01 / Cuisines · Southeast Asian
Three ingredients in tight conversation.
02 / Intro · The shape of it
Vietnamese cooking is restraint disguised as variety. A bowl of phở looks complex but is fundamentally three things in tight conversation: a clean broth, the right noodles, and a riot of fresh herbs. A bánh mì is bread, pâté, pickles, herbs, protein — five components that have to land at exactly the same time on a soft-crust baguette.
The herb-and-vegetable counter is the unsung hero. A Vietnamese cook doesn't think of basil, mint, perilla, cilantro, and rau ram as garnish — they're ingredients you bite into raw, in handfuls, alongside whatever's in the bowl. The herbs make the dish.
Souschef's Vietnamese recipes lean into the daily food of Hanoi and the Mekong Delta — phở, bún, cháo, gỏi cuốn, bánh mì. We won't shortcut the broth (six hours minimum, Anh Linh insists), but we'll show you how to do it once on a Sunday and freeze portions for fast weeknight lunches.
03 / Techniques · The four that matter
Whole onion and a knob of ginger, blackened directly on a gas flame or under the broiler before going into the pot. The char is the smoke at the bottom of every great phở.
First 30 minutes of broth, scumming and skimming every 5 minutes until the surface runs clear. A muddy phở starts with skipped skimming. There's no recovery.
Star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, coriander — dry-toasted in a pan until fragrant, then tied in cheesecloth. Goes into the broth at the 4-hour mark, comes out at hour 5.5.
Phở, bún, gỏi — every Vietnamese noodle/salad dish gets a fistful of raw herbs at the bowl, not in the pot. Heat from the broth wilts them just enough.
04 / Soundtrack · Saigon Acoustic Cafe
05 / The library · 48 vietnamese recipes
This vibrant Phu Quoc style herring salad is a true taste of the island, featuring fresh herring marinated in lime and chili. It's a refreshing and zesty dish, perfect for a light meal.
Xôi Đậu Phộng is a beloved Vietnamese sweet sticky rice dish, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a delightful snack. Its simple ingredients come together to create a comforting and satisfying treat.
These simple, chewy white sticky rice cakes, known as Bánh Dày, are a beloved Vietnamese classic. They are incredibly versatile, perfect for pairing with savory pork sausage (chả lụa) or a sprinkle of sugar and toasted sesame seeds for a sweet treat.
Bánh Lọc Gói is a beloved Vietnamese delicacy featuring chewy tapioca dumplings filled with savory shrimp and pork, beautifully wrapped and steamed in banana leaves. The banana leaves impart a wonderful aroma, making each bite a fragrant delight.
This classic Vietnamese Ga Kho Xa Ot, or Braised Chicken with Lemongrass and Chili, is a staple in many Vietnamese homes. It features tender chicken pieces simmered in a fragrant, spicy, and savory sauce that's perfect with steamed rice.
Bánh Hỏi Lòng Heo is a beloved Vietnamese dish featuring delicate woven vermicelli served with expertly prepared steamed pig offal. It's a comforting and flavorful meal, often enjoyed for lunch or a light dinner.
Banh Canh Tom Thit is a hearty and comforting Vietnamese soup featuring thick, chewy tapioca noodles in a savory broth with succulent shrimp and tender pork. This recipe brings the authentic flavors of my homeland right to your kitchen.
Bánh Chuối Hấp, or Sweet Steamed Banana Cake, is a beloved Vietnamese dessert. This simple recipe brings the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and creamy coconut right to your home.
This light and refreshing Vietnamese grass jelly dessert, known as Sương Sáo, is perfect for a hot day. It's a simple yet delightful treat that brings a taste of Vietnam to your table.
This traditional Nuoc Mot from Hoi An is a refreshing herbal drink, perfect for cooling down on a hot day. It's packed with natural flavors and considered beneficial for well-being.
This 'Chè Khúc Bạch' inspired dessert is a delightful blend of silky almond 'tofu' and sweet, juicy lychees. It's a perfect light and refreshing treat, especially on a warm day.
Banh Mi Chao is a beloved Vietnamese street food, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting and hearty meal. This dish offers a delightful way to enjoy crusty bread with a savory pan-fried egg and other delicious toppings.
This classic dish from Tam Ky, a city in Central Vietnam, is famed for its fragrant chicken rice and vibrant herb dressing. It's a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for any time of day.
Bánh Ướt, or Steamed Wet Rice Paper Sheets, is a beloved Vietnamese dish often enjoyed for breakfast or a light lunch. These delicate, translucent sheets are incredibly versatile, served simply with a dipping sauce or accompanied by various fillings and toppings.
Xôi Ngô is a beloved Vietnamese sweet sticky rice dish, traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or as a light snack. The combination of chewy glutinous rice with sweet, tender corn kernels and rich coconut milk creates a comforting and delightful experience.
Chào các bạn! This classic Vietnamese fried rice, inspired by Yangzhou style, is a staple in Vietnamese households, known for its vibrant colors and rich flavors. It's a perfect way to use up leftover rice and create a satisfying meal for the whole family.
From the heart of the Mekong Delta, this Bun Nuoc Leo brings the vibrant flavors of the river to your bowl. It's a rich, savory noodle soup with a unique broth base, loaded with fresh seafood and crisp vegetables.
Xôi Gà is a beloved Vietnamese breakfast or snack, offering a comforting blend of chewy sticky rice and savory shredded chicken. This recipe brings the authentic flavors of Vietnam right to your kitchen, perfect for a hearty start to your day.
Bánh Ít Trần are delightful Vietnamese sticky rice dumplings with a savory filling, traditionally boiled until tender. This recipe brings the authentic flavors of Vietnam right to your kitchen, perfect as a snack or light meal.
Xin chào! This vibrant Pennywort Juice with Mung Bean is a traditional Vietnamese drink, known for its refreshing taste and numerous health benefits. It's a perfect way to cool down and nourish your body.
Xin chào! I'm Anh Linh, and today I'm sharing the recipe for Bánh Tiêu, a beloved Vietnamese hollow fried donut. These light and airy treats are perfect for a sweet snack any time of day.
Xin chào! Today, I'm sharing a beloved Vietnamese dessert, Chè Bắp Nước Cốt Dừa, or Sweet Corn Pudding with Coconut Milk. This creamy, sweet, and comforting dish highlights the natural sweetness of fresh corn combined with rich coconut milk.
Xin chào! I'm Anh Linh, and today I'm sharing a vibrant Vietnamese classic: Goi Buoi Tom Thit. This salad perfectly balances sweet, sour, savory, and spicy flavors, making it a truly refreshing meal.
Banh Pate So, or Vietnamese Savory Pork Puff Pastry, is a beloved snack featuring a rich pork filling encased in flaky, golden pastry. It's a comforting bite that brings a taste of Vietnam's street food culture right to your kitchen.
This classic Vietnamese dish features tender beef cubes, seared quickly to perfection, and tossed with onions and a savory sauce. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ga Kho Gung is a classic Vietnamese comfort dish, featuring tender chicken braised in a savory, aromatic sauce. This recipe brings together the warmth of ginger and the deep umami of fish sauce for a truly satisfying meal.
This comforting shredded chicken congee, or cháo gà xé phay, is a staple in Vietnamese homes. It's a nourishing and easy-to-digest meal, perfect for any time of day.
This classic Vietnamese Ca Kho To brings together succulent catfish with a rich, sweet, and savory caramel sauce. Cooked slowly in a traditional clay pot, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting and deeply satisfying meal.
This comforting Tây Ninh Pork Tapioca Noodle Soup features a rich, savory pork broth and chewy tapioca noodles, a staple from the Tây Ninh region. It's a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any meal.
This Da Nang style fish cake noodle soup, or Bún Chả Cá, is a comforting and flavorful dish. It features a light yet rich broth, bouncy fish cakes, and fresh vegetables, making it a beloved Vietnamese staple.
This dish of steamed snails with fragrant lemongrass and ginger is a beloved Vietnamese street food, perfect for sharing. The aromatic steam infuses the snails with a delicate flavor, making them a delightful treat.
This Traditional Vietnamese Herbal Cooling Drink, or Nước Sâm, is a beloved remedy for hot days. It's packed with natural herbs that are believed to help cool the body from within.
As Anh Linh, I bring you the quintessential Vietnamese iced green tea, or Trà Đá. This simple yet profound drink is a daily staple, offering a crisp, clean refreshment perfect for any time of day.
Chè Trôi Nước, or Sweet Glutinous Rice Balls in Ginger Syrup, is a beloved Vietnamese dessert often enjoyed during special occasions or as a comforting treat. These chewy, sweet rice balls, typically filled with a delightful mung bean paste, float in a warm, fragrant ginger syrup.
Bánh Da Lợn, or Steamed Layer Cake, is a beloved Vietnamese dessert known for its vibrant colors, chewy texture, and aromatic flavors of pandan and creamy mung bean. This recipe brings you the authentic taste of my homeland, perfect for a sweet treat or a festive occasion.
Bánh Ram Ít is a beloved specialty from Hue, Vietnam, offering a delightful contrast of textures in one bite. It features a soft, chewy steamed sticky rice dumpling (bánh ít) atop a crispy, golden fried rice paper disc (bánh ram).
Chào bạn! I'm Anh Linh, and I'm excited to share my take on Kem Xôi, a beloved Vietnamese sticky rice ice cream dessert. This unique combination of warm, chewy sticky rice and cold, creamy ice cream creates a delightful contrast in every bite.
Nem Chua Ran is a beloved Hanoi street food, offering a delightful blend of savory, sour, and spicy flavors in a crispy bite. These fried fermented pork rolls are perfect as an appetizer or a satisfying snack, especially when paired with a cold drink.
Hello, I'm Anh Linh! Xôi Mặn is a beloved Vietnamese street food, a hearty and flavorful sticky rice dish topped with an array of savory delights. It's perfect for a satisfying breakfast or a comforting meal any time of day.
Xin chào! I'm Anh Linh, and today I'm sharing one of Saigon's most beloved dishes: Com Ga Xoi Mo, or Crispy Skin Chicken with Seasoned Rice. This dish brings back so many memories of bustling street food stalls.
Experience the refined flavors of Hanoi with Bun Thang, a delicate noodle soup boasting a clear, aromatic broth and vibrant toppings. This dish is a true culinary masterpiece, showcasing the artistry of Vietnamese cuisine.
Banh Da Cua Hai Phong is a classic Vietnamese crab noodle soup, famous for its rich, umami broth and distinctive red rice noodles. This recipe brings the authentic flavors of Hai Phong to your kitchen, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
This traditional Vietnamese herbal chicken stew, Gà Tần Thuốc Bắc, is a beloved healing dish, cherished for its nourishing properties and comforting flavors. It's a perfect meal to restore energy and soothe the soul, especially during cooler weather or when feeling under the weather.
Banh Pia is a cherished Southern Vietnamese pastry, known for its incredibly flaky crust and rich, aromatic durian filling. This recipe brings the authentic flavors of my homeland right to your kitchen.
Bánh Chưng is the soul of Vietnamese New Year, a savory glutinous rice cake symbolizing the earth and its bounties. This recipe guides you through creating this iconic dish, a true labor of love.
Sữa Đậu Nành is a beloved Vietnamese beverage, often enjoyed warm or cold. Making it fresh at home yields a richer, more authentic flavor than store-bought versions.
Bánh Đúc Nóng is a beloved Vietnamese street food, a comforting warm rice flour cake topped with savory minced pork and a flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick, satisfying snack or a light meal, bringing a taste of Vietnam's vibrant street food scene to your kitchen.
Chè Kho is a beloved Vietnamese dessert, simple yet incredibly satisfying. This sweet mung bean pudding offers a delicate texture and rich flavor, perfect for any occasion.
06 / FAQ · The cook's questions
Yes — Better than Bouillon pho base is a decent shortcut for weeknight bowls. But for the real version, set aside a Sunday afternoon, do it once, freeze in 500ml containers. The next phở is a 15-minute lunch.
Hanoi (northern) phở is clearer, less sweet, served with fewer raw herbs. Saigon (southern) phở is darker, sweeter, comes with a heaped plate of bean sprouts and Thai basil. Both are correct. Pick a side.
Yes. Vietnamese cuisine without fish sauce is like Italian without olive oil — the substitution changes the dish into something else. Get one bottle. It lasts forever.