Tag Archives: Foodie

10 US Destinations for Craft Beer Lovers

From Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon the United States has been undergoing a beer renaissance in the past decade. Once a humble brew of cereal grains, water, and yeast, a staple of the backyard barbecue and the corner bar, beer has become a star with chefs designing food pairing dinners around it and brew pubs rivaling wineries as weekend destinations.

But while many cities and towns are full of great breweries, there are many variables in making a city full of craft beer-lovers the ideal weekend- or even week-long destination. You need just the right number of craft brewers, and by that we mean independent breweries, and while wineries are often about the scenery, breweries have to be about the atmosphere. Some are cozy, some are laid back, some are glamorous, but all have a unique vibe. Here are 10 destinations for lovers of craft beer not to overlook.

 

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago was made to be a great beer city. Plenty of fresh water, a city full of foodies always waiting to try the latest thing, and lots of industrial space in which to brew have led dozens upon dozens of breweries to open within the past decade. You’ll find craft producers including Bell’s Dogfish Head and more in Chicago bars but you’ll also find plenty of local craft brews including La Guardia Rubia, made with local honey, DryHop Brewers, and Hopewell Brewing Company.

DryHop Brewers beer
Image courtesy of DryHop Brewers
DryHop Brewers beer
Image courtesy of Good Beer Hunting/ Michael Kiser
hopewell taproom beer
Image courtesy of Hopewell Brewing Co.

Try: Hopewell Brewing Company, DryHop Brewers, Beermiscuous

 

Denver, Colorado

The Mile High City is to beer lovers what Napa Valley is to wine lovers. Here, the city’s many brewery taprooms serve as the equivalent to the local bar and drinking al fresco be it on a rooftop, deck, or patio. Go in September for the Great American Beer Festival, which has been celebrating American craft brews since 1980s.

Great Divid Brewing
Image courtesy of Great Divide Brewing

Try: Great Divide Brewing, Ratio Beerworks

 

Missoula, Montana

Often overlooked as a tourist destination, Missoula, Montana should be on every craft beer lover’s must-visit. A variety of breweries offer plenty of options including a coffee brew, lightly hopped brews, and even gluten-free beers. Before sampling one or two, take advantage of the many other things Missoula has to offer, including outdoor adventures that include skiing in the colder months and water rafting in the warm ones, museums, art galleries, and restaurants that offer craft beer pairings.

Montana Ale Works
Image courtesy of Montana Ale Works

Try: Montana Ale Works, Bayern Brewing

 

Portland, Oregon

Festivals, beer dinners, and 85 breweries make Portland the ultimate destination for craft beer lovers. With many breweries within a few square blocks of each other it’s easy to visit multiple breweries in a day by foot. Outside of the breweries you’ll find even more options in gastropubs, dive pubs, and even Safeway growler stations. Visit in July for the Oregon Brewers Festival or December for the Holiday Ale Festival.

produce-row-cafe-bar-shot
Image courtesy of Produce Row

Try: Produce Row, Loyal Legion

 

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Soak up the sun in Albuquerque, explore Old Town, and take your pick of breweries. New Mexico’s craft brewery scene is booming and the state’s largest city has been driving the growth with nearly 20 breweries in and surrounding Albuquerque. See the action at Boxing Bear Brewing  Company where glass windows let you sneak a peek at the brewing process or head to Kelly’s Brew Pub and try to choose from the more than 20 in-house options.

Boxing Bear Brewing Co.
Image courtesy of Boxing Bear Brewing Co.

Try: Boxing Bear Brewing Co., Kelly’s Brew Pub

 

Boston, Massachusetts

Put beer and Boston in the same sentence and you’re likely thinking Sam Adams. The flagship brand of the Boston Beer Company has a more than 30-year-old history and a visit to the brewery should be on any list of things to do in Boston. In the past few years though, up and coming brewmasters have opened their own breweries in Beantown and many of the city’s bars showcase not only the local brews but ones from all over the country. Head to Sunset Grill and Tap and choose from more than 380 microbrews on tap or tour Cambridge Brewing Company and you’ll likely make a new friend as the locals are always willing to share their recommendations for the best brews.

Try: Sunset Grill & Tap, Cambridge Brewing Company

 

San Diego, California

Spring, summer, fall, winter – there’s never a wrong time to visit San Diego. Grab a spot on the beach or on a patio and raise a glass. Here the beers du jour tend to be bright, fresh brews often with hints of citrus, but with nearly 100 different breweries throughout the city there are plenty of options. Those that favor darker selections will want to try one of Alesmith stouts while sour beer fans should check out Societe.

pour beer

Try: Societe, Alesmith Brewing Company, Barrel Republic

 

Baltimore, Maryland

Plan a trip to Baltimore during baseball season. Camden Yards isn’t just home to the Orioles; it’s also home to several bars serving craft beers including Dempsey’s Brew Pub, a local favorite, which offers up some house-brews. After you’ve had your fill of sports explore the city’s other beer offerings which range from the swanky along the waterfront to dive bars, all of which are likely to be serving the city’s former craft beer National Bohemian which Pabst Brewing Company recently bought. Affectionately known as Natty Boh, the brew dates back to the 1800s and is still worth sampling even if it’s no longer a craft beer.

union brewing
Image courtesy of Union Craft Brewing

Try: Dempsey’s Brew Pub, Union Craft Brewing

 

Portland, Maine

Don’t think for a moment Portland, Maine is the “other Portland,” when it comes to craft brews. The city is arguably the birthplace of the microbrewery trend – thank you, Shipyard and Allagash and with about 17 microbreweries for every 4,000 residents there’s something for every type of craft beer fan. Go old school with a Belgian style brew from Allagash Brewing Company, organic with Peak Brewing Company or inventive with Urban Farm Fermentory, where brews use local ingredients and include ciders and kombucha tea.

craft beer

Try: Rising Tide Brewing

 

Kansas City, Missouri

The Midwest is full of great beer cities and with many in driving distance of each other you could almost plan an entire trip around them. If you can only visit one, though, pick Kansas City. The laid-back city is sometimes overlooked but Boulevard Brewery has quietly led the craft brew scene there for nearly 30 years paving the way for others to start up their own. Here you’ll find cozy taprooms, breweries with BBQ pits going outside, and a friendly atmosphere that will make you wish you could stay longer.

Boulevard Brewing Co.
Image courtesy of Boulevard Brewing Co.

Visit Boulevard Brewing Co., Cinder Block Brewery

*Featured image courtesy of DryHop Brewers

The Best Artisan Desserts in LA

Los Angeles has some of the best sweet treats in the country, and with warm weather year round, you’ll never run out of reasons to eat ice cream. From macaron ice cream sandwiches to maple bacon donuts to homemade pop tarts, you can find it in LA and it’s guaranteed delicious.

You couldn’t taste all the delicious sweet treats in LA even if you tried, but you may as well! Here are a few to get you started.

Ice Cream – Salt and Straw

This small batch, artisanal sweet cream shop on Abbott Kinney is always packed, no matter the weather or time of day.

Drool over flavor combinations like their cult favorite, honey lavender, for which they steep two pounds of lavender flowers in honey and cream, bringing out a deep, almost smoky lavender color and then add a sweet touch of honey.

Salt & Straw
Image courtesy of Salt & Straw

For the more adventurous, try black olive brittle and goat cheese. They create a sticky olive candy using diverse olive oils and combine it with a “funky” goat cheese ice cream.

Salt & Straw
Image courtesy of Salt & Straw

 

Donuts – Sidecar Doughnuts

No matter your pleasure, sweet or savory, you can get your fix at Sidecar Doughnuts in Santa Monica. These donuts are made fresh all day every day and, without the use of preservatives, they’re recommended to be consumed within an hour of purchasing.

They feature flavors like huckleberry, with a berry pink icing and bits of berry baked inside the warm dough. Another favorite is maple bacon, a gooey donut covered in maple icing with chunks of candied bacon on top.

As an extra treat, you can see the chefs pouring the glaze and frying the donuts right in front of you.

 

Cookies – Milkjar Cookies

In addition to being an absolutely adorable venue, with cookies served on pretty china and drinks in mason jars with paper straws, this place has some of the best cookies in LA.

Milkjar Cookies
Image courtesy of Milkjar Cookies

Banana split, birthday cookie, mint chocolate, white chocolate chip macadamia, lemon blueberry; whatever you pick, you really can’t go wrong. Every cookie has a nice, crispy crunch on the outside but is warm and soft inside like a cookie should be.

Milkjar Cookies
Image courtesy of Milkjar Cookies

Wash your tasty morsel down with a big glass of milk or go all out and add ice cream.

 

Cakes & Pies – Cake Monkey Bakery

This place will bring you back to your childhood, serving up adult versions of ding dongs and whoopie pies and other confections. Their pies are delicious as well and come in single serving flavors such as cider roasted apple pie in a double cheddar crust. Yum!

Image courtesy of Cake Monkey
Image courtesy of Cake Monkey

Try some of the retro treats like their homemade Poptarts, filled with your choice of brown sugar cinnamon, blueberry crumble, apple, or chocolate almond.

Be sure not to miss the cult favorite; the summer Camp Chocolate Chip Cookie, which is made with caramelized Rice Krispies and marshmallow. Delish!

cake monkey
Image courtesy of Cake Monkey

 

Cupcakes – Sprinkles Cupcakes

This place is practically an LA landmark and often has a line out the door. The cupcakes are made fresh daily and have the perfect frosting to cake ratio, with neither being too sweet but just sweet enough.

sprinkles cupcakes
Image courtesy of Sprinkles Cupcakes

The cupcakes are rich in flavor, hitting the sweet spot after eating just one. Sprinkles offers classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet, but if you’re feeling a little more adventurous you can find your perfect cupcake in flavors like green tea with lavender frosting, ginger lemon, or vanilla peppermint. Get your dog a pupcake too!

 

Ice Cream Sandwiches – Milk

Milk takes ice cream sandwiches to the next level, and stuffs homemade ice cream between their giant macarons and dips them in melted chocolate and toppings.

The macarons give the ice cream sandwich a satisfying crunch, with a chewy bite inside. The ice cream is served at the perfect level of “meltiness” so that it doesn’t get all over your hands and isn’t too cold to taste.

Strawberry shortcake bar from Milk
Strawberry shortcake bar from Milk | Image via L.A. Foodie on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Explore flavors like thai tea, coffee toffee, fruity pebbles, strawberry with white chocolate, or matcha green tea macaron ice cream sandwiches. Milk has other goodies, but this is what they’re known for and best at.

6657633593_185e8a4716_o
Rocky Road ice cream sandwich from MILK | Image via Larry on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Eating Up North: Wisconsin-Inspired Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Known for its artisan, home-churned Colby and rich, succulent cheese curds, Wisconsin is home to some of the oldest dairy farms in the country. From cherished family recipes to fan-favorites, America’s Dairyland offers a simple, wholesome take on household staples.

You’re hard-pressed to find a city in the state’s 65,000 square miles that doesn’t include specialty dairy shops or mac and cheese-hinged bistros. Here are a few simple heirloom recipes to get you started. You don’t have to be in Madison to eat like a cheesehead!

Grecian Elysium Macaroni and Cheese

Serves: 3 | Time: 30 mins

Greek macaroni and cheese

What you’ll need:

5 oz. penne pasta

1 cup milk

3 tbsp. melted butter

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. grated nutmeg

2 cups grated graviera cheese

9 oz. baby spinach, chopped

1 cup reduced-fat crumbled feta

pinch of ground black pepper

 

How it’s done:

Bring 4-qt. pot to a boil with water and butter

Add pasta and spinach, cook until soft.

Strain pasta, add milk, cheeses.

Stir until pasta is evenly blended with mixture and sprinkle black pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Serve warm.

 

Feelin’ Blue Macaroni and Cheese

Serves: 2 | Time: 20 mins

blue cheese macaroni and cheese

What you’ll need:

8 oz. farfalle pasta

1tsp. thyme

1/4 ts. pepper

1/2 cup low-fat sour cream

1 cup low-fat milk

1 cup crumbled blue cheese

 

How it’s done:

Cook pasta until soft, drain and transfer to large bowl.

Stir in thyme and pepper until evenly distributed.

Add mixture to pasta and stir.

Heat milk in a large skillet over medium heat until boiling, reduce heat and stir in sour cream and cheese. Stir until cheese melts. Serve warm.

 

Heartichoke Macaroni and Cheese

Serves: 3 | Time: 20 mins

Artichoke macaroni and cheese

What you’ll need:

4 oz. elbow macaroni

1 tbsp. unsalted butter

3 cups water

1 oz. cream cheese

1 oz. white cheddar cheese

1/2 cup milk

1 cup frozen chopped spinach

1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped

 

How it’s done:

Cook pasta in the boiling water until soft. Drain.

Stir together cooked pasta, milk, butter and cheeses until creamy.

Fold in spinach and artichokes.

 

Carefree Caprese Macaroni and Cheese

Serves: 2 | Time: 20 mins

Caprese macaroni and cheese

What you’ll need:

6 oz elbow macaroni

2 tbsp. unsalted butter

1 cup milk

1/4 cup heavy cream

6 oz. fresh mozzarella

2 Roma tomatoes, diced

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

 

How it’s done:

Cook pasta in the boiling water until soft. Drain.

Stir together cooked pasta, milk, butter and cheese until creamy.

Mix tomatoes and top with fresh basil.

 

Ragin’ Cajun Macaroni and Cheese

Serves: 3 | Time: 40 mins

Cajun macaroni and cheese

What you’ll need:

8 oz. elbow macaroni

1 medium onion

1 green bell pepper

1 clove garlic

1/2 cup whole milk

3 oz. low-fat cream cheese

1 tsp. Cajun seasoning

6 oz. sharp Cheddar

 

How it’s done:

Cook pasta until soft, drain and transfer to medium bowl.

Dice onion, bell pepper and garlic.

Toss diced mixture into bowl with milk, seasoning and cheeses and stir until even.

Serve warm.

Eating Your Way Through Northern Italy

Italy, the birthplace of mouthwatering recipes known throughout the world, has been on my foodie bucket list since the first time I sunk my teeth into fettuccine. I recently crossed it off my list when I visited three regions in Northern Italy. History, high-end fashion, and 14-16th century Renaissance architecture surrounded me, but my feet moved towards as many ristorantes as possible.

In fact, I asked for culinary advice from a taxi driver during my first moments in Milan. I absolutely needed to discover which dishes were must-tries, and who better to ask than a native? After a few minutes grappling with the language barrier and resorting to a translation app on my phone, the young man laughed and fired off rapid Italian, but I managed to understand “risotto alla Milanese.” I also picked out the words “lasagna,” “pizza,” and “spaghetti.”

milan food expo italy
Tinxi / Shutterstock.com

Italian cuisine conjures thoughts of comfort foods, accompanied with olive oil, garlic, and fish in true Mediterranean fashion. We may not realize, however, that while pasta and cheese are the glues that bind each region, the stereotypical dishes that we’re familiar with are more representative of southern Italy.

A few rules to learn about northern Italian cuisine: Butter substitutes olive oil; sauces are creamy; rice, potatoes, and polenta replace pasta in many recipes; and while Northerners love their fish, menus are also filled with beef and poultry. My visits through the Lombardia, Venetto, and Piedmont regions opened my eyes to another side of Italian cuisine, which I am sharing here with you.

 

A Daily Food Routine in Northern Italy

Coffee is integral throughout the day and Italian roasts produce robust, aromatic, and amazing flavor. Drinking caffè begins in the morning (topped with steamed milk) and continues until late evening.

To blend in with the Italians, it’s crucial to learn the myriad of coffee drinks and the appropriate times to savor each. While this blood-pumping elixir did not originate in Italy, it’s safe to say that Italians helped to perfect it.

Caffè: an espresso, to be enjoyed throughout the day, after meals and during a quick break.

Cappuccino: equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, in that order. This is usually a breakfast beverage.

Caffè latte: one part espresso, two parts steamed milk, and half part of milk foam, in that order. Can be drunk as an alternative to cappuccino at breakfast.

Macchiato: espresso topped with a thin layer of steamed milk, which can be enjoyed at any time.

cappuccino and marble bread
Cappuccino and marble bread

Italy’s daily meal structure is like most other countries around the world, comprising of breakfast (prima colazione), lunch (pranzo), and dinner (cena), with a mid-afternoon snack (merenda) thrown in the mix. The passion Italians have for food, however, is one of a kind.

 

Prima Colazione – Breakfast

My first breakfast in Milan was a simple affair. I skipped over the eggs, bacon, and toast at the hotel, and opted for a cappuccino and slice of chocolate marble cake in a traditional coffee shop.

Brioche (known as a cornetto outside of Lombardy) is the breakfast pastry of choice for many, and I mistakenly referred to it as a croissant on my second morning. Luckily, I met welcoming people throughout my trip who forgave many of my bloopers with warm smiles.

Cornetto
Cornetto

In addition to coffee, I soon discovered the rich Italian chocolate, and a few mornings were spent enjoying small cakes topped with this creamy delight.

 

Pranzo and Cena – Lunch and Dinner

Northern Italy has much to see, from the business-centric streets of Milan surrounding the Piazza del Duomo (the cathedral that took approximately 500 years to construct, beginning in the 14th century) to the historical Piazza Castelo in Turin (Italy’s first capital), and the breathtaking 13th century Casa di Giulietta  in Verona (“Juliette’s House” where the Capulet family from Shakespeare’s Romeo And Juliet may once have lived).

Milan caffe
Yulia Grigoryeva / Shutterstock.com

Rushing from one landmark to the next will work up an appetite, but luckily lunch is the heartiest meal in an Italian day. While it’s possible to order a simple panini (a toasted sandwich made with Italian bread) in a laid back osteria or trattoria (a homey eatery), or rush to a fast food restaurant, some prefer to relax and enjoy a two- or three-course meal. A traditional full-course meal is also offered for dinner at many ristorantes.

Primi (first course) followed by a secondi (second course) and contorno (side dish) is the classic set up, and I had the opportunity to satiate myself with one of these meals in Turin. First came out a simple antipasti (starter) of a hard boiled egg atop a bed of spinach and drizzled with sweet balsamic vinegar.

Egg on spinach
Egg on spinach

A primi is usually a rice or pasta, and I chose a rich alternative to penne with pesto. Instead of the deep green, basil-rich nutty sauce that I imagined, I enjoyed a couple spoonfuls of cream-based butter and cheese sauce infused with the chopped herb.

The secondi appeared upon finishing the primi, and this is typically a meat-based dish. Since I had been melting in the hot summer sun, I decided on juicy melon covered in prosciutto (thinly sliced, dry-cured ham). The combination of sweet and savory in this dish has haunted me since. Alongside the secondi was my choice of contorno, marinated vegetables.

Dolci with gelato, coffee, and chocolate
Dolci with gelato, coffee, and chocolate

Despite being too full for dolci (dessert), the lovely language barrier once again intervened and muddled the conversation with the waiter, resulting in an infusion of gelato, coffee, and chocolate in place of regular caffè. Yes, I happily finished the entire glass, along with the surprise complimentary digestif (an alcoholic after-dinner drink) that reminded me of Kahlua mixed with hot espresso.

Coffee chocolate digestif

 

Aperitivo

This traditional before-dinner cocktail hour began in Turin during the 18th century, but took off in Milan during the 20th century, and is a popular custom in this part of the world. The word aperitivo means “to open” in Latin and describes an “opening of appetite” by beginning the eating and drinking process.

During the summer evenings, it’s hard to miss the flocks of happy people enjoying refreshing orange cocktails in the middle of piazzas, alongside canals, and everywhere in between. These Aperol spritzers, made with prosecco and the orange-flavored Aperol spirit, are a popular aperitif that will entice the senses and tantalize your hunger. Served over ice and a slice of orange, they are a wonderful treat on warm summer nights.

aperol spritz and appetizers copy
Aperol spritz and appetizers

Don’t be surprised if your drink comes with a complimentary dish of appetizers, similar to Spanish-style tapas. Small bites of ossobuco (braised veal shanks) hit the spot alongside my cool cocktail.

Spaghetti cacio e pepe
Spaghetti cacio e pepe

While adventuring across northern Italy, I also indulged in pizza, homemade spaghetti, gnocchi, and ravioli. And a second trip is in the works to try winter dishes, like hearty minestrone soup, hot fonduta (cheese fondue, sometimes flavored with truffles) and comforting polenta porridge.

Gnocchi in sauce with salmon
gnocchi in sauce with salmon

Yes, I also recommend losing yourself to cheesy, saffron-infused risotto alla Milanese, which I ordered on the taxi driver’s recommendation as my first Italian dinner.

 

And as the famous Italian quote says,

La cucina di un popolo è la sola esatta testimonianza della sua civiltà.

– The cuisine of a country is the only exact attestation of its civilization.

 

The Best Films for Foodies: Mouthwatering Movies You Can’t Miss

“I hate food.”

— No one, ever.

Food connects us all! If there’s one thing every single person has in common, it’s that we all eat. It’s a basic necessity to survive, but let’s face it: Eating is just really, really fun. It’s so fun that foodies have taken to the interwebs to share their dishes in a storm of what most of us affectionately refer to as “food porn.” Yes — not only do we eat for fun, but we look at pictures of food we’d like to eat… for fun. I’m not saying I go on Instagram to drool over pictures of food… but I totally go on Instagram to drool over pictures of food.

If you really want to take your love of food to the next level (sign me up!), there are a bunch of delicious movies you’ll want to see.

 

Julie & Julia

Meryl Streep leads the way in this film, which means it’s awesome by default. The story of famous chef Julia Child is intertwined with that of blogger Julie Powell, who’s on a mission to cook every single recipe from Child’s first book. Prepare to be hungry the entire movie.

 

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

“The strawberries taste like strawberries, and the snozzberries taste like snozzberries!” I get tooth decay just watching Willy Wonka, but any film where you can lick the wallpaper is A-OK by me. The movie got a stellar remake, but nothing beats the original — the first movie that made all kids want to live in a land where everything is edible. This was a childhood classic, albeit a somewhat creepy one.

 

Ratatouille

Whoever said rats can’t cook clearly hasn’t seen this movie. (And you’re never too old for animated films.) A tiny rat named Remy wants to be a French chef, but… he’s a rat. He ends up in the sewage system of Paris, directly beneath the restaurant of his favorite chef: Auguste Gusteau. Chaos ensues when Remy starts to turn the culinary scene of Paris upside down. Not bad for a rodent.

 

Chocolat

This movie is a must-see, because chocolate. A single mother and her daughter move to France and open a chocolate shop. While the town is skeptical at first, the duo eventually wins them over with their delectable treats. Now I’m craving chocolate.

 

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Here’s another animated film you don’t want to miss. Scientist Flint Lockwood isn’t exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, but he does invent a machine that turns water into food — perfect timing, considering the town’s economic crisis. Something goes awry, though; and when Flint’s invention ends up turning rain into food, things don’t quite go according to plan. It seems too good to be true… and it is.

 

Chef

When acclaimed chef Carl Casper loses his job and walks away with a shattered career, he goes in a different direction and starts cooking from an old food truck instead. He once again realizes why he was so passionate about cooking in the first place, serving up delicious food and reconnecting with his family at the same time.

Saigon: A Foodie’s Paradise

Vietnam will bring proper foodies to their knees. Taste explosions culminate on every corner of Saigon, the country’s old imperial capital. The fresh ingredients, friendly, family like atmosphere and flavor combinations will leave you drooling.

Vietnam has one of the most intercultural diverse food scenes in the world, with dishes varying drastically between regions. In Saigon, you’re able to find foods from all over the country – the north, the south and the Mekong Delta – all in one city.

Food is a huge part of Vietnamese culture, with street side food stalls serving up steaming hot plates of food at all hours. Businessmen sit on tiny plastic stools scarfing down their favorite soups at lunch hour next to tourists in elephant pants taking selfies with their pho.

Vietnamese street vendor selling warm waffles
Street vendor selling warm waffles

Eating is an intense experience in Vietnam, with the swirling noise, huge families enjoying meals with their children and sitting on the edge of whizzing traffic while you slurp your soup. It’s about more than the unfamiliar flavors sparkling on your tongue; it is about a deeper look into the culture and the endless wonderment it provides.

The most popular dish in Vietnam for tourists to try is pho but there are so many more dishes worth your while. Check out the list below for some other things to try while you’re in Saigon.

 

Bahn Mi

Bahn Mi (pronounced “ban me”) is undoubtedly Vietnam’s most famous sandwich. It’s served on a single serving French baguette, which was introduced to the country during the Colonial period, and is thinner, airier and lighter than its western counterpart. The sandwich affords its flavors to a multitude of fillings including pork belly, pork floss, grilled chicken, canned sardines and soft pork meatballs cooked in tangy tomato sauce.

Banh Mi with meatballs
Banh Mi with meatballs

Accoutrements consist of fresh cucumbers, cilantro, pickled carrots and shredded daikon (a bland yet refreshing, crunchy when raw root vegetable). Condiments include fresh chilis, chili sauce and mayo. The result is a fantastically crunchy and refreshing flavor bomb guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Pick the nearest Banh Mi stand on the street and try one for yourself.

 

Pho

Pho (pronounced like “fa”) is served around the world in some form or another and is easily Vietnam’s most recognized dish, and for good reason. It is simple and delicious. Pho is a traditional noodle soup made with thick rice noodles, fresh herbs and your choice of chicken or beef. You can also find hard boiled quail eggs to add from time to time.

pho with quail eggs
Pho with quail eggs

It comes with a basket of fresh herbs on the side consisting of mustard greens, shallots, coriander leaves and more. You can dress up the dish with fish sauce, fresh lime juice or chili paste, or enjoy it as is. The sweetness of broth, thickness of noodles and choice of meats and herbs vary from shop to shop but you can pretty much guarantee it will be delicious no matter where you get it.

 

Bot Chien

A warming comfort food, bot chien (pronounced like “bo chee yen”) is also a hearty option for vegetarians. Bot chien rice cakes are just rice flour and tapioca starch combined and then cut into cubes. While the thought of “fried rice cake cubes” doesn’t sound particularly appetizing, the finished product is a delight.

Frying up Bot Chien
Frying up Bot Chien

The rice cakes are thick, sticky and starchy and then fried in lots and lots of oil, to create a golden brown crust that’s crispy on the outside and smooth and creamy on the inside. Most places will toss in a fried egg or two, top with green onions and serve. Occasionally bot chien will also be topped with a pile of green papaya, offering a refreshing contrast to the rest of this fulfilling snack.

 

Che Chuoi

Che chuoi (pronounced like “chee choy”) is a sweet and warming dessert concoction of bananas, coconut and tapioca pearls. The tapioca pearls are cooked to perfection in water and coconut milk and spilled over sugary and salted bananas and topped with crunchy roasted peanuts and sesame seeds.

Che chuoi
Che chuoi

The result is a party for your taste buds. The crunchy bite of crushed peanuts adds a nice contrast to the softened tapioca pearls and cuts the sweetness of bananas with a sprinkling of salt. Encase everything in smooth, creamy coconut milk and you have a fabulously delicious sweet treat.

 

Banh Xeo

Banh xeo (pronounced “ban tzow”) is a savory pancake made with rice flour, water and turmeric powder and fried in lard to perfection on a sizzling skillet. The pancakes are then stuffed with pork belly, shrimp, green onions and bean sprouts. Depending on the region you’re in, the pancakes may be served with a smattering of fresh herbs including mustard leaves, coriander and basil.

Vietnamese banh-xeo made with minced mung beans and shrimp
Vietnamese banh xeo made with minced mung beans and shrimp

You can then pick up the pancakes with your hands and dip them in any combination of fish sauce, chili paste, fermented soy bean sauce and top with more fresh herbs and toasted peanuts. Wrapping the pancakes in mustard leaf, lettuce leaf or rice paper is another great way to enjoy ban xeo.

 

Iced Coffee

No visit to Vietnam is complete without treating your taste buds to the fabulous concoction that is Vietnamese iced coffee. It can be found on every corner, for pennies, and is an experience in and of itself.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Vietnamese iced coffee

The typical iced coffee includes coarsely ground dark roast coffee beans grown in Vietnam. It’s brewed with a small French style drip filter and then poured over ice; to which sweetened condensed milk is added. The finished product is dark and syrupy, similar almost to molasses and sickly sweet. It is a sinfully delicious caffeine boost and the perfect cool treat for those hot days in Saigon.

 

Saigon is an interesting place for a lot of reasons. There are many different branches of the local culture to explore while you’re there, including trendy cafes, a buzzing nightlife, traditional temples and beautiful urban scenery.

Spread of various foods at a street food stand
Spread of various foods at a street food stand

But if you really want to connect with the locals, go to a street food stall with a hungry belly. Pull up a tiny plastic stool at the edge of traffic and chat with the grandma making your lunch. You might will definitely encounter some language barriers (she probably doesn’t know a lick of English) but smiles and laughter are the same in any language.

You will manage to learn more about the culture by becoming part of it than you ever will at a museum. And the easiest (and most delicious) way to do that is through food.