Do You Know the Way to Ha Long Bay?

I think that’s how the song goes. Or is it, “Do you know the way to San Jose?” Either way, today we’re leaving Hanoi and heading east. Hopefully our driver knows the way to Ha Long Bay. Let’s go! Continue reading “Do You Know the Way to Ha Long Bay?”

Quiet Time at Hoàn Kiếm Lake

It’s Friday night in Hanoi. We’ve just finished a foodie tour, where we made our way from one stop to another in Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter. A leisurely walk back to the hotel will take us by Hoàn Kiếm Lake. It’s time to walk off some bún chả! Continue reading “Quiet Time at Hoàn Kiếm Lake”

Grilled Sausages, Vietnamese Style

We’re deep in the bowels of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and we’re deep into our foodie tour. Hunger is now a thing of the distant past. After stuffing ourselves with Bún Chă at the last stop, no one can eat another bite. But we must. Who’s not going to try grilled sausages, Vietnamese style? Continue reading “Grilled Sausages, Vietnamese Style”

Oh Man. I Could Eat a Buncha Bún Chă

The next stop on our Hanoi foodie tour is the one I’d been looking forward to the most – Bún Chă. Westerners are familiar with bánh mì. They know about phở. But not very many Westerners have heard of a dish that Hanoi is famous for: Bún Chă. Continue reading “Oh Man. I Could Eat a Buncha Bún Chă”

GPS – Also Known as Green Papaya Salad

Regions all over the world have their signature salads. In Italy, it’s an Italian salad, of course. The French have salade Niçoise. When it comes to salad in Southeastern Asia, it’s all about green papaya salad. Continue reading “GPS – Also Known as Green Papaya Salad”

Who’s Ready to Eat Worms?

We’re in Hanoi, Vietnam, on a foodie tour in the Old Quarter. So far we’ve been treated to steamed rice rolls and sweet donuts. Now we’re approaching Stop Number 3, and the question is, “Who’s ready to eat worms?” Continue reading “Who’s Ready to Eat Worms?”

Friday Night Foodie Tour

It’s Friday night in Hanoi, Vietnam. Not just Friday night – rush hour on Friday night. You’ve seen photos of Hanoi traffic. Good luck getting anywhere if you don’t know what you’re doing. Fortunately for us, we’re staying near the Old Quarter, where we’ll be going on a Friday night foodie tour. Continue reading “Friday Night Foodie Tour”

In the Heart of Hanoi

We’re staying at the Sofitel Metropole Legend Hotel, in the heart of Hanoi. From here, it’s a short walk to the Old Quarter, just on the other side of Hoan Kiem lake and a park. This isn’t the most glamorous part of the city, but it might be the area with the most character. Continue reading “In the Heart of Hanoi”