Vietnamese finger food is becoming popular because finger food is very easy to eat. Once the food arrives, it can immediately be served. As the name suggests, there's no need to use silverware. All you have to do is use your fingers to enjoy the food, which can be eaten quickly or savoured.
Spring Rolls
Let's kick-start our finger food adventure with the ever-popular Vietnamese spring rolls.
In the southern region of Vietnam, these rolls are known as gỏi cuốn, which translates to "salad rolls." In the northern part of Vietnam, they are referred to as nem cuốn, meaning "nem rolls." In central Vietnam, these rolls are simply called "rice paper" rolls.
These delectable rolls are made by wrapping a combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and either pork, shrimp, or tofu in a thin rice paper wrapper. They are usually served with a tangy and savory dipping sauce, making them a refreshing and satisfying snack for any occasion.
In comparison to Chinese spring rolls, Vietnamese imperial rolls have a distinct character. They are generally smaller in size and feature a flavorful filling composed of ground or chopped meats/seafood like pork, crab, shrimp, chicken, taro or cassava, glass noodles, wood-ear fungi or oyster mushrooms, and shredded carrots. These delectable rolls are traditionally wrapped in rice paper, which adds a unique touch to their texture and taste.
Vietnamese imperial rolls have a distinct character to others
Banh Mi
Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich, has a worldwide reputation, you can enjoy the soul of Vietnam in multiple places in the world. Everywhere Vietnamese people live, you can find famous bread in Viet Nam restaurants. In the USA, there is Banh Mi Saigon in New York, Bun Mee in San Francisco, and a restaurant chain of world renown
The key to a delicious banh mi lies in its abundant and diverse ingredients. Pork meat, beef, bacon, char siu, fried eggs, spring rolls, fish balls, and more are among the popular choices. These ingredients bring a variety of flavors to each loaf. To create a harmonious balance, an array of vegetables such as cucumber, onion, and essential Vietnamese herbs are added. Peppermint, sweet basil, and scallion are common choices, depending on the type of banh mi. However, the true taste explosion comes from the sauce. Whether it's sweet, salty, sour, or a combination, the sauce typically includes fish sauce, mayonnaise, honey, butter, chili, garlic, and more. When combined with the bread, the sauce completes the magical transformation, leaving an unforgettable impression on everyone who experiences it.
You may have already known about banh mi, but what sets Vietnamese banh mi apart from sandwiches around the world? The answer lies in the unique approaches and rare ingredients that Vietnamese people use to create this beloved loaf. For example, a Vietnamese herb that is seldom found in Western sandwiches, even in France, the birthplace of the baguette. Furthermore, banh mi boasts a multitude of regional variations throughout Vietnam. For instance, banh mi que is a slim sandwich consisting of only liver pate and cilantro, accompanied by homemade chili sauce, originating from Hai Phong, a northern province of Vietnam. On the other hand, Hoi An's banh mi is renowned for its richly flavored sauce and a wide range of fillings that make it truly exceptional.
Vietnamese sandwich - banh mi has a worldwide reputation
Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo, often referred to as Vietnamese savory pancakes, are a must-try finger food. It has been making waves in the Vietnamese culinary scene and is highly recommended as a must-try delicacy for visitors to the country. While the shape and size of Banh Xeo may differ depending on its regional origins, it consistently achieves a harmonious balance between flavors and textures.
These crispy and golden pancakes are made from a rice flour batter and filled with a variety of ingredients like shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and green onions. The pancakes are folded in half and served with fresh lettuce leaves and a special dipping sauce, adding a refreshing crunch to every bite.
In the Central region, “banh xeo” cooks make a smaller crepe that is white in color. In Hue, the crepes are called “banh khoai”, which is similar to “banh xeo”, but smaller in size and stuffed with fennel, sour star fruit, green banana and a thick soy sauce.
Banh Xeo is one of the Vietnamese must-try delicacy
Nem Nuong
For meat lovers, Nem Nuong is a finger food that should not be missed. These grilled pork skewers are marinated in a flavorful combination of fish sauce, garlic, and sugar, then grilled to perfection. The juicy and tender pork is typically wrapped in lettuce leaves, along with fresh herbs and rice vermicelli, before being dipped in a tangy peanut sauce. Each bite is bursting with succulent flavors.
After it is cooked, nem nuong can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be served alongside steamed rice and a side of fresh or pickled vegetables, wrapped in rice paper, paired with rice noodles, or even incorporated into a banh mi sandwich. To enhance its flavors, nem nuong is typically accompanied by a dipping sauce called nuoc cham. This versatile dish can be served as an appetizer or enjoyed as a snack.
Nem nuong can be enjoyed in a variety of ways
If you want to cook yourself at home, you can visit our Otao Vietnamese foods recipe, where you'll find a wide range of easy-to-follow recipes that will guide you through the cooking process. From traditional dishes to modern interpretations, our recipes are designed to help you bring the authentic taste of Vietnam to your home. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned home cook, our friendly and accessible recipes are perfect for anyone looking to explore the delicious world of Vietnamese finger foods cuisine. Start your culinary adventure today and discover the joy of cooking Vietnamese finger foods at home!
Vietnamese finger foods offer a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors. From the refreshing spring rolls to the savory banh mi sliders, each dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam. So, the next time you're craving a flavor-packed and shareable snack, don't hesitate to explore the world of Vietnamese finger foods. Your taste buds will thank you for the adventure!
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