Vietnam is known for its rich culinary heritage, offering a plethora of delicious and unique dishes. However, for the adventurous foodie, Vietnam also boasts some of the most curious and intriguing foods that might seem a bit scary at first. Let’s dive into the top 10 scariest foods in Vietnam, perfect for those looking to take their taste buds on an adventurous ride.
1. Balut (Trứng Vịt Lộn)
Balut, a fertilized duck egg with a nearly developed embryo inside, is boiled and eaten from the shell. This delicacy, popular in many Southeast Asian countries including Vietnam, consists of duck eggs seasoned with salt, pepper, lime, and Vietnamese mint. To enjoy Balut, crack open the shell, sprinkle with the seasonings, and savor it with Vietnamese mint. Despite its initial appearance, Balut offers a rich, savory taste and a mix of textures, making it a surprisingly flavorful experience.
- Special Note: The first taste might be challenging, but it’s surprisingly flavorful, with a rich, savory taste and a mix of textures.
2. Blood Soup (Tiết Canh)
Blood Soup is made from raw duck blood mixed with fish sauce and cooked duck innards, garnished with peanuts and herbs. This ancient dish is often served during special occasions and family gatherings in Vietnam. To eat, mix the blood with herbs and crushed peanuts to balance the fresh, slightly metallic taste. Despite its unconventional ingredients, Tiết Canh has a fresh and unique flavor profile.
- Special Note: The taste is fresh and slightly metallic, but the herbs and peanuts balance it out beautifully.
3. Coconut Worms (Đuông Dừa)
Coconut Worms are the larvae of beetles living in coconut trees, typically eaten alive or lightly sautéed. This Mekong Delta specialty is often enjoyed by dipping live worms in fish sauce with chili, or sautéed for a milder introduction. The initial crunch and creamy texture offer a nutty flavor that is surprisingly pleasant for adventurous eaters.
- Special Note: The first bite is crunchy and slightly nutty, followed by a burst of creamy texture.
4. Fried Frog (Ếch Chiên)
Fried Frog features whole frogs that are cleaned, marinated, and deep-fried to crispy perfection. Common in rural Vietnam, especially the countryside, this dish is seasoned with garlic, chili, lemongrass, and fish sauce. Best enjoyed hot and dipped in tangy chili sauce, fried frog tastes similar to chicken with a slightly chewy texture, making it a delightful treat.
- Special Note: The taste is similar to chicken, with a slightly chewy texture.
5. Silkworm Pupae (Nhộng)
Silkworm Pupae are boiled or steamed, then seasoned and sometimes stir-fried with garlic and chili. Popular as a street food snack across Vietnam, these pupae are often enjoyed with a bit of salt and chili. The soft, slightly crunchy texture and nutty flavor make silkworm pupae an intriguing and tasty snack.
- Special Note: The texture is soft and a bit crunchy, with a nutty flavor.
6. Snake Wine (Rượu Rắn)
Snake Wine is a unique drink made by infusing whole snakes in rice wine, believed to have medicinal properties. Traditionally consumed in Vietnam during special events, this wine is typically sipped as a shot. The strong, herby flavor from the snake gives the wine a distinctive taste that adventurous drinkers might enjoy.
- Special Note: The wine is strong, with a distinct, slightly herby flavor from the snake.
7. Sea Worms (Rươi)
Sea Worms, often made into patties or fried with eggs, are a seasonal specialty from Northern Vietnam, especially around Hanoi. This dish includes sea worms mixed with eggs, dill, and fish sauce, then cooked into omelets or patties. The soft, gelatinous texture and briny taste make sea worms a unique delicacy worth trying.
- Special Note: The texture is soft and somewhat gelatinous, with a briny taste.
8. Pig’s Blood Cake (Tiết Canh Đông)
Pig’s Blood Cake is made from congealed pig’s blood, cut into squares and served with fresh herbs. A traditional dish often prepared during family gatherings in Vietnam, it’s typically eaten cold with a bit of fish sauce. Despite its appearance, it has a smooth, tofu-like texture with a rich, savory flavor.
- Special Note: It has a smooth, almost tofu-like texture, with a rich, savory flavor.
9. Field Mouse (Chuột Đồng)
Field Mouse, cleaned, marinated, and grilled or fried, is a delicacy in rural areas, especially in the Mekong Delta. Seasoned with lemongrass, chili, and garlic, this dish is best enjoyed hot with a side of chili sauce. The taste is often compared to a mix of chicken and rabbit, with a slightly gamey flavor.
- Special Note: The taste is often compared to a mix of chicken and rabbit, with a slightly gamey flavor.
10. Jellyfish Salad (Nộm Sứa)
Jellyfish Salad is a refreshing dish made with jellyfish, herbs, and a tangy dressing. Commonly found in coastal cities like Nha Trang, it includes jellyfish mixed with lime, chili, herbs, and fish sauce. Served cold, this salad offers a crunchy texture and a refreshing, slightly salty taste, perfect as a starter.
- Special Note: The jellyfish has a crunchy texture and a refreshing, slightly salty taste.
Vietnam’s adventurous foods offer an exciting and unique experience for those willing to step out of their culinary comfort zones. Each dish tells a story of the country’s rich history and diverse culture.
Ready to Explore More?
Guess what? On our Vespa Adventures tours, you can try some of these intriguing foods! Join us on the Hanoi Foodie Experience, Saigon Foodie Experience, Streets and Eats of Hoi An, or Streets and Eats of Hue. Discover hidden culinary gems and savor authentic local cuisine while exploring iconic sights. These tours will tantalize your taste buds and immerse you in Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry.
