Savouring the Stars: A Vietnamese Perspective on Fine Dining My Culinary Adventure with Michelin Starred Restaurants in Canada and around the world Growing up in a Vietnamese household, food was more than sustenance – it was comfort, culture, and connection. From steaming bowls of phở on a chilly morning to the vibrant flavours of bún bò Huế, my childhood was …
Bringing Authentic Vietnamese Flavours to Your Table In the past century, whenever the word “Vietnam” was mentioned, it often conjured a single image: “the war.” People would immediately think of those iconic black-and-white photos – bombed villages, civilians fleeing the chaos, soldiers clutching their weapons, bracing for the next wave of intense fighting. “Vietnam” and “Vietnam War” were almost synonymous, …
Stir-fried Pork Belly with Shrimp (Thịt Ba Chỉ Rang Tôm) Stir-fried Pork Belly with Shrimp (Thịt Ba Chỉ Rang Tôm) is a cherished dish at Vietnamese family dinners. It is the epitome of comfort food: quick to prepare and made with only two main ingredients – pork belly and shrimp. And here’s the best part: you don’t even need to …
Vietnamese Pickled Carrots & Daikon Radish (Cà Rốt & Củ Cải Chua Ngọt) Pickled Carrots & Daikon Radish (Cà Rốt và Củ Cải Chua Ngọt) is a beloved condiment in Vietnamese cuisine. These pickled vegetables add the perfect balance to dishes like Vietnamese bánh mì, grilled meats, and fried favourites, providing a refreshing flavour and satisfying crunch. They work especially …
Vietnamese Green Tea Crème Caramel (Matcha Flan) Matcha Flan (Bánh Flan Trà Xanh), a twist on the classic Vietnamese Crème Caramel (Bánh Flan), combines the smooth, custard-like texture of flan with the earthy, slightly bittersweet flavour of matcha green tea. This dessert balances the creamy richness of traditional flan with the unique aroma and vibrant colour of matcha, offering a …
Stir-fried Beef with French Fries (Thịt Bò Xào Khoai Tây Chiên) Stir-fried Beef with French Fries or Thịt Bò Xào Khoai Tây Chiên, is a comforting Vietnamese dish that brings together tender, marinated beef with crispy French fries in a savoury, flavourful sauce. This recipe is popular among Vietnamese families as a satisfying and hearty meal that combines the best …
Crème Brûlée (Kem Cháy) Crème Brûlée, a timeless and sophisticated dessert, has a rich and intriguing history that spans several countries and centuries. The name itself is French, meaning “burnt cream,” and it refers to the signature caramelized sugar crust that tops the delicate custard. The earliest known reference to a dish resembling Crème Brûlée dates back to the late …
Beef and Green Bean Stir Fry (Đậu Ve Xào Thịt Bò) This Beef and Green Bean Stir Fry (Đậu Ve Xào Thịt Bò) is a delightful and wholesome dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavour. Tender, marinated beef and crisp green beans come together in a savoury, umami-rich sauce that’s perfectly balanced with aromatic garlic, spicy Thai …
Lotus Stem Salad (with Shrimp and Pork) – Gỏi Ngó Sen Tôm Thịt Lotus Stem Salad (with Shrimp and Pork) or Gỏi Ngó Sen Tôm Thịt is a classic Vietnamese dish that beautifully showcases the unique textures and flavours of lotus stem. Unlike the mature lotus root, which is popular in various Asian cuisines, lotus stem (ngó sen) is primarily …
Tofu with Minced Pork Sauce (Đậu Hũ Sốt Thịt Xay) Tofu with Minced Pork Sauce (Đậu Hũ Sốt Thịt Xay) is a simple and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want a quick, flavourful meal without the fuss. With tender tofu and savoury ground pork simmered in a fragrant sauce, this dish comes together easily, making it …
Vietnamese Food Recipes by Categories
"Soups" in Vietnamese cuisine are comforting, homestyle dishes, often enjoyed as part of family dinners. These include various canh (clear soups) made with ingredients like vegetables, tofu, and meats. Known for their light yet flavourful broths, Vietnamese family-style soups bring balance to the meal with their subtle savoury and sweet profiles.
"Rice & Noodles" in Vietnamese cuisine features iconic dishes that have gained international acclaim. From the aromatic phở with its delicate, spiced broth and tender beef or chicken to the spicy flavours of bún bò Huế, these dishes showcase the heart of Vietnamese culinary tradition. This category also includes a variety of rice dishes as well as comforting rice bowls and noodle soups.
"Fried & Stir-Fried Dishes" in Vietnamese cuisine brings together an array of flavourful dishes prepared with quick, high-heat cooking techniques that lock in freshness and texture. This includes crispy spring rolls (chả giò), savoury stir-fried beef, pork or chicken with vegetables, and caramelized pork or seafood dishes that balance sweet, spicy and savoury notes.
Braised & Stew Dishes" in Vietnamese cuisine highlight slow-cooked, flavourful meals that are both comforting and richly seasoned. Dishes like thịt kho tàu (braised pork belly with eggs in coconut juice) and cá kho tộ (braised fish in a clay pot) are iconic examples, featuring tender meats and fish infused with caramelized flavours and savoury seasonings.
"Steamed Dishes" in Vietnamese cuisine emphasize simplicity and the natural flavours of fresh ingredients. Using gentle steaming methods, dishes like bánh cuốn (rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms) and chả lụa (Vietnamese steamed pork sausage), bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes), and bánh bột lọc (steamed tapioca dumplings) are crafted to retain moisture and tenderness.
"Baked Goods & Pastries" in Vietnamese cuisine blend traditional flavours with French-inspired techniques, creating a unique selection of treats. This includes the beloved bánh mì, a Vietnamese baguette filled with savoury ingredients, delicate pastries like bánh patê sô (savory puff pastry), bánh trung thu (moon cake), bánh bông lan (sponge cake) and egg tarts.
"Sweets & Desserts" in Vietnamese cuisine highlight a delicate balance of flavours and textures, often featuring tropical ingredients like coconut and mung beans. From the smooth bánh flan (Vietnamese crème caramel) to chewy rice cakes like bánh bò and sweet soups (chè), these treats offer a variety of experiences, from creamy to gelatinous to crispy.
