Vietnam

Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: On Hàng Bài, Golden Bún Cá Thái Bình in a Hole in the Wall

When a friend of mine returned home after living abroad last year, he longed for a bowl of bún cá . I suggested the classic Hanoi dish, with satisfyingly oily deep-fried fish, but he had other ideas — a fresh feast originally from Thai Binh, located almost 100 kilometers from the capital.

Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Where Fish Sauce and Soy Sauce Are Not Condiments, but Gelato Flavors

Living in central Saigon as a diehard fan of ice cream and all frozen sweets, I fondly remember the late 2010s–early 2020s as the age of abundance. Back in the day, across downtown, there was always a little something for ice cream fans of all preferences.

Eat & Drink Partner

Hidden in Plain View, Đà Nẵng’s Keepsake Serves Stories of Distant Travels

Why do people travel? In seeking out new sights, experiences, and conversations, we hope to change and return to our homes with new perspectives or understandings. But what is change without proof? Thus, an entire industry of souvenirs, mementos, and memorabilia. These keepsakes allow us to remember where we went and what we did, and by extension, who we have become.

Resorts

InterContinental Transforms Hạ Long Bay Experiences via Ultra-Luxury

While the natural geography of Hạ Long Bay remains the same stupefying assemblage of pre-Cambrian limestone karst islands that aroused awe amongst the first humans to arrive in Vietnam, tourism here has changed radically. From sleepy coves that were once difficult to explore, to an exploited “must-see” stop on international tour itineraries, the area is entering a new era thanks to InterContinental Halong Bay and its ultra-luxurious, “resort-within-a-resort” Halong Bay Estate.

Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: At Phở Chay Như, a Banquet of Vegetarian Versions of Iconic Viet Dishes

A bowl full of noodles is one of the things that make me feel lucky to be alive, and alive in Saigon in particular.

Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: An Alternative Cơm Tấm From Long Xuyên for Thịt Kho Trứng Fans

When it comes to cơm tấm, most people are familiar with cơm tấm Sài Gòn, featuring grilled pork ribs as the vedette topping. But since the dish’s creation, and as it gained popularity across the Mekong delta and southern Vietnam, another cơm tấm variant emerged alongside cơm tấm Sài Gòn. This version became so cherished by the locals that it was named after its birthplace — cơm tấm Long Xuyên.

Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: CCCP Anchors Fond Memories of Soviet Cuisine for Saigoneers, Young and Old

My earliest memories of breakfast are of Omachi beef-flavored instant noodles cooked with tomatoes and ground pork. On days where noodles sounded uninspiring, my mom would offer me the same plate as my dad: rye bread, butter, and Russian caviar. Eager to follow in his footsteps, I welcomed this addition to my breakfast menu, eventually replacing my beloved noodles.