The weird fruits of Vietnam that you have to try

Are you also a big fan of exotic fruits like we are? Unfortunately, it’s a bit more difficult to access them when you live in a colder country, like somewhere in Europe. A lot of my friends haven’t tried “dragon fruit” yet for example, which is one of the most common fruits in Asia. If you are coming from a cold country, then there are many exotic fruits that you need to try in Vietnam, depending on the season.

For some, the fruits are more exotic and for others, you’ve probably seen them before. But here comes my favorite fruits that I think are both delicious and (partly) strange to look at:

1. Mangosteen

One of my favorite fruits in Vietnam. It grows only in warm weather conditions so it’s impossible to find fresh ones in colder countries. It’s both sweet and sour at the same time, with a delicious and fresh taste.

2. Longan

This is probably one of the most loved fruits in Vietnam – “nhan”. Peel it and enjoy it. I can eat literally a kilo of this fruit in one day (or hour). What’s also good about this fruit is that it’s very cheap to buy and you can basically find it everywhere during the season (summer).

3. Mango

This can be a bit confusing – how is mango strange and exotic, when you can literally get it everywhere? But you haven’t tried the Vietnamese mangos. They are so rich in flavor, so sweet and so fresh – they taste nothing like the mangos I’ve had at home in Sweden. In Vietnam they love salt as well, so usually the Vietnamese cut a slice of mango and dip it in a bit of salt. Try it – it’s quite addictive.

4. Star Apple

This fruit is usually found in the south of Vietnam, but the north imports it as well – although this is quite an “expensive” fruit to purchase. They are in the shape of an apple, but the inside is milky and white – and it resembles breast milk, which is why the name in Vietnamese is “vu sua”. This fruit is only seasonal however, and you can usually get it during the winter months in Vietnam.

5. Rambutan

This scary looking fruit is one of the tastiest in Vietnam. The skin is a bit harder, so you have to sometimes cut it with a knife. The inside is white and thick, with an amazing flavor. They are hard to miss when you go to Vietnam – you’ll see them almost everywhere on the street, where ladies or men are trying to sell fruits.

6. Sweetsop / Custard Apple

Has a funny look to it, but it is so tasty! Buy one, and you’re good for the whole day. The inside is white, with black big seeds, and the taste is quite sweet. It is also rich in vitamins B and C, making it the ideal fruit to indulge in.

7. Jackfruit

One of the most popular fruits in Vietnam, this jackfruit is full of vitamins and tastes amazing. The outside looks spiky and a bit intimidating, but on the inside there’s fleshy yellow knots which covers all the seeds. It contains many kinds of nutrition for health and it has also proven to prevent certain diseases. It’s a very popular fruit and you can see stores selling them dried, as snacks and it is used in food as well. Many vegans are praising this fruit because you can use it to cook in many types of dishes, such as fake pulled pork. Don’t you just love it when things are both incredibly delicious and healthy for you?

No trip to Vietnam is complete without having to tried at least some of the fruits I mentioned here. Who needs to stuff their face with candy and artificial sugar, when you have all of these natural and tasty fruits? Use your imagination and use it in your food as well – it will leave you craving more.

If you’re planning on traveling to Vietnam, don’t forget to apply for an E-Visa or Visa on Arrival, if you plan on staying for longer than 15 days. If you’re not certain if you’re eligible to apply for this kind of visa, contact your embassy.