Vietnam: Food & Drink

Food is one of the chief attractions of your visit to Vietnam and eating out is inexpensive except in the more exclusive hotels and restaurants. Though somewhat influenced by French and Chinese cuisine, the local fare is distinctive and characterised by the use of nuoc mam, a sharp smelling fermented fish sauce without which no Vietnamese dish is complete. Rice forms the base of any meal, along with plenty of seafood, vegetables and fresh aromatic herbs. Food in the south tends to be a little more hot and spicy than in the north.

Western food and Vietnamese food modified for western palates are also available at many restaurants. The French influence is still in evidence, with delicious baguettes and pastries.

To drink, accompany your meal with local brewed beer, or enjoy one of any number of exotic fresh fruit drinks such as custard apple or dragon fruit. Coffee is excellent - sample a 'Vietnamese drip', the Vietnamese version of espresso!

For some 'insider information' about eating in Vietnam, have a look here:
Noodle Pie (food blog about Ho Chi Minh City)
Sticky Rice (food blog about Hanoi)