Vietnamese food is known for its delicate balance of flavors and textures, and nowhere is this more evident than in the country’s famous salads. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or planning your next Vietnam travel adventure, discovering these salads will be a delightful part of your culinary exploration.
1. Vietnamese Beef Salad (Gỏi Bò)
One of the top dishes to try is the Vietnamese beef salad, ranked 30th among the world’s best. This dish blends the umami of stir-fried beef with the zesty punch of lime juice, fish sauce, and chili. Served with a mix of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, and sometimes green starfruit or banana, this salad offers a refreshing yet hearty option. It’s often accompanied by shrimp crackers, making it perfect for sharing.
2. Green Papaya Salad (Nộm)
A staple of northern Vietnam, nộm, or green papaya salad, is a light and tangy dish that is perfect for those seeking fresh, vibrant flavors. Made from shredded papaya or green mango, it’s tossed with a flavorful dressing of fish sauce, water, and sugar. You’ll often find it topped with crushed peanuts and fried shallots for added texture. In the south, this dish is referred to as gỏi and can vary slightly in preparation, depending on the region you are visiting.
3. Mixed Pho Salad (Phở Trộn)
A twist on the classic Vietnamese noodle soup, phở trộn takes the beloved flavors of phở but removes the broth, transforming it into a salad. Instead of the usual soup, you get a mixture of rice noodles, beef or chicken, and a sweet-sour dressing. The dish is light, making it a fantastic meal in warmer weather, and is often garnished with peanuts, lime, and chili for a vibrant finish.
4. Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)
Ranked 77th in the world, Vietnamese chicken salad is a must-try dish. It combines shredded chicken with a medley of vegetables, including carrots and cabbage. The dressing is made from a simple but effective combination of lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar, which enhances the natural flavors of the chicken. This salad is often garnished with roasted peanuts and fried shallots for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
Vietnamese salads are a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, offering a refreshing, healthy, and flavorful introduction to Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first Vietnam travel experience, make sure to explore these mouth-watering dishes that represent the very best of Vietnamese food culture.
Trung Ngo – Ambassador DMC.
