Kinds of Chilies in Vietnam: Hot and Charm of Every Chili Variety
Spice is a defining characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine, with chilies being a starring role in dishes. From fiery stir-fries to fragrant dipping sauces, the vibrant spectrum of chilies cultivated across Vietnam’s diverse regions adds a unique layer of flavor and complexity to every culinary adventure. In Vietnam, there are many kinds of chilies, including Celestial Chili Pepper. Perilous Chili Pepper, Golden Horn Chili Pepper, Cayenne Chili Pepper… Let’s find out about the characteristics of these chilies from Vietnam.
1. Bird’s Eye Chili – Perilous Chili Pepper (Ớt Mắt Chim)
In Dong Thap province (a high-yield chili-growing region) of the Mekong Delta, the fertile plains are full of sunshine. It provides fertile ground for another popular variety – the Mat Chim (Bird’s Eye) chili. As its name, this chili resembles a tiny bird’s eye with its vibrant red color and pointed shape. Despite its diminutive size, the Mat Chim delivers a sharp spiciness balanced by intriguing citrusy undertones, making it a favorite for adding a quick burst of flavor to fresh salads and seafood dishes.
2. Celestial Chili Pepper (Ớt Chỉ Thiên)
Celestial chili pepper is a type of chili whose fruits all face the sky. This is a very spicy variety. This chili is not picky about growing soil, but it is best to plant in alluvial or plain soil with quite fertile and well-drained. It can provide chili year-round, and farmers can harvest after 80 days of planting. Not only a spice, chili pepper is also known as a plant with many medicinal uses. Vietnamese celestial chili peppers reach 100,000 – 250,000 degrees SHU. At levels above 100,000, chili peppers reach a level of spiciness to the point of explosion.
3. Golden Horn Chili Pepper (Ớt Sừng Vàng)
Golden horn chili (also known as Ba Tri chili) originates from Africa. Chili peppers are shaped like buffalo horns, about 12 – 15cm long, and have flat smooth skin. When young, chili peppers are green-white, when they are old, they gradually turn orange and then ripen to bright red, not dark red like normal chili peppers. Golden horn chili has a moderately spicy, mild and sweet taste. This type of chili contains high levels of vitamin C, which helps increase resistance, prevent oxidation, protect the heart, prevent cancer,…
4. Cayenne Chili Pepper (Ớt Chỉ Địa)
Cayenne peppers are tapering, 10 to 25 cm long, generally skinny, mostly red-colored peppers. These chilies often have a curved tip and somewhat rippled skin. They hang from the bush as opposed to growing upright. Most varieties are generally rated at 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units. People use Cayenne peppers in various culinary dishes and also use them for making chili powder and sauces. Their quick harvest cycle and adaptability make them a preferred choice for many Vietnamese farmers.
Summary of kinds of Chilies in Vietnam
| Perilous Chili Pepper | Celestial Chili Pepper | Golden Horn Chili Pepper | Cayenne Chili Pepper | |
| Length | 1.5 – 3 cm | 5 – 6 cm | 9 – 15 cm | 14 – 22 cm |
| Diameter | 0.2 – 0.5 cm | 0.8 – 1.0 cm | 1 – 1.5 cm | 0.8 – 1.8 cm |
| Weight | 1 – 3 grams | 4.0 – 4.2 grams | 8 – 10 grams | 10 – 20 grams |
| Harvest time | 75 – 80 days | 40 – 50 days | 75 – 80 days | 60 – 90 days |
| Yield | – | 20 – 30 tons/ha | 25 – 40 tons/ha | 20 – 30 tons/ha |
| Spiciness | 100,000 – 225,000 SHU | 100,000 – 225,000 SHU | 30,000 – 50,000 SHU | 30,000–50,000 SHU |
| Distinctive traits | Small fruits, sharp and refreshing taste | Small fruits, a sharp and refreshing taste | Long, blocky fruits with thick flesh and smooth skin | Large, elongated fruits with thick flesh and bright skin |
Vietnam’s diverse regions cultivate a stunning array of chili peppers, each contributing its own unique flavor profile to the country’s vibrant cuisine. These regional specialties are a testament to Vietnam’s rich culinary tapestry, ensuring every dish is an explosion of flavor waiting to be discovered.
Havigo Company Limited operates in the field of agricultural export. We wish to bring high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products such as spices, rice, beans, and fruits… to the world. We supply you with high-quality products at the best price. If you find interest in importing Vietnamese Fresh Chili, please contact us for better support via WhatsApp: +84 979 58 58 56.