Cooking is more than just making a meal — it’s an opportunity to connect, create, and learn. Inviting kids into the kitchen allows them to develop fine motor skills, build confidence, and form lasting memories with you along the way. (What could be more rewarding for a parent?)
But what if you could make time in the kitchen even more meaningful? By exploring new flavors and dishes from around the world — like Vietnamese cuisine — your child can experience a fun and hands-on introduction to cultural diversity. And if you have an Au Pair from Vietnam (or another country), they can share authentic recipes, traditions, and personal stories, making every meal a cultural adventure!
With every stir, chop, and taste, your child will gain an appreciation for new traditions, flavors, and the joy of cooking together.
Vietnamese Food: A Delicious Mix of Cultures
Vietnamese cuisine is a perfect blend of flavors, heavily influenced by neighboring countries like China, Cambodia, and Laos — with a unique French twist thanks to colonial rule from 1887 to 1954. You’ll notice ingredients from all of these countries in popular Vietnamese dishes, from soy sauce (China) to fermented fish products (Cambodia) and baguettes (France).
One of the most exciting things about Vietnamese cuisine? How it brings families together! Everyone sits on the floor, gathered around a low table, and waits for delicious, aromatic treats to be served by the host. Each dish is passed around the table, with guests using both hands to transfer it to the next person.
Another interesting fact? In Vietnam, the oldest person is always the first to sit down, and everyone waits for them to start eating before they dig in themselves! (It’s a traditional way of showing respect to elders.) These small cultural traditions are exactly the kind of firsthand experiences an Au Pair can bring into your home, helping your family embrace new customs in a natural and immersive way.
10 Delicious and Easy Vietnamese Meals to Try
Cooking international dishes might seem daunting at first, but don’t worry — Vietnamese cuisine is filled with simple, flavorful meals that anyone can master. With just a few fresh ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you and your child can bring the vibrant tastes of Vietnam to your kitchen.Ready to explore simple Vietnamese dishes that are fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat? Let’s get started!
1. Banh Mi
If you like stuffed-to-the-brim sandwiches, you’ll love banh mi! These super satisfying hand-helds start with a crispy, soft baguette — thanks to French influences in Vietnam — then they’re piled high with fresh local ingredients like savory grilled meat, crispy veggies, and tangy pickled carrots. Want a truly authentic experience? Slather a bit of chili sauce on top for an extra kick. Then prepare for a little mess, but a whole lot of yum!
2. Egg Coffee
Nope, it’s not eggs with coffee — it’s egg coffee! This rich and creamy drink may be unexpected to Americans, but in Vietnam it’s a beloved favorite. It’s made by whipping egg yolks, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk into a creamy froth, then layering it over strong freshly-brewed coffee. The result is a cup of joe that’s velvety smooth — almost like a sweet, airy custard.
3. Bun Cha
Want to try a dish that brings smoky, sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors together in perfect balance? Bun cha is exactly what you’re after. It features caramelized grilled pork, delicate rice noodles, and crisp fresh greens like lettuce, cilantro, and mint — all marinated in a savory-sweet dressing of fish sauce, garlic, sugar, and spices. It’s the kind of dish that begs for a second helping!
4. Hoi An Chicken
Hainanese chicken rice (or hoi an chicken) is a tender, poached chicken dish that’s typically served with fragrant jasmine rice, sauteed with garlic, shallots, and broth. Each plate comes with a tart and salty soy dipping sauce for added flavor in every bite. Want to keep things healthy? You can also add vegetables like cucumber slices or bok choy to balance the meal. Just be sure to savor slowly — it’s too good to rush through.
5. Pho Ga
Love curling up with a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup? Pho ga provides the same comforting experience with a dash of bold Vietnamese flavors! You get tender chicken, velvety rice noodles, and a richly-spiced broth in every soul-soothing bowl. But brace yourself — your taste buds might struggle to keep up with all the exciting spices, like star anise, ginger, and cinnamon!
6. Crispy Pancakes
Pancakes are the perfect family breakfast, whether you live in the U.S. or hundreds of miles away in Vietnam! That’s why you’ll find crispy pancakes on most lists of top classic Vietnamese recipes. But Americans should know this traditional dish isn’t quite the same as the version they enjoy at home. In Vietnam, pancakes are made from rice batter and fried super thin, almost like a French crepe. They also come stuffed with yummy ingredients like shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and mushrooms.
7. Nuoc Cham
Okay, so it’s not really a meal on its own, but this dipping sauce will have you dunking everything in sight. Nuoc cham is made by combining fish sauce, lime or lemon juice, sugar, garlic, and sometimes chili, then mixing generously until all the flavors combine. You end up with a versatile, dazzling sauce that can be paired with spring rolls, drizzled over salads, or added to pho for extra depth of flavor!
8. Com Tam
Next up on our list of easy Vietnamese meals is a popular comfort dish made from broken rice grains, grilled pork, and pickled vegetables. In the past, broken rice grains were more affordable (since farmers would have discarded them) and, therefore, were eaten by lower-income families. That has changed; now, many Vietnamese people prefer them for their soft, fluffy texture. Give them a try and drizzle scallion oil over your com tam for the full, traditional experience.
9. Rice Paper Rolls
Rice paper rolls, or gỏi cuốn, are a fresh and flavorful Vietnamese favorite. Packed with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fragrant herbs like mint and cilantro, they’re wrapped in delicate rice paper and served with a tasty peanut or hoisin dipping sauce. And the best part? You don’t need to be a culinary mastermind to whip them up. They’re super easy to prepare and assemble!
10. Che Chuoi
Craving a sweet treat? This dessert made with ripe bananas, coconut milk, and tapioca pearls is the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth. It’s rich, slightly sweet, and topped with roasted peanuts for added crunch. Easy to make and naturally dairy-free, it’s a fun treat for the whole family to enjoy.
Enjoy Cooking Vietnamese Recipes with an Au Pair
You’ve already discovered some fun and easy Vietnamese meals to enjoy with your little ones, but have you thought about other ways to open their eyes to the world?
Hosting an Au Pair is a wonderful way for your child to experience a second culture up close and in a meaningful way. Whether it’s learning to cook authentic dishes together, hearing about traditions firsthand, or picking up words in a new language, your family can embrace global experiences without ever leaving home. Plus, you’ll benefit from affordable, flexible childcare!
Could an Au Pair be the right fit for your family? Find your perfect Au Pair today.
