VIET NAM - HO CHI MINH CITY
When talking about Vietnam you must talk about the delicious food and the eating habits in this beautiful country! As an exchange student in Việt Nam, I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture and explore the country's diverse cuisine. Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, has been a culinary adventure for me so far, with a wide variety of dishes and flavors to discover.
One of the first things I noticed about Vietnamese food is its emphasis on fresh ingredients. Most meals are made with local produce and herbs, and many dishes feature a variety of vegetables and spices. This is in contrast to Austria and Liechtenstein where meat and dairy products are more prevalent in traditional dishes.
One of my favorite dishes is Bánh mì, a sandwich made with a crusty baguette, pickled vegetables, and a variety of meats or tofu. It is usually served with a side of chili sauce or mayonnaise, and the combination of flavors and textures is simply amazing. My Vietnamese friends tend to say, with a smile on their face, that every foreigner loves Bánh mì. :D I also love Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup which is originated in the central region of Việt Nam. The broth is made with lemongrass and chili, and it is often topped with fresh herbs and sliced beef. Another food which has to be mentioned when talking about food in Việt Nam is Phở. It consists of a savory broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat and could be considered as one of the Vietnamese signature dishes.
A unique aspect of dining in Việt Nam is the use of small plastic stools or chairs to sit on while eating. These chairs are omnipresent throughout the country, from street food vendors to upscale restaurants. At first, I found it a bit challenging to get used to sitting on such a small chair while eating, but I soon realized that this is a common practice. A benefit of these small chairs is that they are easy to move around and can be set up quickly, allowing for a more flexible approach to dining. It is common to see vendors setting up rows of chairs along the sidewalk or in a public space, creating a makeshift dining area for customers.
Another aspect of Vietnamese cuisine that I find interesting and that I also love is the prevalence of street food. There are countless food stalls and vendors throughout Ho Chi Minh City, offering everything from fresh spring rolls to grilled meats and seafood. This is in contrast to Austria, where street food is not as common, and most meals are consumed in restaurants or at home. Street food is very big here and there are streets with a ton of different foods to try!
However, there are some differences between Vietnamese cuisine and Austrian cuisine that I have noticed. In Austria, meat is a significant part of traditional dishes, while in Việt Nam, meat is used more sparingly, and vegetables take center stage. Vietnamese dishes also tend to be spicier than Austrian dishes, with a greater emphasis on herbs and spices. Another difference is the use of sauces in Vietnamese cuisine. Many Vietnamese dishes are accompanied by a dipping sauce, such as nước chấm, a mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili. This adds another layer of flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the spiciness.
My experience with Vietnamese cuisine so far has been a highlight of my time as an exchange student. I have discovered a new appreciation for fresh ingredients and a more communal approach to dining, and I look forward to incorporating these elements into my own eating habits. Whether enjoying a Bánh mì on the go or sharing a meal with friends at various food vendors, Vietnamese cuisine has truly captured my heart.
Looking to the future, I am excited to continue exploring Vietnamese cuisine and trying new dishes. I am particularly interested in learning more about the various regional cuisines and the unique ingredients and flavors that each has to offer. I also hope to try my hand at cooking some of these dishes myself, so that I can share them with friends and family back in Austria.