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The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a sudden halt to Jovel Chan’s career in F&B marketing for a prominent Malaysian airline, prompting her return to Singapore. However, it was her friends’ suggestion to relocate to Vietnam that set her on a new path. Chan arrived in Ho Chi Minh City in December 2020, only to find herself in quarantine as the city prepared for social distancing measures. But this didn’t dampen her spirits. She soon discovered a silver lining—the opportunity to truly connect with the local community and witness their resilience in the face of the pandemic. Chan recalls volunteering to deliver food to those quarantined, and the sense of camaraderie it brought. It was during this time that she also started an online discussion about the city’s restaurants—which were open and which were closed. This simple list, posted on her blog, went viral, attracting over 10,000 views in days. Chan’s blog, which started as a way to promote her fitness studio, soon became a vibran...

“From Arancina to Bun Cha: A Cultural Fusion of Street Food” The culinary event, “From Arancina to Bun Cha: A Cultural Fusion of Street Food,” offered a unique twist on the traditional Italian Cuisine Week in Vietnam. Held at Casa Italia in Hanoi until November 24th, the event celebrated the vibrant street food cultures of Italy and Vietnam, bringing a burst of flavor to the city. With a focus on the funkiest street food delights, the festival presented a rare opportunity to indulge in a world of culinary delights. The culinary event, a fusion of cultures and flavors, captivated food enthusiasts. A true highlight of the festival was the diverse range of street delicacies. From the famous Pizza Fritta and Porchetta to the mouth-watering Pho rolls and Banh bot loc, it was a celebration of contrasting flavors. The Italian and Vietnamese restaurants of Hanoi showcased their talents, with well-known names serving up their takes on classic dishes. The event also shone a ligh...

Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, has cemented its place as a culinary powerhouse, bagging the prestigious title of Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City at the 2023 World Culinary Awards. The World Culinary Awards, launched in 1994, is an esteemed platform that recognizes exceptional culinary destinations and tourism brands globally. Adding to the city’s culinary acclaim, renowned restaurants and hotels in Hanoi, including Hibana by Koki Restaurant and Capella Hanoi Hotel, were also acknowledged for their outstanding culinary offerings. The iconic ‘bun cha’ dish – a Hanoi specialty. Photo : Michelin Guide Hanoi’s culinary prowess was further emphasized when it was ranked among the top 15 culinary destinations worldwide by Tripadvisor’s readers in July. In 2023, Travel and Leisure magazine bestowed upon Vietnam the title of Best Culinary Destination in Asia’s Bucket List Places. The magazine highlighted Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City as must-visit destinations ...

Nước mắm ranks 22nd with a score of 4.4 out of 5 stars. It is a versatile condiment, serving as both a dipping sauce for traditional dishes and a seasoning for modern Vietnamese cuisine. It is a staple in home-cooked meals and a must-have at street food stalls across the country. In Vietnam, nước mắm is served in two forms: pure nước mắm and sweet nước mắm. Pure nước mắm is the more traditional option, often used as a dipping sauce for hot pot, steamed dishes, and boiled foods. On the other hand, sweet nước mắm is a delightful combination of nước mắm, sugar, lime juice or vinegar, garlic, chili, and water, creating a unique flavor profile. This variety is commonly paired with dishes like cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork), spring rolls, and bánh xèo (Vietnamese savory pancakes). Present at most family gatherings, celebrations, and street food stalls, sweet nước mắm adds a touch of sweetness and a burst of flavor to any meal. Although the basic ingredients remain the same, each h...

‘Pho’, the iconic Vietnamese dish of rice noodles, broth, and meat, is taking center stage at the upcoming festival. With tens of renowned ‘pho’ brands gearing up for the event, the preparations are in full swing to delight diners and make this annual celebration a memorable one. Co-organized by the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper and Saigontourist Group, under the guidance of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the administration of Ho Chi Minh City, this festival promises to be a culinary journey like no other. A recent working session was held by the organizing team to ensure seamless planning for the festival in Seoul. This year, over 20 ‘pho’ brands will showcase the very best of Vietnamese ‘pho’ culture in South Korea, including household names such as Pho Dau, Pho Phu Gia, and Pho Thin Bo Ho – 1 Hang Tre. While traditional ‘pho’ will be the star of the show, diners in South Korea are in for a treat with unique twists on the classic dish. Get ready to indulge in ‘pho’ infuse...

Banh com , a traditional Vietnamese delicacy, captivates the taste buds of Indian tourists visiting Hanoi. Made of green sticky rice and green beans, it leaves a lasting impression. Movenpick Living West Hanoi rolls out the red carpet for approximately 300 Indian tourists. Source: Thanh Dong / Tuoi Tre Shamila Rolfe, general manager of Movenpick Living West Hanoi, shared with Tuoi Tre that their hotel accommodated nearly 300 Indian guests, who were part of a larger group of 4,500 employees from an Indian company. The unique Banh com from Lang Vong (Vong Village), where the hotel is situated, was a highlight for these visitors. They were enthralled by the distinctive flavor and texture of this local treat. “We also introduced them to che com (green rice sweet soup), which they found equally delightful,” Rolfe added. To ensure a memorable stay, the hotel hired Indian chefs to prepare authentic Indian cuisine for their guests. The focus was on creating a warm and famili...

K-pop superstar Daesung’s recent visit to Vietnam was a culinary delight, as captured in a 12-minute video uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday. The video offers a glimpse into Daesung’s food adventures, and by Wednesday afternoon, it had already garnered an impressive 26,000 views. Daesung enjoys a refreshing coconut smoothie at a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. Daesung’s Delightful Vietnamese Feast The video showcases the 35-year-old singer’s excitement over a variety of Vietnamese dishes. He starts with a coconut smoothie, exclaiming, “Wow! This is so good,” and giving a round of applause for the drink. His enthusiasm continues as he samples cha gio (spring rolls), marveling at the crispy batter and creamy filling. Moving on to the next dish, Daesung tries stir-fried noodles with seafood, and he is clearly impressed. “The noodles are so tasty. Wow! So delicious,” he says, savoring every bite. But the highlight of his meal is yet to come. Daesung then tucks into a roasted ...

In Taste Atlas ‘ list of the world’s 100 best stir-fry dishes, stir-fried morning glory with garlic ranked an impressive 17th, the highest placement for any Vietnamese dish. The website describes this dish as “a traditional Vietnamese delicacy that’s perfect for vegetarians” and suggests it is “best enjoyed with a side of white rice.” The secret to mastering this dish lies in blanching the morning glory before stir-frying it with garlic and a savory sauce made from salt, sugar, and fish sauce. Stir-fried glass noodles with crab. Image source: Taste Atlas Other notable Vietnamese entries on the list include stir-fried pho , which ranked 31st, stir-fried crab glass noodles at 72nd, and stir-fried spotted Babylon snails, securing the 78th spot. These dishes are beloved by food enthusiasts both within Vietnam and internationally, showcasing the diverse and mouthwatering nature of Vietnamese cuisine. Another Vietnamese delicacy that made the cut is stir-fried chayote with g...