Are you a food enthusiast looking to explore unique and exotic flavors? Look no further than Vietnam! Renowned for its rich culinary heritage, Vietnam is home to a wide array of delectable dishes. In this article, we’ll delve into 10 Vietnamese specialties that are worthy of royalty. Prepare to be tantalized by these extraordinary flavors!
1. Banh Phu The (Husband and Wife Pastry)
Originating from the homeland of the Ly dynasty, Dinh Bang in Tu Son, Bac Ninh province, Banh Phu The is a true royal delicacy. This pastry, wrapped in dried banana leaves, consists of a mixture of finely ground green beans, sugar, and sometimes coconut shreds, all encased in a rice exterior. The name “Husband and Wife Pastry” perfectly symbolizes the love and unity between couples.
2. West Lake Coot
Once a staple in the menus of Vietnamese royalties, West Lake Coot holds a special place in Vietnamese culinary history. Legend has it that these coots, while migrating, make a stop at high peaks in China and Korea to consume precious ginseng, earning them the name “sam cam” or “ginseng bird.” Considered a healthy delicacy, West Lake Coot was a favorite of Emperor Tu Duc. However, due to intensive hunting, spotting these birds in Vietnam has become increasingly rare.
3. Anh Vu Carp
Known for its firm, white, and tasty meat, Anh Vu Carp is a trademark of the Bach Hac Confluence in Viet Tri, Phu Tho province. This unique fish is distinguished by its adjoined lips and is highly prized for its exquisite flavor. Unfortunately, finding and tasting this royal carp in present-day Vietnam is a challenging feat.
4. Longan and Lotus Seed
For dessert fit for a king, you can’t go wrong with lotus seed longan. The longan used in royal dinners comes exclusively from Hien, a town in Hung Yen province. It boasts a distinctive aroma, juicy texture, and unmatched sweetness. Even today, longan remains highly sought after and commands a premium price.
5. Dong Cao Chicken
Beyond its beloved longan, Hung Yen is also renowned for Dong Cao Chicken. This unique breed, known for its gigantic feet, is found exclusively in the Khoai Chau district. With its robust flavor and tender meat, Dong Cao Chicken is a delicacy that demands skilled care from knowledgeable farmers. Purebred Dong Cao chickens are rare, as most have been crossbred to improve other varieties.
6. Ngu Banana
In homage to the Tran dynasty, the people of Nam Dinh province have created a unique gift known as Ngu Banana. These tiny bananas, with their silky smooth yellow skin and irresistible sweetness, are a testament to the wise and benevolent rulers of the Tran dynasty. Ngu Banana’s uniqueness lies in its preference for the homeland of Tran kings.
7. Early Green Rice (Com Vong)
With a history spanning over 1000 years, Early Green Rice, or Com Vong, is a specialty of Thang Long (present-day Hanoi). It was first introduced as a tribute to the Ly emperors. Today, one can find vendors selling Com Vong snacks in the old quarter of Hanoi during the fall. Enjoy Com Vong on its own, with bananas, or as a delicious sticky rice preparation. It also serves as the star ingredient in the famous Hang Than “com” pie.
8. Shrimp Paste of Ha Yen
Shrimp paste, a delicacy of the lowlands, was often offered as a tribute to Vietnamese kings. The finest shrimp paste required a special type of small shrimp, caught in the Gia Gia area of Co Dam village (present-day Bim Son). The paste, carefully made by skilled cooks, had a faint yellow shine and boasted a thick, honey-like consistency. Unfortunately, this delicacy is no longer available today.
9. Water Spinach (Rau Muong)
Although it may seem unexpected, water spinach found in the Linh Chieu area of Phuc Tho district, Hanoi, was once a favorite among palace diners. Known as the king’s spinach, its soft texture and delicate taste set it apart. Cultivating this spinach requires great effort and care, as it needs to be grown near the soft-soiled banks of the Red River to absorb its rich alluvium. As a result, acquiring this once-inexpensive vegetable has become increasingly challenging.
10. Swallow Bird Nest (To Yen)
Created from the saliva of swallows, bird nests are a unique delicacy prized for their exceptional taste and high nutritional value. Harvested from the offshore islands of Khanh Hoa province, these nests were once reserved exclusively for the highest ranks of society due to the difficulty and danger involved in obtaining them. Nowadays, with advances in farming techniques, more people can savor the delight of this delicacy.
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