Vietnamese Expats in Vietnam: Enjoy a Luxurious Meal for Just $10 a Day

Many Vietnamese expats who return to Vietnam are often pleasantly surprised by how affordable and comfortable life can be. One of the biggest advantages of living in Vietnam is the incredibly low cost of food while still maintaining excellent quality. Imagine being able to enjoy a full, satisfying, and nutritious meal featuring crispy fried salmon, Malabar spinach soup with loofah, stir-fried bitter melon with eggs, and braised chicken with lemongrass and ginger—all for just $10 per day (about 250,000 VND). Let’s break down this delicious meal and explore why Vietnam is a food paradise for expats.

1. Crispy Fried Salmon – A Luxurious Yet Affordable Treat

Salmon is often considered a premium food item in many Western countries, but in Vietnam, it’s surprisingly affordable. At just 80,000 VND (~$3 USD), you can purchase a fresh portion of salmon from a local market or supermarket. The key to making it delicious is simple seasoning—a pinch of salt and pepper, a bit of garlic, and a squeeze of lime.

To prepare it, start by marinating the salmon with the seasoning for about 10 minutes. Then, heat some cooking oil in a pan and fry the salmon over medium heat until the skin turns crispy and golden brown. The result is a perfectly cooked fish that is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health.

Pairing crispy fried salmon with a bowl of steamed rice and dipping it in a light fish sauce with chopped chilies elevates the meal to restaurant-quality.

2. Malabar Spinach and Loofah Soup – A Light and Refreshing Dish

In Vietnam, soups are a common part of every meal. They provide balance and a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes. With just 30,000 VND (~$1.2 USD), you can buy a bunch of fresh Malabar spinach (mùn t?i) and a loofah (m??p) to create a nutritious and hydrating soup.

To prepare this dish, begin by washing the vegetables thoroughly. Slice the loofah into thin pieces and remove any tough stems from the Malabar spinach. Heat a pot with a small amount of oil, sauté minced garlic, and add water or chicken broth. Once the water is boiling, add the loofah first, letting it cook for about 3 minutes before adding the Malabar spinach. Season with salt and a dash of fish sauce for a more flavorful broth.

This soup is not only refreshing and hydrating, but it also helps with digestion and provides essential vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and iron.

3. Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Eggs – A Healthy, Nutrient-Rich Side Dish

Bitter melon (also known as bitter gourd or kh? qua) is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. It has a slight bitterness that many locals love and is known for its health benefits, including regulating blood sugar and boosting immunity. Despite its impressive nutritional profile, it remains very affordable at just 25,000 VND (~$1 USD) for a fresh bitter melon and two eggs.

To cook this dish, slice the bitter melon thinly and soak it in salt water for about 10 minutes to reduce the bitterness. Beat the eggs with a bit of fish sauce and pepper. Heat a pan with some oil, stir-fry the bitter melon for a few minutes until slightly softened, then pour in the beaten eggs. Cook everything together until the eggs set, and you’ll have a flavorful, slightly crunchy, and nutrient-packed dish.

4. Braised Chicken with Lemongrass and Ginger – A Fragrant, Hearty Dish

Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its braised dishes, and gà kho s? g?ng (braised chicken with lemongrass and ginger) is one of the most beloved. This dish is both fragrant and rich in flavor, making it the perfect complement to a meal. With 100,000 VND (~$4 USD), you can buy half a free-range chicken, which has tender and flavorful meat.

To prepare, marinate the chopped chicken pieces with fish sauce, oyster sauce, a little sugar, and minced ginger for 30 minutes. In a pot, heat oil and sauté chopped lemongrass and garlic until fragrant. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it turns golden brown. Then, pour in a little coconut water or plain water and let it simmer on low heat for 20–30 minutes until the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.

The combination of lemongrass and ginger gives the dish a fragrant, slightly spicy taste, making it an absolute delight when paired with rice.

Total Cost for This Luxurious Meal: Only $10!

? Crispy Fried Salmon – ~$3 USD
? Malabar Spinach and Loofah Soup – ~$1.2 USD
? Stir-Fried Bitter Melon with Eggs – ~$1 USD
? Braised Chicken with Lemongrass and Ginger – ~$4 USD
? Cooking Oil & Seasonings – ~$0.8 USD

Why Expats Love Living in Vietnam

Vietnam offers a high quality of life at an incredibly low cost. Compared to Western countries, where dining out can be expensive, Vietnam allows expats to enjoy fresh, high-quality meals at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, the availability of fresh ingredients from local markets ensures that meals are healthy, delicious, and satisfying.

Final Thoughts: Is Vietnam the Ultimate Food Paradise for Expats?

For expats who value affordability without compromising on taste and nutrition, Vietnam is an ideal destination. Whether you cook at home or eat at local restaurants, you can enjoy diverse, flavorful, and healthy meals for just $10 a day.

If you’ve experienced living in Vietnam, what are your favorite budget-friendly meals? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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