Worth tasting for: A Compendium of Mouthwatering Vietnamese Cuisines

"A hunger is satisfied in one taste, but cravings don't."

If my taste buds can only talk, he must be speechless. This is how I describe the peculiarity but overwhelming taste of these exotic Vietnamese cuisines that enticed my sophisticated palates. Wild variety of noodles, spices and soups can be found beside the streets of Saigon because its appearance and smell entice tourists and some locals passing by to try and buy it. Although some will judge it as nasty, but you can never tell the truth until you experience how delicious it is.

A bowl of Hủ Tiếu Bò Kho (center) and condiments in the streets of Saigon, Vietnam.

Culture-friendly

One reason you must try Vietnamese foods because its ingredients were made acceptable and adjustable among different cultures and religions. If you are a Muslim, a Buddhist or a believer who is not allowed to eat certain kinds of meat, then there are wide varieties of ingredients for you to choose from. Its flexibility to adjust in different cultures made Vietnamese foods interesting to try. It depends on what you will eat, but this is an assurance that once you tasted it, make sure you can still remember your name.

A plate of Cơm Bò (Rice Beef) mixed with vegetables and ground pepper.

Unbelievably Cheap

As a Filipino, I am proud of my country's pride; the Filipino food, but to be honest, I have a new lover, and that is Vietnamese foods. Don't get me wrong, but when people choose economy over high-price, then you might prefer to buy Vietnamese foods rather than Philippine foods. Imagine the richness of every dish that you will order in Vietnam, but seemingly it will only cost you to a range of 7,000 to 30,000 VND (15 - 67 PHP). Compared to the Philippines, foods that you can buy is estimated to a range of 45 up to 300 PHP, depending on the meal that you will order. That is why if you are a budget-friendly food trip person, then do not miss the moment of trying Vietnamese foods.

A plate of Cơm Lòng (Rice with Pig Intestines) and a chili sauce.

Odd, but Healthy

Vietnamese foods are famous because of their peculiar taste. Unknown leaves and spices were mixed in the food to give a bizarre savor that will cover up your entire taste buds. For locals, they describe it as ordinary dishes, but for tourists coming from different places might say that its very odd. The taste of spices in Vietnam mesmerized my consciousness, as if I was in the middle of a void, and all I can see is the food that I ate. Furthermore, their ingredients mostly came from herbs that I never seen before, and those component has a medicinal value that can treat diseases or illness, and since it is a vegetable, it is good for your health.