Central of Vietnam Culinary culture

"Colorful, Flavourful and Varied in eating custom"

Central Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its bold, spicy flavors. Compared to the North, this region leans heavily towards seafood-based dishes. And it makes sense—geographically, Central Vietnam has the longest coastline in the country. With such an abundance of seafood, getting fresh ingredients is never a challenge for the locals.

River and ocean dishes here often have a distinct sour and spicy taste. This isn’t just for flavor but also serves a purpose—these strong seasonings help mask the natural fishy scent of seafood, making the dishes more enjoyable.

The plating in here also being an important part of serving, people will focus on the look of the dish,peo and the more colorful the dish is, the better the emotion the people are.

But food in Central Vietnam isn’t just about eating—it’s an experience. Locals embrace different ways of appreciating food, known as Khẩu thực, Nhãn thực, and Tâm thực.

• Khẩu thực is simply tasting and enjoying the flavors.

• Nhãn thực goes a step further—it’s when you can "taste" a dish just by looking at it, imagining its texture and flavors before even taking a bite.

• Tâm thực is the highest level—where eating becomes an art, a moment of deep connection with the dish. Every texture, every ingredient is felt and appreciated, turning a simple meal into something almost sacred.

For the people of Central Vietnam, food isn’t just about survival—it’s a way to connect, to experience, and to truly feel every bite.