A complete guide to the traditional Vietnamese wedding menu

by Bliss Hoi An April 3, 2025 69

The traditional Vietnamese wedding menu is a harmonious blend of flavors, representing the country’s diverse culinary heritage. Let Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness help you to explore the must-have dishes for the special day of Vietnamese weddings!

Significance of the traditional Vietnamese wedding menu

In Vietnamese weddings, the feast is one of the most important parts of the celebration, reflecting both hospitality and cultural values. Each dish is carefully selected not only for its delicious flavors but also for its symbolic meaning, representing wishes for happiness, prosperity, and longevity. A well-prepared wedding menu ensures that guests feel welcomed and that the newlyweds receive blessings for a harmonious future.

In a traditional Vietnamese wedding banquet, although the menu includes appetizers, main dishes, and desserts, the food is not served in separate courses like in Western dining. Instead, all dishes are presented at the same time, allowing guests to freely choose and enjoy their meal as they wish.

While the specific menu varies by region, some essential dishes are found in almost every wedding banquet, such as steamed chicken with lime leaves, sticky rice, fried spring rolls, and savory meat or seafood dishes.

Must-have dishes in a traditional Vietnamese wedding menu

While the specific menu may vary by region, certain dishes remain essential in almost every wedding, reflecting the deep-rooted customs of Vietnamese cuisine. Below are some of the most important and meaningful dishes found in a traditional Vietnamese wedding banquet:

Boiled chicken with lime leaves (ga luoc la chanh)

Boiled chicken with lime leaves is one of the most traditional and symbolic dishes in a Vietnamese wedding banquet. The chicken is carefully selected and boiled until it reaches a beautiful golden-yellow color, then sliced into bite-sized pieces and neatly arranged on a plate. A sprinkle of finely shredded lime leaves adds a fragrant touch, enhancing the dish’s flavor.

Boiled chicken with lime leaves (source: vtc news)

This dish holds deep cultural significance, representing purity, prosperity, and family unity. In many Vietnamese weddings, a boiled chicken dish is presented as part of the engagement ceremony, symbolizing sincerity and respect. Served with a dipping sauce made of salt, pepper, and lime juice, this dish is not only delicious but also a meaningful part of the wedding celebration.

Gac sticky rice (xoi gac)

Gac sticky rice is an essential dish in Vietnamese wedding banquets, known for its vibrant red-orange color, which symbolizes happiness, luck, and prosperity. Made from glutinous rice mixed with gac fruit (a type of bright red Vietnamese fruit), this dish is naturally sweet, fragrant, and visually appealing.

The red color of xôi gấc is particularly important in Vietnamese culture, as it represents good fortune and a bright future for the newlyweds. Traditionally, it is served in a round or heart-shaped mold to signify unity and everlasting love. Often paired with steamed chicken or Vietnamese sausage (giò lụa), xôi gấc not only adds a festive touch to the wedding feast but also carries deep cultural meaning.

Vietnamese pork sausage (gio cha)

This delicacy is made from finely pounded pork, seasoned with fish sauce, and wrapped in banana leaves before being steamed (gio lua) or deep-fried (cha chien).

Guests typically enjoy gio cha with sticky rice, pickled vegetables, or dipping sauces such as fish sauce with chili. The combination of flavors, from the richness of the pork sausage to the slight tanginess of the pickles, creates a well-balanced and satisfying dish that is beloved in Vietnamese wedding feasts.

Fried spring rolls (nem ran)

Crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside, nem ran is a staple in Vietnamese wedding banquets, bringing a sense of warmth and celebration to the feast. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures, a crunchy golden shell encasing a savory filling of minced pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and vermicelli.

Husband and wife cake (banh phu the/ banh xu xe)

Banh phu the, also known as “husband and wife cake,” is a symbolic dessert in Vietnamese wedding banquets, representing eternal love, fidelity, and a harmonious marriage. This delicate treat is made from glutinous rice flour, infused with pandan for fragrance, and filled with a sweet mung bean and coconut mixture. The chewy, slightly translucent outer layer contrasts beautifully with the soft, rich filling, creating a delightful texture.

According to the Vietnamese concept of yin and yang, this is not a sweet dessert but also carries deep symbolic meaning about the harmony between humans and nature, as well as among family members.

While these dishes are staples of a traditional Vietnamese wedding menu, the evolution of tastes, preferences, and regional influences over the years has brought about new variations and adaptations.

Modern wedding banquets may feature a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes, incorporating seafood, Western-inspired courses, or creative reinterpretations of classic recipes. Despite these changes, the essence of a Vietnamese wedding feast remains the same, a celebration of love, unity, and well-wishes for the newlyweds, expressed through meaningful and delicious cuisine.

Northern Vietnam wedding menu

In Northern Vietnam, wedding banquets are known for their elegance, balance, and refined flavors. Traditional Northern cuisine emphasizes mild seasoning, natural flavors, and meticulous preparation, creating a sophisticated dining experience for guests. Let’s explore some of the most essential dishes that make up a traditional Northern Vietnamese wedding menu.

In traditional Northern Vietnamese weddings, especially in Hanoi, the menu not only showcases culinary sophistication but also carries blessings for the newlyweds.

Appetizers

Appetizers play an essential role in awakening the palate and setting the tone for the feast. These dishes are carefully selected to balance crisp textures, sweet and sour flavors, and light yet enticing aromas.

Vietnamese banana flower salad with pig’s ear (nom hoa chuoi tai heo)

This refreshing salad combines crisp banana flower with chewy slices of pig’s ear, creating a delightful contrast in texture. Tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing with fresh herbs and crushed peanuts, it is a light yet flavorful way to start the wedding feast.

Chicken and sweet corn soup (sup ga ngo)

Chicken and sweet corn soup (source: tin tuc online)

A comforting and mild-flavored soup, this dish features shredded chicken and sweet corn in a silky, thickened broth. It is a popular choice for weddings as it is easy to enjoy and appeals to guests of all ages.

Vietnamese pork sausage (gio cha)

Soft and flavorful, this traditional delicacy is made from finely ground pork, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed to perfection. The rich, savory taste makes it a staple in Northern wedding menus, often served in elegant slices.

Fermented pork with roasted rice powder (nem thinh)

This specialty dish of Nam Dinh offers a unique nutty aroma and slightly tangy taste. Thinly sliced pork is mixed with roasted rice powder, lime leaves, and fresh herbs, making it a fragrant and appetizing start to the meal.

Main dishes

Main dishes in a traditional Northern Vietnamese wedding banquet showcase a diverse range of flavors, from rich and savory to light and fragrant, reflecting the region’s culinary sophistication and cultural heritage.

Boiled chicken with lime leaves (ga luoc la chanh)

The chicken is gently cooked to maintain its natural sweetness, then sliced and garnished with finely chopped lime leaves for a fragrant and refreshing touch.

Gac sticky rice (xoi gac)

Bright red-orange in color, this sticky rice dish represents luck and happiness in Vietnamese weddings. The natural sweetness of gac fruit blends perfectly with the soft and chewy texture of glutinous rice, making it both visually appealing and delicious.

Lang Son roasted duck (vit quay Lang Son)

Originating from the mountainous region of Lang Son, this roasted duck is famous for its special seasoning with mac mat leaves, a local spice. The traditional charcoal-roasting method results in crispy, aromatic skin and tender, flavorful meat inside.

Jellied meat (thit dong)

A traditional dish popular in Northern Vietnam, jellied meat was originally created as a way to preserve food during the cold winter months. Slow-cooked with pork, pig’s ear, and wood ear mushrooms, it naturally forms a gelatinous texture when cooled. Paired with pickled onions, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors.

Crispy spring rolls (nem ran)

With a perfectly golden, crunchy exterior, these spring rolls encase a flavorful blend of minced pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and vermicelli. Paired with fragrant herbs and a zesty dipping sauce, they add a satisfying crunch to the wedding feast and are always a crowd-pleaser.

Desserts

Let’s explore some of the most cherished desserts in Northern Vietnamese wedding feasts.

Lotus seed and longan sweet soup (che long nhan hat sen)

Lotus seed and longan sweet soup (source: eva)

A delicacy from Hanoi, this sweet soup features fragrant lotus seeds carefully simmered inside longan fruit. Symbolizing peace and prosperity, it offers a light, refreshing taste, perfect for concluding a hearty meal.

Green sticky rice cake (banh com)

Banh Com is made from sticky rice and mung bean filling, wrapped in delicate green rice flakes. Traditionally given as engagement gifts, this chewy, aromatic dessert represents happiness and fidelity in marriage.

Sweet mung bean paste (che kho)

The wedding menu in Nam Dinh also features che kho, a rich and smooth mung bean dessert delicately infused with ginger and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Banh dau xanh (mung bean cake)

Originating from Hai Duong, these small, soft mung bean cakes melt in the mouth, leaving a subtle sweetness. Often enjoyed with tea, they represent elegance and the refinement of Northern cuisine.

Southern Vietnam wedding menu

In Southern Vietnam, wedding banquets are known for their vibrant flavors, generous portions, and a mix of influences from different culinary traditions. Let’s explore some of the must-have dishes in a traditional Southern Vietnamese wedding feast.