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Vietnam

Vietnam is a country on the move. A thousand years of Chinese rule, a hundred years of the French, a couple decades of us. These people have something to prove. Vietnam is a country essentially self-created over the last thirty years, but nobody in this long, toothpick-thin nation is interested in abandoning any of their traditional food pathways. In fact, modern restaurant culture is just beginning here in Vietnam and it seems to be solely the domain of the business traveler and tourist. But I digress.

Snakes. I love snakes. And if you are going to eat a snake I would suggest that you do it at the Snake Festival in Le Mat. We arrived in the morning, we stayed late in the day participating in the parade and the street fair festival atmosphere. vietnam_07.jpg
But let me tell you, the best part of Snake Festival is negotiating your way into a snake restaurant, picking out your snake—I splurged and went for cobra—then having it disappear to the kitchen after being bled and gutted tableside. The tasty results? Crispy snake skin, snake spring rolls, sautéed snake with chilies and lemon grass, a delicious but benign ending to a meal that begins with the ceremonial reptilian execution.

I love street food. And in Vietnam, they have the best street food culture in the world. At the top of the food chain are the small four to six seat “restaurants” that are really no more than a portable kitchen roughly three feet square around which the chef and owner tosses a couple of plastic stools for patrons to squat. My favorites? The pho, the roasted sparrows, the snail vendors, and the patty crab pounding soup and noodle salad makers. Of course, the best street foods are in and around the amazing markets that are seemingly on every street corner. In fact, the Vietnamese shop more than any other people in the world. Vietnamese cooks and homemakers will shop three or four times a day—literally going to market in between every meal period. To say the food in Vietnam is fresh is the understatement of the century.

The most fun restaurant in Hanoi is Bobby Chinn’s. This guy is a showman in the extreme and hanging out for an afternoon cooking and eating with him was an experience that I’ll never forget. Just to let you know the kind of guy he is, we spent the last half hour of our visit together playing Rolling Stones cover songs on the steps leading up into his restaurant with a hat between our legs. Begging doesn’t become me, but it was fun. If you eat at his restaurant in Hanoi, don’t skip the crab salad and go late at night where the girl watching and the people ogling is without peer.

The best experience of every trip are always the food making adventures that I like to go on. In Vietnam, after a day cruising Ha Long Bay on a hundred year old Chinese junk, we went to the island of Cat Hai where they have been making fish sauce the same way for a thousand years. Every step of the process is a hands on affair. What do I mean by that? The shrimp and small fish and squid that are used to create the fish sauce are hauled in by hand, they are cleaned by hand they are chopped up and soaked in handmade clay pots for a year they are filtered and the sludge is distilled, hauled by wheelbarrows to the giant strainers. They make five thousand bottles a day. There is no where in the world that I can think of where a Rolls Royce product of this type is still made entirely the old fashioned way without an electrical socket or laptop within twenty miles. Wandering the island for the afternoon, in a town with no cars where there is no noise, no electricity poles, no phone wires, where little kids are diving off a muddy bridge to pry oysters off the decades old cement supports, sipping fresh coconut juice while we wait for lunch of island delicacies—this is still one of the best and most memorable afternoons on an all-around incredible trip.

Comments

Very interesting show on Vietnam, and also disturbingly timely - in a few weeks I'm going to be living in Hanoi and teaching English there. Anyway, it was very informative and gave me some ideas of what I want to try when I get there.

Greetings Andrew,
I just wanted to say that I saw this episode and I loved it. I was a little creeped out with the snake segment, especially when you ate it's still beating heart, but I did admire your bravery at consuming it..and without even batting an eyelash!
Anyway, I really love all your shows and wouldn't miss them for the world. Thank you for providing such a great show..you rock Andrew!

Andrew, i've enjoyed watching your food journey to various places. I especially like the Hanoi show because I will be going there later this month. My husband actually dined at highway4 while he was working in Hanoi last month. We will be touring the country and looking forward to sampling food from different region. Looking forward to seeing your next destinaton.

Born and raised in Vietnam, It was awesome to see someone experience the stuff in Vietnam. It reminds me so much of the stuff I'm missing here in the U.S. I enjoyed the episode alot. Keep on trucking along Andrew!!! Good stuff.

I really enjoy your show and can't wait to watch every week. My daughter who is 8 loves your show also. I can't believe some of the foods that you eat but I like learning about other country's cultures and such. Keep up the great work!!!

Thank you for such an awesome show, It's my new favorite. The way you eat that stuff with so much gusto actually makes ME hungry. I've turned all my friends on to you and they all love the show. Keep up the good work. "If it looks good, eat it!"

Best show ever! Keep up the good work, Andrew. When are you going to Indonesia? Lots of bizzare foods there. Oh, you can also find your nemesis there (durian).

When my family and I first saw the commercial for your trip to Vietnam, I was thrilled. We counted down the days until the show aired. I was born here and have yet to experience life in the motherland. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to see what my country has to offer. To more shows for you...cheers!

Andrew: We enjoy your show very much. The Vietnam episode was wonderful. Keep up the good work!

Andrew, that truly was the best show yet. My wife and I enjoy watching your show every week. We love the fact that you describe the food your eating very thoroughly. It's almost like we can taste it with you. Your one of the best food critics on T.V. Safe travels!

I absolutely love your show! The things you eat and not afraid to try! I love that you embrace every culture that you encounter. It's like fear factor except you win the people's respect and gain the experience. I used to watch you on the moring show on FOX 9 and I think you're awesome!

Thank you so much for the support and kind comments. That I can stir the hunger in others by doing what I do makes this job worth doing.

Andrew, loved the Vietnam episode! My wife and I visited there last November and it was an incredible experience. By the way, have you tried the snake wine? What did you think?

Andrew,

I have yet to see the Vietnam episode of your show and am anticipating a re-run real soon. I was born in Saigon but raised in America, so I am anxious to see the cultures of North Vietnam. You have an envious lifestyle and I love living it through your diaries and TV show. Keep it up - and next time: try some pig brain steamed in rice wine!

hi those foods you try really are bizarre.I really like your show.I am surprised you like most of that stuff:)

Todd - I would love to try things like snake wine, but unfortunately I lost that privilege a long, long time ago. I have been sober since 1992, so the last time I could have tried snake wine would have been 16 years ago.

my mother is vietnamese yet even she cringed at some of the foods you were eating. as for my thoughts...every time my boyfriend and i watch your show i tell him, "i bet you i could eat everything that zimmern eats! i know i can!!" WE LOVE YOUR SHOW!

Mr. Zimmern,

I have been watching your show since the beginning of this summer and have been enjoying it greatly! While I am still a fledgling travler, your show on Vietnam was amazing. Hopefully I will be able to make a trip to Asia someday. I really appreciate a program like yours that finds these amazing gems of food and everyday culture, especially on the street. Plus the people you meet are admirable in their missions to preserve and reinvent their traditions.

I am preparing to spend the next 4 months in Valencia, Spain and hopefully can find interesting dishes to dine on!

You and your team are a great inspiration for adventure. Please keep up the great work! If it looks good, you can bet I'll have a taste :)
Katie

I love Asian culture and the food they eat. Thanks for showing Vietnam. Now there are new foods for me to try.

Andrew,
I just got back from Vietnam -Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island- and it was truly amazing. The food we had was delicious, but we weren't as adventurous as you! No snake, dog, or cat...

I also just saw your show on NYC and I live in Red Hook, so it was a special treat to see all the local places!

p.s. Congrats on your sobriety.

Hello Andrew, I just wanted to say to you that you are unkind to animals! Exspectly that frog this show! I cannot belive that you would let some guy rip and shred open a frog so you could eat his little poor heart for food! and exsepecturly a turtle! I would like to say from here on forth I am NOT! going to watch your show anymore because I guess you don't care about any animals that are still alive and all you want to do is eat!

As a native born from Vietnam I loved the show, and it is my dream to go back to Vietnam to see the north side of the country, I hope you will do a show of South Vietman, my son and I enjoyed your show tremendously, he was raised with the help of my mom so he loved his durian....you need to list the place you been on your website..especially the name and place of restaurant, I just seen the one about gulf coast and trying to find the name of the place to purchase the turkey,duck and chicken item....in Maurice La...I have to catch the show again...thank you thank you you and Anthony Bourdain have the best of show in my book...

Marguerite

Andrew, i absolutely love your show, im addicted, i record it & watch when i get home.I especially like the show you did in mexico, bodain better step up his game, because your show blows his out the water.Your the craziest,bravest,coolest guy on tv!!!

Andrew,
I can't express my feeling when my country-Vietnam-aired on your show. I never try any of those dishes in my life and I wish I were you. However, I will visit my homecoutry next year and will try everything you tried in the show. Thank you very much.
One more thing: only in the America that some people fight for the right to kill unborn baby, and...save the frog. Well I was born and raised in the most difficult time that this country has been though. I never forget the days that 2 chicken eggs were the only source of protein that the family of 5 had in a long time. Until now, a frog would make it a fiesta for millions of children there everyday. Anybody wants to save a frog?

We love watching your show man you are very strong to try all of those grotesque looking foods. I am not a squeamish person but if it is not what I deem as tasteful I will not eat it. I applaud you.

wow thi sis first time I see you do the food in my country.I'm very glad that all the show you want people understand their culture. I seen your episode,most of the food you eat in Viet Nam they are cities food. But in the country they are cooking different. I really enjoy your show...and thanks.

Andrew, your show about Vietnam is awesome. I really enjoy it, but I keep wondering why you didn't travel to Ho Chi Minh city, the most bustling and thriving city in South Vietnam. It's such a pity when you missed the other half of Vietnamese food culture.

Hi Andrew,
I love your show. I was wondering what's the name of the fungus used for lung ailments that was $8000.00 per lb.?

Andrew: You are my Fooood Hero...I now know why you don't have any hair ...because you probably..ATE IT....keep up the great work.
Thanks Edz

I still cant believe that you can eat almost everything and not like DURIANs or fertilized eggs? What's sup with that thought? As an asian myself, I love those stuff, even know it kinda stink but you get use to it. I was born and raised there in southern Vietnam for half of my life and recently was vacation there. One thing that got me trouble is that, the smake you eat. I am sure that they didnt cook the same snake that they killed infornt of you. Alot of restaurants kinda do switch around that snake when you not watching, you can alway ask to see them cooking your foods. Also that, you were in northern Vietnam and you didn't eat fruit bats or drink the blood of the snake? There are alot more exotic foods there, but I guess there is a limit to what Discovery let you do on that show. There also were alot of exotic fruits too that you didn't show. But anyway good show for what it intents, but wish there weren't all that limits you are force to apply by.

HI ANDREW!
HOW ARE YOU?I AM ANDREEA FROM NETHERLAND! WHAT KIND OF SHOW DO YOU RECORD,NOW?
HOW IS BOBBY? WHICH OF ONE IS MARRIED?

Cassie,
if you don't have enough money for food and you haven't eaten in 2 days, would you have eaten a frog? In most countries, that's the philosophy of food: nothing goes to waste. If you think animal killing is cruel, where do you think steak is from? That's right, DEAD cows.
ooooo, Zimmerman, how would you like to drop by Little Saigon in Southern California and experience the food here so you can compare and contrast the differences btw the two places?

Hello Andrew,

Your show is awesome!!!!!! I really love how you are not afraid to eat anything that comes in your face!!!

Bravo and keep up the good work!

I was just wondering if anyone had a recipe for the crock pot pork recipe he ate in this episode, that had coconut milk and chicken eggs in it.

Thanks!

Heya Chef:

Love your show, and Tony's, I hope you guys do a joint show every year in a new city/country. Keep picking at each other it's great fun.

Oh and Cassie - get a life, even if you have to rent one! Food is food you eat yours we'll eat ours.

Later on Zimm!

show time Jan 6, 2008 7 to 8 EST I missed most of the show but one part I really remember was about the green liquid or one pill that equal a ton of green veggies. What is the name of this ?

show time Jan 6, 2008 7 to 8 EST I missed most of the show but one part I really remember was about the green liquid or one pill that equal a ton of green veggies. What is the name of this ?

Andrew:

I had the priviledge of being in some culturally and culinary strong countries so I had my share of bizare foods. So I hope to see you eating dog and live octupus with some kimchee in Korea or goat's heads in Greece. I will be watching you all season. Have a Happy New Year. Best wishes,

Edgar

Andrew,
I used to watch the Fool Network, however I no longer view their mindless shows since I am now glued to watching you and Anthony Bourdain. I was surprised to see Tony, last night, eat a Durian fruit and enjoy it. I wonder what's up with that since I watched with amusement when you attempted to try to swallow one bite and had to spit it out. Your facial expression was absolutely priceless. The Travel Channel should have the both of you on air more often. The roast suckling pig you had in Spain made me wish I was there with you since I would have ate the entire dish. I would have to pass on the gorgeous pair of fresh "bull nads" that you had in the latter part of that show. "If it looks good, eat it?" Those pair of "nads" didn't exactly look appealing to me, however beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. You do have 20/20 vision, don't you? Ha, Ha!

What was the Bird that you ate called on the Veitnam episode called? case' Bird??? Is it like a Duck?

For those commentaries about the "green algae" stuff (I believe Andrew was in Thailand for that episode), it's called spirulina and can be bought in your local health food stores and some smoothie shops. It also comes in pill and powder forms.

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Greeting,

Andew, are you going to visit Laos soon?

miss visiting Laos is missing good stuffs.

See you in Laos soon?

Davanh

I am chinese who loves your show so much, everytime i watch you traveling in asia that makes me so excited, especially the show about China. I think you must be brave to eat some of that food you eat.

my husband is american, but he won't eat many of my country's special dishes.

Today is a chinese traditional holiday as special and important as christams. It is the spring festival. In china, families get together to eat and celebrate. At our traditional dinner,we must have chicken, whole fish, pig feet,dumplings and so on.

My husband thinks they are terrible and nasty to eat, like the whole fish and pig feet.

In our tradition, eating the whole fish means that hope you will have more money in the new year,specialy when the fish's head points at someone who is siting around the table.

This means the person is lucky and should eat it first with most honor.
The pigs feet means two different things, one is promotion at work, and the other means students have a good chance to go to a better higher school.

I told my husband these things, and tried to get him to taste these dishes, but I failed.

He doesn't know how delicious and tasty the food he refuses is, and before I thought every american doesn't like them.

Since I have watched your show, it made me change my idea and made me feel so happy there is an american who is brave enough to try a lot of asian food which some people even can't look at.

Thanks for your show, and thank you for spreading asain culture.

Thanks to you for trying and liking our "special food ".

I have tremendous respect and am a bit jealous of your ability to eat just about anything. My jaw dropped when you couldn't eat the Durian! I don't think I would have the bravado to stay in the same room with one!

Fantastic show, especially this particular episode.

Happy frog hearts to ya!

Nice snakes

Have you ever got sick? Ate so much Bizarre food. Good luck.

Hi Mr Andrew,

I just watched your show today, it's awesome....i love it...Iam born and raised in Vietnam, It was awesome to see someone experience the stuff in Vietnam. It reminds me so much of the stuff. I enjoyed your show alot. Good stuff.

Hi Mr Andrew,

I just watched your show today, it's awesome....i love it...Iam born and raised in Vietnam, It was awesome to see someone experience the stuff in Vietnam. It reminds me so much of the stuff. I enjoyed your show alot. Good stuff.

We've been watching your show and we absolutely love it!! The next time when you return to Vietnam you should go to the southern part of the country, because we're also from that part of Vietnam. We also own a resturant ourselves and we highly recommend you to go to a Pho resturant in Vietnam, its called Pho Le. That place has the best Pho. So I hope that you could go to southern vietnam.


P.S. WE LOVE YOUR SHOW!!!!

andrew. please lose weight for the new season. you are too fat to watch. if you lost weight, i would watch your show.
you're also way to corny, you will never and could never stand up to anthony bourdain.

p.s. it's just fantanstic that you censor the comments. you apparently don't like to hear what your would-be fans truly have to say.

Andrew,
I love the show. Keep opening my mind to new things.


p.s. I remember in this episode you went to a place called "Cha Ca La Vang". You cooked the veggies in the pan when you are actually suppose to eat it raw over the noodles. The sauce is poured over the fish and noodles.

I first watched your show around Christmas and have been hooked ever since. The beating heart of the frog and the fried baby sparrows certify you as the king of bizzare foods.

Mr. Andrew,

Where can I buy Spirulina?
I saw it on your show.

Thanks.

I love the show, Andrew! Did you try any food in Saigon?

Hi Andrew;

I love your show! What is the green algae drink? Is the Vietnam or Thailand?

I am so in love with your program with my three kids.They are blown away with the different types of cultural foods.There is one episode you did in Asia,that included eating the thorn fruit,that you smelled and couldn't eat.Also the stinky tofu.If you can give me the name of the algae drink that is made into a tablet.Spirula i think.Can't wait for your finale on Tuesday.

hi andrew,
i go to saigon about 3 times a year and love the country. i am surprised you can eat anything else but not Durian :)

Hello! AWESOME show on Vietnam! I was born in DaNang and left shortly thereafter! My Mother is a native and NEVER has she cooked the foods you ate! LOL! I have always been teased about the foods the Vietnamese people eat/ate, and NOW, that gives more fodder for jokes! Loves it! Keep up ALL the "wonderful" foods you eat!

I had once tried the 7-course of snake in Saigon when I re-visited VN, but eating the fresh and still-beating-heart is too much for me :).
Your show is fantastic. It is another way to see a different culture. Love to watch every episode.

hey andrew I am 9 years old.how old are you.I love your show. me and my dad watch it every time your on.I wish to meet you.See you on your next show.


christina

Hey Andrew, I'm a Vietnamses, and I knew all the food you're talking about. I really like it, it reminds me alot about my country. I love to eat Durian, looks like I beat you on that, right? I really really like your show!! I hope to see more of it.

no matter how gross the things you eat I always still just want to taste it.th eworst thing I can remember was that asian fruit that smelled so bad that it was not allowed in certain areas. man you made that sound sick. thanx for the great times you rock.

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