Vietnam II

The long, skinny country of Vietnam stretches from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Laos and Cambodia border it to the west, China to the north and The China Sea to the east and south. As in the rest of Southeast Asia, the effects of an ancient Indian and Chinese cultural presence linger. The French colonization of Vietnam also had a major impact on Vietnam's cooking as well as its way of life. From curries to baguettes, the cuisine incorporates all of its cultural influences. As is the custom of many of its neighbors, a meal in Vietnam is rarely served in courses. All of the food is placed on the table at once, to be shared by all guests. Fresh chili, basil, mint, cilantro, star anise, and lemongrass give Vietnamese food its distinct flavors.

"I discovered Vietnam from a picture postcard of Halong Bay. The limestone islands were fantastic, but the little fishing boat in the picture really excited me. What did those men catch in their nets? What treasures were under the Bay? When I explored the 1400 miles of Vietnamese coastline in person, I found the answer -- hundreds of fish and shellfish that chefs and home cooks turned into savory, succulent dishes. I can't bring you the fish, but you can cook your local seafood, Vietnamese-style, and dream of Halong Bay."

Appetizers
Crispy Crab Wontons
Honey Glazed Spareribs

Soup
Seafood Noodle Soup

Entrees
Spicy Jade Chicken
Cool Citrus Rice Noodles

Dessert
Warm Peanut Dessert Soup

Dried Rice Noodles

Sesame Oil

Deep-Frying