Last week we talked about some of the essential ingredients to get you started with Vietnamese cuisine. Now it’s time to dive into the classic Vietnamese dishes that will delight your taste buds.
Pho
In the West, Pho is an iconic Vietnamese dish. Truthfully, Pho is just one of many noodle soups in Vietnam. Pho actually refers to the rice noodles, not the soup itself. However, it’s become synonymous with the cheap, tasty and widely popular soup dish. Served with meat (beef or chicken), bean sprouts, lime wedges, chili sauce and other essential greens (basil, mint, cilantro, onions), Pho is an incredibly versatile dish.
Hanoi Beef and Rice Noodle Soup
Also known as Pho Bo, this flavorful fish creates a wonderfully fragrant and distinctive broth by combining beef oxtail with flavors like fresh ginger, fish sauce, cloves, and cinnamon. You can also add vegetables, beef, chiles and fresh herbs to round it out. Pho Bo is a traditional Vietnamese soup that’s easy on the wallet.
Vietnamese Summer Rolls
Vietnamese summer rolls are the perfect appetizer. Light and delicate, these rolls combine all the best textures. They’re soft with just the right amount of crunch. Add some tender shrimp, a little mint and basil, plus some dipping sauce with a pinch of citrus and you’ve got yourself an easy-to-make mouth watering snack.
Lemongrass Shrimp Over Rice Vermicelli and Vegetables
Vietnamese summer rolls with peanut sauce make the perfect appetizer.
Also known as Bun Tom Nuong Xa in Vietnam, this dish features a potent combination of grilled shrimp, vermicelli, lettuce, crisp veggies, fresh mint and peanuts. The refreshing flavor makes it perfect for enjoying on hot summer evenings. You can also substitute in chicken, pork or beef if you prefer.
Soba Noodles and Vietnamese Pork
Buckwheat soba noodles paired with tender pork cutlets marinated in sesame oil, green onions, fish sauce, tamari and brown sugar offers a truly authentic Vietnamese experience. Add some napa cabbage and bell peppers to give texture and spice.
Lemongrass Beef-Noodle Bowl
Bun Bo Xao, a zesty stir-fry of marinated beef and room temperature rice noodles. You can further satisfy your palate with the flavor of star anise, sweet cinnamon, the heat of ginger, and some fresh herbs. Marinate the meat in a day in advance to bring out the richest flavor.
Get All Your Asian Groceries at Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market is your one-stop shop for all of your Korean and asian grocery needs. With more than 10 locations in Maryland and Virginia, this growing market is always expanding and opening new markets to better serve our customers. Opened since 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, email us at LottePlaza.com. 1