Vietnam has proudly secured four spots on the list of Southeast Asia’s best stews, as curated by the renowned culinary platform Taste Atlas. Among the dishes, bo kho, ca ri ga, pha lau, and thang co received high acclaim for their unique flavors and cultural significance.

1. Bo Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew)

Ranking ninth with an impressive score of 4.4/5, bo kho stands out as a favorite among both readers and culinary experts. Taste Atlas describes it as “a popular Vietnamese stew that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with bread and fresh herbs.” The dish is crafted from tender beef brisket simmered with carrots, lemongrass, cinnamon, chili, pepper, garlic, and shallots, creating a fragrant and hearty stew.

2. Ca Ri Ga (Chicken Curry)

Coming in at 22nd, ca ri ga blends familiar ingredients like chicken, potatoes, carrots, onions, and coconut milk with aromatic spices such as lemongrass, fish sauce, bay leaves, and curry powder. Often enjoyed with bread, noodles, or rice, ca ri ga boasts a richer and spicier profile than bo kho, reflecting its Indian curry influences.

3. Pha Lau (Offal Stew)

A quintessential street food in Ho Chi Minh City, pha lau ranked 58th on the list. The dish features pork, chicken, duck, or beef offal, seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, pepper, sugar, white wine, cinnamon, star anise, and five-spice powder. After being fried, the offal is slow-cooked in coconut water until tender. Taste Atlas highlights its signature pairing with chili-garlic dipping sauce and bread or rice.

4. Thang Co (Horse Meat Stew)

At 87th place, thang co is a distinctive dish from Vietnam’s mountainous Northwest region. Traditionally made with horse meat and innards, the ingredients are simmered in a large pot with spices until tender, much like pha lau. This rustic stew holds cultural significance among the ethnic groups of the highlands.

Taste Atlas, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia, is celebrated for its global compendium of traditional dishes. According to Matija Babić, the platform’s founder, their rankings are based on expert opinions and food critic reviews to ensure credibility.

Vietnam’s representation in this prestigious list not only highlights its culinary diversity but also places its traditional stews on the international gastronomic map.

Do An