Khôi Phạm

in Dishcovery

Gỏi Khô Bò Lê Văn Tám Connects Generations of Saigoneers Over Papaya Salad

My favorite genre of Saigon food places is most definitely address-less street vendors. With no name, no fixed location, no menu, no contact information, before Google Maps and smartphones, whether you can satisfy your craving for their food purely depended on the strength of your memory (to find them again) and the level of luck the universe bestowed on you that day.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Wake up Early, We're Getting Hủ Tiếu Cá for Breakfast

When I used to live in Hanoi, I always knew that if an eatery only opens for half a day, the food is probably certified, at least by the locals, to be not only good, but excellent. There is something written in the local traditions that specific dishes should be served at particular times of the day.

in Snack Attack

Sugar, Ice, and Everything Nice: On the Mekong Delta's Love for Trà Đá Đường

The pitcher of miền Tây-style sweet tea is like a boat ride taking me away from the exhaustion of the city back to the memories of my hometown amongst the canals of the Mekong Delta.

Khôi Phạm

in Dishcovery

Kem Vi Bổn's Popsicles Anchor 70 Years of Saigon's Summer Memories

Saigoneers have always been blessed with a thriving ice cream scene, perhaps an inevitable perk of living in a city that’s rarely not scorching hot. Amid a thriving scene of inventive gelato and soft serve flavors, one frozen treat place has stood the test of time for nearly 70 years: Kem Vi Bổn.

Paul Christiansen

in Dishcovery

Bình Thạnh’s Best Budget-Friendly Off-Menu Bánh Mì by the Canal

I trust the philosophy that, to find the best places to eat, look for those crowded with locals. Such logic would lead you to Xôi Thị Nghè near the five-way intersection close to Chợ Thị Nghè in the former Bình Thạnh District.

in Food Culture

In Defense of Vietnam's Iced Beer and Why, in My Beer, I Want Ice Ice Baby

The snobby beer connoisseur may scoff at those who drink beer with ice. But in Vietnam, as much as 75% of drinkers enjoy t...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Izakaya Where Happiness Is Wrapped in Pork Belly and Grilled

It took a few visits before I noticed that the music at Sakaba Sasuke was always the same.

Back Eat & Drink

in Food Culture

[Video] Vietnam’s 300-Year-Old Food Forest

7 hours south of Hanoi, in the province of Hà Tĩnh exists a 300-year-old, 2-acre food forest, one that has been tended by 28 generations of a single family.

in Food Culture

Spanish Bodegas Castano Wine Lands In Vietnam

Since good wine is still slowly trickling into Vietnam, I was pleased to hear that Bodegas Castano has finally made its way to Saigon.

Brian Letwin

in Food Culture

[Video] How To Cook: Cá Hấp

One of our favorite YouTube channels, Helen’s Recipes, recently posted a super simple recipe for cá hấp, a steamed fish with mushrooms, glass noodles, all rolled up in rice paper.

in Food Culture

[Photos] The Honey Hunters Of Phú Yên

July is the time for the honey hunters of Phú Yên Province’s forests. The honey season, which starts in February, is centered in Xuân Phước forest, located in Đồng Xuân District (Phú Yên).

in Food Culture

5 Unique Markets In The Mekong Delta

While the cities of Vietnam become hooked into the global supply chain, their culinary tastes are becoming more homogenous. From pizza to shopping in supermarkets, our diets are slowly moving in line ...

in Food Culture

In Bánh Mì We Trust

Though bánh mì is often labeled as one of the world’s best sandwiches, something to hold, behold and consume, Saigonese don’t eat them solely because they are delicious.

in Food Culture

5 Of Saigon’s Best Markets

When people think of Saigon, the iconic Bến Thành Market usually comes to mind. But while it’s rich in history, for locals, it’s little more than a tourist attraction. Vietnam Coracle recently took to...

in Food Culture

YouTuber Racks up 18m Views Teaching the World How to Cook Vietnamese Food

YouTube sensation, Le Ha Huyen (aka Helen), has been making awesome Vietnamese cooking tutorials for the past 3 years. Over that time, she’s attracted over 130,000 subscribers to her channel (Helen’s ...

in Food Culture

A Guide To Ordering Phở In Vietnamese

Due to popular demand, we’ve created this guide to help those who haven’t mastered Vietnamese order a bowl of phở exactly the way they want it. 

in Food Culture

Coffee Styles in Saigon Then and Now

Photo via truyenthongtuonglai. In Saigon, coffee can be consumed on the sidewalk or in a fancy coffee shop, out of a plastic cup or one made of fine porcelain. Regardless of location or vessel, this ...

in Food Culture

[Photos] Lychee Season Causes Huge Traffic Jams in Luc Ngan

During lychee season, the normally empty Highway 31 becomes inundated with farmers, bringing their crops to market, creating major traffic jams.

in Food Culture

A Short History Of Phở

Phở is everywhere. Vietnam’s most famous cuisine has made its way onto souvenir t-shirts, into the Merriam Webster dictionary and the world’s culinary consciousness. A group of YouTube celebrities eve...

Brian Letwin

in Food Culture

Which Type Of Coffee Gives You The Most Energy?

Beyond being one of the world’s leading exporters of the magic beans, coffee culture runs deep in Vietnam's veins. But while city streets are lined with cafés, the quality and strength of the drink wi...

in Food Culture

Choco Pie Sales in Vietnam Hit 2 Billion

On June 8, Orion, the maker of the addictive Choco Pie, announced that since 2006, the company has sold over 2 billion of their cakes in Vietnam, according to Business Korea. That’s 22 ...

in Food Culture

Why Vietnamese Wine Gets a Bad Reputation - Part II

Why Vietnamese Wine Gets a Bad Reputation - Part I The rainfall in the Northern grape growing regions is much higher than that of Ninh Thuan (where many vines have been planted). Annual rainfall in t...

in Food Culture

Why Vietnamese Wine Gets a Bad Reputation: Part 1

Most people know that Vietnam is a global leader in the production of rice, coffee, tea and even cashew nuts, but what about wine?

in Food Culture

Students Make Giant Pizza to Protest Chinese Oil Rig

More than 20 students from HCMC’s Hoa Sen University made a giant, map-shaped pizza of Vietnam to support the country’s sovereignty in the backdrop of the dispute with China over their controversial o...

Brian Letwin

in Food Culture

“Pho” added to Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Well, it’s about time. Our beloved “pho” has finally gotten the recognition it deserves, recently being added along with 150 other terms to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, according to CBS News.

in Food Culture

Marques de Caceres Wines Arrive in Saigon

Marques de Caceres, another of the top Spanish wineries based in Rioja, working together with the Wine Warehouse, recently chose La Closerie d’Elisa to organise and deliver a fantastic wine dinner, pa...

in Food Culture

Green Roofed Kindergarten in Dong Nai Teaches Children How to Save the World

Vietnam’s rock star Vo Trong Nghia Architects took a break from designing award-winning homes to build something infinitely more special - a large kindergarden which allows children to understand the ...