Vietnamese city life

Today’s tour begins at 18:00. Get ready for an unforgettable night out in Ho Chi Minh City. Meet with a passionate foodie and walk through hidden corners of the city to discover the city’s best street food while experiencing its local culture.

Start with a stroll through a residential area where locals gather after work for dinner. See friends gossiping over an evening snack called banh trang nuong –a Vietnamese version of pizza baked in a traditional oven. Sit alongside the locals and order some of their savoury treats. Continue on foot to a small alleyway and observe the daily life at sunset -the dining, the drinking and socialising. A popular nearby street restaurant serves up the city’s best local clams. Grab a stool and dive into a few plates of delicious cooking. Watch the chefs as they whip up plate after plate, and learn the secrets of this southern delicacy.

Carry on to discover the area’s contrasting architectural styles. Tucked away is an unassuming stall selling delicious bot chien, or pan fried rice cakes with green papaya salad. While tasting the flavourful dish, the guide explains its origins.

Next, on the foodie tour of Saigon, is a short walk to Mrs. Dung’s Home Restaurant serving banh xeo, or Vietnamese pancakes and fresh spring rolls. Mrs. Dung reveals her secret methods, which is a tasty lesson to take back home.

Having sampled the savoury side of the city, get ready to cross a city intersection -an adventure in itself. Find a typical Vietnamese café to end the evening. Take some time to recap the tour, enjoy a drink and listen to Vietnamese music. (D)