Chinese and French Influence on Vietnamese Culture: A Journey Through History

Introduction

Vietnam is a vibrant crossroads of civilizations, shaped by centuries of interaction with powerful neighbors.
Among the strongest influences are those of China — through nearly a millennium of occupation — and France during its colonial rule.
From the intricate strokes of ancient scripts to bowls of spicy soups seasoned with fresh herbs and lemongrass, Vietnam today embodies a rich fusion of East and West.

This article explores how Chinese and French heritages shaped Vietnam’s language, architecture, cuisine, and everyday life.

1. Chinese Influence on Vietnamese Culture

a) Language and Writing

Vietnamese writing originally used Chinese characters (chữ Hán), later adapted into chữ Nôm.
Today, while the Latin-based quốc ngữ dominates, Chinese vocabulary remains deeply woven into the language.

b) Religion and Philosophy

Chinese spiritual traditions like:

• Confucianism (emphasizing filial piety and education),

• Taoism (harmonizing with nature),

• Buddhism (particularly Mahayana),

still shape Vietnamese ethics and ceremonies.

Temples like Ngọc Sơn and Thiên Mụ Pagoda echo traditional Chinese architecture.

c) Culinary Traditions

Chinese cuisine left an indelible mark on Vietnamese food, especially in techniques and flavors.

Techniques and Staples:

• Common cooking methods include stir-frying, boiling, and steaming (boiled, steamed).

• Ingredients like rice noodles, rice flour, mung beans, tofu, shrimp, and mushrooms are foundational.

Signature Dishes:

• Bun bo Hue: a spicy, flavorful beef noodle soup with brisket, chili, and lemongrass.

• Spring-rolls (fresh or fried), packed with shrimp, pork, tofu, mung-bean, scallions, and coriander.

• Bun dishes (vermicelli bowls) topped with grilled pork, crispy shallots, pickled carrots, fresh herbs, and a rich soy-sauce or hoisin-sauce dipping blend.

Even the texture of a great Vietnamese noodle soup often reflects Chinese philosophies: a balance between hearty and delicate, spicy yet savory.

At many authentic Vietnamese restaurants, you'll find cooks carefully balancing ingredients, using tablespoons of fish sauce, boiling broths over medium heat, and garnishing dishes with chili and scallions.

2. French Influence on Vietnamese Culture

a) Language and Literacy

French Jesuit missionaries introduced the quốc ngữ script based on the Latin alphabet, drastically increasing literacy rates during colonial rule.

b) Architecture and Urban Aesthetics

French colonial architecture flourishes in:

• The Hanoi Opera House,

• The Saigon Central Post Office,

• Wide boulevards and public gardens across major cities.

These buildings blend French elegance with Vietnamese functionality.

c) Culinary Contributions

French culinary techniques reshaped Vietnamese gastronomy:

Key Influences:

• Bánh-mì: the iconic crispy baguette sandwich filled with pickled veggies, steak, pork, or shrimp, often flavored with fresh herbs and a kick of chili.

• Stews and soups: careful simmering methods introduced by French chefs elevated dishes like pho and bun bo.

• Boiled vegetables, butter usage, and pastries became part of everyday meals.

Signature Fusion Dishes:

• Bun bo Hue combines French-style slow-cooked beef (like brisket) with spicy Vietnamese broths.

• Use of dairy and bread — rare in pre-colonial Vietnam — became common.

Modern Vietnamese restaurants proudly serve dishes blending coriander, soy-sauce, and hoisin-sauce, along with traditional dipping sauces.

Conclusion: Vietnam’s Flavorful Identity

Today, Vietnam thrives at the crossroads of East and West.
From steamed spring rolls to hearty spicy noodle soups, from French colonial buildings to bustling Buddhist pagodas, the country celebrates a flavorful and fragrant mix of traditions.

Whether you’re savoring a banh-mi, sipping a bowl of Vietnamese pho, or indulging in a rich bun bo stew, you're tasting centuries of history and cultural fusion.

Which influence — Chinese or French — have you felt most during your travels in Vietnam? Share your favorite Vietnamese food memories below!