Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and careful balance of taste and texture. One of the most celebrated elements of Vietnamese culinary tradition is the Traditional Vietnamese Salad – Gỏi Việt Nam. Unlike the salads many are familiar with in the West, Gỏi is a vibrant, flavorful dish that can stand alone as a satisfying meal or as a refreshing accompaniment to a heavier dish. With its emphasis on fresh herbs, vegetables, and light dressings, Gỏi accurately represents the health-conscious, flavour-packed approach to food that defines Vietnamese cooking.
At Pho7, we bring the authentic taste of Vietnamese Gỏi to Abu Dhabi, offering diners a light yet flavorful culinary experience that perfectly complements the warm climate and the rich variety of other dishes on our menu.
What Makes Gỏi Unique?
Gỏi, pronounced “goy,” refers broadly to various Vietnamese salads. However, unlike typical Western salads that often rely on leafy greens, Gỏi uses ingredients like shredded cabbage, green papaya, cucumber, and fresh herbs such as mint, cilantro, and Thai basil. These ingredients are finely sliced or julienned to create a crunchy, textured base. Adding proteins, like shredded chicken (Gỏi gà), shrimp (Gỏi tôm), or even tofu for vegetarian versions, elevates the dish into a substantial, satisfying course.
The key to Gỏi, however, lies in its dressing—nuoc cham. This tangy, sweet, and salty sauce combines fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chillies to create an intense burst of flavour that enhances the freshness of the salad without overpowering it. The dressing ties the dish together, ensuring every bite is packed with vibrant flavours.
Types of Gỏi
There are many varieties of Gỏi, each with its unique flavour profile and regional influences. Some of the most popular types of Gỏi that you’ll find at Pho7 include:
1. Gỏi gà (Vietnamese Chicken Salad)
One of the most popular forms of Gỏi,Gỏi gà is a shredded chicken salad that offers a delightful combination of textures and flavours. Made with finely shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, and abundant fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, the salad is crunchy and refreshing. It’s topped with fried shallots and crushed peanuts for a touch of savoury crispness, and the whole dish is generously drizzled with Nước chấm. The result is a light, tangy, and savoury, filling, and satisfying dish.
2. Gỏi tôm (Vietnamese Shrimp Salad)
For seafood lovers, Gỏi tôm offers a sweet, succulent alternative. This shrimp-based salad is prepared with fresh prawns that are boiled until tender and then combined with a crunchy mix of vegetables like shredded cabbage, cucumber, and carrots. The shrimp’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the tangy Nước chấm, while fresh herbs like cilantro and basil add complexity to the dish. LikeGỏi gà, this salad is topped with roasted peanuts and fried shallots, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.
3. Gỏi đu đủ (Green Papaya Salad)
Gỏi đu đủ is a green papaya salad that exemplifies the balanced flavours and textures central to Vietnamese cuisine. When shredded, the unripe papaya takes on a crunchy texture that serves as a perfect canvas for the bold flavours of nuoc cham. This salad is typically served with dried shrimp, chopped peanuts, and fresh herbs, creating a light and flavorful dish. The combination of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy elements makes Gỏi đu đủ a favourite among those looking for a refreshing yet intensely flavorful salad.
4. Gỏi Cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)
Although technically a roll, Gỏi Cuốn embodies many of the same principles as Goi. These fresh spring rolls wrap up a medley of herbs, vermicelli noodles, shrimp or pork, and sometimes tofu, all encased in translucent rice paper. The dipping sauce, often a version of nuoc cham or a peanut sauce, complements the fresh ingredients perfectly. Each bite of Gỏi Cuốn offers freshness and a delightful balance of textures.
Cultural Significance of Gỏi
In Vietnam, Gỏii is more than just a healthy dish—it also holds cultural significance. It’s often served at family gatherings and celebrations, symbolising freshness, health, and abundance. It is also a common feature of everyday meals, providing a light, refreshing balance to heavier dishes like Phở or grilled meats. In Vietnamese homes, the preparation of Gỏi is seen as an art form, with each ingredient carefully chosen and prepared to ensure the perfect balance of flavours and textures.
At Pho7, we honour this tradition by preparing our Gỏi dishes with the same care and attention to detail, using only the freshest ingredients to ensure an authentic dining experience.
Experience the vibrant, fresh, and healthy side of Vietnamese cuisine at Pho7 with our delicious range of Gỏi salads.
Discover Gỏi at Pho7
At Pho7, we pride ourselves on bringing the authentic flavours of Vietnam to Abu Dhabi. Our selection of Gỏi dishes is perfect for those looking to enjoy a fresh, healthy, and flavorful meal that stays true to Vietnam’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re in the mood for the classic Gỏi gà, the refreshing Gỏi tôm, or the crunchy, tangy Gỏi đu đủ, we have a Gỏi dish to suit every taste.
