Bring These 7 Vietnamese Snacks Abroad to Impress Your Friends

Vietnamese cuisine has long made a special mark on the international culinary scene with its unique preparation methods and distinctive flavors. For those living abroad, the taste of home is something indispensable. Join Chus in exploring 7 fantastic snacks to take abroad, sure to captivate every expatriate food lover!

7 Irresistible Vietnamese Snacks to Take Abroad

1. Bánh Tráng Trộn (Mixed Rice Paper)

Bánh tráng trộn is a unique and appealing snack, perfect for gifting to international friends. This popular street food among Vietnamese youth features a delicate mix of shredded rice paper, dried beef, peanuts, quail eggs, and fried shallots. These ingredients are blended with seasonings like salt, sugar, fish sauce, and a hint of chili powder, creating a memorable flavor. 

Bánh tráng trộn là món ăn đường phố quen thuộc của giới trẻ Việt Nam 

To take bánh tráng trộn abroad, choose varieties with sealed packaging to avoid any odors. These pre-packaged versions typically include simpler ingredients such as salt, chili, dried shallots, and pork floss, instead of fresh items like quail eggs or peanuts.

If you really miss the taste of bánh tráng trộn, you can also bring plain rice paper abroad and buy the necessary ingredients locally to make it yourself!

Otp for snacks with sealed packaging

2. Fried Pork Skin with Fish Sauce

This crispy, golden snack is made by frying pork skin to a perfect crunch and then coating it in a rich, flavorful fish sauce blend that balances salty, sweet, and spicy notes. It's a fantastic snack for gatherings or movie nights and offers an impressive taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

3. Prawn Crackers

Originating from the Mekong Delta, prawn crackers puff up when fried, becoming delightfully crispy and infused with a subtle prawn flavor. These nostalgic snacks remind expatriates of their childhood and are easy to carry due to their light weight and compact packaging.

Prawn crackers are easy for abroad transportation

4. Tamarind-Glazed Dried Squid

This snack combines dried squid with tamarind for a sweet and tangy treat. The chewy texture and bold flavors make it perfect with a bowl of rice or as a beer snack. The memorable taste will surely impress your international friends.

5. Dried Coconut

Dried coconut offers a sweet and crunchy snack with the natural sweetness of coconut. It's ideal for gatherings, movie nights, or as a gift to international friends, bringing a taste of the tropical regions of Vietnam.

Crunchy dried coconut is a sweet snack to bring abroad

6. Sweet Potato Sticks

For those who love sweet potatoes, these golden, crispy sticks are a must-try. Fried to perfection, they offer a natural sweetness and a delightful crunch, making them an excellent gift to showcase unique Vietnamese street food.

7. Garlic Roasted Seaweed

Garlic roasted seaweed is a savory snack combining crispy seaweed with the aromatic flavors of garlic and a hint of chili. This snack melts in your mouth and stimulates the taste buds, making it a fantastic gift for your international friends.

Garlic roasted seaweed

Tips for Bringing Snacks Abroad Without Hassle

To avoid unnecessary troubles when bringing snacks abroad, consider the entry regulations of each country. Airlines and many countries have strict rules about liquids, including carbonated drinks and bottled water, which are often limited in quantity and must be carefully packed according to airline guidelines.

Additionally, foods with strong odors like durian, jackfruit, fermented shrimp paste, soy sauce, and fish sauce are generally prohibited on planes. Canned foods are also typically restricted on international flights for safety and quarantine reasons. Although not all countries ban dried meat and seafood products like beef jerky, dried pork, dried chicken, dried squid, and dried fish, these items are often subject to strict regulations.

When in doubt, it's always best to check the specific guidelines of the destination country and airline to ensure compliance and avoid any issues at customs.

Food with clear source and label are easier to be permitted on planes

Conversely, sweet snacks like biscuits, gummy candies, etc. are usually allowed without many restrictions. Dry foods such as crispy rice, rice crackers, tea, instant noodles, pho, and vermicelli are also typically permitted on planes. However, to ensure compliance with the regulations of certain countries, make sure to pack these foods in packages with clear labels and expiration dates.

Conclusion