Shrimp paste (Mam tom): A popular fermented condiment in Vietnam cuisine

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Vietnamese fermented shrimp paste is the traditional dipping sauce for numerous dishes (Source: Collected)

During your Vietnam travel, besides visiting famous tourist attractions, enjoying Vietnamese traditional dishes served with shrimp paste (mam tom) should be one of the top activities on your bucket list. Read on to discover some interesting facts about this essential spice and some must-try dishes with it.

1. What is shrimp paste?

Shrimp paste (mam tom) is a strong-smelling fermented condiment popularly used in Vietnamese food in particular and Southeast Asian cuisine in general. There are two types of shrimp paste, one is extremely dry and firm while the other is moist and saucy. The former can be used to marinate food while the latter can be used as dipping sauce.

Shrimp paste is frequently made by fermenting sea shrimps with salt to achieve the desired flavour and colour. The dark purple colour and salty flavour are characteristics of a delectable shrimp paste.

Fresh and small shrimps are used to make Vietnamese shrimp paste (Source: Collected)

2. What does shrimp paste taste like?

The general flavour of Vietnamese shrimp paste is salty and savory. The particular taste of shrimp paste can vary, depending on the preparation method and the type of shrimp used. Its flavour is very strong, which can be said to be on par with the smell of durian.

Shrimp paste spread in baskets to dry under the sun

3. How to use shrimp paste: TOP 3 dishes that go with it

Vietnamese fermented shrimp paste is widely considered as one of the typical condiments of Vietnamese culinary art, since it is the soul of several traditional dishes of the country.

3.1. Rice vermicelli with fried tofu (Bun dau)

Rice vermicelli with fried tofu is one of the most well-known dishes in  Vietnamese cuisine in general and Hanoi cuisine in particular. As the name suggests, this dish consists of vermicelli, deep-fried tofu, and fermented shrimp paste. Many types of toppings are available to be enjoyed, including boiled pig’s leg, pork belly, pig offal, green rice pork nuggets, and fried spring rolls. The side dish of this special food consists of fresh herbs and vegetables such as fish mint, perilla leaf, and cucumber.

Rice vermicelli with fried tofu dipped in shrimp paste is a highlight of Vietnamese cuisine (Source: Collected)

The dipping sauce, mam tom or shrimp paste, is the feature of this dish. It has a distinct pungent scent that goes extremely well with all the toppings. The shrimp paste is often mixed with vinegar and sugar. You can add a few drops of boiling oil and some chilli slices into the bowl of shrimp paste dipping sauce.

3.2. Rice vermicelli with crab (Bun rieu cua)

Rice vermicelli with crab is widely regarded as one of Vietnam’s most popular dishes. Bun rieu cua is typically served with a tomato-based broth made from minced freshwater crabs found in Vietnamese rice paddy fields. Other toppings are fried tofu, pig blood pudding, meatballs, sausages, ground meat wrapped with betel leaves, and some fresh herbs and vegetables such as shredded banana flower, spearmint, perilla, and bean sprouts. The dish is subtly seasoned with the traditional shrimp paste, which makes this bun rieu cua an excellent dish.

Rice vermicelli with crab is a popular dish of Vietnamese people (Source: Collected)

3.3. Chicken rice vermicelli (Bun thang)

Bun thang is a traditional and elegant chicken noodle soup of Hanoi cuisine. This dish stands out for having all the toppings cut into lovely thin strands. It is estimated that a bowl of authentic bun thang consists of approximately 20 ingredients, including vermicelli, chicken bones, shrimp broth, salted dried shrimp floss, shredded chicken, Vietnamese ham, pickled beets, sliced fried eggs, shiitake mushrooms, etc. This dish tastes best with fermented shrimp sauce and a few drops of belostomatid essence. The flavour of the hot broth is enhanced by the special taste of shrimp paste.

Hanoi chicken rice vermicelli – a traditional dish in Tet holiday (Source: Collected)

If you want to enjoy these flavourful dishes during your trip in Vietnam, there are numerous restaurants in Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc offering them. In addition to exploring Vietnamese cuisine, there are many tourist attractions in Vietnam that you should take your time to visit.

• In Hanoi, it is recommended that you visit VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, both located in Vincom Mega Mall Times City. At Vinpearl Aquarium, you can immerse in a colourful world of the mysterious ocean. This place has set numerous records and is now home to almost 30,000 sea creatures. Meanwhile, VinKE is an ideal place for children to try their dream jobs while having fun with their parents.

VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, a complex for both entertainment and education

• During your trip in Hoi An, it is worth visiting VinWonders Nam Hoi An. This amusement park is about 17 kilometres away from the centre of the ancient town. It offers various kinds of entertainment in its 5 subdivisions, namely Adventure Land, Harbour Corner, Island of Folk Culture, Water World, and River Safari. This place will promisingly bring you and your beloved many interesting experiences in your Hoi An tour.

Tourists playing at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

• In Nha Trang, you should take your time to visit VinWonders Nha Trang. This fantastic amusement park will bring you thousands of exciting experiences with its 6 subdivisions and more than 100 entertainment activities suitable for visitors of all ages, including: Adventure Land, Water World, King’s Garden, Sea World, World Garden, and Fairy Land.

Tourists experiencing the longest zipline in Vietnam

• While you are in Phu Quoc, it would be a big waste if you don’t visit VinWonders Phu Quoc, the largest theme park in Vietnam and a leading one in Asia. It has 6 subdivisions, namely European Avenue, Fantasy World, Mysterious Viking Village, Typhoon World, The Sea Shell, and Adventure World, with lots of both indoor and outdoor activities.

A family exploring the marine life at The Sea Shell

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to optimize your schedule and budget when travelling to Vietnam!

Vietnamese shrimp paste (mam tom) is one of the typical condiments that you can easily find in numerous dishes in Vietnam. When you get used to the pungent and strong taste of shrimp paste, you will know why it is preferred by numerous Vietnamese people. Don’t forget to enjoy the above-mentioned dishes with shrimp paste during your vacation in Vietnam.

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