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), making for a balanced and nutritious meal.

In the North, the food is known for its subtlety and delicate flavors, in contrast to the spicier dishes of the Central and Southern regions. This is largely due to the colder climate, which influences both the available ingredients and the culinary preferences of the locals. Lighter, more subtle flavors are preferred, and the use of chili is limited. This natural, less-spicy approach to cooking has often been considered healthier, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

A Tribute to My Mother

My mother was the eldest daughter among her seven siblings. When she was just 12 years old, her father, my grandfather, tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident, leaving her mother, my grandmother, a widow with 8 children to care for. Faced with this immense responsibility, my mother had to quit school and step up to help manage the household.

Despite her young age, my mother quickly learned to navigate the food markets, negotiate prices, and bargain for the best deals. She turned discarded clothes and fabrics into fashionable items to sell, using the money earned to buy produce and meat for the family. She even survived a dangerous encounter with a rattlesnake in the jungle, defending herself with a log stick and killing the snake to protect herself.

My mother's beauty and wittiness turned heads wherever she went, but it was her strength and intelligence that truly defined her. She was never one to be manipulated or bullied, and the only man who ever captured her heart was my father, a humble man who knew how to balance life and prioritize what was important.

Together, they built a life and a family, and eventually, our family-owned restaurant, Pho Quang Trung. My mother brought her traditional Northern Vietnamese family-style meals to the restaurant, while my father contributed his passion for cooking pho, one of our main dishes. Their combined efforts have made the restaurant what it is today.

Experience 'Cơm Bắc Gia Đình' at Pho Quang Trung

At Pho Quang Trung, we are proud to share the traditional Northern Vietnamese family-style meal with our community and visitors from other countries. Our menu features a variety of dishes, including Rau Muống Xào Tỏi, Thịt Đông, Canh Chua Cá Thì Là, Dưa Chua, and Cá Kho, all crafted with love and care by my mother and our dedicated kitchen staff.

When you dine with us, you are not just enjoying a meal; you are experiencing a part of our family's history and the rich culinary tradition of Northern Vietnam. We invite you to visit our website, Pho Quang Trung, to explore our menu and learn more about our story.

We look forward to welcoming you to our table and sharing the warmth of 'Cơm Bắc Gia Đình' with you.