Dining out while following a paleo or carnivore diet might seem like a challenge, especially when it comes to cuisines like Vietnamese, where rice, noodles, and sauces are typically front and center. But with a few thoughtful choices, you can enjoy a satisfying and healthy meal that aligns with your dietary goals and the principles of a balanced, healthy, home-cooked lifestyle promoted by Goodnight’s Red River Spice Company.
At Goodnight Red River, we believe that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on natural, high-quality ingredients and simple, bold flavors, we’ve developed a line of seasonings that supports home cooking with an emphasis on wellness, American culinary traditions, and pride in creating meals that nourish both body and soul. This same approach can be applied when eating out, particularly when you’re enjoying diverse cuisines like Vietnamese food.
Here’s how to stay paleo or carnivore at a Vietnamese restaurant while sticking to the principles of clean eating and healthy living:
Pho Without the Noodles
Pho, a traditional Vietnamese soup, is about rich, flavorful broth. The good news? The broth is paleo and carnivore-friendly, especially when made from slow-simmered beef bones. Ask for a bowl of pho without the noodles and load it up with meats like beef brisket, rare steak, or oxtail. You can even request extra meat or add eggs to make it fillinger. This aligns perfectly with the Goodnight Red River approach: focusing on nutrient-dense, protein-rich foods that fuel your body and mind. Just be sure to avoid hoisin sauce and fish sauces that may contain sugar or preservatives.
Grilled Meat Plates (Thịt Nướng)
A grilled meat plate is one of the simplest yet most satisfying options on the menu. These often feature pork, beef, or chicken marinated in fragrant herbs and spices and then grilled to perfection. Ask to skip the rice and double up on the meat or eggs instead. Make sure to request that the marinade doesn’t include sugar or soy-based sauces. By focusing on these natural, high-quality protein sources, you’re staying true to the Goodnight Red River philosophy of clean, flavorful eating. We encourage avoiding ultra-processed foods, just like when cooking at home, to ensure every bite is packed with real nutrients.
Shaking Beef (Bò Lúc Lắc)
This dish offers tender cubes of beef stir-fried with garlic and a rich blend of spices. It’s perfect for those following a carnivore or paleo diet, especially if you request it without soy sauce and serve it without rice or starchy vegetables. The minimal ingredients and focus on bold flavors fit perfectly with the Goodnight Red River mantra: simple, wholesome food doesn’t need fillers or excessive ingredients to taste incredible. You could compare this to our own signature beef dishes, which rely on high-quality meat and our carefully crafted spice blends to deliver a full-flavored, healthy meal.
Egg Dishes
Eggs are a cornerstone of both paleo and carnivore diets, and many Vietnamese restaurants offer egg dishes like omelets with shrimp or pork. Ask for your eggs to be cooked in butter or animal fats rather than seed oils, and avoid any soy-based sauces. At Goodnight Red River, we promote using high-quality fats like butter and ghee in our home-cooked recipes because they’re more nutrient-dense and better for you than processed oils.
Fresh Spring Roll Fillings (Without the Wrapper)
While spring rolls typically come wrapped in rice paper and filled with noodles, you can ask for just the fillings—shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs—which are both paleo and carnivore-friendly. This allows you to enjoy the flavorful, protein-rich ingredients without the carbs or sugars. Just like with our Red River seasonings, you’re getting the full flavor without the unnecessary additives. Pair this with fresh herbs and a dash of lime juice to enhance the taste naturally, avoiding sugary or preservative-laden sauces.
A Connection to the Red River Way
At Goodnight’s Red River Spice Company, we emphasize the importance of simplicity and high-quality ingredients in everything we create. Our blends and recipes are designed to inspire home cooks to embrace wholesome, flavorful meals without resorting to processed foods or artificial ingredients. Whether you’re grilling up a steak with our No Bull Rub or preparing a family dinner with our Xotic Meatball Seasoning, the focus is always on real, nutrient-dense foods that support a healthy lifestyle.
This approach extends to dining out. Even when you’re away from your kitchen, you can maintain the same commitment to healthy, flavorful eating. You can ensure that your meals align with your goals by making thoughtful choices like opting for more protein, avoiding sauces with preservatives, and sticking to natural fats like butter or beef tallow.
Why This Matters
Eating out can sometimes feel like a compromise, but it doesn’t have to be. At Goodnight’s Red River, we’re all about empowering you to make choices that support your health and well-being, whether you’re cooking at home or enjoying a meal at a restaurant. By choosing nutrient-dense, whole foods over processed alternatives, you’re fueling your body and maintaining the connection to tradition and American culinary values that we stand behind.
So, the next time you find yourself at a Vietnamese restaurant, remember: you can enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that’s 100% paleo or carnivore by making simple modifications. Just as with our own recipes, the key is to focus on the quality of the ingredients and the power of natural flavors.
Happy dining, the Goodnight Red River way!