Eighth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

When thinking of the Vietnamese cuisine, people usually highlight popular specialties such as Pho, Nem, spring roll, vermicelli with crab and local pancakes, which are well known dishes that have attracted and pleased customers at restaurants inside and outside the country. These dishes started as non-vegan meals, but have now been transformed into vegetarian food, and are served on the first and last two days of the lunar month, aimed at the Vietnamese people. For a long time, Vietnamese inhabitants have increased their awareness of the benefits of eating more green vegetables, as part of limiting the intake of animal protein. Vegetarian dishes have increased in popularity, and are now enjoyed by more non religious people, from all walks of life, besides the more traditional Buddhists. The Vietnamese vegetarian culinary culture is a culture inherited from the tradition of the country melted by geographical features, regional art of cooking, local diversity - which are factors that make Vietnamese vegetarian dishes distinctive on the global culinary map. This particular culture reflects the Vietnamese identity in culinary art, food taste, eating philosophy as well as the point of view of people who lives in a tropical country rich in natural resources. This paper examines Vietnamese vegetarian customs in terms of culture and nutrition and answers on questions such as: What is so special with Vietnamese vegetarian food? How are they prepared? Why do Vietnamese people prefer vegetarian food? Where is it possible to find the best Vietnamese vegetarian dishes? Is there a special Vietnamese eating style? This paper also analyzes the role and impacts on the daily Vietnamese life style by examining people’s practices and behaviors. Through this research, we hope to share our personal point of view as well as to offer insights into this culinary culture that appear to be the Vietnamese pride on the dining table.