The best of Vietnamese fish sauce comes from Phu Quoc

Old fishermen once downed a cupful to keep warm when venturing out to sea. Divers drank it before plunging into deep, cold waters. Many believe the best kind comes from only one island, where it is aged in decades-old barrels of a...

Vietnamese food for beginners: Claypot (noi dat)

Claypot cookery is very southern, and very satisfying.

Vietnamese food for beginners: Bánh xèo

An Indian influence is bánh xèo, which is akin to an Indian dhosa, or a large crepe filled with goodies.

Vietnamese food for beginners: Lau (Hot pot)

The lau (hot pot) comes from China. It is a turban-shaped pan containing stock in the middle of which is a charcoal stove (now alcohol fuel is used).

Vietnamese food for beginners: Snail dishes

In Hanoi there is a type of snail living in ponds and lakes that grows to the size of a golfball, has a streaked colour, and, while chewy, is very tasty.    

Vietnamese food for beginners: Bun cha

Bun cha is simply grilled pork served on a bed on of cold rice noodles and dressed with a few herbs.

Vietnamese food for beginners: Mon cuon (Rice rolls)

Rice rolls are produced everywhere in Vietnam, with the most well-known being goi cuon, but those that are made in Hanoi have their special characteristics.