Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and unique dishes that may seem strange to outsiders. If you’re an adventurous eater, Vietnam offers a treasure trove of culinary delights that will push your taste buds to new limits. From fermented pork rolls to coconut beetle larvae, here are five of Vietnam’s strangest yet delicious dishes that you must try.
1. Nem Chua (Vietnamese Fermented Pork Rolls)
Nem Chua, also known as Vietnamese fermented pork rolls, may appear peculiar at first glance, but it is a favorite among locals. These raw meat rolls are fermented with salt, sugar, garlic, and other seasonings to create a symphony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Each region in Vietnam has its unique twist on this dish, but the distinct flavor remains consistent.
While nem chua can be enjoyed as is, it’s also worth trying the fried version, which pairs perfectly with a refreshing glass of Coke or beer.
2. Chân Gà Sả Ớt (Chicken Feet Marinated with Lemongrass and Chili)
For a snack that’s a favorite among the Vietnamese, especially the younger generation, look no further than chân gà sả ớt. These chicken feet are marinated with a combination of lemongrass and chili, resulting in a delightful sweet and spicy flavor. You’ll find this cheap and satisfying dish available in almost every street food stall in Vietnam, often enjoyed alongside a cold beer.
Creating flavorful chicken feet is a breeze, thanks to the readily available ingredients. Boiled chicken feet are mixed with kumquat slices, lemongrass, chili, sugar, salt, fish sauce, and other additions like carrot and toad fruit. After marinating in the fridge for a few days, these savory treats are ready to be savored.
3. Tiết Canh (Blood Pudding)
One dish that you won’t find anywhere else in the world except Vietnam is tiết canh, or blood pudding. This unique specialty utilizes the blood of animals like pigs, ducks, snakes, geese, goats, crabs, and lobsters as its main ingredient. The clean blood is mixed with diluted saltwater to prevent premature coagulation. It is then topped with various animal organs such as duck liver, beef intestines, or stomach.
To complement the distinct flavor of the blood pudding, it is traditionally served with an assortment of fresh herbs, lemon, and roasted peanuts. This dish is a true testament to the inventiveness of Vietnamese cuisine.
4. Sứa Đỏ (Red Jellyfish with “Mam Tom”)
Red jellyfish, a seasonal delicacy in Hanoi during late spring and early summer, might sound intimidating to international tourists. However, this dish is worth trying as a unique alternative to more familiar staples. Fresh red jellyfish undergoes a thorough preparation process, ensuring its safety for consumption. It is then served alive, accompanied by “mam tom,” a savory shrimp paste.
This delicate dish combines slices of jellyfish, perilla leaves, fried tofu, lemon, copra, and fresh herbs. The result is a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds when dipped in “mam tom.”
5. Đuông Dừa (Coconut Beetle Larva)
Brace yourself for the extraordinary experience of eating đuông dừa, or coconut beetle larva. This unique delicacy hails from the Mekong Delta and has become a sensation internationally. Locals manually catch the live, fatty whitish larvae nestled within the trunk of a coconut palm. After being thoroughly washed, these larvae are dipped in fish sauce and consumed alive.
While the idea of consuming live larvae may sound daunting, the sweet and delicious taste of coconut beetle larvae will surprise you. For those brave enough to try, they can be easily found in the Mekong Delta, particularly in Ben Tre Province, the coconut capital of Vietnam.
So, if you’re up for a culinary adventure like no other, Vietnam’s strangest dishes are waiting to satisfy your taste buds. Embrace the unexpected and dive into an extraordinary world of flavors that can only be found in this beautiful Southeast Asian country. Happy eating!