It is unknown when banh troi and banh chay (white sticky rice balls) became a popular food during Han Thuc (Cold Food) Festival which falls on March 3 of the lunar calendar. Some people believe that the custom of making these cakes appeared in the dynasty of Hung kings to commemorate Mother Au Co who gave birth to 100 eggs which hatched 100 sons.
Steamed beef served with Mam nem (a special sauce in Da Nang City) is a delicious dish of low fat content and high fibre, very suitable for those who are on a diet.
Summer is coming, and the heat usually makes people lose their appetite, especially for hot or spicy food. VNP introduces a light and fresh dish which is really suitable for the hot weather – Pho ga tron, or the Vietnamese chicken with noodles. The light and fresh dish is prepared based on the traditional dish of Pho ga (Noodles and chicken soup).
The northern province of Thanh Hoa has been fertilised by alluvium from the Ma River for thousands of years, therefore its agricultural sector has strongly developed. Using an abundant resource of agricultural products, the locals create many delicious dishes, including Banh cuon (steamed rolled rice cakes).
Vermicelli is a popular noodle in Vietnam and there are numerous dishes with vermicelli, each with its own unique taste. Hanoi is famous for vermicelli with grilled pork and vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste and Hue is well-known for Hue beef vermicelli soup, Hai Phong is the cradle of delicious and tasty fish vermicelli soup.
According to the Vietnamese, Oan (truncated cone shaped cake) made from glutinous rice and white sugar is considered the quintessence of heaven and earth. Therefore, it is an indispensable offering on the altar of many families, pagodas and communal houses on special occasions, such as festivals or Tet (Lunar New Year Festival).
Vinh Hy bay in Ninh Thuan province is famous not only for its primitive landscape, but also for delicious and fresh seafood. Among the seafood dishes, braised grouper in caramel sauce is one of the specialties in the area.
Goi cuon Saigon (Saigon fresh rolls) is a delicious dish which is popular in different regions, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces in the South. Visiting Ho Chi Minh City, one can enjoy the dish at both luxury restaurants and common stalls on streets or from vendors.
Buddhism has a long history of development in Vietnam so vegetarian food is an indispensable part of its culinary culture. With their creativeness, Vietnamese chefs have made diverse vegetarian foods which are full of Vietnamese tastes.
