Story: Nguyet Anh
Photos: Thai A, Le Huy Tuan

Central Vietnam prides itself on its hospitable people, fine sandy beaches and outstanding cuisine. Heritage discovers some quintessential dishes from this sunny region

Bún bò Huế (Hue beef vermicelli soup)

 Known for its strong and spicy broth, Hue beef vermicelli soup is eaten all day, every day. The key ingredient is quality beef – beef balls, beef intestines, half-cooked beef or beef terrines may all be included. The broth is mildly sweet and spicy, served with finely chopped herbs including banana bulbs, sage, bean sprouts, lettuce and chili paste. A mouthful should consist of several strands of soft vermicelli and some slices of softened and steamed beef and fragrant onions. Sip the spicy, fragrant broth and pick up a piece of boiled blood. Bean sprouts, herbs and thinly sliced banana bulbs add to the delicious mix of flavors.

Bánh bột lọc (Filtered rice-flour cakes)

These little rice-flour pancakes are especially popular in Hue and Quang Binh. The ingredients are quite simple: prawns, pork and filtered rice flour make an unforgettable delicacy. The best filtered rice-flour cakes are served hot in the afternoons. Hue locals eat these savory little cakes as a snack with pungent fish sauce mixed with slices of green chili.

Cơm gà (Chicken rice)

  The best known chicken rice in Central Vietnam hails from Tam Ky in Quang Nam. A local breed of chicken is used that has firm, soft and distinctly sweet flesh. Washed rice is left to dry and cooked with chicken broth made with turmeric powder. The rice should be bright yellow in color and soft with grains that don’t stick together. The chicken is usually shredded and mixed with herbs. If shredded, lean chicken meat is deboned, sliced thinly and served with herbs such as cilantro, pickled shallots and papayas. This rice dish may also be served with fermented chicken salad. Chicken rice wouldn’t be the same without lemon chili salt or a sweet and sour chili sauce.

Cao lầu (Rice noodles with pork):

  The treat may be enjoyed in Hoi An, Danang and Hue. Served with sauce rather than broth, this dish always contains a special type of rice noodle made with lye water. Typical additions include cha siu pork, peanuts, rice crackers and herbs. Diners who prefer a saltier flavor add fish sauce. This dish is associated with Hoi An’s Old Town.

Thịt heo cuốn bánh tráng (Boiled pork rice paper rolls)

  A famous snack in Danang, this simple but delicious dish shouldn’t be missed. The pork must be double skinned and the herbs fresh. Lay out a square rice paper, then add green herbs, green bananas, star fruit, pineapple and finally the boiled pork. Wrap everything into a neat roll. The meaty pork, fresh herbs and sauce add up to culinary bliss.

Central Vietnam offers many more culinary delights. A trip to places such as Quang Binh, Hue, Danang and Nha Trang will yield many delicious meals. This summer, fly with Vietnam Airlines to explore Vietnam’s Central coast and enjoy a refreshing summer holiday.