words Al Woods
Every cuisine is different, and each one has special characteristics that make it special and traditional. You will see that different countries have adopted certain flavors which resemble the country, the people, and the culture. Vietnamese food is becoming incredibly more popular due to the immensity of flavors.
There is more to Vietnamese cuisine that you may know about, and although many people assume that every cuisine within Southeast Asia is similar, this could not be farther from the truth.
This article will provide you with four key features that make Vietnamese cuisine unique and different, which may encourage you to try this type of food more often.
It is Light And Fresh
One of the main features of Vietnamese cuisine is that it is light and fresh. There are many cultures that overly use oils and whose traditional dishes mostly consist of fried food. This is not the case with traditional Vietnamese cuisine. When you eat this type of food, it is very unlikely that you will ever feel full and heavy as you would with many cuisines. Vietnamese dishes traditionally avoid the use of oil and dairy and instead focus on vegetables and a mix of herbs. This is why it is considered one of the healthiest diets across the globe. If you are looking to eat something that is still full of flavor, consider opting for Vietnamese dishes.
It is Influenced by French Cuisine
This may come as a surprise for many people, but Vietnamese cuisine has a resemblance to that of the French. This is actually something that makes it so unique, as no other culture in Southeast Asia has such influence. The previous colonization of the French in the country has influenced the overall culture of the Vietnamese, and this is something that you can taste in the food. If you know French cuisine well, you will certainly identify the resemblance quickly once trying Vietnamese food.
It Varies in Flavors
Most cultures stick to a particular flavor when cooking, this is what makes each cuisine distinguishable. The Spanish and the Portuguese adore olive oil and garlic flavors, the Indian people love the spicy curries and the Italians always use red wine. The flavor in Vietnamese cuisine differs in many ways and offers a range of flavors to indulge your taste buds. Vietnamese culture also aspires to maintain their traditional dishes in place so that they can be enjoyed by generations. With this amount of diversity, you will surely find something that you will enjoy.
Rice and Fish Sauce Are The Basic Elements
Although Vietnamese cuisine is varied, rice and fish sauce remains its most basic elements. You may see rice on every meal, including breakfast and dessert. Considering Vietnam is the second-greatest exporter of rice in the world, it is understandable why this is. Fish sauce serves as one of the main condiments to provide flavor to most dishes, and it is versatile as you can use it in marinades, broths, or as salad dressings.
If you are curious about trying Vietnamese dishes, it may be a good idea to know more about them as well. This page should provide you with key information on what makes this cuisine unique and different from anything else you have tried.
