Eating Vietnamese food can be a delicious and memorable experience, but it’s important to be aware of a few things to make sure you enjoy it safely and comfortably. Here are some tips for eating Vietnamese food:
- Stay away from ice and fresh vegetables. It’s best to avoid ice in your drinks and to be cautious with fresh vegetables, as the tap water in Vietnam is not safe to drink and ice can sometimes come from tap water. It’s safer to only drink ice at reputable hotels, restaurants, and cafes.
- Be careful with spicy food. Vietnamese cuisine uses a lot of spices like ginger, chili, garlic, and turmeric that some people’s stomachs may not be used to. These spices can cause you to have more frequent trips to the bathroom than usual.
- Don’t be put off by weird stuff. Some Vietnamese dishes may contain organs, chicken feet, or intestine, which can be off-putting to some people. However, these ingredients are not bad, and they help to reduce food waste. Just be prepared for some unusual flavors and textures.
- Expect hot soup at all meals. In Vietnam, it’s common to eat soup at all three meals of the day, not just in the winter like in some Western countries. Soup is seen as healthy and easy for the stomach to digest.
- Street food is often better than restaurant food. Vietnam, Thailand, and Mexico are known for their delicious street food. The ingredients are usually fresh and the food is cooked on the spot, so there is no chance of frozen or old food being used. You must try them here.
- Be aware of the high levels of sugar and salt. Vietnamese food can be high in both sugar and salt, which is used to add flavor to the dishes. People in the central region tend to eat saltier and spicier food, while those in the south tend to eat sweeter food.
- Watch out for MSG. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a common ingredient in Vietnamese food that is still somewhat controversial. While it is used heavily in Japanese cuisine, the Japanese are also known for being one of the longest-lived and healthiest nations. Overall, Vietnamese food can be a wonderful and diverse culinary experience. Just be aware of these points and you’ll be able to enjoy it safely and comfortably.
