10 Appetizers to Try at a Vietnamese Restaurant

When dining at a Vietnamese restaurant, the appetizer selection can set the tone for an unforgettable culinary experience. From fresh herbs to rich sauces, Vietnamese appetizers are vibrant, flavorful, and often a feast for the eyes. Here are 10 mouthwatering appetizers you must try on your next visit.

1. Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls)

These popular fresh spring rolls are made with rice paper stuffed with shrimp, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Typically served with a delicious peanut or hoisin dipping sauce, gỏi cuốn is a light yet satisfying appetizer perfect for starting your meal.

2. Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)

Unlike their fresh counterpart, chả giò are crispy fried spring rolls filled with ground pork, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles. Served hot with a side of nuoc cham, a tangy dipping sauce, they offer a satisfying crunch that's hard to resist.

3. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancakes)

These savory pancakes made from rice flour are filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, and are then pan-fried until crispy. Served with fresh leafy greens and herbs, bánh xèo is a hands-on dish where you wrap pieces in leaves and dip them in sauce.

4. Món Nhậu (Beer Snacks)

This category includes a variety of snacks served with beer, such as grilled squid or chicken wings marinated in flavorful spices. Món nhậu is perfect for sharing and enjoying a casual meal with friends.

5. Đậu Hũ Chiên (Fried Tofu)

Fried tofu is a great vegetarian option that is both crispy and soft. Often served with a sweet soy sauce or a spicy chili dip, this dish is a delightful way to start your meal, offering both flavor and texture.

6. Nem Nướng (Grilled Pork Sausage)

Nem nướng consists of flavorful grilled pork skewers that are often served with rice paper and fresh herbs. These skewers are aromatic and juicy, making them an excellent choice for meat lovers looking to indulge.

7. Bò Khô (Dried Beef Salad)

This unique dish features shredded dried beef mixed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing. The combination of textures and flavors makes bò khô a refreshing and tantalizing appetizer.

8. Trứng Vịt Lộn (Duck Egg)

A popular snack in Vietnam, trứng vịt lộn is a fertilized duck egg that is boiled and eaten with salt and lime. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, adventurous eaters will find this dish to be a unique experience.

9. Cà Tím Nướng (Grilled Eggplant)

This dish features eggplant grilled over an open flame until smoky and tender. Often served with a dipping sauce, cà tím nướng is a healthy and flavorful appetizer that showcases the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

10. Bánh Bột Chiên (Fried Rice Cake)

These crispy rice cakes are pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a tangy dipping sauce. The texture is slightly chewy inside, creating a delightful contrast to the crispy outer layer. Bánh bột chiên is a must-try for anyone who loves appetizers with a bit of texture.

With this varied selection of appetizers, visiting a Vietnamese restaurant can be a delightful and adventurous culinary journey. Each appetizer uniquely highlights the vibrant flavors and ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking, ensuring a memorable start to your meal.