Jealous...

Robyn at Eating Asia got to go back to Saigon... and I didn't. Phil got to have a bia hoi... and I didn't. France is great, but you know...

Comments

[ourman]

I do know.

I find I am missing it more and more and the months go by. Thought I'd never go back and now I am trying to work out just how soon I can.

I'm even missing Vina food and I never thought I would. Pho aside, I never carried the same torch for it as you did, but I'd quite happily settle down on some plastic stools for bun cha.

I'm going to have to sort out some kind of trip there, for whatever spurrious reasons in 2008.

Also wondering what became of all the KOTO kids that graduated during my time there.

[Graham]

There's a chance I might get back in the near future for a week or so - but it will purely an eatfest.

And you always have to bear in mind that you were based in Hanoi. Now, there are some culinary wonders up there, but nothing like what you get in Saigon. That is a fact.

[ourman]

While my allegiances will always be with the North, I don't doubt what you say.

I spent enough time of trips to Saigon to see that the food is head and shoulders above Hanoi.

I also think there is a lot of crap spoken about Vietnamese food by people who don't know any better. I have eaten some good Vina food but I have eaten some horrific over boiled, under seasoned foul stuff too.

Seriously though, I am craving Pho and there is no where that sells it in my neck of the woods. Noodle soup at Wagamammas is as close as I get.

[Phil]

My allegiances still lie to the South, but this current trip has made me realise that it has much more to do with the Vietnamese food that I'm more familiar with, rather than being completely objective. Great bun cha is beyond what I expected.

I've also eaten much crap. Having to eat Maggi noodles that someone is attempting to pass off as pho in Vietnam almost brought me to tears.

[Graham]

Gaak, that happened to me too once, many, many years ago. If they'd billed it as ramen, no worries, but Pho it were not. You're right on the bun cha front, Hanoi is the place - much to do with temperature, seating arrangements and closeness to gutter as anything else. I was stunned to find better Bun cha in Saigon. It pained me to admit it.

While you're up there you should try the Cha Ca at 31 Duong Thanh street and that place on Nha Tho that sells fried pockets of glass noodles and mushrooms - Banh goi it's called. And the mien luon joint on Hang Dieu street... I could go on.

[Robyn]

Oh Graham, quit yer whinging. I mean, really - raw milk cheeses and cassoulet at your doorstep and all. ;-)

Personally I'd vote for eating in Saigon over Hanoi anytime. Our friends in Saigon (some of whom are from Hanoi) are in agreement ...

[Heather]

What a beautiful dish. I think you should return to Viet Nam. ;)

[Satorii]

I'm about to go to VN in 3 weeks. I can eat anything as long as it is the best. The foods you are compiling on this website are just delicious. I am wondering if you have a file/link with all the finding? That would save me some times. Thanx

[Phuong]

I can't say what more,so nice with ur blog,dear:-)