Lẩu
A bubbling communal pot you cook at the table — Vietnam’s big group meal.
A simmering pot of broth set over a burner in the middle of the table, into which everyone cooks platters of raw meat, seafood, tofu, mushrooms, and mountains of vegetables and noodles to order. Sour (lẩu chua), seafood, and beef versions all exist. Less a dish than an evening — the default celebration meal among Vietnamese friends and families.
How to eat it well
- It’s communal and slow — go with a group and cook in batches as you chat.
- Add the quick-cooking greens and noodles last so they don’t turn to mush.
- Order a sour seafood or beef-and-mushroom broth; ask staff how long things take.
Where it’s best
Everywhere, especially busy on cooler evenings and for group celebrations.
Easily vegetarian — mushroom and tofu hotpots are common; just confirm the broth base.
Eat next
Fish simmered in a clay pot with caramel and fish sauce until sticky and deep.
Cơm tấmCom tamSaigon’s plate of broken rice with grilled pork chop — the city’s default lunch.
Chả cáTurmeric dill fishHanoi’s theatrical table-grilled fish with turmeric, dill, and a mountain of herbs.