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In Vietnamese culture, the act of sharing meals with family is considered to be an important aspect of maintaining strong family ties. Family meals are viewed as a time to not only nourish the body, but also to nourish the soul.

The significance of family meals

This tradition (traditional family meals) has its roots in Confucianism, which places great emphasis on the importance of family and social harmony. In Confucian thought, the family is seen as the fundamental unit of society, and it is believed that strong family relationships are essential for the well-being of society as a whole.

Family meals are a way to strengthen these relationships and reinforce the importance of family ties. They provide an opportunity for family members to come together, share their thoughts and feelings, and connect on a deeper level. As a result, grandparents and parents teach a lot about life and etiquette through meals. Many persons towards the end of their lives remember the teachings and entrusting of family members over meals. This is a truly unique culture.

In addition, family meals are also a way to pass down traditions and cultural values from one generation to the next. Through the act of cooking and sharing meals, younger generations can learn about their family’s history and cultural heritage.

Differences in the culinary culture of the North, Central and South regions of Vietnam

When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, each region has its own distinct flavors and ingredients. 

Northern flavor in family meals

In northern Vietnam, a colder climate limits the production and availability of spices. As a result, the foods there are often less spicy than those in other regions. There is less sugar and a whole lot fewer chillies in northern Vietnamese fare. Because of the north’s cooler climate, herbs and spices are not used as frequently as in the cookery of southern Vietnam. Black pepper is used in place of chilis as the most popular ingredient to produce spicy flavors. In general, northern Vietnamese cuisine is not bold in any particular taste — sweet, salty, spicy, bitter, or sour. Most northern Vietnamese foods feature light and balanced flavors that result from subtle combinations of many different flavoring ingredients.

Central cuisine

In contrast to the northerners, the central inhabitants are harsh but forthright and straightforward due to the tough weather. Thus, central food is distinguished by its boldness and allure, which distinguishes it from the austerity and complexity of northern cuisine.

Central Vietnam also has the most sophisticated and tasty food in the country. The food is spicier, with less Chinese influence than in the north, but it still retains some of the French flavors and methods significant in the country’s south.

Southern flavor

Southern Vietnam’s warm weather and good soil make it perfect for cultivating a broad variety of fruits, vegetables, and cattle. As a result, southern Vietnamese cuisine is frequently colorful and aromatic, with extensive use of garlic, shallots, and fresh herbs. Sugar is used to cuisine more frequently in this region, which enjoys the sweetness and friendliness of Southerners. The widespread usage of coconut milk in southern Vietnamese recipes demonstrates a penchant for sweetness.

Overall, the culture of eating together in Vietnamese families is a reflection of the importance of family and community in Vietnamese culture. And also each of region  still has some common features, reflecting the personality and culture of the Vietnamese people: warm, charming and sophisticated.

Coming to Gia Restaurant, you can immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Vietnamese cultural cuisine, where every dish tells a story of tradition, flavor, and the artistry of our skilled chefs. At Gia, we invite you to savor the authentic flavors and embrace the cultural cuisine woven into every delightful bite.