Two Vietnamese dishes listed among world’s 100 best rated appetizers

Sugar cane shrimp (Chạo tôm) ranks 27th among 100 best rated appetizers in the world. (Photo courtesy of TasteAtlas)

Sugar cane shrimp (Chạo tôm), a delicacy which originates from the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, was in 27th position on the global list.

This traditional Vietnamese snack consists of shrimp paste which is then wrapped around a sugar cane. The paste is often enriched with items such as garlic, spices, and occasionally pork paste before it is then shaped around the cane and steamed, grilled, or fried, wrote TasteAtlas.

Although it was once reserved for only special occasions, nowadays this delicious combination is commonly enjoyed as an appetizer or a light snack. The dish can be enjoyed as a whole, although the shrimp can also be taken off the cane, wrapped in lettuce, and then dipped in nước chấm sauce, the website noted.

Apart from the dipping sauce, chạo tôm is often accompanied by freshly sliced vegetables and bánh hỏi rice noodles, it added.

TasteAtlas also placed Vietnamese fried spring rolls (Chả giò) in 72nd position among the world’s 100 best rated appetizers. The main characteristic of these tasty rolls is the pork and shrimp filling, which is wrapped in delicate rice paper.

Frequent additions to the stuffing include vegetables such as carrots and cabbage, or alternatively mushrooms, glass noodles, and bean sprouts. The rolls are shortly fried and result in a treat with an appetizing golden colour, a thin, crispy, and light outer layer, as well as a delectable filling, TasteAtlas shared.

The website recommended that they are usually served as an appetizer, but can also constitute a satisfying main meal.

Established in 2015, TasteAtlas connects with 9,000 local restaurants, introducing more than 10,000 dishes, thousands of reviews, and research carried out by an array of culinary experts and chefs.