VietNamNet Bridge – Com tam (broken rice), hu tieu (pork noodle soup), bun thit nuong (noodles with grilled pork), goi cuoi (spring rolls), and che (sweet soup-like dessert) are suggested by foreign tourists as the must-eat foods in HCM City.Com Tam (broken rice)
This grains of rice used in this dish are actually smaller – about half the size of regular grains – hence the name “broken.” These small grains of rice used to be considered as inferior quality and like all of the world’s best foods, Com Tam used to be the food of the poor.
Enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner, it’s usually served with grilled pork, cucumber, tomato and an extra side of pork skin or a fried egg. It’s entirely up to you how much you douse with your helping of fish sauce. If you don’t like pork, perhaps Com Tam with Chinese sausage or chicken is more up your alley?
Hu Tieu (pork noodle soup)
If Pho (Vietnamese noodles) was King of the noodle world then Hu Tieu would have to be its Queen. The smaller noodles and lighter, saltier soup are easier to get your head around. Usually only served with a side of crunchy lettuce, tasty bean sprouts and fresh chili it’s much less intimidating for the noodle-novice.
Like many dishes in Vietnam, Hu Tieu is also open to many scrumptious variations. A standard bowl will have thin vermicelli noodles in a pork based broth; served with thin sliced pork, liver, Chinese celery, chives and a quail egg or two. If you’re lucky, you might get a shrimp atop your noodles.
Lau Thai (Thai hotpot)
One of the best and probably most popular dishes in Saigon carries a name that sounds like a nearby country. Don’t let it confuse you. The name refers to the ingredients and flavors that are used… it’s quite similar to a traditional Seafood Hotpot in Thailand albeit done in a uniquely Saigonese Style.
Usually the highlight of any birthday or celebration, it’s brought out and left in the middle of the table. The large bowl of broth is cooked on a small gas burner and diners can add any vegetables or noodles as they want.
The flavorsome soup is full of prawns, scallops, crab and squid – all common ingredients but like most dishes, slight variations can be found. Hotpot is usually enjoyed with at least a few beers.
Bun Thit Nuong (noodles with grilled pork)
The soup-less noodle dish is made with small, round rice noodles (“bun”), grilled pork (“thit nuong”) and fried spring rolls (“cha gio”). You then mix it all together with fresh basil, mint and shredded lettuce. On par with many other Vietnamese tables you’ll also get a helping of fish sauce and chili to add for individual taste.
Goi Cuon (Fresh spring rolls/Rice paper rolls)
These rolls are usually wrapped fresh to order with pre-cooked pork, thin rice noodles, mint, chives, lettuce and a sliced shrimp. You’ll also get a little dish of hoisin dipping sauce mixed with carrot and daikon shavings and crushed peanuts to compliment one of the most delicious and healthiest foods in Saigon.
Che (Sweet soup-like desert)
No visit to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without trying Vietnamese iconic desserts ‘Che’. Referring to any sweet soup or pudding, delectable Che has dozens of different varieties. Made with green, black or red bean, tapioca, jelly, corn or fresh fruit it’s usually served iced but you can also find some amazing warm banana Che from specialized sellers. Sugar and thickened coconut milk are added for sweetness and if you don’t like Che at first, I recommend trying another kind – there are so many!
Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich)
“Banh Mi” became popular with locals during the French colonial period and is without a doubt Saigon’s most popular breakfast. You’ll never have to walk too far out your front door to find a little old lady lathering up fresh rolls with pate and mayo and then stuffing in as much meat, pork sausage, egg, cucumber, carrot and cheese as she can fit. It’s cheap, fresh, filling, found on almost any street corner and for me it truly defines the term ‘fast-food.’
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