Banh Mi Phuong

Sometimes sampling street food can be a particularly memorable experience while on holi-day. Ha-ving arrived in Hoi An, my cousin Lye Synn kept telling us that we needed to locate Banh Mi Phuong, a street-side Vietnamese sandwich stall made well-known by a visit from Anthony Bourdain. So on a little hunt we went, in search of this nondescript gem of a find.

Butter, fresh mint, spring onion, pate, pork, jambon, chicken, fried egg and chilli sauce, all packed into a crunchy Vietnamese baguette. Need I say more? An absolutely delicious afternoon snack it was. So much so that I went back for more such Banh Mi over the next two days.

Being willing to be adventurous with food while on travels is definitely a good trait to possess. Having meals at fancy establishments, family-run restaurants, quirky cafes and street vendors provide an all encompassing experience. A fulfilling one indeed.

Sam Yee, Auntie Alice, Ai Peng, Lye Synn, Yeong Ken, Honn Ken and I at Banh Mi Phuong in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Simple And Inspired

I watch a few cooking shows, Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, Kylie Kwong, Anthony Bourdain and the like. The enthusiasm by which they go about preparing and sampling food is enjoyable to watch.

My mum's fav is Jamie Oliver. She follows his shows often either on Discovery Travel & Living or the Asian Food Channel. We have a few of his books too for good measure.

Last night when I returned from work, my sister Suk Harn announced that mum had made a 'Jamie Oliver style' dinner. Baked fish with herbs and spices accompanied by garlic bread and sliced cucumber. Simple, inspired cooking. Tasty to boot.

Photo of dinner last night.