13 Aug 2024 | Mekong, Heritage & Culture
The trade relationship between France and Vietnam began as early as the 17th century with the arrival of French Catholic missionaries and then merchant traders. Two centuries later, France began the colonization of Vietnam, and for six decades, ruled over the Southeast Asian country. During this time, French influence spread across Vietnamese cuisine, architecture, culture, and art – an influence which continues to live on across the country today.
French colonial architecture
The bustling, modern cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh feature a collection of beautiful French Colonial buildings with elegant facades and ornate flourishes that have left a lasting imprint on Vietnam’s architectural landscape.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the Notre Dame Cathedral with its striking red brick exterior, stained glass windows and soaring twin bell towers is a cultural and historic landmark. Built in 1880 to accommodate the French Catholic community in Saigon, the cavernous interiors can seat 1200 worshippers. The heritage building is currently undergoing extensive repairs that are expected to be completed in 2027.
Just across the street is the equally iconic Central Post Office, designed by Marie-Alfred Foulhoux and completed in 1891. The yellow and green painted facade and oversized exterior clock invites visitors to wander inside and marvel at domed, vaulted ceilings and original patterned tiles. It’s still a working post office where locals send and receive mail.
Completed in 1911, the Hanoi Opera House is in the heart of the city’s charming French Quarter. With neo-classical architectural hallmarks like shutters, pillars and balconies, the design was inspired by the famed Paris Opera House. The grand theater originally staged ballet, drama, opera, chamber music and pantomimes - introducing Vietnamese people to European-style performing arts. Today, the Hanoi Opera House continues to host cultural shows, dance and music.
Food fusion
The French also had a strong influence on the food scene in Vietnam — introducing new ingredients and cooking techniques that blended with local flavors. The most famous fusion sprang from the iconic baguette; a fluffy, crusty bread roll that the French would typically smear with pate or fill with cheeses and cured meats.
The Vietnamese people quickly adapted the baguette into bánh mì, a popular local breakfast or snack. Street vendors stuff the freshly baked long rolls with roasted meats, pate, mayo, cucumber, pickled vegetables and torn local herbs like coriander, mint and red chili. French baguettes are also commonly dipped into Vietnamese chicken and beef stews.
French crepes are the origin of Vietnamese banh xeo; thin rice flour pancakes folded with prawns or meat, crisp bean sprouts, herbs and shredded lettuce. Although there may be links to Chinese clear soups, many culinary experts also believe Vietnam’s national dish, pho, was likely inspired by the French beef and vegetable dish, le pot au feu.
Coffee origins
Coffee was introduced to Vietnam in 1857 by European missionaries and soon became a leading crop for the French colonial government. They established coffee plantations from the late 1800s to capitalize on Vietnam’s warm, humid climate — the ideal growing conditions for the plant.
The Vietnamese people quickly put their own stamp on the traditional milky café au lait - infusing a strong shot of filter coffee with a glug of sweet, condensed milk and serving it in a cup of ice to suit the hot weather. Vietnam now has a booming coffee culture, with many specialty blends and versions to try. Don’t miss a cup of frothy, creamy egg coffee, which was born from a milk shortage during World War II.
Experience the French connection
Chart a course through the picturesque lower Mekong basin with our expert guides and discover more about Vietnam’s fascinating French colonial history and ties. On board Aqua Mekong, which sails between Cambodia and Vietnam, discover the region’s rich heritage and traditions. Beginning or completing your sailing in Ho Chi Minh City allows for plenty of time to explore stunning French colonial architecture and taste French-inspired Vietnamese cuisine.
Book your voyage now or contact our Expedition Consultants to find out more.
