Language/Vietnamese/Culture/Cuisine-and-Dining

◀️ Social Etiquette — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Counting 1-10 ▶️

Vietnamese → Culture → 0 to A1 Course → Vietnamese Culture Basics → Cuisine and Dining

Introduction

Welcome to the "Vietnamese Culture Basics" course! In this lesson, we will explore traditional Vietnamese cuisine and dining customs. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and balance of textures. The dining customs in Vietnam are deeply rooted in the country's culture and traditions. By understanding the basics of Vietnamese cuisine and dining, you will not only expand your knowledge of the language but also gain insights into the vibrant Vietnamese culture.

Traditional Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is diverse and reflects the country's geography, history, and cultural influences. It is characterized by the use of fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and a harmonious balance of flavors. Vietnamese dishes often incorporate rice, noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood. Let's explore some popular Vietnamese dishes:

Phở (Pho)

Phở is the quintessential Vietnamese dish that has gained international popularity. It is a flavorful noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and various toppings such as bean sprouts, basil, lime, and chili. Phở is typically enjoyed for breakfast or lunch and is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine.

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Phở	fuh	Pho

Bánh mì

Bánh mì is a delicious Vietnamese sandwich that combines French and Vietnamese culinary influences. It consists of a crispy baguette filled with various ingredients such as grilled pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. The combination of flavors and textures makes bánh mì a popular street food in Vietnam.

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Bánh mì	bahn mee	Vietnamese Sandwich

Gỏi cuốn (Spring Rolls)

Gỏi cuốn, also known as Vietnamese spring rolls, are fresh and healthy rolls filled with shrimp, pork, rice noodles, and vegetables. They are wrapped in rice paper and served with a flavorful dipping sauce. Gỏi cuốn is a popular appetizer or snack in Vietnam and is enjoyed throughout the year.

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Gỏi cuốn	goy kwohn	Spring Rolls

Bún chả

Bún chả is a traditional Vietnamese dish consisting of grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. The grilled pork is marinated in a flavorful sauce and cooked over charcoal, giving it a smoky and slightly sweet taste. Bún chả is a popular dish in Hanoi and is often enjoyed for lunch or dinner.

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Bún chả	boon cha	Grilled Pork with Rice Noodles

Cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)

Cà phê sữa đá is a strong and rich Vietnamese iced coffee that is a favorite among coffee lovers. It is made by brewing dark roast coffee with a small metal filter, and then mixed with condensed milk and poured over ice. The combination of the bold coffee and creamy sweetness of condensed milk creates a delicious and refreshing beverage.

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Cà phê sữa đá	ka fe soo-ah da	Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Dining Customs in Vietnam

In Vietnamese culture, dining is seen as a social activity that brings people together. Here are some dining customs and etiquette to keep in mind when dining in Vietnam:

Family-Style Dining

Vietnamese meals are often served family-style, where dishes are placed in the center of the table and shared among everyone. It is common for each person to have a small bowl of rice and to take a little bit of each dish to eat with their rice. This communal style of dining promotes a sense of togetherness and sharing.

Chopsticks and Spoon

Chopsticks and a spoon are the main utensils used in Vietnamese dining. Chopsticks are used for picking up solid foods such as meat, vegetables, and noodles, while the spoon is used for scooping up soups or rice. When using chopsticks, it is considered impolite to point them directly at someone or to stick them upright in a bowl of rice.

Toasting Tradition

When dining with Vietnamese people, it is common to participate in toasting. The host or the eldest person at the table will initiate the toasting by saying "Một, hai, ba, dô" (One, two, three, cheers). It is customary to make eye contact and clink glasses with everyone at the table when toasting. It is polite to take a sip of your drink after each toast.

Dining Etiquette

- It is polite to wait for the host or the eldest person to start eating before you begin your meal. - Keep your chopsticks parallel to the table when you are not using them, rather than sticking them upright in your bowl of rice. - When passing dishes, use both hands or one hand to support the dish from the bottom. - It is customary to say "Ăn ngon!" (Enjoy your meal!) before you start eating. - Finish everything on your plate as leaving food behind is considered wasteful.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we explored traditional Vietnamese cuisine and dining customs. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and fresh ingredients, while dining in Vietnam is a social activity that promotes togetherness and sharing. By understanding the basics of Vietnamese cuisine and dining, you have gained insights into the vibrant Vietnamese culture. Keep practicing the language and exploring more about Vietnamese culture to enhance your language learning journey!

Table of Contents - Vietnamese Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Hello and Goodbye
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Vietnamese Culture Basics

• Vietnamese Values
• Social Etiquette
• Cuisine and Dining

  ---

Numbers and Counting

• Counting 1-10
• Counting 11-20
• Counting 21 and Beyond

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Nouns and Gender
• Pronouns and Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

  ---

Holidays and Celebrations

• Tet
• Mid-Autumn Festival

  ---

Verbs and Verb Tenses

• Present Tense Verbs
• Past Tense Verbs
• Future Tense Verbs
• Modal Verbs

  ---

Food and Drink

• Vietnamese Food
• Drinks and Beverages
• Food Ordering

  ---

Arts and Entertainment

• Traditional Music
• Movie and Television

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives
• Adverbs

  ---

Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Giving Directions

  ---

Traditional Clothing

• Ao Dai
• Other Traditional Clothing

Sources

• Nutrition and Fasting in Vietnamese Culture - EthnoMed
• Vietnamese Food Culture: The Basics Of Food, Eating Behavior, and ...
• Vietnamese Cuisine Culture

Other Lessons

• Tet
• Bánh chưng ngày
• Movie and Television
• Other Traditional Clothing
• Bánh chưng ngày
• Ao Dai
• Mid Autumn Festival
• Names
• Social Etiquette

◀️ Social Etiquette — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Counting 1-10 ▶️