Discover 10 Delicious Rice Dishes in Vietnamese Cuisine

Rice is not only a staple in Vietnamese cuisine but also a key ingredient in many famous and unique dishes. In this article, Chen Hao will introduce the Top 10 popular rice-based dishes such as sticky rice, broken rice, chicken sticky rice, sticky rice cakes, and crispy rice, each offering its own distinctive flavor and culinary style:

1. Vietnamese Salted Sesame Rice Balls

Salted sesame rice balls are a traditional Vietnamese dish with a simple preparation but a delightful and enticing flavor. The rice is cooked until tender, then shaped into dense balls. Typically enjoyed with a sprinkle of sesame salt or minced meat mixed with caramel. This dish is an ideal choice for picnics and adventures, and remains popular for its convenience and unique taste.

2. Lam Rice (Sticky Rice Cooked in Bamboo)

Lam rice is renowned for its unique preparation method, where sticky rice is stuffed into bamboo tubes, wrapped in banana leaves, and roasted over hot coals. This dish is especially convenient for travel, making it a popular choice for trips and outings. It is particularly well-loved in Northern Vietnam and the mountainous regions like Sapa. Lam rice is often paired with grilled pork or chicken and sprinkled with sesame seeds or roasted peanuts for added flavor.

3. Chicken Sticky Rice

Chicken sticky rice is a humble yet enticing dish in Vietnamese cuisine. Typically, the rice is spread on banana leaves and paired with either fried or boiled chicken. The dish can be varied with additional ingredients like stir-fried vegetables or char siu (Chinese BBQ pork), and is often served with a sprinkle of dried shrimp and a touch of chili sauce.

This dish varies in preparation across different regions and can be found in a range of settings, from upscale restaurants to street food stalls, offering both nutritious options and affordability.

4. Fried Rice

Vietnamese fried rice is a versatile dish that adapts to nearly any combination of ingredients. It starts with plain rice and can be flavored with garlic, salt, and pepper, then mixed with various vegetables, eggs, or sausage. The rice is stir-fried in a hot pan and enhanced with fish sauce or soy sauce for added flavor. Chopped green onions are often sprinkled on top to complete the dish, adding texture and contrast that make it both appealing and satisfying.

5. Chung Cake

Chung cake is a traditional cake that plays a central role in Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebrations. This savory treat is made from glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, seasoned with ingredients like salt, pepper, green onions, and fish sauce. The seasoned pork is combined with rice and mung beans, then wrapped tightly in dong leaves or banana leaves before being boiled until cooked.

To give Chung cake a neat and attractive appearance, it’s often pressed into a square wooden mold to keep its shape and prevent any filling from spilling out. Beyond its cultural significance, Chung cake offers a distinctive and cherished flavor.

6. Crispy Rice

Crispy rice, a specialty from Ninh Binh, is made from steamed rice that’s cut into round or flat shapes. The rice pieces are sun-dried several times and then stored in a cool, dark place to preserve their flavor and prevent mold growth. After drying, the rice slices are deep-fried until crispy. Crispy rice is often enjoyed with goat meat, beef, pork liver, or served alongside carrots and mushrooms. This combination creates a perfect blend of crunchy texture and rich, savory flavors.

7. Broken Rice (Cơm Tấm)

Broken rice, or Cơm Tấm, is a popular dish known for its distinct flavors and origins in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Made from broken rice grains—smaller and less whole than regular rice—this traditional meal is commonly found in street-side eateries and is a hallmark of Southern Vietnamese cuisine.

Broken Rice is typically served with a variety of accompaniments, such as fried eggs, shredded pork skin, grilled pork ribs, and fresh vegetables. Depending on the place, you might find additional garnishes like lime, chopped scallions, mint, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy, spicy fish sauce on the side.

8. Sticky Rice

Sticky rice, or Xôi, is a beloved Vietnamese dish that’s becoming increasingly popular and can be found everywhere from street vendors to traditional and upscale restaurants. There are many variations of sticky rice, with the most well-known being savory and sweet versions.

Made from steamed glutinous rice, traditional sticky rice is often wrapped in banana leaves and served as a breakfast item, a midday snack, or a dessert. Depending on the region, sticky rice can be prepared in different ways to suit local tastes and culinary traditions, showcasing the rich diversity of Vietnamese cuisine.

9. Cylinder Sticky Rice Cake

Cylinder Sticky Rice Cake is a standout specialty from southern Vietnam, made from glutinous rice with a filling of green beans and pork. The tender, flavorful layers of rice and filling are carefully wrapped in banana leaves and then boiled or steamed until perfectly soft. The banana leaves not only lock in the cake’s delicious aroma but also give it a visually appealing, festive look.

Additionally, Cylinder Sticky Rice Cake is often wrapped in plastic and adorned with red or gold ribbon to enhance its celebratory feel. This cake is an essential part of the Lunar New Year festivities, symbolizing togetherness and happiness.

10. Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes

Bánh Bèo is a popular Vietnamese steamed cake made from fine rice flour, typically served with green chili fish sauce, shrimp, or pork. Often presented in small ceramic bowls with a bamboo spoon, Vietnamese steamed cake is garnished with a variety of toppings such as crispy shallots, roasted peanuts, and noodles to enhance its flavor.

Different regions offer unique takes on Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes, with Hội An even featuring a sweet version. The distinctive feature of these cakes is the small, charming indentation in the center, where the flavorful toppings are placed, creating a delightful mix of tastes. Beyond being a delicious street food snack, Vietnamese Steamed Rice Cakes is also a staple at parties and festivals, offering a colorful and unique culinary experience.

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