Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country known for its breathtaking landscapes and bustling cities, is home to a remarkably diverse array of fruits due to its tropical climate. This vibrant country is as abundant in its cultural heritage as it is in its biodiversity, with fruits playing an integral role in daily life, traditions, and the renowned Vietnamese cuisine. This article aims to guide you through the lush and colorful world of the top 20 best Vietnam Fruit so you can be better prepared to upcomming trip to this vibrant country.
Top 20 Vietnam Fruits To Try During Your Visit
1. Durian
Often evoking a love-it-or-hate-it reaction, durian, known as the “King of Fruits,” is truly an experience in itself. Its hard, thorny exterior hides a soft, creamy flesh within. The taste is an intoxicating combination of sweet, savory, and custard-like, often described as almonds blended with rich cream, with undertones of garlic and caramel. Its unique scent, which ranges from fragrant to overpowering, can be detected even from a distance. Although divisive due to its strong aroma, durian is rich in nutrients, offering an impressive array of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and minerals like potassium. The fruit is also high in healthy dietary fiber and provides instant energy due to its naturally occurring simple sugars.
Dishes made from Durian:
- Bánh da lợn Durian: A Vietnamese steamed layer cake made with durian and glutinous rice flour.
- Durian smoothie: A popular Vietnamese drink blending the creamy fruit with sweetened condensed milk and ice.
2. Dragon Fruit
This striking fruit is notable for its bright pink or yellow, leathery skin with spiky scales, and its white or red flesh dotted with tiny black seeds. The texture of dragon fruit is somewhat like kiwi but with a more subtle flavor, mildly sweet, and slightly sour. Its high water content makes it refreshing, and it’s known to be rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s also low in calories, making it an ideal snack for those mindful of their caloric intake.
Dishes made from Dragon Fruit:
- Dragon fruit salad: A refreshing mix of dragon fruit, cucumber, mint, and a tangy dressing.
- Dragon fruit smoothie bowl: A trendy, nutritious breakfast where the smoothie is made from dragon fruit and topped with granola, coconut, and assorted fruits.
3. Mangosteen
The mangosteen, with its purple rind and sweet, fragrant, snow-white flesh, is revered as the “Queen of Fruits.” Upon cracking open the thick, deep purple rind, one can find soft segments of juicy flesh, which offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Not only is it a delectable fruit, but it is also a storehouse of antioxidants, offering numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and immune support.
Dishes made from Mangosteen:
- Mangosteen sorbet: A refreshing dessert capturing the fruit’s unique flavor.
- Mangosteen salad: A fusion dish combining mangosteen, shrimp, and a citrus dressing.
4. Longan
Named ‘longan’ meaning ‘dragon’s eye’ in Vietnamese due to the fruit’s translucent flesh and black seed, this small, round fruit is a sight to behold. The taste is a winning combination of sweet and tart, much like a grape but with its own unique subtleties. In Vietnam, longan is enjoyed fresh, often served as a dessert. It is also known to be a good source of vitamin C, which can help boost immunity.
Dishes made from Longan:
- Longan sweet soup: A traditional Vietnamese dessert made by simmering longans in sugar water.
- Longan and lotus seed sweet soup: A popular Vietnamese dessert featuring longan, lotus seeds, and rock sugar.
5. Rambutan
With its distinctive hairy skin, the rambutan could seem intimidating at first, but once you peel back the outer layer, a juicy, sweet, lychee-like fruit is revealed. The flesh is translucent, and the taste is delightfully sweet with a slight acidic touch. Rambutan is high in vitamin C and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying snack.
Dishes made from Rambutan:
- Rambutan cocktail: A unique beverage using the sweet juice of the rambutan fruit.
- Rambutan jam: A sweet preserve made from the pulp of the rambutan.
6. Lychee
The lychee fruit, known for its red, bumpy skin and aromatic white flesh, is a favorite in Vietnam. Once you peel away the skin, you’ll find a juicy fruit with a floral and sweet taste. Lychees are particularly rich in vitamin C, making them excellent for boosting the immune system.
Dishes made from Lychee:
- Lychee Iced Tea: A refreshing beverage that infuses the sweetness of lychees into a cool, thirst-quenching tea.
- Lychee sorbet: A refreshing dessert that captures the sweet and floral taste of lychee.
7. Jackfruit
The jackfruit is the largest fruit that grows on a tree. Its green, spiky exterior hides pockets of sweet, bright yellow flesh with a texture reminiscent of pulled pork. Its flavor is a cross between a mango, pineapple, and banana. Jackfruit is rich in vitamin C, and its seeds, which can also be cooked and eaten, are a good source of protein and fiber.
Dishes made from Jackfruit:
- Jackfruit salad (Gỏi Mít): A traditional Vietnamese dish made from unripe jackfruit, herbs, and a tangy dressing.
- Sweet Jackfruit Dessert Soup (Chè Mít): A sweet, creamy dessert made from ripe jackfruit, coconut milk, and tapioca pearls.
8. Mango
Vietnamese mangoes, known for their intense sweetness and slightly tangy flavor, are incredibly delicious. The ripe fruit has a rich, creamy texture, while the unripe green mango is crispy and tart. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A and C.
Dishes made from Mango:
- Mango Sticky Rice: A classic dessert pairing sweet, ripe mangoes with sticky rice and a drizzle of coconut milk.
- Green Mango Salad (Gỏi Xoài): A popular Vietnamese salad featuring crunchy, unripe mango, shrimp or pork, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing.
9. Custard Apple
Also known as sugar apple, this fruit has a bumpy, green exterior with a soft, sweet flesh that has a custard-like texture. The fruit is a great source of vitamin C and fiber, offering a host of health benefits.
Dishes made from Custard Apple:
- Custard Apple Smoothie: A refreshing drink that blends the creamy fruit with milk and sweetener.
- Custard Apple Ice Cream: A delicious dessert capturing the unique flavor of custard apple.
10. Pomelo
Pomelos are the largest citrus fruit, resembling a grapefruit but with a thicker, softer rind. The flesh varies from light yellow to vibrant pink, offering a sweet and tangy flavor that’s less bitter than its grapefruit cousin. Pomelos are rich in vitamin C and potassium, making them a heart-healthy choice.
Dishes made from Pomelo:
- Vietnamese Pomelo Salad (Gỏi Bưởi): A tangy, sweet, and spicy salad featuring pomelo, shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs.
- Pomelo dessert soup (Chè Bưởi): A traditional Vietnamese dessert made with pomelo segments, sugar, and tapioca pearls.
11. Guava
Guavas in Vietnam are generally green on the outside with a soft pink interior. They have a sweet-tart taste and a unique, pleasant fragrance. Known for their high vitamin C content, guavas are also rich in dietary fiber.
Dishes made from Guava:
- Pickled Guava: A tangy and sweet snack where guava slices are pickled with sugar and vinegar.
- Guava Smoothie: A delicious beverage blending guava, sugar, and ice, often enjoyed in the hot Vietnamese summers.
12. Passionfruit
The passion fruit, known for its wrinkled purple or yellow skin, is filled with vibrant yellow, jelly-like pulp with black seeds. Its unique flavor is intensely tart and sweet, and it’s well-known for its calming properties. Passion fruits are rich in vitamins A and C and dietary fiber.
Dishes made from Passionfruit:
- Passionfruit Juice: A refreshing and tart beverage, often sweetened with sugar.
- Passionfruit Panna Cotta: A creamy Italian dessert with a tangy passion fruit topping.
13. Coconut
Coconuts are a significant part of Vietnamese cuisine. The refreshing and sweet coconut water is a common drink, while the creamy white flesh, or ‘meat’, is used in many dishes. Coconuts are a great source of hydration and provide healthy fats and fiber.
Dishes made from Coconut:
- Coconut Candy (Kẹo Dừa): A famous treat from the Mekong Delta region, made from coconut milk and sugar.
- Coconut Cream Pudding (Kem Dừa): A popular dessert consisting of coconut milk, sugar, and agar-agar.
14. Pineapple
Vietnamese pineapples are incredibly sweet and juicy. They are commonly enjoyed fresh or as part of sweet and savory dishes. Pineapples are a great source of vitamin C and manganese.
Dishes made from Pineapple:
- Pineapple Fried Rice: A delightful dish where rice is stir-fried with pineapple chunks and various other ingredients.
- Pineapple Sweet Soup (Chè Thơm): A sweet dessert made by simmering pineapples in sugar water.
15. Sapodilla
This small, brown, egg-shaped fruit has a grainy texture similar to a pear but with a much sweeter flavor reminiscent of brown sugar and caramel. Sapodilla is an excellent source of dietary fiber and also provides a good amount of vitamin C.
Dishes made from Sapodilla:
- Sapodilla Smoothie (Sinh tố hồng xiêm): A refreshing drink blending the sweet sapodilla with ice and sweetened condensed milk.
- Sapodilla Dessert Soup (Chè hồng xiêm): A sweet dessert where sapodillas are simmered with rock sugar and pandan leaves.
16. Banana
Vietnam is home to numerous banana varieties, each with its unique taste and texture. From the small, sweet, and creamy lady finger bananas to the firmer, tart plantains, bananas are a staple in Vietnam. They are high in potassium and vitamin B6.
Dishes made from Banana:
- Banana Flower Salad (Nộm hoa chuối): A salad using banana flowers, chicken, and herbs, tossed with a tangy dressing.
- Fried Bananas (Chuối Chiên): A popular street food featuring bananas coated in batter and deep-fried until golden.
17. Star Fruit
Also known as carambola, the star fruit is named for the star-like shape it reveals when sliced. The entire fruit, including its thin, waxy skin, is edible. Star fruit has a crisp texture and a sweet and sour taste, and it’s high in vitamin C and fiber.
Dishes made from Star Fruit:
- Star Fruit Salad: A refreshing salad combining star fruit, mint, and a sweet-spicy dressing.
- Sweet Star Fruit Pickle (Dưa khổ qua ngọt): A sweet and tangy pickle made from star fruit, vinegar, and sugar.
18. Watermelon
Watermelons in Vietnam are incredibly sweet and juicy, with a high water content that makes them perfect for a hot summer day. Watermelon is a good source of hydration and provides high amounts of vitamins A and C.
Dishes made from Watermelon:
- Watermelon Smoothie (Sinh tố dưa hấu): A simple, refreshing drink made from watermelon, sugar, and ice.
- Watermelon Jelly (Thạch dưa hấu): A sweet, refreshing jelly dessert featuring the flavor and color of watermelon.
19. Rose Apple
Rose apples, or water apples, are bell-shaped fruits that have a crisp texture and a subtly sweet flavor. The fruit is a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.
Dishes made from Rose Apple:
- Rose Apple Juice: A simple, refreshing drink made by blending rose apples with water and a bit of sugar.
- Pickled Rose Apple: A sweet and tangy snack made by pickling rose apple slices in a sugar-vinegar mixture.
20. Papaya
Papayas are tropical fruits with a sweet, musky taste and a butter-like consistency. The green, unripe papayas are used in salads, while the ripe, orange-fleshed papayas are often eaten fresh or used in desserts. They’re rich in vitamin C and a unique enzyme called papain, which aids in digestion.
Dishes made from Papaya:
- Green Papaya Salad (Gỏi đu đủ): A popular dish combining shredded green papaya, herbs, and a tangy dressing.
- Papaya Smoothie (Sinh tố đu đủ): A sweet and creamy drink blending ripe papaya with milk and ice.
Importance of Fruit in Vietnam
Fruits are a cornerstone of Vietnamese daily life. A staple in diets, they’re used as a refreshing snack on hot days, a sweet dessert, an essential ingredient in many dishes, and a popular gift during traditional festivals. They play a significant role in Vietnamese culture, particularly during Tet, the Lunar New Year, when certain fruits are used symbolically to bring good fortune. Moreover, the tropical fruits found in Vietnam are not just appealing to the taste buds, they also carry various health benefits due to their rich nutritional content, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Incorporating Vietnamese Fruits into Your Diet
These fruits can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways, from fresh out of the hand to being the star ingredient in a recipe. For instance, they can be added to salads for a tropical twist, made into refreshing smoothies, used in desserts, or simply enjoyed as they are. To ensure you get the best taste, select fruits that are brightly colored, have a fresh aroma, and feel heavy for their size.
Conclusion
The fruits of Vietnam are not just a delight for the senses but are also steeped in culture and tradition. Each fruit, with its unique taste and nutrient profile, contributes to the rich tapestry of Vietnamese cuisine. We encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, try these exotic fruits, and experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnam.
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