Vietnam, with its long coastline and dense river system, is not only famous for its beautiful natural landscapes but also a culinary paradise. In particular, riverside food areas always have an irresistible attraction, where diners can enjoy delicious dishes, fresh air, and admire the poetic river scenery. Let’s explore the most attractive riverside food areas in Vietnam with “Discovery To Wonders”, a place where cuisine, culture, and history intersect.
Riverside Cuisine – A Unique Cultural Feature of Vietnam
Riverside cuisine in Vietnam is not just about delicious food, but also an indispensable part of the culture and life of the people. From affordable eateries along the Red River in Hanoi to luxurious restaurants by the Saigon River, each location has its own unique character, clearly reflecting the cultural identity of each region. The combination of the distinctive flavors of the dishes and the airy, nature-friendly space creates a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
Exploring Famous Riverside Food Areas
1. Red River Riverside Food Area, Hanoi
The Red River is not only the historical river of the Capital but also home to many attractive food areas. Along the riverbank, visitors can easily find eateries with all kinds of specialties such as grilled hemibagrus, grilled chicken, fried fermented pork roll, and many other rustic dishes.
A bustling riverside food area with many people
The space here is often very airy, especially in the evening when the shimmering lights are reflected on the river surface, creating a romantic and cozy scene. This is an ideal place for you to relax after a long day exploring Hanoi.
Suggested dishes:
- Grilled Hemibagrus (Cá lăng nướng): A famous dish with sweet, fragrant fish meat, marinated with rich spices and grilled over charcoal.
- Grilled Chicken (Gà nướng): Free-range chicken grilled to golden perfection, crispy skin, tender and fragrant meat.
- Fried Fermented Pork Roll (Nem chua rán): A familiar snack of Hanoians, with a slightly sour, crispy taste and served with chili sauce.
2. Bach Dang Wharf, Ho Chi Minh City
Bach Dang Wharf is one of the most famous riverside areas of Ho Chi Minh City, with many luxury restaurants and modern bars. Here, visitors can enjoy high-class European and Asian dishes, as well as Southern specialties. The space here is often luxuriously and delicately designed, with a beautiful view of the Saigon River and the city center.
A riverside restaurant with outdoor seating
Suggested dishes:
- Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi cuốn): A light, fresh dish with shrimp, meat, raw vegetables, and vermicelli noodles wrapped in thin rice paper.
- Crispy Pancake (Bánh xèo): Thin crispy pancakes, filled with shrimp, meat, bean sprouts, and served with sweet and sour dipping sauce.
- Broken Rice (Cơm tấm): A familiar dish of Saigon people, with grilled ribs, shredded pork skin, egg meatloaf, and served with fish sauce.
3. Cai Rang Floating Market, Can Tho
Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the largest and most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta. Coming here, visitors will not only experience the bustling trading atmosphere on the river but also enjoy the specialties of the West.
A riverside market with boats
Boats filled with fruits, vegetables, and dishes such as Hu Tieu, Bun Rieu, and Banh Tet La Cam will make you unable to resist.
Suggested dishes:
- Hu Tieu (Hủ tiếu): A specialty of the Mekong Delta, with chewy rice noodles, rich broth, and diverse toppings such as shrimp, meat, and quail eggs.
- Crab Noodle Soup (Bún riêu): Delicious crab noodle soup with sour broth, rich crab paste, and toppings such as tofu and tomatoes.
- Cam Leaf Sticky Cake (Bánh tét lá cẩm): Sticky cake wrapped in magenta plant leaves, with a distinctive purple color and delicious, sticky, and buttery taste.
4. Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam
Hoi An is not only famous for its ancient architecture but also a culinary paradise. Along the Hoai River, visitors can find small, pretty eateries selling specialties such as Cao Lau, Mi Quang, and White Rose dumplings.
The space here is very peaceful and romantic, especially in the evening when the lanterns shimmer on the river, creating a poetic scene.
Suggested dishes:
- Cao Lau (Cao lầu): A specialty of Hoi An, with chewy noodles, char siu pork, crispy pork skin, raw vegetables, and special sauce.
- Quang Noodles (Mì quảng): Delicious Quang noodles with yellow noodles, chicken, shrimp, quail eggs, and rich broth.
- White Rose Dumplings (Bánh bao bánh vạc): Steamed dumplings with two different fillings, one with shrimp and meat, and one vegetarian, served with sweet and sour dipping sauce.
5. Riverside Eateries Along the Han River, Da Nang
The Han River is a symbol of Da Nang, and along this riverbank, there are many attractive eateries. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, Central specialties, and watch the Dragon Bridge breathe fire every weekend evening.
A vibrant riverside food street at night
The space here is very lively and bustling, especially in the evening when the eateries are brightly lit and visitors flock to enjoy food and sightseeing.
Suggested dishes:
- Quang Noodles (Mì quảng): Da Nang Quang noodles have a distinctive flavor, with chewy noodles, chicken, shrimp, quail eggs, and rich broth.
- Pork Wrapped in Rice Paper (Bánh tráng cuốn thịt heo): A familiar dish of Da Nang, with thin rice paper, boiled pork, raw vegetables, and fermented fish sauce dipping sauce.
- Fresh Seafood (Hải sản tươi sống): Da Nang is famous for fresh seafood, visitors can enjoy dishes such as shrimp, crab, crab, snails, squid prepared in many different ways.
Conclusion
Riverside food areas in Vietnam are not only places to enjoy delicious food but also places to explore the culture and history of each region. Take time to visit these places to experience the wonderful things that riverside cuisine brings. Surely, you will have unforgettable memories in your journey to discover Vietnam.