VOV.VN - Vietnamese cuisine represents a tantalising blend of flavours, colours, and textures that have captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide, according to a recent article published by India's leading travel magazine Outlook Traveler.

Vietnamese cuisine represents a tantalising blend of flavours, colours, and textures that have captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. (Photo courtesy of Outlook Traveler)

The author Akarshit Gupta offered several must-know facts about Vietnamese cuisine, including its history, key ingredients, iconic dishes, and culinary influences. 

The Indian media outlet recommended that the Xu Wing and Mahābhūta principles are the cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine, much like in numerous other Asian culinary traditions.

These philosophies serve to underscore the significance of achieving harmony among the five essential flavour components: sweetness, tartness, saltiness, bitterness, and spiciness, thereby creating a genuinely invigorating dining experience with every meal, it added.

A delicious breakfast is another fact about Vietnamese cuisine. Local morning rituals typically revolve around steaming bowls of hot soup, fragrant broken rice, and delicious bánh mì sandwiches, all of which reflect the early riser culture.

Given the nation’s sweltering climate, it's no wonder that people have a penchant for cooling, liquid desserts. Vietnamese cuisine therefore offers a delightful array of sweet concoctions collectively known as "chè," encompassing dessert soups, beverages, and puddings.

Another must-know fact about Vietnamese cuisine is the regional differences. The country is divided into three distinct regions, the North, South, and Central. Each place boasts its own culinary identity, Wwile there are some shared elements among these regional cuisines, they tend to take great pride in their distinctive attributes.

The article also notes the local coffee culture. “Vietnamese coffee is robust and brimming with flavour. It delivers a potent punch that awakens your senses and imbues you with the confidence to tackle the day ahead,” it wrote.

Fish sauce is also a notable aspect which is an essential cornerstone of Vietnamese cuisine, alongside olive oil and soy sauce. It plays a pivotal role in many iconic Vietnamese dishes, including pho, spring rolls, banh xeo, com tam, com thit nuong, and countless others. 

Moreover, fetal duck eggs are an affordable, delicious, and nutrient-rich street-side snack widely available throughout the country. Served with essential condiments and presented beautifully, travelers are able to find fetal duck eggs sold at street-side stalls nationwide.