{"id":19178,"date":"2026-04-24T22:44:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T15:44:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/55241.phuha.vinawebsite.vn\/blog\/main-principles-of-vietnamese-food-you-should-know.html"},"modified":"2026-04-29T08:51:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T01:51:50","slug":"main-principles-of-vietnamese-food-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/55241.phuha.vinawebsite.vn\/en\/blog\/main-principles-of-vietnamese-food-you-should-know","title":{"rendered":"Main Principles of Vietnamese Food You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n
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Vietnamese cuisine is beloved around the world for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and artful balance. But behind every steaming bowl of ph\u1edf or crisp bite of b\u00e1nh x\u00e8o, there are deeper cultural principles that define the heart of Vietnamese food philosophy.<\/div>\n
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In this guide, we explore the main principles of Vietnamese food \u2014 from balance and freshness to cultural respect \u2014 that make this cuisine so unique, healthy, and meaningful. Hope this article helps to make your Vietnam Tour memorable.<\/div>\n
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1. Philosophy core values of Yin-Yang and Five Elements in Vietnamese Dining Table<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
Vietnamese dishes are always a combination of ingredients with \u201c\u00c2m\u201d (cooling, cold) and \u201cD\u01b0\u01a1ng\u201d (hot, warm) properties to create balance for health. The five flavors (salty, sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter) and five colors are often present on the dining table to satisfy the overall harmony and stimulate all five senses.<\/div>\n
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The flavors of the food are not too spicy, too sweet, or too rich. The meal is a combination of many nutrients, vegetables, meat, fish, natural spices, and little animal fat. The food must be delicious, healthy, and balanced in presentation, making it appealing.<\/div>\n
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The balance between Yin and Yang<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
What is Yin and Yang?<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
“\u00c2m” and “D\u01b0\u01a1ng,” or “Yin” and “Yang,” are two ancient philosophical concepts that refer to two original opposing entities that create the entire universe and reflect the constant movement and transformation of all things and phenomena in nature and society.<\/div>\n
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The Thermal Nature of Food<\/strong><\/span>
In Vietnam, food is also classified based on its thermal nature: is it “cooling” (\u00e2m) or “warming” (d\u01b0\u01a1ng)? This concept, borrowed from Yin-Yang theory, guides how ingredients are combined for balance and well-being.<\/p>\n