Published:  10:28 Tuesday - July 26, 2016

Depending on each region and culture, food culture in Vietnam is very diversified and brings its own unique for each region. Hotpot is not a traditional dish but it is very popular in Vietnam from the North to the South.

Hot pot has its origin in Mongolia but it is a popular and beloved kind of food in Southeast Asian countries.

Hot pot consists of a consommé pot, a stove or a mini gas cooker, vegetables and some kinds of raw foods. When the consommé boils, vegetables and raw foods will be put into the pot. Hot pot is often served with vermicelli or noodles.

In Vietnam, hot pot comes in many forms. Every region of the country has its own specific kind of hot pot, for example: the north’s field crab hot pot, the south’s red tilapia hot pot and central Vietnam’s sour and spicy seafood hot pot.

The North’s field-crab hot pot

Field crab hot pot is an appetizing dish in northern Vietnam. This dish has many different flavors to enjoy: the sweet taste of crab meat, the buttery taste of crab-roe, the sour taste of tomatoes and tamarind. It also has the savory flavor of dill, water spinach and crab cake. You can add some other ingredients into the hot pot to feed your appetite. Some examples: flower crab, squid, shrimp, clam or other kinds of vegetables such as buffalo spinach, water mimosa.

Field crab hot pot is not only popular in northern Vietnam but also beloved in the south. This delicious hot pot appears the meals of common people and even in the menu of luxurious restaurants.

Reference:

Ha Noi: Cốm Vòng Restaurant- 12 Dong Bong, Dich Vong Hau street, Cau Giay District

TPHCM: Crab village 18A/3/A3 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, Đa Kao Ward, District 1

Central Vietnam’s sour and spicy seafood hotpot

Sour and spicy seafood hot pot of Hue province has a very specific taste. The process of making this kind of hot pot is a little similar to Thai hotpot with the same raw ingredients such as clam, shrimp, squid, beef and fish. However, the consommé of Hue’s hot pot is made in a special way with dried shrimp, dried squid and broth from a giant perch’s spine. Those ingredients are mixed with salt, sugar, tamarind sauce and fish sauce. The combination of sour, spicy, salty and sweet this creates is a unique sensation. When the consommé boils, the raw ingredients are put into the pot along with mushrooms, water spinach, shallot, water dropwort and culantro. Just after a simple process of cooking, you can enjoy a special dish from central Vietnam.

Reference:

TPHCM: Thanh Binh Seafood Restaurant, 411 Huynh Van Banh street, Ward 11, Phu Nhuan District

Ha Noi: An Cuu Restaurant 150, Nguyen Khuyen street, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District

The South’s red tilapia hotpot

Red tilapia is commonly raised in the Mekong river delta. Red tilapia meat is white, firm, fatty and delicious. Red tilapia is used as an ingredient for many tasty dishes including the famous red tilapia hot pot in southern Vietnam.

In the consommé of this hot pot, there are small spring onions, tomatoes, water dropwort and ginger. When the consommé boils and is seasoned, the fish can be put into the pot. Red tilapia is quickly ready to be served. This kind of hot pot is served with vermicelli. Usually, every eater has a small bowl of fish sauce on the table to dip red tilapia meat in. Red tilapia hot pot smells delicious and tastes awesome.

Reference:

TPHCM: Bien Đong  Restaurant 6: 443-445 Le Hong Phong street, Ward 2, District 10

Ha Noi: Xu Doai Restaurant – 164 Le Thanh Nghi street, Hai Ba Trung District

Vietnamese hot pot is good for the health. They are one of best choices for warm and friendly gatherings. With a hot pot and its fantastic smell, occasions like family reunions and meetings with friends are more joyful and meaningful.

Vietnamese hot pot is not just a delicious dish; it is also an integral part of Vietnam's tradition and culture. For international travelers, experiencing hot pot cuisine is not only a satisfying culinary journey but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's land and its people. If you're planning trips to Vietnam, don't hesitate to immerse yourself in the unique flavors of hot pot and other enticing Vietnamese dishes. Let these exquisite tastes narrate Vietnam's distinctive story through its cuisine!