What do Vietnamese often eat during the rainy season?
The rainy season in Vietnam usually lasts from May to October. Vietnam is largely divided into northern, central, and southern regions, and the climate in each of these three regions is different. The climatic differences also affect lifestyle and food culture.
North ( Mien Bac)
The rainy season in the north, including the capital Hanoi, usually begins in April or May and ends in October or November. Peak rainfall is in July and August.
During the rainy season in the north, temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F). When it rains, the heat eases somewhat, but the humidity is high and rainfall is abundant in the north. This climate has a great impact on people’s lives and cuisine.
During the rainy season in the north, the hot and humid weather conditions provide a variety of dishes that focus on warming the body and replenishing energy.
Pho & Bun
Pho, with its thick broth, and bún, which can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, is a favorite during the rainy season. Noodle dishes are always at the top of the food choices of people in the north.
Okayu (Chao)
Porridge is also popular. Vietnamese porridge comes in many varieties, including chicken and duck. It is easy to digest and warms the body on a rainy day.
Pots (Lau)
Northern hot pot dishes are famous for their variety and unique flavors. One of the first dishes that comes to mind for northerners on a rainy day is hot pot. Commonly eaten are chicken hot pot, duck hot pot with bamboo shoots, crab hot pot, and frog hot pot.
Central (Mien Trung)
The rainy season in the central part of the country usually lasts from the end of August to the end of December. The climate in the central part of the country is harsh, with frequent typhoons and floods. The hot, rich, spicy cuisine that has taken root in Central China may be the result of these harsh weather conditions and local characteristics.
Bun bo hue
Beef bone broth, shrimp paste, chili and lemongrass in a rich and spicy broth, topped with beef and pig’s feet, etc. Bun. This dish effectively warms you up on a rainy day.
Mi Quang
It is served with a rich broth of shrimp, chicken, egg, and peanuts, and thick, chewy noodles like somen noodles, served with raw vegetables and grilled rice paper. The dish is not only delicious in taste, but also nutritious and perfect for the rainy season, when people tend to get tired.
South (Mien Nam)
The rainy season in the South lasts from May to October and is often accompanied by sudden thunderstorms. It is said that the climate in the South is like that of a volatile teenage girl: “sunny in the morning, rainy in the afternoon.
Hu tieu
Hu tieu is one of the most popular dishes during the rainy season. Hu tieu is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on both hot and cold days. In cold weather, you can choose warm soup noodles, and in hot weather, you can choose dipping noodles. Tsukemen is made with pork bones, shrimp, squid, and spicy vegetables, and the chewy noodles are well mixed with the sweet sauce to cool down your body.
Banh xeo
With its crispy skin and shrimp, meat, and bean sprouts, Southern Banh xeo is a very popular dish even on rainy days. It is served with raw vegetables and sweet and sour fish sauce. The crunchy flavor of the báinh xèo stimulates the taste buds and warms the body.
Vietnam is a fascinating country where cuisine has a unique flavor for each climate, natural conditions, and people’s lifestyle.
From the hot dishes of the north, represented by pho, to the rich dishes of the central region and the light dishes of the south, Vietnamese cuisine is rich in variety and satisfies the nutritional needs and preferences of the people of each region.
Check the menu to see what dishes the Viet restaurant offers.