The Best Cold Mezes You Should Try in Vietnam

When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, the highlight often falls on the vibrant and diverse array of dishes served throughout the country. Among these, cold mezes stand out for their refreshing flavors and unique textures. Cold mezes, or "món nhậu" as they’re known locally, are perfect for those warm days when you want something light and appetizing. Here are some of the best cold mezes you should try when visiting Vietnam.

1. Gỏi cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)

An iconic Vietnamese dish, gỏi cuốn features fresh herbs, vegetables, and proteins like shrimp or pork, all wrapped in translucent rice paper. Often served with a side of peanut or hoisin sauce, these spring rolls are a perfect blend of crunch and flavor. Their freshness makes them an ideal cold meze option.

2. Gỏi đu đủ (Papaya Salad)

Gỏi đu đủ is a zesty papaya salad that packs a punch of flavor and texture. Shredded green papaya is combined with carrots, herbs, and often topped with crushed peanuts and dried shrimp. Drizzled with a tangy fish sauce dressing, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying, making it a popular choice for those seeking a light meal or snack.

3. Bánh tráng cuốn thịt heo (Pork Rice Paper Rolls)

A delightful combination of flavors, bánh tráng cuốn thịt heo consists of slices of boiled pork, fresh herbs, and rice noodles rolled up in rice paper. Served with a dipping sauce, this dish is perfect for sharing and is a must-try cold meze when in Vietnam. Not only is it tasty, but it also showcases the country’s emphasis on fresh ingredients and intricate preparation methods.

4. Nộm bò khô (Beef Jerky Salad)

Nộm bò khô is a unique and savory salad featuring shredded vegetables, often including carrots and herbs, mixed with dried beef jerky. The dish is often tossed in a light lime dressing, resulting in an explosion of delicious flavors and textures. It’s a perfect blend of crunchy and chewy, making it an exciting cold meze choice.

5. Tôm chua (Fermented Shrimp)

Tôm chua or fermented shrimp is a traditional dish, particularly popular in the southern regions of Vietnam. This unique preparation involves shrimp that is combined with sugar and salt, allowing it to ferment and develop a tangy flavor. Served cold, it's typically enjoyed with rice or vermicelli noodles, making it an interesting and bold meze option.

6. Bánh hỏi (Fine Rice Vermicelli)

Bánh hỏi is a delicate rice vermicelli dish that is typically served cold. It features fine strands of rice noodles garnished with shallots and often paired with grilled meat, fresh herbs, and dipping sauces. This dish highlights Vietnam’s mastery of noodle dishes and is a delightful addition to any cold meze platter.

7. Xoài lắc (Spicy Mango Salad)

A dynamic mixture of sweetness, salt, and spice, xoài lắc is a refreshing mango salad that is perfect for hot weather. Diced green mango is mixed with chili, salt, and sometimes shrimp or herbs, offering a delightful burst of flavors that resonate with traditional Vietnamese tastes. This cold meze is often served as a snack or appetizer.

Exploring the world of Vietnamese cold mezes is a delicious journey that pulls you deep into the country’s culinary traditions. Each dish, with its unique flavor profile and artistic presentation, tells the story of Vietnam’s vibrant food culture. When you visit Vietnam, make sure to indulge in these delightful cold mezes for an authentic taste of the local cuisine.