Vietnam on a Plate - a Gastronomic Odyssey from North to South with Realistic Asia

Vietnam has many charms, but its vibrant ingredients and flavours? These make this stunning South East Asian hotspot into a true paradise for foodies. In Vietnam, the cuisine transforms as you move from North to South - Vietnam’s diverse topography, rich culture and varied international influences weaving a delicious gastronomic story no food lover can resist. ​Realistic Asia DMC​ would like to show you how they can bring Vietnam's culinary culture to life for your most valuable clients.

From the delicate, fragrant tastes of bustling Hanoi through the signature dishes of imperial Hue and quaint Hoi An to the vital, cosmopolitan flavours of Ho Chi Minh, every region contributes its own unique twist on this distinct culinary experience, making the country a must-visit for any food fan. Of course, the real beauty of any great gastronomic tour is that it brings insights that reach way beyond what’s on the plate - serving up generous helpings of history, culture, tradition and local immersion on the side.​

And what makes for an unmatched food odyssey? Think home-hosted meals and street food explorations; hidden gem restaurants and colourful markets; evening food tours that take in dusky flavours and aromas and mornings spent living like a local, zig-zagging through animated City alleyways from bread stalls to coffee shops. Pulling only the finest experiences together is something best left to true regional experts. And so we turned to our friends at ​Realistic Asia DMC​, asking them to dive deep into their unrivalled knowledge and passion for these unforgettable destinations to create a dream culinary tour that serves up the very best of Vietnam. Here’s what they said…

Vietnam - a Culture of Flavour

From the lush landscapes of the north to the tropical abundance of the south, every part of Vietnam boasts its own unique ingredients and flavours, each shaped by the distinct climates that define them - not to mention the many and varied international influences the country has experienced over the centuries. In the north of the country, the climate is cooler and fresher and the land is green and verdant, dotted with freshwater rivers and lakes and fertile plains sustained by abundant rainfall. Here, freshwater fish lend their delicate flavours to dishes like cha ca (grilled turmeric fish) and bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), and fragrant herbs like cilantro, mint and lemongrass add depth and complexity to dishes.

Although they’re located quite close together in central Vietnam, the climates, cultures and cuisines of Hue and Hoi An are very different, making them two wonderfully contrasting stops for culinary explorers.

Subtropical Hue is surrounded by mountains and bisected by the Perfume River, its food relying less on the ocean and more on freshwater fish and river prawns. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue’s history has left a lasting legacy, and dishes are often intricately prepared and presented, with elaborate banquets featuring lots of stunning, small plates served in ornate settings. Dishes like bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and banh bot loc (translucent dumplings filled with shrimp and pork) highlight regional ingredients, deliciously complemented by aromatics like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.

Meanwhile, fertile Hoi An sits on the banks of the pretty Thu Bon River in lush, monsoon-climate countryside dotted with rice paddies, vegetable gardens and fruit orchards. With fresh produce year-round, Hoi An sits close to the coast, so there’s also plenty of seafood and vibrant herbs like basil, mint and coriander to add zing to local specialties like cao lau (noodles with pork and greens) and banh xeo (sizzling pancakes filled with shrimp and bean sprouts).​

As your guests journey further into the Southern tip of Vietnam, the landscape continues to transform into the tropical, sun-drenched richness of the Mekong Delta. Here, coconut palms sway in the breeze, tropical fruits - mangoes, papayas and dragon fruit among them - flourish in the orchards and seafood shines, with fresh prawns, crab and squid taking centre stage in dishes like ca kho to (caramelised fish in clay pot) and canh chua (sour fish soup).

It’s clear to see the deeper influence neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Thailand have added to the eclectic food scene - and this is of course true of all Vietnam. Over the centuries, a myriad of international and colonial influences have each left their mark on the cuisine of the different regions - from the Chinese occupation that brought stir-frying and soy sauce to the spices of Indian traders; the baguettes, coffee and pastries of French colonisation to the canned condensed milk and processed cheese of the Americans. But despite these foreign interlopers, the basics of Vietnamese cuisine remain deeply rooted in local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques - all ripe for delicious discovery when you know where to look.

The Happiest Foodies start here - we head to Hanoi…

​Realistic Asia​ loves to start Vietnamese adventures in Hanoi, the beautiful cultural capital of the country, where ancient temples, old colonial grandeur and a vibrant new modernity stand in harmony with the tantalising buzz of daily life. The perfect way to get a real sense of local culture anywhere is to spend time enjoying the hospitality of local people - and it’s made even better if those people are truly brilliant company.

In their home tucked away in the Old Quarter, your guests will receive the warmest of welcomes and the tastiest of home-cooked meals from their first Hanoian hosts, a family of local musicians. The husband is a traditional musical artist whose love for performance has lasted for over 30 years - and been passed on to his daughter. In the family’s beautiful home, your guests will gain a real feel for the importance of home dining in Vietnamese culture, as the family share their delicious dishes - as well as life stories and tales of enthusiasm for the music they love!

Of course, the experience wouldn't be complete without a private recital. Playing the Đàn bầu, a traditional musical instrument renowned for its haunting, ethereal tones, your guests are treated to an after-dinner concert of beautiful, evocative Vietnamese songs. Traditionally used for solo performances or as an accompaniment to folk songs and poetry recitations, the Đàn bầu has found its place in the contemporary arts too, adding authenticity to modern compositions - and your guests will have the opportunity to try their hands, learning how to play a few notes on this most enchanting of instruments.

Next? With creative appetites whetted, ​Realistic Asia DMC ​offer a home cooking experience with Chef Ai is just the thing. An expert cook and top 5 Masterchef finalist in 2014, Chef Ai is extremely well known locally, as passionate about sharing the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine and Hanoian street food as she is at promoting healthy food to the Vietnamese.

The day begins with a trip to the local wet market, where Ms Ai helps guests to select only the freshest ingredients, taking in the sights, sounds and flavours of this lively hotspot all the while. Then a stroll through the bustling streets leads to Chef Ai’s cosy kitchen, where guests learn to cook some stunning regional dishes as Ms Ai shares inspiring stories about the food, her love for cooking and the culinary traditions most important to the Vietnamese people. And of course, it ends in the best way possible - with visitors tucking into the mouth-watering food they’ve prepared!

Vietnam is rightly famous for its incredible street food, and Hanoi is undeniably one of the country’s best spots to savour these exciting eats. When it comes to knowing where to go and what to savour, ​Realistic Asia DMC​ has pinned down the best food blogger around. Van Cong Tu began food blogging in 2005, and has continued to share his enormous passion for food - and introduce others to the unmissable dining experiences of Hanoi - ever since.

Beginning at the bustling markets of the Old Quarter, the tone for a day’s gastronomic adventure is set as guests see and sample dried goods and aromatics essential for Vietnamese cuisine, and taste remarkable local dishes like pho tiu (rice noodles with succulent slices of roasted pork, bean sprouts, herbs, crushed nuts and dried shallots) Banh Cuon Hanoi (steamed rice flour crepe stuffed with pork) and bun dau (a rustic North Vietnamese dish with rice vermicelli, tofu and shrimp paste).

At Hang Than Street, ceremonial cake stalls reveal a special French-influenced dessert for guests to try while they learn about food gifting traditions and celebrations, before sampling a common Vietnamese snack of seasonal fruits back in the Old Quarter. And Phung Hung Street, with its temporary market stalls, is a fabulous place to grasp how Vietnamese traditions are shaping for the modern world, before a last, well-deserved coffee stop in the Old Quarter rounds the experience off perfectly.

Cooking and Cycling in Hanoi’s Countryside

So special it deserves a section all of its own, this exclusive cooking, farming and cycling experience in Ba Vi was ​Realistic Asia DMC​ first-ever sustainable project - the place they began to forge the meaningful connections they’ve nurtured ever since between the local community and travelling guests.

The countryside surrounding Hanoi is beautiful, untouched and not-at-all touristy - a dream for those who love to head off the beaten path and experience something unique. Here, guests can gain an authentic insight into how these warm and welcoming people live now - and how they’ve lived for generations before.

In Ri Village, Vietnam war veteran Mr Duoc now owns a tea farm and plantation. Full of incredible stories of his life during the war, a visit to Mr Duoc’s plantation sees him guide guests on how to select and pick the best leaves, before heading to Mr Duoc’s small workshop to transform them into the most wonderful drink around!

A short drive to Moc Village takes you to the home of Mrs Chin to learn how to cook some delectable local dishes that are then best enjoyed in her beautiful tropical garden. After, guiding guests around the village, Mrs Chin visits local families to help visitors better understand the rural lifestyle, and discover how they make tofu, conical hats and other traditional local products.

And a cycling trip through verdant paddy fields is the ideal way to gain a deeper connection to this captivating landscape, before the tour wraps in the most serene manner - with a traditional and oh-so relaxing foot soak in warm, herb-laced water created using a traditional recipe of the Muong ethnic minority.

Where to stay in Hanoi

Hanoi is a place that seamlessly interweaves nostalgia and luxury, and our hotel of choice effortlessly channels this vibe too. The ​Sofitel Legend Metropole​ is a turn-of-the-century landmark, which once welcomed the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Graham Greene and Somerset Maugham and which still holds a chauffeur fleet of pristine 1952 Citroëns, all parked outside in a beautifully considered nod to the hotel’s illustrious history.​

A Foodie’s Adventure in Hue

Hue, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam, bewitches with its aura of ancient grandeur and history. Set on the banks of the Perfume River, this is a city steeped in rich cultural heritage and architectural splendour; its imperial past best experienced by visiting the iconic, sprawling citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site which once served as the seat of power for the Nguyen dynasty. Beyond its legacy, this place of contrasts is also renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, with a wealth of street food stalls, markets and restaurants to explore.

Guided by celebrated gastronomy artisan, professor, author and TV food presenter Madam Nhu Huy, ​Realistic Asia DMC ​offer a food tour takes your guests to the local market to discover the fresh ingredients of the region - then on to visit several villages on the outskirts of the city, each with its own different dish to sample. From com hen (mussel rice) and banh beo, to banh nam banh loc (soft rice cakes) and Hue sweet soups, each one is indispensable to the culinary personality of Hue. Tastebuds tantalised, local restaurant Huyen Anh is the place to go for Hue's number one specialty of banh uot and grilled pork, before ending the day with some local delicacies served by Nhu Huy herself in the comfort of her own home.

A Night Food Safari in Hoi An

Overflowing with picturesque charm and its rich cultural past, the ancient trading port of Hoi An is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, narrow streets lined with traditional shop houses and iconic Japanese Covered Bridge - all of which combined to secure its well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage status.

This place that once saw centuries of trade and exchange with Chinese, Japanese and European merchants now has a culinary scene just as varied and interesting as its past - from street food stalls serving up fragrant bowls of cao lau to charming riverside restaurants offering fresh seafood caught daily. And though it’s undeniably beautiful by day, Hoi An undergoes a magical transformation at night, filled with the soft glow of lanterns casting their gentle light across its busy streets and historic buildings.

How better to discover the most mouth-watering of all that’s on offer than with ​Realistic Asia​'s walking night food safari? Heading off the beaten path for a unique glimpse into the nightlife and street food of this gorgeous place, an expert tour guide takes guests zigzagging through the alleys to sample irresistible appetisers, from the “white rose” (shrimp and pork dumpling cakes shaped like roses) to the famously unmissable Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich bursting with flavour.

At a hidden family restaurant, barbecued pork can be combined with fresh greens and herbs to build the freshest of spring rolls before a further walk into the centre arrives at the Ba Le Wall, built in the 10th century by the Cham people. What’s so special about that for a foodie? Well, only water from this well can be used to prepare the Hoi An specialty Cao Lau noodles, a dish of abundant deliciousness that mixes signature Hoi An noodles with slices of barbecue pork, pork crackling, bean sprouts, lettuce and herbs. And not forgetting those with a sweet tooth! A dessert of the sweet soup “Che” is the perfect finishing touch to the evening’s eating - and the ideal precursor to a stroll down to the riverside to release a floating lantern for good luck.

Seclusion, sunsets and dinner à deux

Outside Hoi An, Cam Thanh Village is a real hidden gem, renowned for its dense water coconut jungles and vast rice fields which supply the area with fresh seafood, vegetables and rice. Here, ​Realistic Asia​ can offer your guests can indulge together with a romantic, intimate dinner for two enjoyed amongst the beauty and serenity of the rice fields. In the soft, balmy heat of late afternoon, a private guide brings guests to the picturesque CoCo River for a bamboo basket ride downstream that takes in stunning sunset scenery.

Disembarking on an idyllic riverbank under the careful watch of a bamboo tower, a cosy tent opens onto a beautifully set dinner table, creating a truly tranquil setting for a BBQ feast of locally sourced fresh foods and vegetables. After, full and happy, your guests will be whisked back to their hotel for a restful end to a beautiful evening.

Where to stay in Hoi An:

The stunning ​Anantara Hoi An​ blends the old-world glamour of the city’s colonial past with a boutique luxe vibe. Set in lush tropical gardens fronting the Thu Bon River, the resort is within easy walking distance of the Old Quarter, and has all the right ingredients for a romantic and indulgent stay.​

The Legendary Street Food of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

The vibrant pulse of Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately known as Saigon, beats with an irresistible fusion of French colonial charm, burgeoning modernity and youthful energy - and the City’s food offering is one of its most exciting aspects. In fact, two of the greatest pleasures of visiting Saigon can be found in exploring its lively, colourful markets and sampling the legendary street food. Here, amidst the vibrant chaos of the city's alleys and boulevards, food lovers discover a treasure trove of flavours; from savoury seafood delights to indulgent sweet treats, fragrant bowls of pho to crispy banh mi sandwiches.

A culinary morning tour combines the best of both, beginning at one of Ho Chi Minh’s most historic markets with a heritage lesson accompanied by delicious dishes of Banh Hoi Nem Nuong (grilled pork with rice vermicelli), savoury rice flour cakes like Banh Xeo and Banh Khot or fresh spring rolls. As guests wander the stalls, they learn more about the fresh vegetables, seafood and spices used in Vietnamese cooking, and visit a small local tofu factory to discover how tofu and soya beans are made. Back at the market, it’s time to indulge those sweet teeth again with a fresh yoghurt, crème caramel or delicately flavoured jelly on the go as visitors do a little shopping - or head across the street for a sinh to (Vietnamese smoothie) or Nuoc Mia (sugar cane juice).

And our favourite foodie experience of all from ​Realistic Asia​? It’s spending the morning just like a Saigon old hand, with a fantastic gastronomic breakfast tour that can be enjoyed walking or on the back of a vintage Vespa depending what guests prefer! From a fresh start, a personal guide introduces all the things that make Saigon so different to the rest of Vietnam, from the best lively street coffee spots to the thrilling bustle and vigour of the local outdoor markets.

Beginning at what’s believed to be the first bread stall in the city, guests find a seat alongside locals in the small alley to enjoy the ultimate in simple, yet delicious breakfasts before zigzagging through the narrow streets to sample the iconic “stocking coffee” of Saigon’s oldest café, made using a fascinating process, originally Chinese, that involves a long fabric filter, a charcoal stove and clay pots. Winding on through nearby street markets, guests can watch locals bargaining for everything from veg and seafood to beautiful blossoms in the flower alleys, the biggest flower market in the city. And if something tasty catches the eye? Stopping to try some favourite Saigonese snacks and desserts is definitely on the table!

Where to stay in Saigon:

The elegant ​Hotel des Arts Saigon​ is a gorgeous boutique hotel packed with Indochine art, which brings together world-class dining options with beautiful accommodation, an award-winning spa and a sensational rooftop pool and bar - the perfect place to watch the sun dip slowly below the city skyline.

A final day in Ho Chi Minh…

How do you cap the perfect foodie tour of Vietnam? ​Realistic Asia DMC​ has the ideal last day in the bag.

A vegan cooking lesson kicks off with a trip to an organic farm nestled among the city’s agricultural villages. Here, guests learn about the region’s farming, plants and nutrition, explore the villages and their rice fields, cow, buffalo, prawn, chicken and duck areas and pick up vegetables, mushrooms and fruits for the cooking lesson that follows.

Back in Saigon, it’s time to meet the master chef. Guests can choose their own fresh herbs and spices from the gardens before a hands-on experience that will teach them to cook no less than nine vegan dishes and one vegan dessert, all bursting with incredible Vietnamese flavour and colour and packed with nutritious goodness.

And a thrilling final evening sees guests hop on the back of a vintage Vespa for a mouthwatering culinary exploration of the city after dark. Whetting the appetite with delicious pastries and coffee, guests zip along the bustling streets to an old apartment complex that comes alive after dusk with the sights and aromas of hundreds of food and drink stalls, offering everything from delectable savoury tidbits to homemade sweet soups.

Then?

Then it’s time to head off-trail, a unique ​Realistic Asia ​foodie experience to a restaurant whose existence is a closely guarded secret of locals in the know. Here, an indulgent experience serves up multiple courses starring the freshest seafood in the city, before guests round off the night (and this gastronomic tour par excellence) in a cosy bar tucked up a quiet alley, sampling local beers and craft cocktails in the company of friendly locals - the perfect end to an experience that offers a true taste of Saigon life.

We hope we’ve given you all you need to tickle your guests’ travel tastebuds and entice them into sampling Vietnam on a plate!

​Realistic Asia DMC​​ ​is on hand whenever you’re ready to design the perfect bespoke experience that will deliver all your clients’ gastronomic goals - and more. If you would like more example itineraries, webinar recordings and other resources, please check out their Sales Toolk ​​HERE​

For an introduction to Hien and the ​Realistic Asia DMC​ team, get in touch today.