In its mid-May ranking, stir-fried water spinach earned 4.2 out of 5 points, securing the third position. It followed two Indonesian dishes: perkedel and tempeh mendoan. TasteAtlas, a digital culinary map, described this traditional dish as suitable for vegetarians, made from water spinach, garlic, fish sauce, salt, sugar, and oyster sauce.

Stir-fried water spinach. Photo: Bui Thuy

The dish's common preparation involves blanching water spinach before quickly stir-frying it over high heat with fragrant fried garlic. Fish sauce is often added in the final stage to enhance its flavor. Served hot, this dish is a staple in Vietnamese family meals, typically accompanying soups, boiled or steamed dishes, and white rice.

This recognition by TasteAtlas is not the first for stir-fried water spinach. Food specialty website The Restaurant previously lauded it as a "star" of Vietnamese cuisine. Despite its everyday status as a simple side vegetable, it frequently graces official receptions for dignitaries and international guests visiting Vietnam.

Its appeal extends to global figures and celebrities. In late May 2025, during his visit to Vietnam, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife enjoyed Ly Son stir-fried water spinach at a Hanoi restaurant, alongside fried spring rolls and bun rieu. The meal, particularly the vegetable dishes, garnered significant praise, drawing more public attention to this rustic dish.

Similarly, South Korean artists have expressed admiration. On the 2017 travel and food show Battle Trip, beauty queen Oh Hyun Kyung and actress Jung Si Ah sampled the dish during their Da Nang trip. Both highly recommended stir-fried water spinach, noting its distinct and appealing flavor rivaled famous South Korean dishes.

The TasteAtlas ranking was led by Perkedel, an Indonesian dish scoring 4.3 points. Perkedel is made from mashed potatoes combined with minced meat, corn, or fish, then dipped in egg and deep-fried. Its name originates from the Dutch word "frikadel," highlighting Europe's culinary influence in Indonesia.

Tempeh Mendoan, also from Indonesia, secured second place with 4.2 points. Originating from Purwokerto, this dish features thin slices of tempeh coated in seasoned flour and quickly fried in hot oil, resulting in a lightly crispy exterior with a soft interior.

Nasi Kuning, another Indonesian specialty, ranked fourth with 4.1 points. This flavorful rice dish, cooked with coconut milk and turmeric, is often served with accompaniments such as fried chicken, shredded egg, anchovies, shrimp, or fried tempeh, along with traditional chili sauces.

TasteAtlas, established in Zagreb, is an online platform that introduces, ranks, and promotes traditional dishes, local ingredients, and restaurants globally. It serves as a digital culinary map, offering information on dishes, recipes, and cultural narratives tied to various regions.

Tuan Anh (According to TasteAtlas)