Indochina Stories

On a Roll In Vietnam, “nem”, or spring rolls, are possibly the most popular dish among all social classes. There are a huge variety of rolls, which may contain meat, prawns, vegetables and herbs. The recipes vary from region to region. Time-consuming to prepare, spring rolls are eaten as appetizers and as delicious snacks and banquets. No visit to Vietnam is complete without sampling some freshly made spring rolls.THE NORTH Hanoi Rolls (Nem Ha Noi)During the Lunar New Year and at memorial events and formal receptions, a plate of Hanoi nem...

Take your cue from the birds and wing to tropical Indochina for the winter "Each day had tranquility, timelessness about it so that you wished it would never end. But then the dark skin of the night would peel off and there would be a fresh day waiting for us glossy and colorful as a child's transfer and with the same tinge of unreality."  ~ Gerald Durrell (My Family and Other Animals) ~ When the first chill of winter sets in, take your cue from the birds and head south to...

One of the most enjoyable aspects of travelling is the discovery of new cuisines. GRANDEUR Journeys introduces you to some not-to-be-missed local dishes of Vietnam NORTHERN VIETNAMHanoi beef noodle soupAlso known as “Pho”, this noodle soup is ubiquitous in Vietnamese restaurants Ingredients (serves 4 to 5)    1 large onion, peeled    3cm root ginger, peeled    1½ kg beef shank, with bones    2 star anise    2 whole cloves    1 cinnamon stick    2-3 tbsp fish sauce    1 lemon, juiced    150g fillet steak    450g dried flat rice noodles Method1. Grill the whole...

IN QUEST OF THE DUGONG AND ADVENTURE IN THE CON DAO ARCHIPELAGO, VIETNAM The wind, Yarralee The wind blew hard that early April morning over the Con Dao Archipelago in the East Sea, 200 km off the southern Vietnamese mainland. In the last seven days tropical storm Neoguri, had been heading towards the coast of Vietnam before it turned north towards China. Brooding clouds sailed across the sky like great ethereal ships making for an anchorage over the peaks of Con Son, the largest island of fifteen in the archipelago....