Buzz
In this anime, Vietnamese pancake, also known as bánh xèo, serves as the inspiration for the main character to invent a new dish. Instead of using the traditional filling of meat, shrimp, and bean sprouts like in Vietnamese bánh xèo, the protagonist opted for Japanese-style karaage chicken, creating a mouthwatering fusion within the crispy pancake shell.
Bánh xèo is a familiar dish in Vietnam, found almost everywhere. A proper Southern-style bánh xèo features a thin, crispy rice flour shell filled with shrimp, pork, mung beans, and bean sprouts. It's typically enjoyed wrapped in greens, herbs, and dipped in a flavorful garlic chili fish sauce.
Spring Rolls
The popular anime Blood+ once showcased scenes from Vietnam, capturing the attention of both Vietnamese and international viewers. In one scene, characters Kai and Riku dine at a restaurant in Hanoi, where spring rolls are served on their table. Particularly, Riku expresses his fondness for the dish, continuously indulging in it.
Spring rolls are an indispensable part of Vietnamese meals, often present at gatherings and celebrations, especially during festivals and Tet. The filling typically consists of minced pork, shrimp, wood ear mushrooms, and glass noodles, seasoned with ingredients like scallions, ground pepper, and fish sauce. Finally, they're wrapped in rice paper and fried until crispy. Spring rolls can be enjoyed with various dipping sauces or accompanied by noodles for a delightful meal.
Ginseng Water
Nước sâm is no stranger to every Vietnamese, especially during the hot summer days for refreshment. Regardless of the weather, this beverage continues to attract many due to its delicious taste, affordability, and easy availability. In episode 1 of the anime Fantasic Children, the image of the familiar nước sâm vendor, though fleeting, was immediately recognized by many. Moreover, the signboard in the show clearly states the name 'nuoc sam' along with the price of 1,000 VND per cup.
Among various refreshing beverages, nước sâm always wins people's hearts because it meets all the criteria of being cool, nutritious, and affordable. You can find nước sâm vendors on any street, where just a few thousand dong can get you a full cup. In addition to familiar ginseng varieties like chrysanthemum ginseng and seaweed ginseng, nước sâm now also features traditional Chinese ginseng, coconut ginseng, along with various toppings like lotus seeds, chia seeds, providing a delightful chewing experience.
Baguette
Vietnamese baguette has been honored as one of the world's best street foods and has made numerous appearances in foreign TV shows. In episode 4 of the globally renowned anime Attack On Titan - The Final Season, baguette also appeared at the festival of the Eldian people on Paradis Island, depicted with meticulous realism down to every vegetable and meat slice. Even the slightly browned crust and the characteristic cracks of the baguette were meticulously crafted by the producers.
In Vietnam, baguette is a popular, convenient, and nutritious street food loved by many. Besides the traditional baguette filled with ingredients like pate, cold cuts, pickles, there are countless other creative variations, such as baguette sticks, baguette dumplings, shredded chicken baguette, minced meat baguette, and even innovative creations like sliced baguette, cocoa baguette, steamed baguette, and more.
Pho
Alongside baguette, pho is also a familiar dish in many international programs. Therefore, it's not surprising to see pho featured in the anime Blood+, specifically in a scene where the journalist Okamura and his client dine at a restaurant in Hanoi.
Pho not only garners attention worldwide but also wins the hearts of Vietnamese people for its rich and delicate flavor. A bowl of pho typically consists of flat rice noodles, rare beef slices, well-done beef, beef tendon, beef meatballs, and plenty of onions and scallions. The broth of this dish impresses with its characteristic sweet and clear taste derived from simmered bones.
