Do you know that durian, a fruit found in Vietnam, is banned in several places due to its strong odor? But that’s just the tip of the iceberg; Vietnamese cuisine has no shortage of strange and unusual dishes. The country is known worldwide for its fragrant pho and fresh spring rolls, but for bold eaters, the real excitement lies beyond the usual. From fermented shrimp paste to crunchy crickets, the country’s cuisine can be as daring as it is delicious. Here are some of the most unusual dishes in Vietnam that offer a deeper taste of local flavor and tradition.
If you’ve already secured cheap flights to Vietnam, it’s your turn to try at least one of these dishes. So, get ready with your Vietnam visa – a culinary adventure is waiting for you.
1. Fermented Shrimp Paste (Mắm Tôm)
What it is: A pungent, salty paste made from fermented shrimp.
Love it or hate it, mam tom is a cornerstone of northern Vietnamese cuisine. Though intense, it’s part of the best food in Vietnam for those who appreciate bold flavors and one of the many unusual dishes in Vietnam waiting to be discovered.
Where to try: Nationwide, especially with fried tofu and noodles.
2. Balut (Hot Vit Lon)
What it is: A fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo.
Often served with salt, lime, and herbs, this protein-packed delicacy is beloved by locals and often eaten as a snack or breakfast. It’s one of the more strange food in Vietnam options that surprises many visitors.
Where to try: Street stalls in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
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3. Coconut Worms (Duong Dua)
What it is: Live coconut worms soaked in fish sauce.
These wriggly larvae are a test of bravery and a true specialty in the south. The taste is creamy, nutty, and unlike anything else. It’s certainly a departure from what most consider vegetarian food in Vietnam, and undeniably one of the unusual dishes in Vietnam worth noting.
Where to try: Mekong Delta.
Also Read: Top 10 Traditional Vietnamese Dishes One Cannot Miss When In Vietnam
4. Snake Wine (Ruou Ran)
What it is: Whole venomous snakes infused in rice wine.
Believed to improve circulation and virility, snake wine is both a drink and a dramatic conversation starter. For those exploring unusual food in Vietnam, this iconic beverage is hard to forget.
Where to try: Traditional medicine shops and rural areas.
5. Jellyfish Salad (Goi Sua)
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What it is: A refreshing salad with jellyfish, herbs, and roasted peanuts.
Crunchy and light, it’s a summer favorite with a tangy kick. This is a lesser-known street food in Vietnam, especially near the beaches, and stands out as one of the more unusual dishes in Vietnam from the coast.
Where to try: Coastal towns like Nha Trang or Da Nang.
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6. Silkworm Pupae (Nham Nhong)
What it is: Boiled or fried silkworm larvae, often eaten with rice.
Nutty in flavor and high in protein, these are a common local snack and a real adventure in food in Vietnam for curious tourists.
Where to try: Hanoi street markets.
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7. Sandworm Pancake (Chả Ruồi)
What it is: A fried cake made with live sandworms, eggs, and herbs.
Crispy outside and savory inside, this rare delicacy is seasonal and requires fresh worms caught along the coast. It’s a prime example of must try food in Vietnam for the fearless foodie.
Where to try: Hai Phong and parts of northern Vietnam.
Also Read: Tips To Get Vietnam Visa Online
8. Fried Crickets (Dế Chiên)
Image Credit: Budimn/Shutterstock
What it is: Crunchy fried crickets served as a snack or beer food.
High in protein and surprisingly tasty when seasoned, fried crickets are gaining attention alongside more famous food in Vietnam like banh mi and pho.
Where to try: Rural northern and central Vietnam.
Also Read: Vietnam Travel Tips: What should you know before you go
9. Frog Meat (Thịt Ếch)
What it is: Tender frog legs, grilled, fried, or in porridge.
Often described as tasting like chicken, frog meat may be unconventional for some but is not uncommon in rural areas. It’s part of the wide-ranging spectrum of unusual food in Vietnam worth sampling.
Where to try: All over Vietnam, especially in countryside eateries.
Wrapping up
Vietnam’s cuisine is a fearless blend of the traditional and the unconventional. If you’re ready to go beyond pho and embrace the unexpected, these unusual dishes in Vietnam will take your food journey to thrilling new heights. From crunchy crickets to pungent shrimp paste and even weird vegetarian food in Vietnam like bitter melon soup or banana flower salad, there’s always something daring to try. Pair your foodie adventures with stays at some of the best hotels in Vietnam, or make it seamless with all-inclusive Vietnam tour packages that take care of everything. So, grab your chopsticks, open your mind, and take a bite out of Vietnam’s wild side.
Ready to taste the adventure? Start planning your ultimate foodie trip to Vietnam today and don’t forget to bring your appetite (and a little courage)!
FAQs – Unusual Dishes in Vietnam
What is the most eaten food in Vietnam?
Pho, a flavorful rice noodle soup typically served with beef or chicken, is the most commonly eaten and iconic dish in Vietnam.
What is the special dish of Vietnam?
Pho is considered Vietnam’s special and national dish, known for its rich broth simmered with spices and fresh herbs.
What is unique about Vietnamese food?
Vietnamese cuisine is unique for its balance of fresh herbs, light and natural flavors, and the harmonious blend of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy tastes, often with minimal grease.
What is the insect dish in Vietnam?
Fried crickets and other insects like coconut worms are popular unusual snacks in Vietnam, enjoyed for their crunchy texture and protein content.
What is Vietnam’s national dish?
Pho is widely recognized as Vietnam’s national dish, representing the soul of Vietnamese culinary culture.
Is Vietnam veg or non-veg?
Vietnamese cuisine includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with meat and seafood common but many vegetarian options available, especially in Buddhist cuisine.
What is famous in Vietnam to buy?
Popular items to buy in Vietnam include local handicrafts, coffee, silk products, and street food snacks like Banh Mi and dried fruits.
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