Online Vietnamese Supermarket

Some key ingredients for a Vietnamese pantry include:

• Fish sauce: A salty, umami-rich condiment used in marinades, sauces, and dipping sauces.
• Rice paper: Used for making fresh spring rolls and fried rolls.
• Hoisin sauce: A sweet and savoury sauce often used in pho and dipping sauces.
• Shrimp paste: Adds depth and flavour to soups, marinades, and dipping sauces.
• Star anise and cinnamon: Essential spices for making pho broth, adding warmth and aroma.

Vietnamese pantry ingredients are highly versatile and add distinct flavours to many dishes:

• Fish sauce: Use in marinades, stir-fries, and as a base for dipping sauces.
• Rice paper: Soak briefly in water to soften before wrapping with fresh herbs, shrimp, or pork.
• Hoisin sauce: Add to pho or serve as a dipping sauce, sometimes mixed with peanut butter for extra flavour.
• Shrimp paste: Incorporate into soups or stir-fries for an umami boost.
• Star anise and cinnamon: Simmer in broth to create the signature flavour of pho.

Fish sauce and hoisin sauce should be stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, refrigerate them to maintain freshness.

Rice paper can be kept in a cool, dry place in its original packaging.

Shrimp paste should be refrigerated after opening, as it has a strong aroma.

Dried spices like star anise and cinnamon should be kept in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

Vietnamese cuisine uses various types of noodles, including:

• Rice noodles (bánh phở): Flat noodles used in pho and noodle salads.
• Vermicelli noodles (bún): Thin rice noodles used in dishes like bún chả and spring rolls.
• Glass noodles: Made from mung beans, used in stir-fries and salads.
• Egg noodles (mì): Often used in stir-fried noodle dishes or soups.

Popular Vietnamese snacks include:

• Pandan waffles: Sweet, green-coloured waffles with a subtle pandan flavour.
• Shrimp chips: Light, crispy chips with a savoury shrimp flavour, often enjoyed as a snack or side.
• Banh pia: A layered pastry with fillings like durian and mung bean.
• Coconut candies: Soft, chewy candies made from coconut milk and sugar.
• Lays in unique Vietnamese flavours: Potato chips in regional flavours like shrimp or spicy crab.

Some favourite Vietnamese drinks include:

• Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá): Strong coffee served with sweetened condensed milk over ice.
• Herbal tea (trà đá): A refreshing tea often enjoyed with meals.
• Soy milk (sữa đậu nành): A plant-based drink commonly served as a breakfast beverage.
• Pennywort juice (nước rau má): A refreshing, mildly sweet green drink known for its health benefits.
• Coconut water: Chilled coconut water is a popular, hydrating drink in Vietnam.

Yes! With essentials like fish sauce, rice paper, star anise, and rice noodles, you can make traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho, spring rolls, and bun cha. These pantry staples provide the authentic flavours needed for Vietnamese cooking.