Taste Atlas describes che lam as a rustic treat especially popular in northern Vietnam. "Che lam is not just a delicious snack but also a symbol of hometown affection, simplicity, and the delicate art of traditional Vietnamese cuisine," the site notes.

Che lam is crafted from familiar and humble ingredients such as roasted glutinous rice flour, malt syrup (or molasses), fresh ginger, roasted peanuts, and sesame seeds. These ingredients are carefully cooked into a sticky mixture, then rolled flat and cut into small bars.

The chewy texture of roasted glutinous rice, the warm spiciness of ginger, the rich flavor of peanuts, and the mellow sweetness of molasses blend harmoniously to create a unique taste - sweet but not overwhelming, lightly spicy yet heartwarming.

Another Vietnamese specialty honored on this Taste Atlas list is goi ca mai, a famous dish from coastal regions like Vung Tau and Nha Trang.

Goi ca mai features a perfect combination of fresh ca mai fish, tamarind, starfruit, crushed roasted peanuts, and various spices, creating a fresh, bold flavor. According to Taste Atlas, the dish becomes even more delicious when paired with rice paper and sweet-and-sour dipping sauce.

Pho chua, a distinctive dish from the northern mountainous provinces like Lang Son and Cao Bang, also made an impression. It combines ingredients such as duck meat, pork liver, roasted peanuts, and pickled taro root to deliver a unique and memorable flavor.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia, Taste Atlas is known as a global map of traditional foods, collecting authentic dishes from around the world.

According to Matija Babic, founder of Taste Atlas, the rankings are based on the opinions and evaluations of culinary experts and critics to ensure the credibility of the awards.

Do An