Brian Jeffrey
Exploring Vietnam: A Culinary Adventure
Sean’s exploration of Asia commenced a few months back. After a visit to Cambodia, he found himself in Vietnam, immersing in the rich culture and cuisine of Ho Chi Minh City for a month.
“At last, I am experiencing my dream of tasting authentic Vietnamese beef noodle soup,” he expressed with enthusiasm.
He opted for a popular street-side restaurant located at the Pham Ngu Lao intersection in District 1, renowned for its beef pho and braised beef dishes.
Upon arriving at 1 PM, he was impressed to see numerous patrons savoring their lunch despite the hour.
Sean ordered a bowl of beef pho for VND80,000 and received a refreshing glass of lemon juice. He appreciated how Vietnamese pho spots always provide an array of spices and herbs to customize one’s meal.
When the steaming bowl of pho arrived, Sean immediately sampled the broth, nodding in approval at its flavor.
He then added garlic vinegar, lemon, various herbs, and bean sprouts, aiming to enjoy the dish like a local, minus the chili sauce.
The hearty bowl featured both rare and well-done beef, sliced delicately into bite-sized pieces. The noodles deviated from the typical norm, resembling thinner vermicelli rather than the usual flat style.
Sean noted that the broth tasted even richer with the added spices. He praised the beef for being tender and fresh, and the herbs for their captivating flavor.
He remarked that the beef pho surpassed his expectations and declared it a long-desired dish he had finally indulged in.
During his Vietnamese escapade, he took time to explore both Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat. Although he wished he could visit every attraction and try every dish, he felt fulfilled, proclaiming, “The scenery is stunning, the people are warm, and the food is delightful.”
