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The distinction - Vietnam vegetarian

The distinction - Vietnam vegetarianVietnam is not only a rather peculiar country of North Asia with extremely friendly and helpful people but its vegetarian regional menu is also worth discussing. The majority of Vietnamese population is meat-eaters, however, there are those who prefer vegetarian cuisine and pay much attention to the issue of their nutrition and health. Many meals are prepared and sold in the streets. Therefore, you will probably need some extra guidance to thoroughly study the Vietnamese vegetarian menu.

peaking about vegetarian regional menu, it's important to pay attention to the basic features of vegetarianismand peculiarities of the meals the entire vegetarian used to eat. Since, it's a common knowledge that vegetarianism is referred to the practiceof not eating meat and its many by-products. This means that, vegetarians are the people who exclude from their daily meals beef, poultry and most of dairy products or eggs. However, there are several types of vegetarians and some of them still eat a number of dairyproducts. The majority of vegetarians also don't eat the products derived from animal carcasses including tallow, lard, rennet, gelatin, cochineal, etc. It's interesting to mention the new tendency present invegetarianism of not wearing clothes, shoes or accessories made fromanimals (for example, silk, leather, fur and feather).

The abundance in fresh vegetables and fruit!

Whereasvegetarian cuisine in the West often means a bland plate of grilled vegetables or strange faux meat products, Vietnamese vegetarian fare sticks to familiar flavors and ingredients. Like it is the case with many other South-Asian countries, the Vietnamese vegetarian menu that features fish and meat as seasonings and condiments is something to talkabout. Speaking about the Vietnamese cuisine, it's impossible not to mention about its abundance in fresh vegetables and fruit. However, these vegetables and even various tofu dishes are often made with pork, meat broth or fish. Sometimes, Vietnamese vegetarian regional menu includes all the mentioned three ingredients. Some professionals insphere of vegetarianism consider Vietnamese menu to be among the mostoutstanding and significant cuisines on Earth (along with theAfrican-American vegetarian menu). Many tourists who visit Vietnam oftenstate that food and specific regional menu is as one of the importantreasons to visit the country.

It's impossible to speak about Vietnam and not to tell you some words about the well-known dishes included in the Vietnamese vegetarian menu. Vietnam cuisine is full of such outstanding delicacies as vegetarian version of pho, Vietnamese meat and noodle soup, noodle-rice snacks, vegetable soups,sweet-and-sour cauliflower, stir-fried noodles and vegetables... For those seeking meatless fare for dietary reasons, religious leanings, or just personal preference, there are a handful of well-run and excitingVietnamese vegetarian restaurants in the city worth getting to know. Youwould imagine that, in a society where roughly 85% of the people are practicing Buddhists, vegetarian restaurants could be found on everycorner. Thus, it won't be an exaggeration to say that Vietnam offers awarm welcome to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians nowadays.

A place to enjoy?

When Dang Hong Diem - a fifty-one-year-old retired electrical engineer-decided to open a vegetarian restaurant, she wanted "to create a relaxed atmosphere without the loud music that so many others have now. I alsowanted simple and elegant service." Anyone who has been to Nang Tam, the latest addition to Hanoi's gourmet scene, knows Diem has succeeded. Therestaurant shows off a wide range of Vietnamese dishes while answering the demand for vegetarian food in Hanoi. She settled on a vegetarianrestaurant because her foreign friends said there was not a good one inHanoi. As the menu explains, she then named her establishment Nang Tamafter the Cinderella-like character in a Vietnamese fairytale who winsher prince with her home cooking.

Diem originally spent months touring the country collecting recipes and ideas. The menu includes the regional specialties she tasted as well as ablend of Vietnamese and Western favorites. There are thirty vegetariandishes to choose from and daily specials made with pork, fish or chickenfor meat-eaters.

A warm corner in Nang Tam restaurant

Carrots,tofu and mushrooms are used to replace the meat in dishes like roast duck and beef salad. For a first course, we recommend the creamy potato soup. Popular main courses include snowballs or tuyet hoa, adeep-fried combination of grated potatoes, chopped mushrooms andcroutons. Also popular are the spring rolls, a vegetarian version of thetraditional nem. The breaded chicken croquettes or ga tam bot ran are actually cauliflower bouquets dipped in a batter and deep fried. The stuffed cabbages or bap cai nhoi are another favorite. You can finish your meal with a fruit tart and a cup of coffee.

In addition to the food, clients are impressed with the helpful service and hospitable attitude. Classical music and a working fireplace add to the ambiance as ambassadors and students mix with Vietnamese businesspeople. "It's one of those hidden treasures," says American tourist Nancy Howe. "The portions are just right and the prices are reasonable."

Nang Tam is not easy to find, though it is definitely worth the trouble. Just down the street from the Cambodian Embassy, a sidewalk sign advertises Com Cay Nang Tam or Vegetarian Restaurant. Located at 79 Tran Hung Dao, Nang Tam is set off the street behind a yellow French colonial building that is now home to the Financial Times. The restaurant's ten small tables are usually full so reservations are required, especially for dinner.

Even you are not a vegetarian; please do not hesitate to try this kind of food in our country because it will give you the unique taste with the frequent ingredients! That is “same, same but difference!”

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