All posts by Alexa Albanese

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.

I Heart Amsterdam in One Day

Many tourists visit Amsterdam each year to see the Red Light District and take part in the signature party culture, but Amsterdam is so much more than that. It’s a beautifully landscaped city, vibrant with arts and culture and rich with history.

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and was settled in the 12th century as a small fishing village. Since then, the city has blossomed into a booming financial and cultural epicenter, with the first stock exchange ever originating here.

Amsterdam has been ranked the second most livable city in Europe and the twelfth most livable city in the world in terms of environment and infrastructure. It was also ranked as second globally for innovation.

The city is home to many museums, famous artists, parks, cathedrals and cultural activities.

View of Hotel NH Barbizon Palace at night
View of Hotel NH Amsterdam Barbizon Palace at night | Photo: Alexa Albanese

One great thing about Amsterdam is that it’s super easy to get around. Not only is the city extremely walk-able, but there is also a fantastic public transportation system that will take you anywhere you need to go.

The Dutch are famous for their waffles, called stroopwafel, which are two thin layers of waffle with a gooey, caramel layer in between. Buy from a street vendor and warm it on top of a steaming take away drip coffee and you have yourself a delicious brekkie.

stroopwafels amsterdam
Stroopwafels in a shop in Amsterdam

There are a ton of museums in Amsterdam, and wandering through the halls of history is a great way to spend the morning. Head to Museumplein (or “Museum Square,” in English) in Amsterdam South and you’ll have a few to choose from.

While you’re there, don’t forget to scramble on top of the famous IAmsterdam letters to get a picture.

iamsterdam letters
The iconic Amsterdam letters | Photo: Alexa Albanese

The Rijksmuseum is a Dutch national museum dedicated to the history and arts of Amsterdam. The Van Gogh museum is a stunning chronology of the artist’s works and story of his life. And the Stedelijk Museum features contemporary art from modern artists all over the world.

Visiting the Anne Frank House is another must do. The museum is a heavy experience and not for the faint of heart, but a beautiful recollection of the life of a spirited girl who died too soon. Both educational and emotional, it’s worth a visit.

anne frank house amsterdam
© Siraanamwong | Dreamstime.com – Amsterdam, Netherlands – May 7, 2015: Tourist Visit Anne Frank House And Holocaust Museum In Amsterdam Photo

For lunch, feel free to visit one of the city’s many coffee shops. You can enjoy a nice meal and if you’re so inclined, a joint to go with it. Amsterdam is one of the few cities in the world where marijuana is legal.

For an afternoon activity, you have a few options. If you like to shop, head to the quintessential Dutch quarter, De 9 Straatjes, which literally translates to “the 9 Streets.” These streets are dotted with typical Amsterdam boutiques offering all sorts of goods, from handmade fashions to quirky books and gadgets and fine dining restaurants.

canal amsterdam
Canal in Amsterdam | Photo: Alexa Albanese

As you’ll notice, Amsterdam has a lot of canals — almost 200, with over a thousand bridges spread throughout the city. Taking a tour on one of the canal boats is a relaxing way to see the city from a different point of view. You’ll also get a little history lesson with your tour.

canal amsterdam
View of one of many canals in Amsterdam | Photo: Alexa Albanese

You can also stroll around de Jordaan, which is arguably Amsterdam’s most famous neighborhood. Originally a working class neighborhood dating back to the 17th century, Jordaan is now one of the most upscale and expensive neighborhoods in the Netherlands. Here you can find modern art galleries and specialty shops and restaurants. Markets are held nightly and a great place to find unique souvenirs.

cheese stall in de Jordaan
Cheese stall in de Jordaan | Photo: Alexa Albanese

If you’re getting peckish, pick up a delicious cheese snack from a street vendor while you’re meandering the picturesque neighborhoods. Typically served with mustard, there’s great variety in Dutch cheese; and regardless of whether you prefer soft and gooey or hard and mild, you’ll find something to satisfy your nibbles.

On a particularly beautiful day, head to Vondelpark, the biggest and most visited park in Amsterdam. It sits on over 120 acres of land and is beautifully landscaped, with immaculately manicured lawns, original statues and a body of water throughout. Be sure to check out the open-air theater and rose garden in the middle of the park.

vondelpark amsterdam
Vondelpark | Photo: Alexa Albanese

As you might imagine, Amsterdam has quite the vibrant nightlife scene. Paradiso is a must if you’re into live music. The music venue/club is in an old converted church building with a rich history; it was squatted by hippies in the 1960s and eventually turned into an “entertainment and leisure” club. Acts such as Frank Zappa, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Billy Idol and even the Rolling Stones have performed there.

Of course, the Red Light District can’t be without mention. The tourists flock here every year to see the working girls, coffee shops and available legal drugs. Although it’s definitely a sight to see, the Red Light District is not an integral part of Amsterdam and there are other more culturally rich places to spend your time.

red light district amsterdam
Coffee shop in the Red Light District | Photo: Alexa Albanese

If you’re looking for something a little swankier, head over to Jimmy Woo, where the ambiance is soft and the drinks are expensive. Jimmy Woo attracts a crowd of both tourists and locals, young professionals, students and the like. The music played is popular on the charts and the dance floor is always burning up. Jimmy Woo is a great place to end your night with a good group of friends.

It’s hard to do everything in Amsterdam because there are so many opportunities at your fingertips. If you like art and history, you can spend the whole day exploring museums. If you’re a foodie, hop on a food tour and taste everything that the city has to offer including delicious cheese, beer, sausage and specialty desserts like fresh crepes and chocolate.

sausage amsterdam

The shopping is great as well, with many specialty boutiques catering to every different style and budget. If you’re up for a lazy day lounging in the grass and people watching, a picnic at Vondelpark should do just fine.

Take advantage of the sparkling nightlife and you’ll leave with memories from a trip unlike anywhere. After all, there is nowhere else that parties quite like Amsterdam. Just be responsible.

amsterdam canal
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

As you can see, no matter what you fancy, there’s no shortage of things to do in this beautiful city. If it wasn’t already, definitely put Amsterdam on your list of must-visit cities this summer.

Delicious Street Food in Penang, Malaysia

Penang, Malaysia is a foodie haven. Which is surprising, because when you think of Malaysia, the first thing that springs to mind probably isn’t succulent street kebabs and red bean shaved ice. Because Penang is home to such a diverse mix of cultures — including Malay, Chinese and Indian — you’re bound to find delicious street food in Penang.

Not only is the food in Penang famous, but so are the prices. If you’re on a western budget, you can live like royalty in Malaysia. Pretty much everything is cheap, a dollar or less, and you can include as many or as few things in a meal as you like, choosing Indian for dinner and a typical Malay treat for dessert.

Chulia Street in Georgetown is the Mecca for cheap hawker food stalls. The typically busy main street transforms into a fragrant, bustling conglomeration of steaming food stalls by night. Some dishes are not to be missed. Check them out here:

Assam Laksa

Arguably the most famous dish of Penang is this delicious, spicy fish soup. Mackerel is poached and stewed in a thin broth flavored with chilies, tamarind, lemongrass and shrimp paste. Rice vermicelli is plopped on top to make a delightfully slurpy soup. If you try only one street food dish in Penang, let this be it.

assam laksa penang
Assam laksa

Nasi Lemak

Another famous dish in Penang is this yummy snack. Rice is cooked in coconut milk and combined with prawns and sambal (a sauce made from chili peppers, shrimp paste, ginger, scallions, sugar, and lime juice) and wrapped in a banana leaf to seal in the flavor.  Cheap and available in many flavor combinations, nasi lemak is worth seeking out for an authentically Malay breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Nasi Lemak Malaysia
Nasi Lemak

Dumplings

Cheap and easy to find, dumplings are a delicious staple in the Penang street food scene. They can be filled with vegetables or any kind of meat or fish, steamed or fried, served on a plate or a stick. Any way you like, you can find. Make sure not to forgo the tasty five spice sauce that’s served on the side, as it really takes the flavor up a notch.

Chinese dumplings
Chinese dumplings

Roti Canai

This is a flat, flaky bread that goes well with everything from curry to Nutella. Available on the street for less than a dollar, it’s a great snack for when you’re waiting for dinner from a slammed street cart down the way. Be sure to stick around to see how it’s made, as the guys twist and slap the dough around, smother it with ghee and magically transform it into a piping hot, crunchy yet chewy morsel that melts in your mouth.

Roti canai
Roti canai

Chicken Tandoori

Dry rubbed in taste bud-tickling spices and served with naan and sweet, spicy and sour sauces, chicken tandoori is a quick meal to satisfy and delight. A fresh assortment of cucumbers and limes are also served to provide a crunchy refreshment from the spice of the chicken.

chicken tandoori
Chicken tandoori

Steam Your Own at a Street Cart

This one is really a more fun experience than it is for fantastic food. The carts are set up with all sorts of vegetables, meats, and seafood that are skewered and color-coded. Pick what you want, dunk it in the pot of boiling water to cook for a few minutes and enjoy standing around with the other locals.

Steamed food Penang
Steam your own food cart

Treats From Little India

Do yourself a favor and take a stroll through Little India while in Penang. The streets are fragrant with samosas, curries and all types of sweets like puddings, candied nuts, and coconut balls. Take only one of each, as you’re bound to want to sample everything this drool-worthy neighborhood has to offer.

Sweet treats malaysia
Sweet treats from Little India

Fresh Seafood

Because Penang is situated on the ocean, the city offers many types of fresh seafood for cheap. You can get curried prawns, steamed fish or squidstir-friedd with vegetables and served over rice. This is best eaten at one of the many beaches Penang has to offer, while sipping a freshly hacked open coconut.

street food in penang
Stir-fried squid

There are also tons of desserts to try, like coconut grass jelly and crumbly condensed milk squares.

shaved ice stand
Shaved ice flavors

Penang has one of the best food scenes in the world, second in Asia only to Bangkok. If you’re there to enjoy the food, make sure not to eat too much at one meal since you’ll likely want to try the next 15 delicious-looking things you see on the street.