Top 10 Vietnamese Starter Dishes to Begin Your Meal

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and rich cultural heritage. If you're looking to explore this delicious cuisine, starting with some traditional Vietnamese starter dishes can be an excellent way to engage your taste buds. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Vietnamese starter dishes to begin your meal.

1. Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn)

These fresh rolls are made with rice paper wrapping around a mixture of shrimp, herbs, rice vermicelli, and sometimes pork. Served with a peanut or hoisin sauce, Gỏi Cuốn is light, refreshing, and perfect as a starter.

2. Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

This unique drink combines egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk whipped into a frothy cream, served on top of robust Vietnamese coffee. It’s both a dessert and a starter, offering a sweet way to kick off your meal.

3. Crispy Fried Spring Rolls (Nem Rán)

Unlike their fresh counterparts, these fried spring rolls are crispy on the outside and filled with a savory mix of minced pork, mushrooms, and vegetables. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, they are a delightful appetizer.

4. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancakes)

These savory pancakes are made from rice flour and turmeric, filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. They are crispy and typically served with fresh lettuce and dipping sauce, making for a fun and interactive starter.

5. Pork Skewers (Nem Nướng)

Pork skewers grilled to perfection are a popular choice in Vietnamese cuisine. Marinated in a flavorful mix of spices and served with a side of rice paper and fresh herbs, these skewers are great for sharing.

6. Beef Salad (Gỏi Bò)

This fresh salad features marinated beef served with a mix of herbs, onions, and a zesty dressing. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a refreshing starter that sets the tone for the meal.

7. Vietnamese Pickled Vegetables (Đồ Chua)

Pickled vegetables, typically including carrots and daikon radish, are a staple side dish in Vietnamese meals. Their tangy flavor enhances any starter, providing a perfect contrast to savory dishes. They’re also great for cleansing the palate.

8. Crab Soup (Bánh Canh Cua)

This hearty soup features thick noodles and a rich broth filled with crab meat. It’s often garnished with herbs and served as a starter to warm up the appetite.

9. Lotus Stem Salad (Gỏi Ngó Sen)

This refreshing salad showcases thinly sliced lotus stems, mixed with fresh herbs, peanuts, and often shrimp or pork. The crunchiness of the lotus stems adds a delightful texture, making it a perfect light appetizer.

10. Tofu Sticks (Đậu Phụ Chiên)

Fried tofu sticks are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an ideal vegetarian option. Served with a dipping sauce, they are a comforting and satisfying starter.

Exploring these Vietnamese starter dishes will give you a delicious preview of the rich and diverse flavors that the cuisine has to offer. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant or trying your hand at cooking, these appetizers will kick off your meal with excitement and taste!