In French cuisine, this dish has won over diners looking for something light without compromising on flavour. At M\u00e2y Bay, a 100% vegetarian and vegan Vietnamese restaurant in Vincennes, we offer an authentic, plant-based take on these salads, designed for both quick lunches and meals to be savoured at a leisurely pace.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Vietnamese salad | fresh and authentically plant-based<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Reading time: ~8 mins<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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- A brief summary<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- What is a Vietnamese salad?<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- The ingredients that give it its characteristic crunch<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- The sauce: the key to authenticity<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Vegetarian and vegan versions: a natural variation<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Is Vietnamese salad gluten-free?<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- The different types of Vietnamese salads: a quick guide<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Order and take away: Vietnamese salad for every day<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Enjoy an authentic Vietnamese salad at M\u00e2y Bay<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Frequently asked questions about Vietnamese salad<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A brief summary<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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- What is a Vietnamese salad? Discover the different types (b\u00f2 b\u00fan, g\u1ecfi, g\u1ecfi cu\u1ed1n) and the flavour profiles that define them.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- The ingredients that give the dish its crunch \u2013 rice vermicelli, pickled carrots, fresh herbs and roasted peanuts \u2013 form the textural foundation of the dish.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- The sauce is the key to authenticity: nuoc-m\u00e2m or its plant-based alternative, lime, sugar and chilli make up the iconic dressing.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Vegetarian and vegan versions: all variations of Vietnamese salad lend themselves naturally to being adapted to exclude animal products.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Gluten-free: provided you check the ingredients of the sauce, the rice vermicelli base is naturally gluten-free.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Order and take away: Vietnamese salad is ideal for takeaway, whether for lunch or dinner.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What is a Vietnamese salad?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Definition and main types of salad<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The term \u00abVietnamese salad\u00bb actually covers several distinct dishes. In Vietnamese restaurants in France, it most often refers to a large bowl containing rice vermicelli, raw or lightly blanched vegetables, fresh herbs and a protein, all seasoned with a dressing made from nuoc-m\u00e2m, lime, sugar and chilli. This dish corresponds to what the Vietnamese call \u2018g\u1ecfi\u2019, a generic term for mixed salads, or \u2018b\u00f2 b\u00fan\u2019, a bowl of warm vermicelli that has become popular in France.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Vietnamese](\"https:\/\/maybayrestaurant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/salade-vietnamienne-vegetale-authentique.webp\" "\\"Vietnamese")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nG\u1ecfi cu\u1ed1n, often translated as \u00abfresh spring rolls\u00bb, also belongs to this family. Its Vietnamese name literally means \u00ab salad roll<\/a> \u00bb, as it is a salad of fresh vegetables and herbs wrapped in a rice paper sheet, rather than served in a bowl. It differs from nem, which is deep-fried, and makes for a fresh, light starter, ideal in all seasons.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Chicken or prawn salads, which feature heavily on Vietnamese restaurant menus, follow a similar formula: shredded cabbage or carrot, chopped herbs, poached or stir-fried protein, and a lemony dressing. The dish is designed to be light, easy to digest and filling all at once.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The ingredients that give it its characteristic crunch<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Preparation techniques to retain crispness<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The crunch is one of the defining flavour characteristics of Vietnamese salad. It is not achieved by chance: it is the result of a precise combination of ingredients and a meticulous preparation technique.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The carrots, cut into julienne strips using a mandoline, are marinated in rice vinegar and sugar before being added to the dish. This step adds crunch, a slight tang and depth of flavour. The bean sprouts are blanched for thirty seconds and then cooled immediately to retain their firm texture. The cucumber, cut into thin slices or sticks, adds freshness and lightness. The roasted peanuts, crushed at the last minute, add a toasty note and a contrasting texture. Finally, the fresh herbs \u2013 primarily mint and coriander \u2013 are never mixed in beforehand: they are finely chopped and scattered over the dish just before serving to prevent them from wilting.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Thoroughly draining each ingredient is a key step. A Vietnamese salad that is too watery loses its texture and character. In professional kitchens, each ingredient is prepared separately, kept chilled, and assembled at the last minute to ensure the dish is served fresh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The sauce: the key to authenticity<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Balance of flavours in the sauce<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The dressing for an authentic Vietnamese salad is based on a balance of four fundamental flavours: the saltiness provided by nuoc-m\u00e2m, the sweetness of palm or cane sugar, the tartness of freshly squeezed lime, and the heat of fresh or dried chillies. Some recipes also include finely chopped garlic to enhance the flavour of the dressing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In a vegetarian or vegan version, nuoc-m\u00e2m is replaced by light soya sauce or a fermented mushroom sauce, which replicates the depth of umami without using fish. Hoisin sauce, which is thicker and slightly sweet, is sometimes served alongside g\u1ecfi cu\u1ed1n, in a small bowl for dipping.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The dressing is never poured over the salad in advance. It is adjusted at the last minute, taking into account the proportions of the other ingredients, so that each bowl is perfectly balanced the moment it leaves the kitchen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Good to know<\/strong><\/p>\r\n
A well-seasoned Vietnamese salad should be more lemony than salty. If the dressing seems too strong when tasted on its own, it balances out naturally when mixed with the vermicelli and unseasoned vegetables in the bowl.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Vegetarian and vegan versions: a natural variation<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Adapting the Vietnamese salad to make it vegetarian<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The very structure of a Vietnamese salad lends itself effortlessly to a vegetarian adaptation. The base of rice vermicelli, raw vegetables and fresh herbs contains no animal products. Only the sauce and the protein need to be substituted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Vietnamese](\"https:\/\/maybayrestaurant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/salade-vietnamienne-vegetale-authentique-restaurant-m-y-bay.webp\" "\\"Vietnamese")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAt M\u00e2y Bay, we use only vegetarian and vegan recipes. Our G\u1ecfi M\u00e2y Bay<\/a>, our house vegetable salad, is a perfect example of this approach: seasonal vegetables, a well-balanced vegetable dressing, fresh herbs and a crunchy topping. You can discover this starter directly on our online map<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The plant-based proteins used in our salads include marinated silken tofu, vegetarian spring rolls (cha gi\u00f2 chay)<\/a> and pulses, depending on the recipes of the day. These substitutions are not compromises: they form an integral part of the Vietnamese culinary tradition, in which vegetarian cuisine \u2013 particularly Buddhist cuisine \u2013 has historically played an important role.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Is Vietnamese salad gluten-free?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Rice vermicelli, a key ingredient in most Vietnamese salads, is naturally gluten-free. Vegetables, fresh herbs and plant-based proteins (tofu, pulses) are also gluten-free.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The main point to watch out for is the sauce. Traditional nuoc m\u00e2m is gluten-free, but some soya sauces contain wheat. Hoisin sauce may also contain wheat, depending on the brand. For those who are gluten-intolerant or sensitive to gluten, it is advisable to check the exact ingredients of the sauce with the restaurant before ordering.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
At M\u00e2y Bay, we use sauces whose ingredients we control, and we are able to provide you with details of the ingredients in each dish.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Key points<\/strong><\/p>\r\n
Rice vermicelli is naturally gluten-free, but the sauce may contain gluten depending on the ingredients used. If in doubt, please do not hesitate to contact us before your visit or when placing your order.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The different types of Vietnamese salads: a quick guide<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To help you find your way round the wide variety of Vietnamese salads on offer in restaurants, here is a comparison table of the main types.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\nA comparison of the main Vietnamese salads<\/caption>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nName<\/th>\r\n Form<\/th>\r\n Base<\/th>\r\n Traditional sauce<\/th>\r\n Vegan version available<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n \r\n G\u1ecfi (mixed salad)<\/td>\r\n Bowl<\/td>\r\n Vegetables, herbs, protein<\/td>\r\n Fish sauce, lemon, sugar, chilli<\/td>\r\n Yes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n B\u00f2 b\u00fan (bowl of vermicelli)<\/td>\r\n Lukewarm bowl<\/td>\r\n Rice vermicelli, vegetables, stir-fried protein<\/td>\r\n Diluted nuoc-m\u00e2m, lemon, sugar<\/td>\r\n Yes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n G\u1ecfi cu\u1ed1n (fresh spring rolls)<\/td>\r\n Roller<\/td>\r\n Rice paper, vegetables, herbs, protein<\/td>\r\n Hoisin sauce or nuoc-m\u00e2m<\/td>\r\n Yes (vegetarian spring rolls)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n B\u00fan ch\u1ea3 gi\u00f2<\/td>\r\n Bowl<\/td>\r\n Rice vermicelli, spring rolls, vegetables<\/td>\r\n Fish sauce, lemon, sugar, chilli<\/td>\r\n Yes (vegetarian spring rolls)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n These four dishes are based on the same principle: the freshness of the vegetables, the lightness of the rice vermicelli and the zing of the sauce are the cornerstones of each recipe. They differ in their presentation, serving temperature and method of assembly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Order and take away: Vietnamese salad for every day<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Vietnamese salad is one of the dishes best suited to takeaway orders. Its structure, with each component prepared separately, means that the sauce and herbs can be packed separately so that the customer can assemble their bowl themselves upon collection. This ensures the salad retains its crunch, even if a few minutes pass between preparation and consumption.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Vietnamese](\"https:\/\/maybayrestaurant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/salade-vietnamienne-vegetale-authentique-restaurant-m-y-bay-2.webp\" "\\"Vietnamese")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- What is a Vietnamese salad?<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n