety of ingredients in it but also because of its great nutritional value.
If you visit Vietnam, there are varieties of dishes to fulfill your cravings. But you might wonder about the food culture and its history. For the right understanding, we are differentiating its valuable aspects- nutritional value, local ingredients, and ecology and cultural aspects—cooking methods, eating arrangements, and various cuisines.
So, to have a clear idea of how Vietnamese food has fully emerged, read the article.
The Vietnamese Food History You Need To Know
Valuable Aspects Of Vietnamese Food
Ecology
The ecology of Vietnam is warm weather, huge rivers, and an abundance of rainfall which allows for intensive agriculture. The natural elements such as the sea provide the fishes, shrimps, prawns, etc. used typically in every seafood dish. Most importantly, the hard work of Vietnamese people in growing a variety of ingredients on a large scale is incredible.
Under the ecological factors of plenty of water, high-temperature, and various helping hands, growing rice as a staple Vietnamese food was an eco-friendly practical opportunity. Rice has been the most important element of Vietnam’s agriculture. Basically, traditional Vietnamese food is made up of boiled rice. Rice porridge, rice cake, steamed rice, pancake, etc. are among them.
Even the most popular food of Vietnam “Pho” consists of thin noodles which are also made up of rice. Thus, rice is the center of Vietnamese food culture. The bowl of delicious rice is the best option for everyday lunches and dinners.
Nutritional Value
A bowl or platter of a Vietnamese dish consists of all the essential nutrients which are very necessary for healthy growth. Seafood such as shrimps, fish, and prawns are a great source of minerals, proteins, and vitamins. In addition, they are among the top foods which provide omega-3 fatty acids which are vital for the development of brain cells and retina.
Here, are some of the herbs and spices with great nutritional facts:
- Cilantro: This green leaf is basically used as a garnishing ingredient over salads, spring rolls, and soups. It comprises Vitamin K, C, and A, beneficial for obesity, diabetes, and heart illnesses.
- Lemongrass: Its smell and taste are relative to lemon. Mostly, people use it in both spicy and sweet Vietnamese dishes. It is a great source of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects, thus, reducing fever and relieving swelling and pain.
- Shallots and Scallions: Both the ingredients enhance the flavor of Vietnamese food. Being rich in Vitamin K helps with blood clotting and keeps bones strong.
- Garlic Chives: Rich in Vitamin C, thus, preventing flu and fever. Additionally, it increases blood production, maintains blood pressure, and boosts immunity power.
- Turmeric: It adds goldish color to the dishes enhancing their texture. The compound ‘curcumin’ found in it betters heart health and prevents cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Its anti-inflammatory properties also cure arthritis.
Cultural Aspects Of Vietnamese Food
Cooking Methods
The cooking process of Vietnamese food is surprisingly simple. A huge oval-shaped iron pan known as “Chao” evenly distributes the heat. It speeds up the cooking procedure, saves costly fuel, gives crunchiness to texture, and maintains nutritional value. More than this, there is a knife called a cleaver with a wooden handle, it eases the slicing of different ingredients for stir-frying.
Most importantly, “Pestle and mortar” are used for grinding the spices. All these three utensils do most of the cooking work. Moreover, people in Vietnam use chopsticks to eat the food, ladles to serve the food, and stainers for filtering the solid ingredients from the liquid.
In ancient times, people utilized gas stoves instead of a typical wood-fed hearth. Additionally, rice cookers are used for cooking rice dishes. They also prefer cooking by sitting on the floor as a wood-fed hearth is a low-lying kitchen appliance. Besides this, women in Vietnam do most of the kitchen work, therefore, the kitchen is regarded as a feminine space.
Meals Arrangement
Generally, the Vietnamese food arrangement is all about sharing. The dining table is mostly round in structure representing an intention of equality between all the diners. It means, there is no particular head on the table.
Moreover, the most interesting fact about meal arrangements is that people in urban areas serve the food on a common platter. Each individual takes the bites using chopsticks into their own bowls. In addition, the diners politely pay attention to each other, avoiding overeating. They also make sure that each person eats every dish equally.
People in the countryside have different ways of meal arrangements. Typically, they sit on the floor by laying the large mat and serve each dish on a huge tray.
Now, let’s talk about the top famous Vietnamese dishes.
Top Famous Vietnamese Food
Pho: It is the most famous Vietnamese Soup whose originality is from the Northern region of Vietnam. Mainly, people eat it at breakfast. A bowl of Pho consists of beef or chicken broth with the flavors of cilantro and ginger. Thin rice noodles and scallions enhance the flavors of this dish.
For vegetarians- tofu, mushrooms, and green veggies are great options. They can also add bean sprouts, red chilies, Thai basil, coriander, and lime to the Pho.
Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls): These are the translucent rolls full of cilantro, green vegetables, and beef, pork, or shrimp of your choice. People make the rice rolls by soaking them in warm water for seconds which softens them. However, in the southern region of Vietnam, instead of rice rolls, banana leaves and star fruits are used.
Dipping the rolls in peanut or fish sauce spice ups the taste buds.
Banh Xeo (Sizzling Pancakes): Are you a pancake lover? Then certainly, Banh Xeo is a go-for food option. This sizzling pancake has eggs, mung bean sprouts, shrimp, and pork in it. All these ingredients are wrapped in the rice crepe that has a yellow and crispy texture.
Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich): It’s among the most popular street foods. The baguettes have the filling of pork, chicken, beef, and green veggies. In the vegetarian variation of Banh Mi, people use the tofu pate.
Summing Up
A dedication to presenting a variety of dishes comes from a major agricultural significance. Vietnamese food represents fresh ingredients, plenty of leafy vegetables, and minimal cooking. It is a complete bunch of nutritional value and different flavors.
We hope you get a clear idea of Vietnamese food history. If you want to experience it personally, our Dakao Hoang restaurant is always available for services. Do visit and make your day memorable.
