Viet Taste Starter Plate

The "Viet Taste Starter Plate" is a platter that typically includes a variety of Vietnamese dishes, often served as an appetizer in Vietnamese restaurants in the USA. The specific items included in the platter may vary depending on the restaurant, but here are some common components:

1. Goi Cuon (Summer Rolls): These are fresh spring rolls made with rice paper, filled with shrimp, pork, vegetables, and herbs. They are often served with a peanut dipping sauce.

2. Cha Gio (Egg Rolls): These are deep-fried spring rolls made with rice paper, filled with seasoned pork, vegetables, and sometimes shrimp. They are often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

3. Banh Bot Loc (Shrimp and Pork Dumplings): These are small dumplings made with tapioca flour, filled with shrimp, pork, and herbs. They are often served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, garlic, and chili.

4. Banh Xeo (Savory Crepes): These are thin, crispy pancakes made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. They are often served with lettuce, herbs, and a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, garlic, and chili.

5. Bun Ga Nuong (Grilled Chicken Vermicelli Salad): This is a salad made with rice noodles, grilled chicken, lettuce, herbs, and pickled vegetables. It is often served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, garlic, and chili.

6. Tom Nuong Xa (Grilled Lemongrass Shrimp): These are grilled shrimp marinated with lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce. They are often served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, and chili.

These dishes offer a great introduction to the flavorful and fresh cuisine of Vietnam. The combination of herbs, spices, and dipping sauces adds depth and complexity to each dish, making for an exciting and delicious dining experience.