Vietnamese Culture

Eating & Drinking

“The secret to Vietnam’s phenomenal cuisine is ying-yang. The philosophy of balance and two elements complementing each other is the heart of Vietnamese food culture.”

As in many Asian culinary traditions, Vietnamese cuisine is based on five fundamental tastes. In almost every quintessential dish, these five tastes complement each other in terms of color, acidity, and overall flavor. Fresh ingredients have been the staple for centuries, without giving much room for oil and dairy products. Sugars and gluten are also somewhat missing from the cuisine, which makes Vietnamese food one of the most healthy diets in the world. Above that, the subtle taste and lightness of it will give your tastebuds a feast. Influences from China, Laos, and France are present, adding valuable tastes to the wonderful food scene of Vietnamese culture.

The traditional dishes to try in Vietnam are mainly broths, soups, wraps, and rolls of stir-fried veggies. Food in Vietnam has intriguing textures and a carnival of different tastes. Soup-like dishes such as Mì Quảng and Phở feature sticky rice noodles and crackers, the favorite product of the country by all means, along with local vegetables. You will find them change shape and name as you travel from the north to the south. Spring rolls are another iconic food that makes perfect street bites, whether fried or boiled. A natural outcome of the country’s close relationship to the sea, fish stews, and seafood fries are popular. Street food is essential to Vietnamese culture. Never hesitate to try some local delicacies from traveling vendors or floating markets.

When it comes to drinks, Vietnam knows how to hail its myriad exotic fruits and iconic agricultural products. The most popular drinks to try in Vietnam are cool beverages made of sugar cane, fresh coconuts, dragonfruit and jackfruit, and artichoke. Above these, Vietnam is proud of its sticky rice wine, often taken in shots and guaranteed to give you a mood lift.

Religion & Etiquette

Vietnam is officially an atheist state, yet almost 20% of the population is religious. Buddhism is the dominant religion among these, followed by Roman Catholic or Protestant Churches. Local religious movements also have followers, although very few. What truly constitutes the religious character of Vietnam is folk religion. This has more to do with traditional worship than religious belief, combining ideologies and teachings of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Worship of gods, spirits, and deities is not uncommon in society, especially in rural areas, where locals maintain traditional practices such as totemism, tattooing, and animism.

War is the most delicate issue in Vietnam you should avoid joking about or criticizing, no questions asked. Almost all the people you will contact have either been in the war or have a close relative who has. It is good to practice utmost caution when addressing the turbulent past of the country and its aftermath. Apart from this taboo subject, trust that Vietnamese people have a great sense of humor that can handle the right things. Also wise to avoid commenting on the North and South of the country, or any political tension surrounding the subject. Vietnamese culture and society draw heavily from Confucian ideology, which places great importance on life experience and knowledge. As a natural result, elder people are treated with care and respect, and so are academics and scholars.

You will hear ghost stories roaming the Vietnamese land. Ancestral beliefs and a well-established folklore culture are distinct elements of Vietnam, so prepare yourself for the supernatural. Try not to make cynical comments about the afterlife or the deceased. Keep in mind that it is forbidden for women to touch a Buddhist monk.