Challenge Yourself With Vietnam's 5 Strangest Dishes

1. Nem Chua (Vietnamese fermented pork rolls)

Nem chua may seem unusual to some visitors, but it remains a beloved specialty among Vietnamese people. These raw pork rolls, fermented with salt, sugar, garlic, and other spices, boast a delightful blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Regional variations exist across Vietnam, but the essential flavor profile remains consistent.

Nem Chua

While fermented pork rolls are delicious when enjoyed raw, consider trying fried nem chua as well. This variant offers a crispy texture and pairs perfectly with soda or beer for a delightful snack.

2. Chân gà sả ớt (chicken feet marinated with lemongrass and chili)

Marinated chicken feet, sweet and spicy with the flavors of lemongrass and chili, are a popular snack throughout Vietnam, especially among younger crowds. Street food stalls across the country serve this affordable and tantalizing dish, often enjoyed with beer and other beverages.

Photo: @maipattie

Creating flavorful chicken feet is straightforward with readily available ingredients. Boiled chicken feet are mixed with sliced kumquat, lemongrass, chili, sugar, salt, fish sauce, and occasionally other ingredients like carrots and fruits. After marinating in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, they are ready to be served.

3. Tiết canh (blood pudding)

A unique delicacy that is seldom found outside of Vietnam, blood pudding is a fresh specialty featuring the blood of animals such as pigs or ducks. Other less common variations may include blood from snakes, geese, goats, crabs, and lobsters.

Photo: @ntvvirus

To prepare, clean blood is mixed with diluted saltwater to prevent premature coagulation and is then garnished with various animal organs like duck liver and beef intestines. Blood pudding is typically served alongside an array of fresh herbs, lemon, and roasted peanuts.

4. Sứa Đỏ (red jellyfish with "mam tom")

Red jellyfish is a seasonal specialty popular in Hanoi, particularly between March and July.

This dish may initially sound daunting to international visitors, as it includes consuming the jellyfish along with "mam tom," a type of savory shrimp paste. However, this culinary experience is well worth it for those looking to try something different. Rest assured, freshly prepared red jellyfish undergoes a meticulous cleaning process to ensure it is safe to eat.

Photo: @truchaxfoods

This dish combines slices of jellyfish wrapped in perilla leaves with fried tofu, lemon, coconut, and fresh herbs, which are then dipped in "mam tom" for an incredible flavor experience.

5. Đuông Dừa (coconut beetle larva)

Đuông Dừa, or coconut beetle larva, is a notable delicacy from the Mekong Delta that adventurous tourists often seek to try. This dish has garnered international attention for its distinct way of preparation. Live larvae, which are creamy white and plump, are harvested manually from the trunk of coconut palms, washed, and served with fish sauce for flavor.

Photo: @truongminhhieu1111

These coconut worms may still wriggle when eaten, providing an exhilarating experience combined with their naturally sweet and savory taste. Coconut beetle larvae can be found easily in the Mekong Delta, especially in Ben Tre Province, known as the capital of coconuts.