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    Home » Cooking Basics

    The Ultimate Vietnamese Herb and Vegetable Guide

    Last Updated Date: May 2, 2021 by Lane Souvannalith

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    Table of Contents

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    • Learn the various types of Vietnamese herbs that are used in cooking your favorite dishes. I share with you a specific list of common Vietnamese fresh herbs and vegetables that are used while also sharing some of my favorite recipes to use them in.
    • Ultimate Guide to Common Herbs and Vegetables Used in Vietnamese Cooking
    • Bitter Herb - Rau Đắng
    • Chinese Chives (also known as Garlic Chives) - Hẹ
    • Chrysanthemum - Tần Ô
    • Cilantro - Ngò Mùi, Ngò, or Rau Mùi
    • Culantro - Ngò Gai
    • Fish Mint (also known as Heart Leaf)- Diếp Cá
    • Mustard Leaf (also known as Mustard Greens) - Cải Xanh (also known as Cải Bẹ Xanh)
    • Pennywort - Rau Má
    • Pepper Elder - Càng Cua
    • Piper Lolot - Lá Lốt
    • Rice Paddy (also known as sweet cumin) - Ngò ôm
    • Spearmint - Húng Lủi
    • Peppermint - Húng Cây
    • Sorrel - Rau Chua
    • Thai Basil - Húng Quế
    • Vietnamese Coriander (also known as Vietnamese Mint and Hot Mint) - Rau Răm
    • Vietnamese Balm (also known as Lemon Balm) - Kinh Giới
    • Vietnamese Lettuce
    • Vietnamese Perilla - Tía Tô
    • Water Spinach (also known as Morning Glory) - Rau Muống
    • Watercress - Xà Lách Son
    • Summary of Common Vietnamese Plants, Herbs, and Vegetables Used
    • Other Southeast Asian Ingredient Posts You Might Like

    Learn the various types of Vietnamese herbs that are used in cooking your favorite dishes. I share with you a specific list of common Vietnamese fresh herbs and vegetables that are used while also sharing some of my favorite recipes to use them in.

    If you ever venture into a Vietnamese restaurant and order dishes that come accompanies with lush green herbs, vegetables, and spices, you might be wondering what these plants are. My goal with this post is to share with you some of my favorite Vietnamese herbs and vegetables so that you may cook them directly at home.

    This page will be added over time as I continue to bring you some of my favorite Vietnamese recipes and discover some of the herbs and veggies I need to add right on this page. I'll try to provide a picture of each of the herbs, what the plants taste like, and also how each of the herbs are referred to in both English and Vietnamese.

    Ultimate Guide to Common Herbs and Vegetables Used in Vietnamese Cooking

    When you eat a Vietnamese noodle soup like Bun Bo Hue, Pho, and Banh Canh, you'll be provided an accompaniment of fresh leaves and herbs full of green and even purple.

    If you want to learn all about these herbaceous leafy greens and exactly what they are, find out below.

    Bitter Herb - Rau Đắng

    What Bitter Herb Looks Like

    Bitter herb is smaller in size, but looks similar to the rice paddy herb with smoother edges and stems rather than serrated sharp ones. 

    What Bitter Herb Tastes Like

    Bitter herb taste very bitter and is used inside hot soups to bring another dimension to the dish. It's normally not eaten in raw form. Generally, the leaves are only used in soups.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Bitter Herb

    Bitter Herb is used in Vietnamese hot soups.

    Chinese Chives (also known as Garlic Chives) - Hẹ

    vietnamese-chinese-chives

    What Chinese Chives Looks Like

    Chinese Chives look very similar to green onion, but they are tougher tubular stems that are longer,  and more slender.

    What Chinese Chives Tastes Like

    They have a similar flavor to green onion with a garlic flavor that also has a mild, fresh, grassy taste.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Chinese Chives

    Vietnamese cuisines that use chive include pho and spring rolls.

    Chrysanthemum - Tần Ô

    chrysanthenum leaves

    What Chrysanthemum Looks Like

    Chrysanthemum has a thick stalk and branches out with both toothed and rounded edges.

    What Chrysanthemum Tastes Like

    Chrysanthemum has a strong, butter flavor.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Chrysanthemum

    In Vietnamese cuisines, Chrysanthemum is often provided as an accompaniment to hot soups.

    Cilantro - Ngò Mùi, Ngò, or Rau Mùi

    cilantro

    Cilantro is referred to by many names in both English and Vietnamese. It's often referred just cilantro, Chinese cilantro, Chinese parsley, Chinese Coriander, and sometimes called Vietnamese cilantro.

    What Cilantro Looks Like

    Vietnamese cilantro is has a bright green steams and leaves, resembling flat leaf parsley.

    What Cilantro Tastes Like

    Cilantro has a citrusy, deep, strong flavor. It's often used as a topping or cooked down to diminish the strength of the flavor.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Cilantro

    Vietnamese cuisines that use cilantro include Banh Mi, Pho, Bun Bo Hue, and Banh Canh.

    Culantro - Ngò Gai

    Culantro, often referred to in English as the sawtooth herb, is similar to a coriander herb, but is definitely a unique herb with a distinct flavor.

    vietnamese culantro herb

    What Culantro Looks Like

    Culantro has a serrated leaf that has an appearance of a saw blade.

    What Culantro Tastes Like

    Culantro has a stronger flavor than cilantro and coriander.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Culantro

    Vietnamese cuisines that use culantro include Vietnamese pho where it's served as an accompaniment to the dish.

    Fish Mint (also known as Heart Leaf)- Diếp Cá

    Fish mint has a unique smell and taste that will be memorable if you encounter this dish.

    fish mint vietnamese herb

    What Fish Mint Looks Like

    Fish mint has a shiny, heart shaped leaf.

    What Fish Mint Tastes Like

    Fish mint has a sour taste and has a fishy after taste. It does have a slight fish smell.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Fish Mint

    Fish mint is often served along side dishes like Banh Khot and Banh Xeo. it is also served often with grilled meats and in fish soups.

    Mustard Leaf (also known as Mustard Greens) - Cải Xanh (also known as Cải Bẹ Xanh)

    vietnamese herbs - mustard leaf

    What Mustard Leaf Looks Like

    Mustard leaf has really sharp serrated edges with a flat, round leaf.

    What Mustard Leaf Tastes Like

    It has a peppery, sharp taste that is similar to radish.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Mustard Leaf

    Mustard leaf is often used in dishes like Banh Xeo as added layers of wrapping to the dish.

    Pennywort - Rau Má

    vietnamese herb - pennywort

    What Pennywort Looks Like

    Pennywort has small, round leaves that look similar to clovers. The leaves have small ripples.

    What Pennywort Tastes Like

    Pennywort has a flavor reminiscent of cucumber and grass.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Pennywort

    Pennywort is often used in Vietnamese cuisines like fresh spring rolls and pennywort juice.

    Pepper Elder - Càng Cua

    pepper-elder-vietnamese-herb

    What Pepper Elder Looks Like

    Pepper Elder has a green, glossy, broad leaf that is heart shaped with opaque stalks.

    What Pepper Elder Tastes Like

    It has a slightly sweet and bitter taste.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Pepper Elder

    Pepper Elder is used fresh as well as in beef dishes cooked.

    Piper Lolot - Lá Lốt

    What Piper Lolot Looks Like

    It has a teardrop shaped leaf that is dark green. It's often confused with a similar leaf called Betel.

    What Piper Lolot Tastes Like

    Piper Lolot has a bitter, peppery taste.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Piper Lolot

    Grilled beef often uses Piper Lolot as a wrap.

    Rice Paddy (also known as sweet cumin) - Ngò ôm

    This herb is often referred to as sweet cumin.

    vietnamese herb - rice paddy

    What Rice Paddy Looks Like

    Rice paddy has a hollow stem that has small hairs on it with serrated leaves.

    What Rice Paddy Tastes Like

    Rice Paddy has a taste mixture of cumin, dill, and lemon.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Rice Paddy

    Dishes that rice paddy is served with include Vietnamese pho.

    Spearmint - Húng Lủi

    vietnamese herb - spearmint

    What Spearmint Looks Like

    Spearmint has green dark leaves with an oval shape and serrated edges.

    What Spearmint Tastes Like

    Compared to peppermint, Spearmint has a more more subtle flavor than spearmint.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Spearmint

    Vietnamese cuisines that use spearmint include Goi Cuon.

    Peppermint - Húng Cây

    peppermint-vietnamese-herb

    What Peppermint Looks Like

    Peppermint has bright green leaves that are pointy, with slightly serrated edges. 

    What Peppermint Tastes Like

    Peppermint has a mint flavor that is spicy with a bit of heat. 

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Peppermint

    Vietnamese cuisines that use peppermint are often pork and shrimp dishes like Vietnamese spring rolls.

    Sorrel - Rau Chua

    sorel herb - vietnamese herb

    What Sorrel Looks Like

    Sorrel has wavy, arrow-shaped leaves.

    What Sorrel Tastes Like

    Sorrel has a kiwi-like taste with subtle sour notes.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Sorrel

    Sorrel in Vietnamese dishes is often eaten with Banh Xeo and spring rolls.

    Thai Basil - Húng Quế

    This is one of the most popular herbs in Vietnam for accompanying with soups.

    thai basil for asian food

    What Thai Basil Looks Like

    Thai Basil is serrated and pointy with a purple stem with purple white flowers.

    What Thai Basil Tastes Like

    Thai Basil has a taste similar to licorice and anise, and is different than that of sweet Italian basil.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Thai Basil

    Thai basil is used in dishes like Banh Xeo and Vietnamese pho.

    Vietnamese Coriander (also known as Vietnamese Mint and Hot Mint) - Rau Răm

    While the names may be confusing between Vietnamese Coriander and Vietnamese cilantro, they look completely different.

    vietnamese-coriander-hot-mint

    What Vietnamese Coriander, Vietnamese Mint, and Hot Mint Looks Like

    Vietnamese coriander as smooth edges with point leaves.

    What Vietnamese Coriander, Vietnamese Mint, and Hot Mint Tastes Like

    Vietnamese coriander has a mint taste with a bit of heat and a mix of citrus.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Vietnamese Coriander, Vietnamese Mint, and Hot Mint

    Vietnamese cuisines that Vietnamese Rau Răm is used in includes seafood dishes like Banh Canh Tom Cua and Bun Rieu.

    Vietnamese Balm (also known as Lemon Balm) - Kinh Giới

    vietnamese-herb---lemon-balm

    What Vietnamese Balm Looks Like

    Vietnamese balm looks similar to mint leaves, but are larger in size. The serrated edges are rounded as opposed to having a pointy edge like culantro.

    What Vietnamese Balm Tastes Like

    Vietnamese balm has a slight citrus flavor.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Vietnamese Balm

    Vietnamese cuisines that use Vietnamese Balm include Vietnamese spring rolls.

    Vietnamese Lettuce

    vietnamese herb - asian lettuce buttercrunch

    What Vietnamese Lettuce Looks Like

    Vietnamese lettuce looks similar to butterhead lettuce.

    What Vietnamese Lettuce Tastes Like

    Vietnamese lettuce taste similar to butterhead lettuce, with a sweet buttery taste.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Vietnamese Lettuce

    Vietnamese dishes that use Vietnamese lettuce often use it to wrap ingredients up, including Banh Xeo.

    Vietnamese Perilla - Tía Tô

    This herb has a very distinct and unique taste that is very specific to Vietnamese dishes.

    perilla-vietnamese-herb

    What Vietnamese Perilla Looks Like

    Vietnamese perilla has large, wide leaves with a velvety texture. The green and purple leaves have serrated edges.

    What Vietnamese Perilla Tastes Like

    Vietnamese Perilla has an earthy, yet subtle taste.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Vietnamese Perilla

    Vietnamese perilla is often paired as an accompaniment to Banh Xeo, Banh Khot, and Vietnamese spring rolls.

    Water Spinach (also known as Morning Glory) - Rau Muống

    What Water Spinach Looks Like

    Water spinach has an arrow-shaped leaf with thin, hallow shoots.

    What Water Spinach Tastes Like

    Water spinach doesn't have strong flavor, but provides dishes with a crunchy texture.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Water Spinach

    Water spinach is commonly found shredded and added on top of Bun Rieu and Bun Bo Hue.

    Watercress - Xà Lách Son

    watercress-vietnamese-herb

    What Watercress Looks Like

    Watercress has a green leaf that is wavy and shiny with a thick stem.

    What Watercress Tastes Like

    Water cress has a peppery flavor.

    Vietnamese Dishes That Use Watercress

    Vietnamese dishes can be found alongside herb plates that go with Pho and Bun Bo Hue.

    Summary of Common Vietnamese Plants, Herbs, and Vegetables Used

    This article provides a good starting list of some of the most common ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking. I hope this provides you some insight on some of the most delicious herbs out there for pairing with your recipes whether you are just starting out with Vietnamese cooking or just wanting to become a more adventurous consumer of delicious food, understanding the variety of herbs that are used in these dishes can be a great start!

    Other Southeast Asian Ingredient Posts You Might Like

    • Vietnamese Pho Garnish Plate Explained
    • Guide to Laos Herbs and Vegetables
    • How to Sprout Mung Beans
    • How to Use Galangal in Asian Cooking
    • How to Navigate an Asian Grocery Store the First Time

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    Meet Lane

    lane souvannalith
    Hi, I'm Lane! I love sharing my love of authentic Vietnamese, Lao, and Thai food! I moved into the states in the 1980s. During my life change, I brought along with my delicious recipes from Vietnam (my descent), Laos (where I was born), and Thailand (where I was a refugee during the war). I'm passionate about showing how anyone can make these delicious cuisines and how you can make it right at home! Learn more ...

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