A foodie's dream
In the Vietnamese capital Hanoi the national dish, pho, is rightly venerated. Wander the Old Quarter streets early morning and the scent of simmering stock laced with star anise will greet you. As the day unfolds the aroma of another classic, bun cha, fills the air as pork is barbecued ready to be served with baskets of fresh herbs. This is a city where you can tell the time by the scent of food in the air – a sure sign that Vietnam is a foodie’s dream.
Further north in the mountains a wide variety of minority dishes await thanks to Vietnam’s rich tapestry of ethnic groups. Sample them with Topas up in Sapa, in Pu Luong and on your journeys in between.
Down in the former capital of Hue intricate dishes fit for Vietnam’s last royal dynasty are now served for the masses. Tapas-like spreads create a feast for the eyes as much as the taste buds.
