The heart of Vietnamese cooking is making do with what you have in the kitchen, and adapting to what is available and in season. This is exemplified in some familiar favourites of Vietnamese cuisine, such as Phở and Bánh Mì, both of which are dishes taken and adapted from foreign occupiers. Some cooks go to great lengths to re-create the flavours of traditional dishes, but don't let that deter you because we can adapt and make recipes our own.