ngũ vị hương
Definition
- Noun:
- Five-spice powder: A fundamental and aromatic blend of ground spices used extensively in Vietnamese and broader Asian cuisine. Its name translates directly to "five-flavor spice," referring to the traditional balance of sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami tastes.
- A seasoning mixture: A prepared spice mix, typically containing star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds, though recipes can vary regionally.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ngũ vị hương là gia vị không thể thiếu cho món vịt quay. (Five-spice powder is an indispensable seasoning for roast duck.)
- Cô ấy thêm một thìa ngũ vị hương vào nước dùng. (She adds a teaspoon of five-spice powder to the broth.)
Advanced Usage
- While primarily a noun for the spice blend, "ngũ vị hương" can function attributively to describe dishes seasoned with it.
- Gà nướng ngũ vị hương rất thơm. (Five-spice roasted chicken is very fragrant.)
Variants and Related Words
- Gia vị (n): seasoning, spice. A general term for flavorings, under which "ngũ vị hương" is a specific type.
- Hỗn hợp gia vị (n): spice mix, spice blend.
Synonyms
- Five-spice blend: An alternative English name for the same mixture.
- Chinese five-spice: A common English term highlighting its prevalence in Chinese culinary tradition.
Related Concepts
- Ngũ vị (n): The five flavors (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, umami/pungent). This philosophical and culinary concept is the basis for the spice blend's name.
- Ướp gia vị (v): to marinate. "Ngũ vị hương" is frequently used in this process.
- Nên ướp thịt với ngũ vị hương trước khi nấu. (You should marinate the meat with five-spice powder before cooking.)