Top 10 Vietnamese Mezes You Have to Try

Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse dishes. Among the many culinary delights, mezes, or small plates, play a significant role in sharing the country’s food culture. Here are the top 10 Vietnamese mezes you absolutely have to try.

1. Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls)
Gỏi Cuốn, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls, are a popular appetizer filled with fresh herbs, vegetables, shrimp, or pork. Typically served with a peanut or hoisin dipping sauce, these rolls are not only healthy but also refreshing, making them a perfect starter.

2. Chả Giò (Fried Spring Rolls)
Unlike the fresh gỏi cuốn, Chả Giò are crispy fried spring rolls filled with a mixture of minced pork, shrimp, and vegetables. Served hot, they are usually accompanied by fish sauce or sweet chili sauce for an added kick.

3. Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake)
Bánh Xèo are savory pancakes made from rice flour and turmeric, stuffed with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. They are served with a side of lettuce and fresh herbs, which you can use to wrap the pancakes before dipping them in nuoc cham (a sweet and savory fish sauce).

4. Đậu Hũ Chiên (Fried Tofu)
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Đậu Hũ Chiên is a delightful vegetarian dish made from fried tofu. Often served with a spicy dipping sauce or soy sauce, this meze is both delicious and fulfilling.

5. Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich)
Bánh Mì is a well-known street food that consists of a baguette filled with various ingredients, including pickled vegetables, meat, and cilantro. Although it's more of a sandwich than a traditional meze, enjoying a Bánh Mì as a small plate is a must-have experience in Vietnamese cuisine.

6. Nem Nướng (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Nem Nướng are deliciously grilled pork skewers typically marinated with garlic, sugar, and fish sauce. These skewers are often served with rice paper, fresh vegetables, and dipping sauce, making them a wonderful interactive dining experience.

7. Mực Nướng (Grilled Squid)
Mực Nướng features tender and flavorful grilled squid, often seasoned with chili and lemongrass. This seafood delight is perfect for sharing and pairs beautifully with a zesty dipping sauce.

8. Xôi Gấc (Red Sticky Rice)
Xôi Gấc is a sweet and fragrant sticky rice dish colored with gấc, a tropical fruit known for its high beta-carotene content. Often served with coconut milk or toppings like mung beans, it’s a delicious and unique treat.

9. Nộm (Vietnamese Salad)
Nộm is a refreshing salad made from various ingredients such as shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables tossed in a tangy dressing. Often garnished with peanuts and herbs, this meze can be enjoyed on its own or alongside other dishes.

10. Bánh Tráng (Rice Paper)
While Bánh Tráng is not a dish in itself, it is a versatile staple that can be used to wrap a variety of fillings, from fresh vegetables to meats. These rice paper sheets are essential for making rolls or can be enjoyed as chips when fried.

Exploring the vibrant world of Vietnamese mezes adds a unique touch to your culinary adventures. Whether you're dining out or trying to recreate these dishes at home, these delightful small plates showcase the essence of Vietnam's rich food culture.