Vietnamese food is an important part of the country's culture and is renowned for being delicious. With rice paddies across the country, rice is the base of many foods. Chicken, pork, beef and fish are the main ingredients. Due to Buddhist influences, you will find plenty of vegetarian dishes on offer. In North Vietnam, expect to find black pepper in replacement of chilli and more seafood, whilst food is spicier in Central Vietnam. Meanwhile, South Vietnam has strong influences from Thailand and China, with sweeter-tasting dishes.