vietexplorer0016

On every visit, she is greeted by the warm and friendly owners who inquire about her family. With a smile, she mentions that her son brings her to this quaint spot to indulge in a bowl of bánh đúc – a Vietnamese savory treat. Bánh đúc is a unique Vietnamese dish, a type of savory rice pudding with a delightful chewy texture. It’s typically topped with a mouthwatering combination of ingredients: minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, crispy fried shallots, and mung beans. But the true star of the dish is the light fish sauce that ties all the flavors together. At the stall located at 116/2/3 Phan Dang Luu Street, a bowl of bánh đúc is an explosion of flavors. The same ingredients are layered together, with the seller skillfully drizzling a generous amount of fish sauce on top, creating a perfect harmony of tastes and textures. A bowl of ‘bánh đúc,’ a savory Vietnamese treat, costs VND30,000 (US$1.18) at this hidden gem in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dang Khuong The aroma of fri...

Nước mắm ranks 22nd with a score of 4.4 out of 5 stars. It is a versatile condiment, serving as both a dipping sauce for traditional dishes and a seasoning for modern Vietnamese cuisine. It is a staple in home-cooked meals and a must-have at street food stalls across the country. In Vietnam, nước mắm is served in two forms: pure nước mắm and sweet nước mắm. Pure nước mắm is the more traditional option, often used as a dipping sauce for hot pot, steamed dishes, and boiled foods. On the other hand, sweet nước mắm is a delightful combination of nước mắm, sugar, lime juice or vinegar, garlic, chili, and water, creating a unique flavor profile. This variety is commonly paired with dishes like cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork), spring rolls, and bánh xèo (Vietnamese savory pancakes). Present at most family gatherings, celebrations, and street food stalls, sweet nước mắm adds a touch of sweetness and a burst of flavor to any meal. Although the basic ingredients remain the same, each h...