Because of present circumstances all over the world, however, even crossing state lines in search of new international cuisines to try can be risky. Here now is a way to experience truly authentic Vietnamese food from the comfort of your own home without the uncertainty of trying to renew passports and planning a long-overdue vacation.
This year has probably felt like multiple years all stacked together. Let’s say you were eagerly anticipating a trip to southeast Asia, perhaps for a birthday treat or a romantic anniversary getaway. Because of present circumstances all over the world, however, even crossing state lines in search of new international cuisines to try can be risky. Here now is a way to experience truly authentic Vietnamese food from the comfort of your own home without the uncertainty of trying to renew passports and planning a long-overdue vacation.
Pho
With the return of autumn already here, it’s definitely soup season. If you are tired of old standbys like chicken noodle soup, split pea soup, or steak and potato soup, then you should check this excellent dish out. Pho is one of the most iconic examples of Vietnamese food, both in its homeland and across the globe. Flat rice noodles are a key ingredient, as are tasty broths garnished with some form of meat – typically either chicken or beef, and in some cases, steak. Various sauces, herbs, spices, and accompaniments such as hot sauce or bean sprouts allow you to customize your bowl as you wish.
Bun Cha
From a familiar sight, we go to one that you may not already recognize. Barbecued pork, freshly-made noodles, and some fish sauce come together to make something truly magical. You can also experiment with dunking the noodles into the broth to finish cooking them. Here’s a fun fact: it’s also called “Obama noodles” because of a special visit to Vietnam in 2016 where said president enjoyed a bowl of these noodles.
Banh Mi
You’ve probably also sampled a banh mi sandwich. It’s one of those awesome fusions of French-style cuisine and Vietnamese food. It is an artifact of the time that France colonized Indochina that unifies meat or egg, veggies, a delightfully sweet sauce, and toasty baguettes that prove that Vietnamese restaurants, even in America, would be able to serve bread, whether as part of an entree or as an appetizer.
Banh Cuon
We promise that you will love banh cuon! Well-seasoned pork and wood-ear mushrooms are going to surprise and excite your taste buds. Steamed and fermented rice batter accompanied with fish sauce take these pancakes to the next level.
Goi Cuon
Let’s also talk about goi cuon. Much of the Vietnamese food you’ll come across at one point or another will be fried, grilled, or boiled. These summer rolls (also called spring rolls) will provide a nice change of pace! Inside, you’ll find crisp salad fillings, along with proteins like prawns or pork. A sweet and spicy peanut sauce will also give you a mouth party, so go ahead and treat yourself!
Get All Your Asian Groceries at Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market is your one-stop-shop for all of your Korean and Asian grocery needs. With more than 10 locations in Maryland and Virginia, this growing market is always expanding and opening new markets to serve our customers better. Since we opened in 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, please email us at LottePlaza.com.