For our trip to Vietnam, we have done some research and found that while Vietnamese food is renowned for its deliciousness, it is hard to feel intrepid knowing that fresh herbs and vegetable are usually served uncooked in Vietnam. And it is not like other cuisine in South East Asia, fresh herbs and vegetable is a significant part of the cuisine, as we has well learn, they are the ying to the yang and one of the reason why Vietnamese food is so delicious.
So to eat it all or just cooked things, is the big question that you probably have to consider when visiting this beautiful country too. Below are our tips for it:
Be prepared
Once decided to dive in, make sure that your immune system is as strong as ever. Get your visa and travel arrangement done so you won’t stress out about it. Take vitamin, supplement. Have lot of rest. Keep hydrated. And, of course, bring medicine for tummy trouble just in case
Ease our self into the cuisine
It would be wise to ease yourself into the thing by eat uncooked herbs little by little just to see how it goes. Chances are that you will have some tummy thing as your system gets used to it. Then you can eat as much as you are comfortable to, if everything is alright.
Watch locals’ breadcrumbs
You will be surprised at how many choices of restaurant that locals here have. So it is a proven tip and almost a common sense, good restaurants are the one that is flocked with locals. Besides, watch out if they ate or avoid the uncooked things or anything on the table and do the same.
Natural protector
Other than fresh herbs, most of the restaurants or even street food stall will have lime or vinegar, chili for your disposal while dining and most of the dish might already include, garlic, ginger, turmeric or galangal. Make sure to enjoy the extra flavors they bring to the dishes, as well as their health benefits to boost up immune system.
Peel fruit and avoid ice on the street.
Fruits are tastier and plenty, but make sure to eat them peeled cause who knows if they are rinsed yet. Beer is cheap as dirt yet so good; just leave out the ice cubes.
Only fresh food & by the most popular dishes
The whole point of Vietnamese food is to eat fresh, while the taste is the best. Most of the dishes will need some preparation upon order, so choose place with good vibes and sit near the cook to watch the process.
By the more popular the dishes, the more choices you have and the more chance it will be delicious. We found a food guide from a local facebook, recommending dishes and restaurant to try and it was very helpful: ttps://www.facebook.com/BestPriceTravel/notes. (We think it is from a travel agency made for their customers, but since it is public, we figure, what’s the harm? Otherwise, you could always contact them for the use of information
