Vietnam Hot Pot

Vietnam Hot Pot: A unique hot dining experience

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. I would like to share an in-depth story about delicious food from Vietnam, especially “Vietnam Hot Pot,” a dish I tried firsthand and found extraordinary. Although the province is unspecified, this style of hot pot is commonly found in northern and central Vietnam, especially in local markets or small restaurants specializing in Vietnamese hot pot.

Vietnam Hot Pot is clearly different from our local hot pot. Its highlight is the fragrant and sweet broth and side dishes focusing on fresh herbs and various vegetables, along with a special dipping sauce that enhances the flavor perfectly. I remember once in Lang Son province, I stayed at Hoang Son Hotel in downtown Lang Son. Although the place is famous for roast duck, there was a small Vietnamese hot pot restaurant that made me lose track of time while eating.Lang Son Province, VietnamThis area is a must-try because the freshness of ingredients and the cool climate greatly enhance the enjoyment of dipping into hot pot.

What I like about Vietnamese hot pot is the variety of ingredients, from marinated pork to fresh seafood cooked right at the table. There are fresh mushrooms, vegetables like kale, culantro, basil leaves, and even thin noodles that many places add to the hot pot for aroma and fullness. The broth I tried was a pork bone broth simmered until sweet and mellow, unlike our hot pot dipping sauces which tend to be spicy and intensely sweet. Vietnam’s version feels refreshing and easy to sip.

During my trip to northern Vietnam, Lang Son city near the Chinese border, there were very few Thai tourists. But for locals, this is a popular dish often enjoyed in large groups in the evening. I sat at an open-air street hot pot restaurant and immediately sensed the herbal aroma filling the air and the lively conversations of locals. This feeling is rare in fancy restaurants or hot pot places in big cities.

If anyone is interested in trying traditional Vietnamese hot pot, Mr.hotsia recommends visiting local markets or Vietnamese community neighborhoods in small towns like Lang Son. Or if you visit Dalat, which has beautiful Buddhist temples such asTruc Lam Templetry looking for local food in the evening markets or small eateries frequented by locals. I guarantee the Vietnamese hot pot there is just as delicious.

My favorite way to eat Vietnamese hot pot

For me, mr.hotsia, the best way to enjoy Vietnamese hot pot is sharing food in a large group because hot pot is about the fun of sharing a hot meal with travel companions. The broth is placed in the center of the table. We dip fresh pork or seafood into the hot pot, wait until cooked, then dip it into a special sauce with a balanced sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavor. Fresh vegetables served alongside help cut the richness and add freshness to the meal.

Besides hot pot, Vietnam has many interesting dishes such as the chicken biryani I tried in some cities or grilled button squid that I saw in videos and really want to try.Vietnam Grilled Button SquidBut if I had to choose, I still prefer Vietnamese hot pot because it reminds me of sitting around a warm local meal and experiencing the true culture of Vietnamese people.

Travel and accommodation recommendations for Vietnamese food lovers

If you want to follow my Vietnamese hot pot experience, I recommend planning a trip to northern or central Vietnam, with places like Lang Son province or Dalat city being ideal. Traveling in Lang Son city is convenient. Hoang Son Hotel, where I stayed, costs about 600 baht per night and is centrally located, with easy access to markets and food.Read more here

For food lovers and market walkers, try visiting morning markets in various cities or if you go to Vinh Long city, there isVinh Long Bus Stationwhich is an important connection point and gateway to delicious local food in the Mekong Delta.

Finally, don’t forget to prepare well for your trip to Vietnam, including a 3G internet SIM card to help you find great restaurants easily.Read about Vietnam internet SIM cardsand carrying some cash because some places may not accept credit cards.

I, mr.hotsia, hope this article helps everyone see the appeal of Vietnamese hot pot from a traveler’s perspective—not just about eating but also about culture and lifestyle expressed through local food.