Rice noodles.
Rice noodles are extremely common in Vietnamese cuisine – something which differentiates Vietnamese cuisine from other Asian cuisines which commonly use rice. Rice noodles and rice paper accompany the majority of Vietnamese dishes, making it more enjoyable and diverse.
Mixed sales leaves.
A lot of Vietnamese dishes are accompanied with a bowl of fresh salad leaves. These are a nutrition-heavy addition which can help achieve balance which is so important in Vietnamese cuisine. Mixed salad leaves are not always the same, as they’re typically purchased fresh from market.
Banana blossom or flowers.
Banana blossoms are taken off the flower before the banana turns into… well, a banana. The outer purple leaves and buds are removed, the banana blossom is then chopped in half and slice into a lemon or lime water to avoid discoloring. It is then added to numerous dishes. Banana flowers are packed with vitamins and minerals, and welcome in almost any dish.
Bun mam.
Bun mam is a southern Vietnamese dish using noodles in a dark colored broth and prepared using fermented fish sauce. Believe us when we say it’s not as fishy as it probably appears in your head. To finish it off, an assortment of meats – usually seafood – is added on top, like squid, prawns, aubergine, and more. Tamarind juice and sugar can be used to sweeten the dish, if needed.
Op la.
Op la is a simple Vietnamese breakfast basic. It involves two fried eggs in the pan, with thin sliced cooked meats – such as ham, sausage, beef, and pork – on top. Sometimes, fried onions or scallions and caramelized peppers are added in. It can also be combined with a banh mi – a Vietnamese bread – to create a breakfast sandwich. Absolutely delicious, it’s very similar to a North American-style breakfast sandwich.
Pho.
As Vietnam’s most famous cuisine export, pho comes in beef, chicken, pork, and other varieties. Pho’s all about the broth in a sense, akin to a Canadian-style soup. Different herbs and spices get mixed in to create something truly special. It is typically garnished with things like Asian mint, coriander, lime wedges, bean sprouts, and more.
For authentically prepared Vietnamese food for beginners, try Toronto Pho. We have Toronto’s best pho, numerous other Asian-style dishes, and take pride in upholding the traditional Vietnamese culinary philosophies in preparing these meals. Stop by Toronto Pho today and try the dish Vietnam’s grown famous for.
