Thai and Vietnamese cuisines are both popular in the world but have their differences. Thai cuisine is known for its bold, spicy, sweet, and sour flavors and signature ingredients, such as curry paste, coconut milk, and fish sauce. Vietnamese cuisine is milder, less spicy, and more refreshing, with fresh herbs and basic flavors such as sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty. Popular dishes in Thai cuisine include Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai, Massaman Curry, Som Tam, and Green Curry, while Vietnamese cuisine has Banh Mi sandwiches, Pho, Bun Cha, Nuoc Cham dipping sauce, and Goi Cuon spring rolls. Dining experiences differ, with Thai cuisine served in small bowls, and Vietnamese cuisine served family-style with chopsticks.
Thai vs. Vietnamese cuisine: How to tell the difference and which one to choose
Introduction
Asian cuisine has gained immense popularity all over the world, and Thai and Vietnamese cuisine are two of the most beloved. While both cuisines have similarities; they also have some differences. Here is an in-depth look at to help you distinguish between the two and pick the one that appeals to your taste buds more.
Flavors
The most noticeable difference between Thai and Vietnamese cuisine is the flavor profile. Thai cuisine is known for its bold, spicy, sweet, and sour flavors. Many dishes have a combination of spicy and sweet or sour and sweet, making the food dynamic and appetizing. In contrast, Vietnamese cuisine is milder, less spicy, and more refreshing. Most dishes are delicately flavored with a balance of sweet, salty, and sour tastes.
Ingredients
Thai cuisine’s signature ingredients include galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime, chili paste, curry paste, coconut milk, and fish sauce, among others. These ingredients add to the distinct flavor profile of Thai food. Vietnamese cuisine, on the other hand, utilizes more fresh herbs, such as basil, mint, and coriander, along with five basic flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty. Additionally, Vietnamese dishes rely on a lot of fresh vegetables, seafood, and meat for their dishes, whereas Thai cuisine uses more coconut milk and curry paste as a base for their sauces.
Popular dishes
Thai cuisine’s most popular dishes include Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai, Massaman Curry, Som Tam, and Green Curry, to name a few. The dishes generally come with sticky rice or jasmine rice. Vietnamese cuisine has an equally impressive array of dishes, such as Banh Mi sandwiches, Pho, Bun Cha, Nuoc Cham dipping sauce, and Goi Cuon spring rolls. Rice paper sheets are commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine.
Dining experience
The dining experience in both Thai and Vietnamese cuisine is unique. Thai restaurants usually serve their dishes in small bowls, which guests can combine with rice or noodles. The dishes are often shared, and the rice is typically eaten with a fork and spoon. In comparison, Vietnamese cuisine is served family style, where everyone shares different dishes while dining together. Vietnamese dining often utilizes chopsticks rather than a spoon and fork.
Conclusion
Choosing between Thai and Vietnamese cuisine may depend on your palatal preferences or the dining experience you’re looking for. Both cuisines have a lot to offer, from spicy and flavorful to milder and fragrant. However, if you’re in the mood for savory, spicy, and sweet flavors, go for Thai cuisine, or if you tend to prefer lighter and fresh-tasting dishes, look towards Vietnamese cuisine. Either way, you are sure to have a delightful dining experience at a Thai or Vietnamese restaurant.