While in Ho Chi Minh City, I had the pleasure of meeting up with another blogger friend, James of fly, Icarus, fly. Knowing my love of food, he suggested we meet for dinner and listed several restaurants that all sounded great. But as soon as he said “sizzling crepes,” I knew that was the place for me! I am never one to turn down a crepe, especially one stuffed with pork and shrimp. But these delectable treats weren’t found in a fancy French restaurant – they were cooked outside over burning-hot coals! I had heard that Vietnamese street food was some of the best in the world, but I’ll admit I wasn’t prepared for this. Made fresh to order, the crepes were smoky, crispy and full of flavor. I tried to restrain my glee as I dug in so as not to scare my new friend.
With plenty more on offer besides amazing crepes, James set about ordering us a feast. The wonderful salad of crunchy lotus strips was chock-full of carrots, herbs, peanuts and tender bits of chicken. Slightly more unusual – but equally tasty – was the prawn paste on sugar cane skewers. Shrimp are pounded down into a paste that is wrapped around a peeled stalk of sugar cane and then grilled. We then made spring rolls of the prawn and assorted toppings, wrapping them up in tissue-thin pieces of rice paper. Even though we were both thoroughly stuffed by this point, we made even more spring rolls from beef that we cooked right on the table. Luckily my pants had an elastic waistband. Cheers to good food and new friends!
Would you like to try Vietnamese street food?
Good times! I hadn’t been to that spot since I settled back in HCMC. Glad to know some things never change. In the 7 months I’ve been here, I’ve tried all the “normal” street food. Now I’m trying to get my hands on some of the more unusual fare. Doesn’t help that a noodle place just opened up near me and a tasty bowl for like 70 cents. Sigh.
I can’t wait to read about your culinary adventures! And hopefully participate in them again the next time I’m in town 🙂
It’s always better when you have someone that knows the area and can take you to the good spots. Crepes!!!! Yummy!!!! Unbelievable what they can prepare on the street. Mom
James picked a great spot! I wish street food everywhere was this tasty!