Balut (Trứng Vịt Lộn) – Fertilized Duck Egg
What is it? A fertilized duck egg with a developing embryo inside, prized for its rich flavor and nutrition.
Where to try it? Found across Vietnam, especially at street stalls in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Good to know: Usually eaten with coriander, ginger, and lime. Best enjoyed in the morning.
Tiết Canh – Fresh Animal Blood Pudding
What is it? Fresh animal blood mixed with minced meat, herbs, and peanuts (usually duck or pork).
Where to try it? Mostly in rural areas or countryside bars. Rare in cities due to safety concerns.
Good to know: Traditionally prepared for festive occasions in villages.
Field Rat (Chuột Đồng) – Country Rat Delicacy
What is it? Rice field rats (not urban rats!) prized for their tender meat.
Where to try it? Mekong Delta and Red River Delta, especially during rice harvest.
Good to know: Considered a harvest celebration delicacy.
Live Fish Salad (Gỏi Cá Sống)
What is it? Raw live fish served with herbs, chili, and lime.
Where to try it? Mountainous provinces like Hà Giang or Sơn La.
Good to know: A Thai ethnic dish, often served to honored guests.
Fermented Shrimp Paste (Mắm Tôm)
What is it? A strong-smelling paste made from fermented shrimp or krill.
Where to try it? Hanoi street food stalls with bún đậu mắm tôm.
Good to know: Locals love it; foreigners often struggle with the smell.
Tadpoles with Bamboo Shoots (Nòng Nọc Om Măng)
What is it? Tadpoles stewed with bamboo shoots.
Where to try it? Northern villages during the rainy season.
Good to know: A rare seasonal delicacy.
Nậm Pịa – Cow or Buffalo Intestine Soup
What is it? A hearty soup made from intestines, blood, and digestive fluids.
Where to try it? Sơn La, Điện Biên, and other northwestern provinces.
Good to know: A Thai ethnic specialty for festivals and gatherings.
Coconut Worms (Đuông Dừa)
What is it? Coconut weevil larvae, eaten alive or deep-fried.
Where to try it? Mekong Delta, especially Bến Tre.
Good to know: Nutritious but a real challenge for first-timers!
Snake Wine (Rượu Rắn)
What is it? Rice wine infused with whole snakes, believed to restore vitality.
Where to try it? Specialty shops and traditional medicine stores.
Good to know: Often bought as a souvenir or used for health.
Fermented Buffalo Skin (Da Trâu Thối)
What is it? Sun-dried, fermented buffalo skin with a strong aroma.
Where to try it? Northwestern provinces like Sơn La and Lai Châu.
Good to know: Loved locally, but can be intimidating for newcomers.
Final Thoughts
Vietnamese cuisine goes far beyond pho and banh mi—it’s bold, daring, and deeply connected to culture and tradition. While some dishes may seem shocking, they reveal Vietnam’s rich history and adventurous spirit. For foodies who love to push boundaries, Vietnam is the ultimate destination.
