Southern Vietnamese cuisine is known for its rich, bold flavors, often leaning towards sweet and spicy tastes. Using fresh ingredients like seafood, vegetables, and distinctive spices, Southern dishes are simple yet full of flavor. Popular specialties include "bánh xèo" (crispy pancakes), "lẩu mắm" (fermented fish hotpot), "hủ tiếu" (noodle soup), and "gỏi cuốn" (fresh spring rolls), reflecting the riverside culture and the warm, generous spirit of the Southern people.