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Private tailor-made journeys of a life time
Sep 29, 2023
By Ms. Anh Thu
Overview
Is food better in Hanoi or Saigon? Vietnamese cuisine is an attractive point to both domestic and international tourists. There is a variety of distinguished features belonging to each region in Vietnam, thus there are some slight differences between the Northern and Southern cuisines. If you are wondering whether food in Hanoi is better than that in Ho Chi Minh City and vice versa, let’s find out through this post!
Vietnamese cuisine is a unique cuisine that combines five fundamental tastes: sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and spicy. It is characterized by fresh ingredients, minimal dairy or oil usage, exciting textures, and the use of herbs and vegetables. The cuisine is low in sugar and gluten-free, often made with rice noodles, paper, and flour. Key ingredients include lemongrass, ginger, mint, Vietnamese mint, long coriander, Saigon cinnamon, bird's eye chili, lime, and Thai basil leaves. Some dishes are served in their respective seasons to provide contrasts in temperature and spiciness between the food and environment.
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its health benefits, including low-fat, immune-boosting, vitamins, minerals, and gluten-free dishes. The magic of fresh herbs and vegetables is a key factor in the popularity of Vietnamese cuisine. The diverse, delicate, and distinctive dishes, utilizing local specialties, make Vietnamese cuisine a favorite among many. In fact, Vietnam has been ranked 5th among the top 10 countries with the best food, according to Canadian magazine The Travel.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is an ancient city with both contemporary and classical architecture. It is known for its traditional cuisine, fascinating attractions, and diverse region with multi-communities. Hanoi offers a variety of activities, from street food to traditional entertainment. The city's tranquility can be enjoyed while sipping coffee exploring the Old Quarter, and exploring charming villages with diverse ethnic minorities. Embark on unique experiences while enjoying the tranquility of Hanoi. Hanoi Tours are worth it for your trip to Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is Vietnam's largest city, business, and financial hub. With a rich history dating back hundreds of years, the city is a popular tourist destination known for its fascinating culture, sleek skyscrapers, ornate temples, and Chinese pagodas. The city offers rooftop bars and fantastic restaurants with a mix of French, Chinese, and local Vietnamese cuisine. Prominent landmarks can be found in Districts 1 and 3, with Pham Ngu Lao Street being an iconic backpacker's district. Ho Chi Minh City is the economic heart of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region, with a dynamic cityscape that combines old and new Vietnam in compact spaces, representing the city's past and future. Click here to see Ho Chi Minh City Tours.
To answer the question Is food better in Hanoi or Saigon? Let’s learn more about the distinctions between these two cuisine.
Hanoi's cuisine has become a topic of interest for writers and journalists, regarded as art from cooking to enjoying stages. The city was recently honored with the Asian Cuisines Award for its dishes Pho, Bun Thang, and Bun Cha, satisfying foodies in the capital. The culinary culture of the Hanoi people is the distillation of regional culinary quintessence and dishes. Hanoi cuisine features fresh herbs, a unique dipping sauce, and savory broth, showcasing the region's unique culinary offerings. Hanoi offers traditional Vietnamese cuisine, with street food being the main attraction. With numerous joints and family-owned restaurants, Hanoi is known for its exceptional street food and the best 'pho' in Vietnam.
Hanoi Food
Saigon is a hot pot food city, combining ingredients from various regions and cultures. Unlike Hanoi's delicate, lighter recipes, Saigon's cuisine is more diverse and delicious. Experience Vietnam's largest city's diverse local cuisine, from street food staples to fine dining experiences. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's food capital, offers diverse cuisine options from French, Japanese, Mediterranean, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisines. With thousands of restaurants, visitors can enjoy street food joints, pizza bistros, and fine dining.
Northern cuisine is known for its rich, salty taste and use of thin fish sauce and shrimp paste. It features a variety of vegetables and freshwater seafood. Historically, Northern cuisine was less popular due to ancient traditions and poor agriculture. Hanoi cuisine, particularly in its capital - the most typical representative of the culinary quintessence of Northern Vietnam, is often associated with pho, bun thang, bun cha, Vong nuggets, Thanh Tri rice rolls, and special spices like Ca cuong essential oil and Lang basil. Despite its rich, salty taste, Northern dishes are not as spicy, fatty, or sweet as other regions.
Sai Gon Food - Southern cuisine, influenced by Chinese, Cambodian, and Thai cuisine, is known for its sweet and sour flavors, often adding sugar and using coconut milk. The style is characterized by various types of dried fish sauce, saltwater, and brackish water seafood, such as fish, shrimp, crabs, and sea snails. These rustic dishes, typical of a time when the realm was open, have become specialties and are often used in dishes that have become staples in the region.
Ho Chi Minh Food
Although Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh both provide diversified dishes, Saigon offers a wider variety of food options than Hanoi, with daily visits to local and international restaurants. In Ho Chi Minh City, you can find some popular dishes that are quite hard to see in Hanoi, namely Phá lấu, Cơm Tấm Sài Gòn, Dim Sum Sài Gòn, Hủ tiếu,... The city is easily accessible, with options like English breakfasts from Con Bo Map, Italian pizzas at Chef Mama's, and simple chicken and rice from local families in District 3. The city's diverse cuisine and friendly locals make it a popular destination for food lovers. Hanoi still has those mentioned dishes, but they are not ubiquitous like in Ho Chi Minh City. Instead, Phở and Bún are more popular in Hanoi.
Hanoi offers better quality than Saigon for Vietnamese dishes like phở, bún chả, and bánh cuốn. These dishes originated in the north and have been served by local restaurants for over 50+ years. When visiting Vietnam, venture out of the touristy Old Quarter and find a local restaurant with locals. Try the expertly perfected dish called nem nướng at 155 Đội Cấn, just a short walk from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Despite some subtle differences, food in Hanoi and food in Ho Chi Minh City are still a must-try for tourists. Some people prefer Hanoi Cuisine while others say the opposite. To the question: Is food better in Hanoi or Saigon? Some people choose Hanoi food, and some individuals opt for Ho Chi Minh City food depending on their tastes. I hope you have an answer by yourself through this post, however, it is better to experience food in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to reinforce your appreciation. The more you explore Vietnamese cuisine, the more you will fall in love with the healthy, yin-yang balanced, and diverse diet here.
Book a flight to Vietnam and join in a tour package in Vietnam, you will have chance to try on all the food and have the answers your own.
