Eating Vietnamese Curry Rice

Eating Vietnamese Curry Rice with mr.hotsia: Simple deliciousness in the heart of the street

When talking about street food in Vietnam that reminds me of authentic local atmosphere, it has to be "Vietnamese Curry Rice" or what they call "Cơm Tấm" or "one-plate rice." Although it looks simple, the taste and variety of side dishes always make me stop and savor every time I find a great stall while traveling from north to south Vietnam.

I, mr.hotsia, started my experience with Vietnamese curry rice at the morning market of Lạng Sơn city (Lạng Sơn Province), a province with steep hilly terrain bordering China. The morning atmosphere here is lively with locals shopping for fresh produce and ready-to-eat food at affordable prices. While walking through the market, the fragrant aroma of herbal curry spices caught my nose, making me stop to look for a curry rice stall packed with customers.

The curry rice stalls here use beautiful jasmine rice grains topped with a rich curry sauce made from northern Vietnamese spices. Side dishes include fried pork, grilled pork marinated with the sweet scent of palm sugar, and soft-boiled eggs with perfectly runny yolks. There are also fresh and pickled vegetables that balance the flavors and prevent greasiness. Although a simple dish, the care put into each plate is extraordinary.

Unique Highlights of Vietnamese Curry Rice

What makes Vietnamese curry rice stand out from Thai curry rice is the attention to balance in flavor and the freshness of ingredients. I, mr.hotsia, noticed that every dish I ordered came with a sweet and sour dipping sauce mixed with finely chopped bird's eye chili, which amazingly adds spiciness and freshness to the meal. Additionally, many street food stalls offer a small cup of clear soup to cleanse the palate after eating, perfectly finishing the meal.

For those who like to try unusual dishes, some curry rice stalls in Vietnam also serve grilled pork on the bone or spicy grilled fish. I once tried this at the Vinh Long morning market, an important transport hub in the Mekong Delta. The lively atmosphere of the stall was filled with locals chatting and the aroma of food wafting through the area. Eating curry rice by the roadside like this reminds me of the warmth and simplicity of Vietnamese life.

Travel Following mr.hotsia with Vietnamese Curry Rice

If you enjoy traveling like me and want to taste authentic Vietnamese curry rice, I recommend stopping by markets in various cities such as the Vinh Long morning market I mentioned inVinh Long Bus Stationor even markets in Nha Trang city, which not only has beautiful beaches but also offers street food with fresh menus at affordable prices.Nha Trang SeaIt’s another destination where I often stop to eat curry rice while enjoying the sea view.

For those planning to visit northern Vietnam, I recommend staying in Lạng Sơn, a city where I stayed and tried curry rice in a homely atmosphere. Here, you will experience the border town vibe and distinct flavors different from other places. Read more about my experience here in the articleLạng Sơn Province, Vietnam

mr.hotsia’s Tips for Eating Vietnamese Curry Rice

To enjoy and savor Vietnamese curry rice, don’t forget about choosing the right stall. I, mr.hotsia, recommend choosing stalls with many locals because that means the food is fresh and delicious, and prices are reasonable. If you find a stall with many English menus or pictures, it might be a tourist trap where the food tastes bland and prices are overpriced.

Another thing to watch out for is cleanliness. I usually choose to eat at stalls that look clean, have organized plates and bowls, and use electric or charcoal stoves that meet standards. Vietnamese food using fresh ingredients like grilled pork or fresh vegetables requires good hygiene for our health.

Summary of Vietnamese Curry Rice Deliciousness from mr.hotsia’s Perspective

Vietnamese curry rice is a dish I, mr.hotsia, really love because it reflects the lifestyle and eating culture of Vietnamese people authentically. From the distinctive spice aroma, diverse flavors, to the freshness of ingredients used, I invite everyone visiting Vietnam not to miss trying curry rice by the roadside or in various fresh markets. Besides filling your stomach, you will also absorb the true local atmosphere.

If you are interested in following my full travel and Vietnamese food stories, you can watch my serious eating Vietnamese curry rice video atEating Vietnamese Curry Riceon my YouTube channel