sian cooking is nothing without its iconic sauces—layered with flavour, rich in history, and easy to use at home. In Vietnamese cuisine, sauces are more than condiments; they’re essential ingredients that transform simple meals into delicious, aromatic dishes.

At Otao Kitchen, we believe learning about sauces is one of the most powerful ways to understand and master Asian cooking. Here's your guide to 8 essential sauces to bring into your home kitchen.

Banh Xeo, meaning “sizzling cake” in Vietnamese, is named for the satisfying sound the batter makes when it hits a hot pan. This golden, crispy savoury pancake is filled with fresh herbs, prawns, and crunchy vegetables. It’s one of Vietnam’s most iconic street food dishes—and now, it’s a crowd favourite in Vietnamese restaurants across Australia.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering Banh Xeo for the first time, this easy and delicious recipe will bring the flavours of Vietnam into your kitchen.

If you want to stock your kitchen with good-quality fish sauce, you’re in the right place. A staple in many Southeast Asian cuisines, fish sauce delivers that unmistakable umami richness — savoury, salty, complex — that transforms everyday cooking into something extraordinary.

But not all fish sauces are made equal. From country of origin to fermentation methods, the type you choose can make a big difference in your dish. So, let’s explore what makes a great fish sauce, how to choose the best one, and which brands are worth trying in Australia.

How to store spices and how long they will last are most frequent questions being asked in our cooking classes.

Most of our spices are imported, shipped and shelved before we get them. Our recommendation is store them in a cool and dark place. So do not store above your stove as you might think of a perfectly access for your cooking. Heat, humidity and light will cause the spices loose their beautiful oil and flavour.

Be a great cook to use your spices within six months or 12 months. They will loose their flavour over the time but you still can use them. 

Best Vietnamese Dishes You Can Try on Victoria Street, Richmond

Victoria Street in Richmond is often called Melbourne’s “Little Saigon” — a bustling hub of Vietnamese food, culture, and tradition. If you're after authentic Vietnamese cuisine without leaving Australia, this is the place to go. From street-style bites to deeply comforting soups, here are the top 10 Vietnamese dishes you must try on Victoria Street — plus exactly where to find them.

7 Best Reasons to Learn to Cook Vietnamese Food

Looking to bring more flavour, health, and joy into your kitchen? Learning to cook Vietnamese food is one of the best ways to do it. At OTAO Kitchen, our cooking classes give you the skills, confidence, and inspiration to create vibrant and healthy Vietnamese dishes in your own home. Here are 7 compelling reasons why cooking Vietnamese food will transform your culinary journey.