I have talked a little about Vietnam in previous posts, however as it is such a culinary mecca with such a wonderful and diverse range of foods, I think this amazing country deserves another post!
During our 3 week holiday I ate some of the most exquisite food in the world, and for me this is up there with the best. Rich deep meaty Pho (a soup usually eaten for Breakfast – full of lemongrass, chilli and coriander) plates of seafood freshly cooked and delicately spiced with chilli and lime, amazing vegetables such as Morning Glory (tee-hee) and wonderful fresh Spring rolls it was all so great.
We visited markets, ate food on the street (literally), did a days cooking course ate in smart restaurants and ate in shacks on the side of the road – it was a true culinary adventure.
Below are some pictures and short description of some of the highlights from the trip – hope you enjoy!
Phu Quoc
(A stunning Island in the South China Sea – lots of swimming, chilling and lots of eating!)
Paradise!
My first breakfast in Vietnam – a steaming bowl of noodles, beef, herbs and chill – called Pho. An amazing way to start the day and keeps you full until evening!
My first experience of a Vietnamese seafood market – every type of fish and seafood you can imagine – freshly caught …
and cooked to order over a BBQ
Some amazingly huge and delicious prawns (about 25p each!) and even sampled my first sea urchin. Not so pleasant, but supposedly an aphrodisiac – no comment!
Hoi An
(A chilled out town on the river, home to a wonderful food market, great restaurants, and a fab Vietnamese cookery school)
Very chilled and very pretty Hoi An
One of the best things we ate in Vietnam was called Morning Glory (yes, really!), it was so good the restaurant had named itself after it. Basically spinach cooked with garlic and lime – so good. Recipe here
Various Market Scenes (not sure what the RSPCA would say about the chickens in the baskets!)
Obligatory Cheesy Picture before the Cooking class begins!
Action Shot!
And the Outcome – Dumpling soup …
Vietnamese style spring rolls, pork, prawns, carrot, coriander, and cucumber in a soft clear, slightly chewy rice paper roll.
All finished off with a noodle salad with coriander, chilli, lime and chicken
Hue and Halong Bay
(A very wet day in Hue, and 3 days sailing around the amazing rock formations in Halong Bay)
Halong Bay in all its glory
Some of the best meals we had were on the street or in little local markets – didnt look much from the outside but the food was great, and cheap!
Bone broth with meat (not sure what!) and noodles
More Spring Rolls
Finished off with a Vietnamese Coffee with condensed milk – lovely!!
Hanoi & Home!
( Busy, noisy and manic – but home to some of the best street food in the world. All finished off with a private BBQ in our villa before heading back to reality!)
Hanoi in all its glory
Supposedly the best Pho in Hanoi – devoured on the street of course!
All you can eat buffet – Vietnam Style. Meat broth, glass noodles, incredible calamari, and vietnamese stuffed buns, filled with spicy beef and a fresh chilli dipping sauce, a highlight!
Our final meal – a 10 course BBQ in our Private Villa, with meat, seafood and incredible dessert. The only way to finish off a trip to Vietnam!
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