Vietnam Family Holidays: The Best Christmas Foods To Enjoy!

During Vietnam family holidays, locals celebrate with a unique blend of traditional dishes and special treats that bring loved ones together. From hearty meals with flavorful meats and fresh vegetables to sweet, festive desserts, the holiday season in Vietnam is all about savoring time and food with family. Join us as we explore the must-try dishes that make Christmas in Vietnam a truly special experience!

Vietnamese Christmas Food

Roasted Turkey

In Vietnam, traditional Christmas turkey isn’t a staple—turkey is not widely raised or available. Instead, locals often enjoy smaller roasted or grilled chicken, which fits Vietnamese cooking styles and flavors better. For a festive meal with a Vietnamese twist, you could try roasted chicken marinated in Vietnamese spices.

Duck or roast pork are also popular choices, often served for their hearty, celebratory feel. Both options fit seamlessly with traditional side dishes, like sticky rice or fresh vegetable platters, creating a balance of rich and light flavors. While you may find turkey in some international or hotel restaurants catering to Western tastes, going local is a great way to immerse yourself fully in the Vietnamese holiday spirit fully.

Christmas Pudding

While Christmas pudding is a cherished holiday tradition in many Western countries, it doesn’t have a prominent place here. However, you can still find various delightful options at local bakeries. So, if you’re in Vietnam for the holidays, it might be best to skip the Christmas pudding and explore traditional Vietnamese desserts instead. Not only will you enjoy something new, but you’ll also get a true taste of the festive flavors enjoyed on Vietnam family holidays.

For a touch of European influence, flan cake (Vietnamese crème caramel) provides a smooth, caramel-rich dessert often paired with a splash of black coffee, adding a special twist that makes it suitable for a Christmas treat. For a lighter, refreshing option, a tropical fruit platter featuring dragon fruit, mango, lychee, and papaya offers natural sweetness and vibrant colors—a great choice for those warm gatherings in Vietnam.

Candy Cane

In Vietnam, candy canes are in various shops and markets across the country. Although they may not be as deeply rooted in local traditions, these festive confections are recognized as a popular Christmas treat, symbolizing this special season with their bright red and white stripes and refreshing peppermint flavor.

Whether you’re hanging them on your tree, using them as a festive stirrer for hot cocoa, or simply enjoying them on their own, candy canes add a touch of cheer to the holiday celebrations. They serve as a reminder of the joy and warmth that the season brings, even in a country where the traditions might differ. Instead of candy canes, consider trying local coconut candy, candied fruits (jam), or syrup candy, which offers a unique taste of the country. These treats can add a delightful twist to your festive celebrations while still embracing the joyful atmosphere of Christmas.

Christmas Sugar Cookies

Having Christmas sugar cookies during this season brings a delightful blend of nostalgia, creativity, and enjoyment because of their vibrant colors and festive designs. Sugar cookies are customizable, allowing you to incorporate local flavors like coconut or pandan for a unique twist. They are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or coworkers, making them a wonderful way to spread holiday goodwill.

SFor a truly unique experience on your Vietnam family holidays, consider using local ingredients. You could incorporate flavors like coconut or pandan to give them a Vietnamese twist. Decorating them with traditional motifs or even local designs can also create a fun fusion of cultures.

Vietnamese Noodle Soups

Enjoying Vietnamese noodle soups during Christmas can be a fun and delicious way to celebrate the season while embracing the local flavors. Noodle soups like “pho” and “bun” are not only popular staples in Vietnam but also offer a warm and comforting option that beautifully contrasts with traditional Western dishes.

During the festive season, many families in Vietnam love gathering around a big pot of noodle soup, making it a perfect meal for holiday celebrations. Imagine slurping up a bowl of pho filled with aromatic broth, tender beef, or chicken and topped with fresh herbs—it’s a delightful twist on the usual holiday fare!

Incorporating these tasty soups into your holiday festivities is a great way to share a joyful meal with loved ones, capturing the spirit of togetherness that defines the season.

Vietnamese Cakes

Why don’t you try to celebrate the holiday by enjoying more local treats, especially in a country rich with unique street food? One popular option is “banh chuoi nuong,” a Vietnamese banana cake made with ripe bananas, coconut milk, and sticky rice. With its soft, pudding-like texture and light sweetness, this cake is perfect for a gathering.

If you’re after something visually striking, “banh da lon,” a layered steamed cake made with rice flour, mung bean, and pandan, is as festive as it is tasty. Its bright green and yellow layers make it a colorful centerpiece on any holiday table.
And for something truly unique, “banh pia,” a flaky pastry filled with durian, mung bean, or taro, brings a creamy, exotic flavor to the menu.

Che (Sweet Soup)

While it might not be a traditional Christmas dessert, che offers a refreshing alternative that showcases the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. With its variety of ingredients and flavors, che can cater to different tastes and preferences, making it a wonderful addition to your menu. From che bap (sweet corn pudding) to che chuoi (banana and tapioca pudding), each type is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with colorful layers and textures that can brighten up your festive spread.

Sharing a bowl of chè with family and friends is a heartwarming experience, highlighting the importance of togetherness during this joyful season. You can serve it warm or chilled, depending on your preference and the weather, which makes it a versatile treat for Christmas.

Summary

In conclusion, embracing Vietnamese Christmas food during your Vietnam family holidays is a wonderful way to celebrate the season with local flavors and traditions. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones or exploring street food, the festive spirit is sure to come alive in every bite. So, as you embark on your holiday adventure, make sure to savor the delicious offerings that Vietnam has to share—creating lasting memories filled with warmth, joy, and flavor!

Vietnam Fast Tours

“Spare your time, Florish your travel”, Vietnam Fast Tours provide fully private personalized holiday packages at highgest quality services. As a local tour operator based in Vietnam, the company offers wide range of travel styles from family hoildays, adventure tours, beach vacation, honeymoon tours to luxury spa & wellness holiday to Southeast Asia. With Vietnam Fast Tours, the clients will experience Southeast Asia in their own way.