“Ăn cơm trước kẻng”, goes a famous Vietnamese proverb, meaning “to eat rice before the bell rings”. While it usually refers to impatience, it highlights the importance of food in Vietnamese culture, even for the littlest ones.
Stepping into the world of Vietnamese cuisine with a baby can feel like embarking on a grand adventure. From the vibrant colors of fresh fruits to the aromatic herbs and spices that dance in every dish, Vietnamese food offers a world of flavor for developing palates. But where do you begin? Don’t worry, whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a newbie in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered!
Starting Solids: Vietnamese Style
Just like learning to crawl before walking, introducing solid food to your little one is a journey. Vietnamese tradition often begins with a simple rice porridge called “cháo”. This blank canvas can be customized with a rainbow of healthy ingredients to tempt tiny tummies.
Cháo Gạo Lứt Cá Hồi (Brown Rice Porridge with Salmon)
This porridge is a powerhouse of nutrition! Brown rice is packed with fiber for healthy digestion, and salmon provides essential fatty acids like Omega-3, crucial for brain development.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup brown rice
- 1 cup water
- 50g boneless, skinless salmon
- 1 tsp chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the brown rice thoroughly.
- Combine rice and water in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the rice is soft and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, steam the salmon until cooked.
- Once the porridge is cooked, add the cooked salmon and blend to desired consistency.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Salmon and brown rice porridge for babies
Súp Bí Đỏ Gà (Chicken and Pumpkin Soup)
This vibrantly colored soup is not just pleasing to the eye but also packed with vitamins and minerals. Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A, essential for healthy vision, and chicken provides lean protein for growing muscles.
Ingredients:
- 100g pumpkin, peeled and cubed
- 50g boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Steam the pumpkin and chicken until cooked through.
- Blend the cooked pumpkin and chicken with chicken broth until smooth.
- Add more broth to adjust consistency as needed.
Beyond the Bowl: Exploring Textures and Flavors
As your little one grows, so does their curiosity and palate. Introduce new textures and flavors gradually, observing for any sensitivities. Vietnamese cuisine, with its diverse ingredients and cooking methods, offers a plethora of options for this exciting stage.
- Fruit Purees: Vietnamese fruits like mango, papaya, and dragon fruit make delicious and nutritious purees.
- Steamed Vegetables: Soft-cooked vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and sweet potatoes are easy to mash or puree.
- Tofu: A versatile protein source, tofu can be mashed, crumbled, or pureed and added to porridges, soups, or stews.
Variety of Vietnamese baby food
A Note on Allergies
Always introduce new foods one at a time and monitor your baby for any allergic reactions. Consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns or family history of allergies.
TRAVELCAR: Your Hanoi Family Adventure Awaits!
Ready to embark on a culinary journey through Hanoi with your little one? TRAVELCAR can help! We offer comfortable and convenient transportation options for families, from airport transfers to private tours. Explore the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, sample delicious street food, and discover hidden culinary gems, all while ensuring your baby’s comfort and safety.
Contact us today at 0372960696 or email us at [email protected] to plan your family-friendly Hanoi adventure! Our office is located at 260 Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội, and our friendly team is available 24/7 to assist you.
