Common Vietnamese Spices: A Comprehensive Guide to the Flavors of Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine is characterized by its balance of flavors, with an emphasis on freshness, herbs, and spices. Here below are top most common Vietnamese spices that are so often used in cooking: 
1 – Lemongrass: The Fragrant Staple
Lemongrass is a fragrant herb that is widely used in Vietnamese cuisine. Its citrusy aroma and flavor make it a popular ingredient in soups, marinades, and stir-fries. The outer layers of the lemongrass stalk are tough and fibrous, so it’s best to use the tender inner layers for cooking. To prepare lemongrass, peel away the outer layers until you reach the softer, pale yellow sections. Then, slice or chop the lemongrass finely before adding it to your dish.
2 – Star Anise: The Licorice-like Spice
Among top common Vietnamese spices, star anise is one of the most popular spice used in some soup dishes. Star anise is a star-shaped fruit that has a licorice-like flavor and aroma. It’s often used in Vietnamese cuisine to add a sweet, spicy, and slightly bitter taste to soups, broths, and marinades. Star anise is also a key ingredient in Vietnamese pho, a savory noodle soup that is a popular street food in Vietnam.
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3 – Cinnamon: The Warm and Spicy Flavor
Cinnamon is a sweet and aromatic spice that is used in many Vietnamese dishes. It adds a warm, spicy flavor to soups, stews, and curries, and is often paired with other spices such as star anise and ginger. Cinnamon is also used in sweet dishes, such as rice pudding and sticky rice cakes.
4 – Cloves: The Aromatic Spice
It Is known as one of the most common Vietnamese spices. Cloves are a highly aromatic spice that are used in both sweet and savory Vietnamese dishes. They have a warm, sweet, and slightly bitter taste, and are often paired with cinnamon and star anise in spice blends. Cloves are also used to flavor soups, broths, and marinades.
5 – Coriander: The Herb with a Citrusy Flavor
Coriander, also known as cilantro, is a herb with a citrusy flavor that is commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. It’s often used as a garnish or to add a fresh, bright flavor to soups, stews, and salads. In Vietnamese cuisine, both the leaves and stems of the coriander plant are used.
6 – Fish Sauce: The Pungent Condiment
The most common Vietnamese spice used in almost all dishes. Fish sauce is a pungent condiment that is used in many Vietnamese dishes. It’s made by fermenting fish with salt, and has a salty, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. Fish sauce is often used as a seasoning in marinades, stir-fries, and dipping sauces, and is an essential ingredient in many Vietnamese dishes.
7 – Ginger: Top common Vietnamese spices
Ginger is a spicy and aromatic root that is widely used in Vietnamese cuisine. It adds a warm, spicy flavor to soups, stews, and curries, and is often paired with other spices such as garlic and lemongrass. Ginger is also used in sweet dishes, such as ginger candy and gingerbread.
8 – Turmeric: The Vibrant Yellow Spice
Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice that is commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. It has a warm, slightly bitter flavor and is often used in curry powders and spice blends. Turmeric is also used to give dishes a bright yellow color, and is often paired with coconut milk and lemongrass in curries.
9 – Chili Peppers: The Fiery Spice
Chili pepper is one of the most common Vietnamese spices that is frequently used in Vietnamese cuisine. Chili peppers are a spicy ingredient that is widely used in Vietnamese cuisine. They add heat and depth to dishes and are often used in marinades, stir-fries, and dipping sauces. Chili peppers come in many varieties, from mild to extremely spicy, and are often used in combination with other spices to achieve the desired level of heat.
10 – Shallots: The Sweet and Mild Onion
Shallots are a sweet and mild onion that is commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. They have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and are often used in stir-fries, soups, and marinades. Shallots can be used in place of onions in many dishes, and add a unique flavor to Vietnamese cuisine.
11 – Garlic: The Aromatic Bulb
Garlic is a pungent and aromatic bulb that is widely used in Vietnamese cuisine. It has a strong, savory flavor and is often paired with ginger and lemongrass in spice blends. Garlic is also used in soups, stews, and curries, and is an essential ingredient in many Vietnamese dishes.
12 – Black Pepper: Top common Vietnamese spices
Black pepper is a bold and earthy spice that is commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. It has a pungent, slightly spicy flavor and is often used to season meats and vegetables. Black pepper is also used in marinades and dipping sauces, and is an essential ingredient in many Vietnamese dishes.
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its use of fresh herbs and spices, which give its dishes a unique and delicious flavor. From fragrant lemongrass to pungent fish sauce, Vietnamese spices add depth and complexity to dishes. By using a combination of these essential ingredients, you can recreate the flavors of Vietnam in your own kitchen.
