A Taste of Home: The Essence of Northern Vietnamese Family Meals
In every Vietnamese home, the kitchen is the heart of the house, and this is especially true in the North. In a region where large families - sometimes up to 7 to 12 children - are the norm, mealtime is a cherished tradition and an opportunity for family bonding. This is the story of my mother, a resilient and innovative woman, and the traditional Northern Vietnamese family-style meal, 'Cơm Bắc Gia Đình', that she brought to our family restaurant, Pho Quang Trung. The Tradition of 'Cơm Bắc Gia Đình' In Northern Vietnam, a typical family meal ('Cơm Gia Đình') consists of a variety of dishes shared by all family members. Rice, the staple food, is accompanied by a range of dishes such as Rau Muống Xào Tỏi (Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Garlic), Thịt Đông (Frozen Meat Jelly), Cá Kho (Braised Fish), Măng Kho Thịt (Bamboo Shoots with Pork), and Dưa Chua (Pickled Mustard Greens). These dishes are served with a soup like Canh Chua Cá Thì Là (Sour Fish Soup with Dill),...