6 Best Vietnamese Food To Bring Back Home: Specialties You Should Not Miss

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Are you preparing to return to your home country and craving a taste of the incredible Vietnamese cuisine you've come to fall in love with? Wondering which mouthwatering delights you can bring back with you to chew or to give friends as gifts? Look no further! Right here in this blog, discover the best Vietnamese food to pack and take home, allowing you to savor the vibrant flavors of this beloved cuisine even from afar. 

1. Vietnamese Beef Pho Soup Paste for a Vietnamese culinary experience right at home

When it comes to delicious Vietnamese dishes, pho must be mentioned. And you don't even need to visit a Vietnamese restaurant to enjoy a hot, flavorful bowl of beef pho with the help of this convenient soup paste. Made from a concentrated mixture of aromatic herbs, spices, and seasonings, this soup paste simplifies the process of creating the complex broth, allowing you to enjoy an authentic and delicious bowl of beef pho right at home.

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2. Lotus Seeds, the soul of many delicious Vietnamese dishes

In Vietnamese cuisine, lotus seeds are often used in both sweet (sweet soups, desserts, chocolate, etc.) and savory dishes (such as chicken stew with lotus seeds or other types of soups). 

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Depending on whether they're harvested young or more "ripe" in age, they would have a fresh aroma and clean texture or a more nutty flavor and pea-like texture. Dried lotus seeds are more of the latter, which will give you a delightful and very nutritious alternative to peas or beans in various dishes. Next time you prepare something with toppings such ingredients, try using this for a surprise in flavor! You can also look for a recipe of popular Vietnamese dishes using lotus seeds or other Asian dishes to utilize this specialty. 

3. Crunchy Coconut Crackers, perfect for a sweet tooth who loves Vietnamese food

Coconut crackers are a delightful Vietnamese snack made from grated coconut, glutinous rice flour, and cane sugar. This mildly sweet, crispy treat originated from the Central region of Vietnam and is often enjoyed as a light snack or dessert. With a delicate coconut flavor and a satisfying crunch, it pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. 

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Coconut crackers are a specialty of Quang Nam Province, so you can also try it while visiting Hoi An Ancient Town or other parts of the province. While this is a popular snack among many Vietnamese, its popularity doesn't reach as much from an international perspective, despite its pleasant flavor and satisfying crunch. How about trying this for an enjoyable culinary experience for those who appreciate the flavors of Vietnamese snacks?

4. Dried Pomelo Peels, a healthy Vietnamese snack option 

Pomelo is a delicious citrus fruit, and did you know that the peel can also be utilized as food? You're not hearing it wrong. Dried pomelo peel is a unique Vietnamese specialty that utilizes the peel of the pomelo fruit. With its typical citrusy aroma and soft texture, it is often served with tea, eaten alone as a snack, or sometimes used as a topping in ice cream or sweet soups.

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Aside from its culinary benefits, dried pomelo peel is also good for your health. It is believed to aid digestion and provide antioxidants. If you're looking for a unique, delicious, and healthy snack, consider trying this one.

5. Rice Paper for your authentic Vietnamese spring rolls

If you are in love with Vietnamese spring rolls, rice paper is not to be missed! This essential ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine is a thin, translucent sheet made from rice flour and water.

Despite its popularity, finding good rice paper can be challenging, even for Vietnamese people, as it should have a consistent and suitable thickness to be soft enough for rolling but also durable enough not to tear easily. What we are introducing is a popular type of rice paper that meets those standards!

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You can use it to make fresh spring rolls in the Vietnamese style, fried spring rolls, deep-fry it for a fun, crispy snack, or get creative and use it in any delicious dishes you can think of!

6. Savory Crunchy Rice Paper, a tasty Vietnamese street food that many love!

Savory crunchy paper is a popular Vietnamese street food and snack. It features deep-fried rice paper sheets with seasoning and various types of toppings. 

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For example, this one CHUS has picked for you is a combination of the crunchy rice paper and the flavorful chicken floss, creating a delightful savory taste. This snack is enjoyed on its own and is great for a movie session. Next time you watch a movie at home, try this instead of the traditional popcorn! 

Bottom lines

From the flavorful beef pho to the delicate taste of fresh spring rolls, there is something to satisfy every palate. Additionally, aside from savory options, there are also specialties dedicated for sweet tooths such as coconut crackers or dried pomelo peels. With such a diverse range of flavors and textures, Vietnamese food offers a culinary adventure that transports you to Vietnam. Now, have you decided which is the best Vietnamese food to bring back home? There are still more at CHUS, so keep on discovering!