The World’s Best Street Food: Two Vietnamese Dishes Honored by CNN.

As a country with a diverse and vibrant culinary scene, it's no surprise that Vietnamese cuisine has captured the hearts (and taste buds!) of food lovers worldwide. What's even more impressive is that two of Vietnam's beloved dishes have been hailed as the "World's Best Dishes" by CNN. This recognition solidifies Vietnam's place on the global culinary map and showcases the unique and delectable nature of its native cuisine.

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Recently, CNN, a cable TV network in the US, conducted a survey and voted on the world’s favorite specialties and dishes. The dishes on this list come from various countries such as India, France, Portugal, the US, and Thailand. Surprisingly, Vietnam also made it to the list, not with one but two dishes. This goes to show that Vietnamese cuisine is not inferior to any other country’s. Are you curious about these two dishes? Let’s find out together!

Summer Rolls

Summer Rolls

Summer rolls ranked 30th on CNN’s list of the world’s best dishes. Despite being at the bottom of the list, this humble Vietnamese dish beat out millions of other candidates to make it into the list of the world’s best dishes as voted by a large number of diners.

What sets summer rolls apart is their simplicity and accessibility. It is not a delicacy, nor is it an elaborate or expensive dish, but summer rolls captivate diners with the harmonious combination of ingredients and the distinctive dipping sauce.

Summer rolls originated in Southern Vietnam and are rolled like fried spring rolls. Each summer roll includes fresh herbs such as lettuce, beansprouts, basil, mint, and perilla, along with other ingredients such as boiled pork, shrimp, and rice vermicelli. All the ingredients are neatly arranged and rolled in rice paper. The special feature of this dish is the dipping sauce. Depending on their preference, diners can choose between a fish-based sauce or a soy-based one.

For many, the dipping sauce is the soul of the summer roll. It is made from a special type of fish sauce (which varies by region) combined with minced garlic, chili, lemongrass, and shallots. These ingredients blend harmoniously to create a sauce with a distinctive flavor and aroma.

In addition to the fish sauce, you can also dip the summer rolls in a black soy sauce. This sauce is made by mixing black soy sauce and peanut butter with crushed peanuts, fried onions, and chopped chilies. If you prefer a sweet, nutty, and mildly fragrant taste, the black soy sauce is a great option!

Pho

Pho is the 28th dish on the list of the world’s best dishes. Compared to summer rolls, pho ranks slightly higher. When it comes to pho, people immediately think of Vietnam, and when they think of Vietnam, they think of pho. This shows that pho is an extremely famous dish and a traditional food of Vietnam.

The main ingredients of this dish are rice noodles, broth, and sliced beef or chicken. Pho is typically eaten with fresh herbs such as scallions, beansprouts, coriander, mint, and especially sawtooth coriander.

While pho with beef or chicken is the most popular, it can also be transformed into mixed pho or stir-fried pho.

The broth is an important factor that determines the taste of pho. It is usually made by simmering beef bones with various spices such as cinnamon, star anise, grilled ginger, cardamom, sea wormwood, cloves, fennel, and grilled shallots. These ingredients come together to create a broth with a delicious, rich, and distinctive flavor.

Top 30 Dishes in the World as Voted by CNN

Let’s take a look at the top 30 dishes in the world according to CNN!

30. Summer Rolls, Vietnam

29. Ohmi-kyu Beef, Japan

28. Pho, Vietnam

27. Lechon, Philippines

26. Fajitas, Mexico

25. Butter Garlic Crab, India

24. Champ, Ireland

23. Lasagna, Italy

22. Poke, USA

21. Croissant, France

20. Arepas, Venezuela

19. Bunny Chow, South Africa

18. Kebab, Middle East

17. Lobster, Worldwide

16. Pastel de nata, Portugal

15. Pierogi, Poland

14. Donut, USA

See also: 

13. Corn, Worldwide

12. Piri Piri Chicken, Mozambique

Frequently asked questions

CNN has honored two iconic Vietnamese dishes, Pho and Banh Mi, as some of the best street foods in the world. These dishes were praised for their delicious flavors and cultural significance.

Pho and Banh Mi are considered iconic because they are deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and history. Pho, a noodle soup dish, has become a symbol of Vietnamese cuisine globally, known for its flavorful broth and customizable toppings. Banh Mi, on the other hand, is a unique fusion of French and Vietnamese influences, resulting in a delicious sandwich that combines crispy baguettes with traditional Vietnamese fillings.

The broth of Pho is what makes it truly special. It is simmered for hours with a variety of spices and herbs, including cinnamon, star anise, and ginger, creating a rich and aromatic flavor that is both comforting and addictive.

Banh Mi sandwiches are a perfect blend of East and West. They use a French baguette, introduced during the French colonial period, but fill it with traditional Vietnamese ingredients such as pickled vegetables, cilantro, and various meats or tofu.

While personal preferences may vary, some of the best Pho and Banh Mi can be found on the streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These cities offer a wide range of options, from humble street carts to more upscale restaurants, each with their unique take on these classic dishes.
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