A Complete Guide to Vietnamese Mezes for Beginners

Vietnamese mezes, known as "Món nhậu," are small dishes served alongside drinks, particularly beer or rice wine. These flavorful appetizers are an integral part of Vietnamese dining culture and are ideal for social gatherings. This complete guide will walk you through some popular Vietnamese mezes, their ingredients, preparation methods, and tips for enjoying them.

1. Gỏi Cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)

Gỏi cuốn, or fresh spring rolls, are a lightweight and refreshing appetizer. Made with rice paper, these rolls are filled with a combination of shrimp, herbs, vermicelli noodles, and crispy vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • Rice paper
  • Shrimp or pork
  • Vermicelli noodles
  • Mint, cilantro, and basil
  • Crispy lettuce
  • Peanut dipping sauce or hoisin sauce

Preparation: Boil the shrimp or pork, then let it cool. Soak rice paper in warm water, fill with the ingredients, and roll tightly. Serve with your choice of dipping sauce.

2. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancakes)

Bánh xèo are savory pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, filled with a variety of ingredients like shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and mushrooms.

Ingredients:

  • Rice flour
  • Coconut milk
  • Shrimp and/or pork
  • Bean sprouts
  • Onions
  • Fresh herbs for garnish

Preparation: Mix rice flour and coconut milk to create a batter. Pour into a hot skillet, add fillings, and cook until crispy. Serve with fresh lettuce and herbs for wrapping.

3. Chả Giò (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls)

Unlike the fresh version, chả giò are crispy fried spring rolls filled with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • Rice paper or egg roll wrappers
  • Ground pork
  • Shrimp
  • Wood ear mushrooms
  • Carrots and onions
  • Fish sauce

Preparation: Combine ingredients, roll into wrappers, and deep-fry until golden brown. Pair with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

4. Đậu Phụ Chiên (Fried Tofu)

Đậu phụ chiên is a simple yet delicious dish. Fried tofu is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with a soy dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

  • Firm tofu
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Garlic and chili for flavor
  • Soy sauce or chili sauce for dipping

Preparation: Cut tofu into cubes, fry until golden and crispy. Serve hot with sauces for dipping, garnished with sliced chili and garlic.

5. Hải Sản Nướng (Grilled Seafood)

Hải sản nướng includes a variety of grilled seafood, such as shrimp, squid, or fish, marinated in a mix of spices and herbs.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh seafood (shrimp, squid, or fish)
  • Marinade: garlic, lemongrass, chili, fish sauce, and lime juice

Preparation: Marinate seafood for at least an hour, then grill over charcoal until cooked through. Serve with fresh lime and dipping sauce.

Tips for Enjoying Vietnamese Mezes

To make the most out of your Vietnamese mezes experience, consider these tips:

  • Pair with traditional drinks like beer or rice wine for an authentic experience.
  • Serve a variety of mezes to create a vibrant spread for social gatherings.
  • Incorporate fresh herbs and vegetables to balance and refresh flavors.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces to complement each dish.

Vietnamese mezes offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them perfect for casual get-togethers or as starters for a larger meal. With this complete guide