The Ultimate Guide to Vietnam’s Unusual Delicacies: 10 Dishes You’ve Never Heard Of

The culinary landscape of Vietnam is a vibrant tapestry of traditional and modern dishes. Join us on a journey to uncover the unique and obscure delicacies that lie beyond the familiar favorites. Prepare to be intrigued as we explore the lesser-known gems of Vietnamese cuisine, a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be discovered.

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In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Vietnam is also renowned for its unique and exotic cuisine. In this article, we’ll be exploring some of Vietnam’s most unusual dishes that you may not have heard of before.

1Monster Chicken Feet

Monster chicken feet is a truly unique dish that can be found at most Vietnamese barbecue restaurants. While it may seem like an odd delicacy to some, it is incredibly tasty and makes for a great snack or side dish during drinking sessions.

The best monster chicken feet have a crispy, chewy skin with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, and are best enjoyed with a flavorful dipping sauce.

Monster Chicken Feet

2Frog in the Bush

Frog in the Bush, or ếch núp lùm, is a humble and rustic dish from the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. With its unique presentation and flavor, this dish has won over the hearts of many discerning diners.

Frog legs are marinated in a special blend of spices and then fried with long strands of lemongrass. The result is tender, crispy meat with an aromatic fragrance. The dish is typically served with the fried lemongrass strands arranged around the frog legs, making it a visually appealing treat.

Frog in the Bush is often accompanied by fresh herbs and vegetables to balance the flavors and prevent greasiness. At local restaurants, this dish is quite affordable, typically costing between 80,000 and 120,000 VND.

Frog in the Bush

3Chicken Rice Blanketed in Egg

This dish gets its name, “Chicken Rice Blanketed in Egg,” from the way it is prepared—with a layer of fried egg covering the chicken and rice below. Beyond its intriguing appearance, this dish is also known for its irresistible flavor.

The fried egg is crispy yet not too dry, and the chicken is tender and juicy, complemented by fragrant fried shallots and fluffy rice. It is typically served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce, creating an explosion of flavors in your mouth.

To try this delicious dish, head to Quán Ăn Vặt Hẻm 16, located in an alley at 16/73a Nguyễn Thiện Thuật Street, District 3, at a very reasonable price.

Chicken Rice Blanketed in Egg

4Long-Legged Dancer Fried in Fish Sauce

Long-Legged Dancer Fried in Fish Sauce is actually a creative name for fried crickets. These crickets are fried to a golden crisp in a savory fish sauce marinade, with hints of garlic and chili, resulting in a mouthwatering delicacy. It goes exceptionally well with a cold beer or rice wine.

You can enjoy this unusual treat for just 20,000 to 40,000 VND at Quán Ăn Côn Trùng Dế Sữa 1368, located at 47 Street No. 7, Area K, An Phú New Urban Area, An Phú Ward, District 2. So, gather your friends and head there to try this unique dish!

Long-Legged Dancer Fried in Fish Sauce

5Goat with Lemongrass

Goat with Lemongrass is a creative twist on the traditional goat hot pot. Thinly sliced goat meat is marinated and then stir-fried with minced lemongrass. The lemongrass is also cut into long strands, battered, and fried to a crisp.

The final dish features tender, sweet goat meat with a mild spicy kick, perfectly complemented by the crispy, fragrant lemongrass.

Goat with Lemongrass

6Tofu Surfing

Tofu Surfing, or đậu hũ lướt ván, is prepared similarly to regular crispy fried tofu. However, it is coated with a layer of egg and cornstarch before frying, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft, creamy interior.

This dish is best enjoyed dipped in a sweet and sour sauce or a spicy chili sauce. If you wish to indulge in this tasty treat, head to the street corner at 18 Lê Lợi Street, Hiệp Phú Ward, District 9, where it is sold for 20,000 to 200,000 VND.

Tofu Surfing

7Egg Jelly

Egg jelly is a unique Vietnamese dish with an intriguing texture and flavor. The egg jelly has a refreshing, mild taste with a hint of nuttiness, and a satisfying chewy texture.

What’s more, this delicacy is extremely affordable, costing only 3,000 to 5,000 VND per egg. You can find it at street stalls along Điện Biên Phủ Street.

Egg Jelly

8Coconut Shell Fruit Salad

If you’re a fan of coconut-based desserts, you’ll love this unique fruit salad served in a coconut shell instead of a bowl or cup.

Coconut Shell Fruit Salad is made with fresh, sweet-sour fruits, mixed with coconut meat and coconut water, and then topped with ice cubes or shaved ice. It’s the perfect refreshing treat on a hot day.

You can find this delicious treat at Hẻm 525 Tô Hiến Thành, District 10, for around 28,000 VND per serving.

Coconut Shell Fruit Salad

9Fruit Spring Rolls

Fruit Spring Rolls are a creative twist on the traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, featuring a mix of fresh fruits such as mango, pineapple, and dragon fruit, along with coconut meat, wrapped in rice paper. They are typically served with a sweet and sour tamarind sauce, making them an irresistible treat.

If you want to try this unique snack, head to Bánh Tráng Cuốn Trái Cây Nhi at 8-9-10 Hải Thượng Lãn Ông Street, Ward 14, District 5.

Fruit Spring Rolls

10Fried Ice Cream

Last but not least, we have the irresistible Fried Ice Cream. This unique dessert features a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a melting ice cream center, available in a variety of flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.

While it may seem odd at first, one bite will have you hooked. You can find this treat at affordable prices, ranging from 7,000 to 20,000 VND, at various shops in District 10.

Fried Ice Cream

There you have it—a list of unusual and delicious dishes from Vietnam that you may not have heard of before. Each of these dishes offers a unique culinary experience, so be sure to give them a try and discover new flavors and textures. Don’t forget to share your favorite finds with your friends and family!

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