How to Make Traditional Vietnamese Local Dishes at Home

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and aromatic herbs. Making traditional Vietnamese dishes at home can be a delightful experience, allowing you to explore a culinary world that balances complexity and simplicity. Here’s a guide on how to prepare some beloved local dishes in your kitchen.

1. Pho - Vietnamese Noodle Soup

Pho is perhaps the most famous Vietnamese dish. This aromatic noodle soup is made with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and various toppings.

Ingredients: beef bones, charred onion, ginger, cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, fish sauce, rice noodles, beef slices, fresh herbs (basil, cilantro), lime, and bean sprouts.

Instructions:

Begin by boiling beef bones in water for a few minutes, then rinse them to remove impurities.
In a large pot, add the bones, charred onion, ginger, spices, and about 4-5 liters of water. Simmer for 6-8 hours to develop flavor.
Strain the broth and season with fish sauce.
Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. In each bowl, place cooked noodles, top with thinly sliced beef, fresh herbs, and lime juice.
Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and toppings for a warm, comforting meal.

2. Banh Mi - Vietnamese Sandwich

Banh Mi is a fusion of French baguette and Vietnamese fillings, perfect for a quick meal or snack.

Ingredients: baguette, pork (or chicken), pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeños, and mayonnaise.

Instructions:

Marinate your choice of protein with soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then grill or pan-fry until fully cooked.
For the pickled vegetables, mix equal parts sugar and vinegar and soak the julienned carrots and daikon for a couple of hours.
Slice the baguette, spread mayonnaise inside, and layer with the grilled meat, pickled veggies, cucumber, herbs, and sliced jalapeños.
Enjoy your Banh Mi with a crunchy crust and a savory filling.

3. Goi Cuon - Fresh Spring Rolls

Goi Cuon, or fresh spring rolls, are light and refreshing, often enjoyed as an appetizer.

Ingredients: rice paper, shrimp (or any protein), vermicelli noodles, lettuce, mint, and cilantro.

Instructions:

Cook vermicelli noodles and shrimp (if using) until fully cooked and allow them to cool.
Soak rice paper in warm water until soft, then place on a flat surface.
Layer lettuce, noodles, shrimp, and herbs on the rice paper. Fold in the sides and roll tightly.
Serve with a dipping sauce made from hoisin sauce and peanut butter or a nuoc cham (a fish sauce-based dipping sauce).

4. Cao Lau - Hoi An Noodles

Cao Lau is a unique noodle dish hailing from Hoi An, known for its thick, chewy noodles and savory toppings.

Ingredients: fresh Cao Lau noodles (or substitute with thick egg noodles), pork, greens (lettuce and mint), fried shallots, and broth.

Instructions:

Marinate pork in soy sauce and spices, then braise or grill until tender.
Cook the Cao Lau noodles in boiling water, then rinse under cold water.
In a bowl, layer noodles, topped with grilled pork, fresh greens, and fried shallots. Finish with a light broth poured over it.

5. Chè - Vietnamese Sweet Dessert Soup

Chè is a beloved Vietnamese dessert, with many variations featuring beans, fruits, and coconut milk.

Ingredients: mung beans, sweet potatoes, coconut milk, sugar, and tapioca pearls.

Instructions:

Soak mung beans overnight then steam them until soft. Cook sweet