Ninth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

Thinking of Vietnam cuisine, people usually cite the popular specialties as Pho, Nem, spring roll, crab vermicelli, pancakes, the well known dishes that have attracted and pleased the customers all over the country. Non vegan ingredients from the start, these dishes have been prepared and transformed into vegetarian foods on special days to serve Vietnamese people. Vegetarian meals become more and more popular, preferred not only by the Buddhists but also by people from every walk of life. Vietnamese vegetarian culinary culture is a culture inherited from the tradition of the country melted by geographical features, regional art of cooking, local diversity - the factors that make Vietnamese vegetarian dishes distinctive on the world culinary map. This particular culture reflected Vietnamese identity in culinary art, food taste, eating philosophy as well as the point of view of a people who lives in a tropical country rich in natural resources. This paper studies the Vietnamese vegetarian culture in terms of culture and nutrition. What are the particularities of Vietnamese vegetarian foods? How are they prepared? Why do the Vietnamese people prefer vegetarian foods ? Where can one find the best Vietnamese vegetarian dishes? Is there a Vietnamese eating style? It also analyzes the role and its impacts on the daily life of the Vietnamese by examining their practices and behaviors. Through the research, we hope to share our personal point of view as well as to offer insights into this culinary culture that appear as the Vietnamese pride on the table.