Why Quy Nhon's Cuisine is a Culinary Adventure?
An emerging beach hot spot in Binh Dinh Province, Quy Nhon has a lot of charm with its magnificent coastline, stunning mountains in the central highlands and vestiges of a rich history. Complementing these is the topography of the region resulting in a rich cuisine. The food is a delightful combination of abundant seafood, fresh produce and authentic spices and the way it is cooked. Discover what makes its cuisine a delightful culinary adventure.
Flickr user: freshcrackedpepper https://www.flickr.com/people/24997828@N06/, Banh Xeo, Eden Center, CC BY 2.0
Introduction
Situated on the central southern coastline, Quy Nhon makes its visitors wake up to the salty breeze enticing them for a walk. And it is an invigorating walk as is a dip in the ocean before you have breakfast to warm your soul after a cool dip. Dining in Quy Nhon is easy as a restaurant or an eating place of quality is never too far. Similarly, there are several options for accommodation including the likes of Anantara Quy Nhon Villas.
Many varieties of food are available from the quiet, yet busy street vendors close to the railway line, small family businesses operating in shacks or slightly bigger restaurants doing brisk business at busy junctions.
The presence of these vendors and eateries demonstrates the enterprising mindset of the locals and the unique food culture of the city. Visiting Quy Nhon is incomplete without learning the different nuances of this culture. Observe these as you enjoy different meals at restaurants. Vietnamese people connect through food and express themselves through food when dining together. The conversation is animated and they enjoy having company.
Hence while you are in this charming city discover the popular dishes of Quy Nhon and how this cuisine makes you eager to savour them. As you pursue this culinary adventure you become more aware of why certain food is a part of the nation's culture.
Banh Hoi Long Heo
A favourite breakfast dish among the locals who enjoy every bit of the meal. This is a fine rice vermicelli cake with pig tripe. The rice vermicelli used for this comes with very fine strands and the cake is usually moistened with a thin layer of oil first. Thereafter it is served immediately with a dollop of chives on top along with pork tripe porridge.
This is a special dish that signifies a deep cultural nuance in Vietnam. In Vietnamese cuisine intestines are a normal part of their diet as we eat flesh and bones. Most people around the world do not consume the intestines of animals in their food, hence for some visitors, this is an acquired taste which they learn to appreciate after tasting it several times while other visitors may enjoy it straight away.
Banh Xeo
A popular savoury pancake or crepe in Quy Nhon. A thin layer of rice flour batter (made with rice flour, creamy coconut milk, water and turmeric to give it a golden hue) is poured into a hot skillet to get the crispy and golden-brown crust. Once done the pancake is filled with a moist and savoury mix made of bean sprouts, onion, a few mung beans and pork and shrimp. Other variations may take place at different restaurants using egg, squid and even beef in the savoury mix.
Served with an assortment of fresh greens and a dipping sauce, these are enjoyed for dinner or as a snack when hungry.
Banh Mi Ragu
Yet another breakfast dish in Quy Nhon, this dish is served with beef and accompanied by soft freshly baked bread.
Chopped beef is stewed well to make it tender and easy to consume. The bowl of beef ragu is accompanied by diced carrots, peanuts and a few spices making it aromatic. When the bowl of beef ragu is served with warm buttered bread they make a mouthwatering combination, and many visitors become addicted to this dish.
Bun Ca Quy Nhon
Bun means noodle (vermicelli) in Vietnam. This is a popular noodle dish in Quy Nhon. You see plenty of food carts dispensing this favourite as you explore different parts of Quy Nhon.
Although it can be sold fast, preparation takes time. From preparing the right size of vermicelli to preparing the fish to the right texture, making the flavourful broth using fish head and bones. This ingredient preparation is usually done the day before or several hours earlier. The hot bowl of fish noodles is served with a dash of local herbs and a dollop of fish sauce.