Vietnam’s brave bites.
Vietnamese cuisine is famous for pho and banh mi. But the real culinary adventure? That’s in the weird stuff.
Locals swear by these dishes for taste, tradition, or just a good thrill. Tourists… usually need some courage.
Weird (but worth it) Vietnamese foods.
Balut (Hột vịt lộn).
- A fertilized duck egg, partially developed.
- Eaten with herbs, lime, and spicy salt.
- Rich, savory, and surprisingly delicious—if you can get past the idea.
Snake Wine (Rượu rắn).
- A jar of rice wine infused with whole snakes.
- Locals believe it boosts strength and virility.
- Sip carefully—it’s strong and packs a potent herbal flavor.
Silk Worms (Nhộng tằm).
- Crunchy, nutty-tasting larvae.
- Often stir-fried with turmeric and lemongrass.
- High in protein and a favorite beer snack.
Fertilized Quail Eggs (Trứng cút lộn).
- Like balut, but smaller and milder.
- Served with fragrant herbs and spicy dipping sauce.
- Less intense for first-timers testing the balut waters.
Tips for trying weird Vietnamese food.
- Go with a local if possible—they’ll show you how to eat it right.
- Start with small portions.
- Don’t judge by smell alone—some funky dishes taste amazing.
- Be polite, but don’t force yourself to finish something you truly can’t handle.
Bottom line.
If you’re ready to travel Vietnam like a local, take a bite out of the country’s boldest dishes. You might surprise yourself—and earn some bragging rights too.
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