Chopstick Chronicles: Tales from a Vietnamese Cooking Class

Today's journey took us through the culinary traditions of Vietnam. We departed the port early in the morning and after a 90 minute drive into Ho Chi Mihn, stopped at the Ben Thank Market which has been in existance since 1914. We strolled through the market with our guide who chose some of the freshest ingredients we would be using for today's cooking class. We were also treated to a fresh coconut beverage.

Jeff was ecstatic to acquire four exceptionally rare bottles, enhancing our collection of miniature bottles from various countries across the globe! Can you tell what criters are inside of these?

A scorpian, a cobra, two scorpians, and an octopus. They'll likely be the most unique in our entire collection, which is growing country by country.

Our subsequent destination was the cooking class hosted by M.O.M. (more details on the challenges faced in reaching the kitchen will follow). Meanwhile, as we entered the immaculate and well-equipped kitchen, we were introduced to the chef/owner and his assistants.

During our cooking class we made some mouth-watering Vietnamese classic dishes:

• Fresh spring rolls (rice paper wrappers filled with vegetables, shrimp and pork)

• Hanoi Style Bun Cha (Small grilled pork patties served with noodles and dipping sauce)

• Banh Xeo ( Vietnamese crispy pancake with pork and shrimp)

Not only was it great fun but the dishes were delicious! Unfortunately, I don't believe we'll be able to find many of the ingredients in Pinedale, WY!

As for my comment about arriving at the cooking school - Navigating through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) was a challenge, as it is with most major cities in Southeast Asia due to their massive populations. With around 9 million residents, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's most populous metropolis. The preferred mode of transportation is the ubiquitous scooter or motorcycle, which means our guides played a crucial role in helping us cross the streets safely amid the constant flow of traffic.

Despite the scorching temperatures nearing 90 °F, we noticed that most Vietnamese were covered from head to toe. Our guide explained that this is because they desire to maintain a fair complexion, which is seen as a sign of prosperity. This cultural preference contrasts with Western perspectives, where many people pay to use tanning beds or spend hours in the sun to achieve a darker skin tone.

The city itself was a fascinating blend of modern and traditional Vietnamese culture. The port area, with its towering cranes and endless rows of containers, was the largest we've encountered so far, showcasing the city's industrial prowess.

The rural areas outside the metropolitan region, with their picturesque rice paddies, offered a glimpse into the city's humble beginnings as a fishing town.

Although renamed Ho Chi Minh City after 1975, the city still holds many traditional values. However, the rapid development, evidenced by the numerous high-rise structures in some districts, is a testament to the city's dynamic and ever-evolving character.

With its delicious cuisine, friendly people, and a fascinating mix of modern skyscrapers and historic landmarks, Saigon is a city that leaves an indelible mark on all who visit, making it an unforgettable destination.