FOOD!!!

Since we seem to be caught in some wet weather, I thought now would be good time to make a food posting.

Taking care of some housekeeping first - we are presently in Haiphong. Haiphong is the third largest city in Vietnam and is located about 100km east of Hanoi. We are heading to Cat Ba Island tomorrow for some beach time before ending our trip in Hanoi (weather permitting).

After our 80km ride today in the rain, we were pretty slimy when we arrived. Now showered and clean, we are contemplating plans for dinner.

For those that know me well, I am all about the food experience. I will try even the most disgusting food once (I had seven rubbery squid for dinner just the other day).

Food has not been a disappointment here in Vietnam. Cheap street food is on every corner and the larger centres have whatever your stomach desires, whether it be posh Vietnamese or cheesy pizza.

The day typically starts with a really STRONG coffee that is brewed in small strainers that sit over the coffee cup. The result is a think gruel that has the same volume amount as an espresso shot. Being foreign wussies, we usually dilute the coffee with water which the locals are constantly perplexed by.

Breakfast for the Vietnamese is Pho, which is a soup. The main ingredient is noodles, though usually thinly sliced beef or pork in the accompaniment along with a communal plate of fresh greens (basil, mint etc.), lime wedges and fresh chilies. Pho is everywhere and the grade and ingredients vary depending where you are.

Other dishes include crunchy pancakes that are made with shrimp and other seafood and then rolled (along with fresh greens) in rice paper, fresh or fried spring rolls, fried noodles and rice.

"Com" is the Vietnamses word for rice and the literal translation is "food". And man, the Vietnamese love their rice. It plays the starring roll in almost every dish including desserts and drinks.

For bread-loving Rob, Bahn My has been the staple. Because the French were here for so long, fresh baguettes are available every morning and when you are hungry (like we pretty much always are), they sure do hit the spot. Street vendors fill the baguettes with some type of sandwich meat (I think it is better that we don't know), cucumber, greens (usually cilantro) and smother it with sauce. For about 50 cents, the value is great!

Like most tropical countries, fruit is another major attraction. Pineapple, mango, oranges, passion fruit and dragon fruit (a crazy looking fruit that is pink on the outside with white flesh and small black seeds on the inside) are available in every market and are delicious in smoothies.

Typically, Vietnamese start and end their meal with green tea - hot or cold, it is complimentary at even the most humble of food stalls.

I think tonight we might be kicking it up a notch. It is my 33rd birthday today and Rob said we could upgrade our dinner standards to a place with a menu - hope it is in English!

ps. Check out the video of Rob in our cooking class - he really was the star pupil!