VIETNAM

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 do a lot of TV and charity events in Vietnam, so I visit this striking country a couple times a year. That's a trip I really look forward to! Vietnamese cuisine includes a wide variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, plus lots of fish sauce. It's colorful, interesting and complex ... yet surprisingly light and healthy because the chefs hardly use any oil.

Vietnam's cuisine also reflects hundreds of years of foreign influence: it's truly east meets west. Cafes with delicate French pastries amaze visitors. And French bread is likely to accompany your Vietnamese meal. You can even finish it off with an espresso. Vietnam is full of surprises ... its an experience no-one should miss."

Appetizers
Steamed Egg Custard
Southeast Asian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Soup
Yan's Quick and Easy Rice Jook

Entrees
Vietnamese Grilled Beef Sandwich
Crunchy Vegetable Salad

Dessert
Tropical Fruit Salad with Ginger Syrup

Fish Sauce

Bean Sprouts

Soaking/Rehydrating