Eating at a Vietnamese Restaurant

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its great use of mint, peppers, and anise. The French influence on Vietnamese food is apparent in its french bread dishes and stews. The Asian influence is seen in its noodles and beef dishes. Here are few Vietnamese dishes that are good for a person interested in trying something new.

1. Pho Tai: Beef Noodle Soup--vermicelli or rice noodles in a rich beef broth topped with rare thinly sliced beef. The noodle soup is served piping hot with rare beef on top. This will usually come in a large bowl and have fresh herbs, lime, bean sprouts, and hot peppers served alongside it. Like many other types of Asian cuisine, diners are encouraged to flavor their food at the table. While the broth is very flavorful without additional flavoring, the traditional way to make the soup even better is to add the condiments offered with the noodles. First, put the rare beef into the soup. The reason the soup is served so hot is because the beef is supposed to be cooked at the table. The cooking of the thin sliced beef imparts more flavor to the soup. Squeeze a little lime in it but to taste. The bean sprouts offer an interesting crunch aspect to the dish. Bean sprouts don't really have much flavor in themselves. The mint will add some zestiness and freshness to the soup. The peppers are REALLY hot. Be warned. Add one and see how it spices up the soup.

2. Banh Mi: Vietnamese Hoagie--a sandwich with ham, pate, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, and cilantro on hot French bread. It's really an excellent combination of hot/cold textures and flavors. Usually, Vietnamese Sandwiches come with other meats too. Ask your server to see if they have Vietnamese Sandwiches with pork chop. It's delicious.

3. Pork Chop over Rice: Don't let the simple name fool you. The pork chops are marinated in a lemongrass sauce and broiled over high heat. The high heat and marinade will make it the best pork chop you will have ever eaten. Over hot white rice, this dish is delectable.

4. Bun: Vermicelli and spring rolls over top with peanuts--Rice noodles covered with pieces of spring rolls. Vietnamese spring rolls are really good. Wrapped in wonton wrappers and filled with pork and vegetables. Order them separately and they come with a lemongrass dipping sauce. The noodles are cold and the spring rolls are hot. It's pretty good stuff.

5. Rare beef: Usually available as an appetizer. Very much like beef carpaccio. Sliced thin ribeye that comes with limes for you to squeeze over the beef. Also comes with chopped up peanuts and a vinegary sauce.

These selections are a good way to introduce yourself to Vietnamese Food. The cuisine is known for its careful balance of flavors and temperature. Have fun!