Viet Nam tops global culinary destinations ranking: NZ Herald

According to the international travel publication NZ Herald, Viet Nam stands out with a distinctive culinary identity built around fresh flavors, aromatic herbs, diverse textures and rich broths.

From bustling street stalls and local eateries to lively cafés, food is deeply woven into everyday life and has become an integral part of exploring the Southeast Asian country, it noted.

Iconic dishes such as pho, banh mi, spring rolls, banh xeo, various noodle dishes and rice-based specialties can be found throughout local neighborhoods, traditional markets and eateries.

NZ Herald recommends that visitors explore traditional markets and join cooking classes to discover local ingredients, preparation techniques and the stories behind Vietnamese cuisine.

Another defining strength is the striking diversity between Viet Nam's three major culinary regions.

Northern cuisine, represented by Ha Noi, is known for its delicate and refined flavours.

Central cuisine, particularly that of Hue, is noted for its bold, spicy flavours and elaborate dishes rooted in royal culinary traditions.

Southern cuisine tends to be richer and sweeter, with generous use of fresh herbs.

The ranking underscores Viet Nam's growing appeal as a culinary tourism destination./.