Mi quang
Mi quang is a rice noodle dish cheap and available almost everywhere in Vietnam. In mi quang, you’ll find thick and wide rice noodles alongside protein like pork, chicken, shrimp, quail eggs, mussels, and eel served in a soup beef broth.
Bun bo hue
Bun bo hue is a dish akin to pho. Bun bo hue is usually made from pork and ingredients like lemongrass, shrimp paste, and lime juice. Bun bo hue is a slurpy soup common in Vietnam though rare in North America.
Bun cha
Bun cha is a sort of Vietnamese feast, dipping rice vermicelli noodles into bowls filled with grilled ground and whole pork completely covered in a sweet and savory fish sauce known as ‘nuoc cham’. Bun cha was what President Barack Obama and the late Anthony Bourdain dined on during their interview together. Vietnamese-style, you can add things like lettuce, shiso, cilantro, bean sprouts, and banana blossoms depending on what you like in your dipping bowl.
Banh xeo
Banh xeo is a Vietnamese pancake, originally inspired by French crepes. They’re commonly recognized as yellow and can be filled with a mix of ingredients ranging from pork to shrimp, vegetables, and more. Banh xeo is sometimes wrapped in rice paper and dipped in a peanut sauce as a treat.
Pho
Vietnamese pho is the single most popular Vietnamese food in the world, named after the fettuccini-like pho noodles which fill the bowl. Pho can be made a number of different ways, always coming with a broth, noodles, a protein source of some kind, and a mix of herbs and spices. The two main types of Vietnamese pho are chicken and beef, although there are vegetarian or vegan options depending on the restaurant.
Banh cuon
Banh cuon is not really served outside of Vietnam however it’s still admittedly a favourite. It’s essentially a stuffed steamed rice roll and is a cheap, fun breakfast option for some Vietnamese families. Banh cuon is usually served with a savory filling and a bowl of sweet dipping sauce.
Banh mi
While pho comes from the northern part of the country, banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich from the south. Banh mi is similar to a North American sub except it’s made from ingredients local to Vietnam.
Needless to say, Vietnamese food has grown to have a sort of cult status among ethnic cuisine enthusiasts. For the absolute best Vietnamese food in Toronto, visit Toronto Pho today.
