Finally! A KFC!!!

With our departure home tonight, I have had plenty of time to reflect on the differences between the three cities, especially through food. As we have changed scenery, the food has changed along with it. in Hanoi, the majority of food was from street vendors and small individual stores. These local establishments, while sometimes dangerous to eat, provide an authentic look into the culture of Vietnamese cuisine. im my opinion, the best dish from Hanoi was the Pho. While this is not exclusive to Hanoi, it is a dish that represents a lot more than a delicious meal. With only broth, rice noodles, vegetables and a choice of meat, this food represents the simplicity and resourcefulness of Vietnam. Our next, Hoi An, was very similar to Hanoi, from a food perspective. The restaurants were mostly street food based, but there were also bigger restaurants to satisfy homesick tourists. Despite all of the restaurants, there was one stop that won my heart. The name remains a mystery because I can’t read Vietnamese, but I will never forget the banh mi sandwich. Made famous by Anthony Bourdain, this sandwich had it all. Perfect bread, fresh veggies, pork, and a chili paste that will make your mouth water, literally. It was easily the best thing I have eaten while being in this beaitiful country. Unfortunatly we could not stay in Hoi An forever, so we packed our bags and headed to Ho Chi Minh City. When we arrived, I immediately noticed a difference in the food culture. The food in HCMC had moved off of the streets and into the restaurants. With the exception of locals grilling on the side of the road, all of our eating options required an indoor establishment. While this was a bit more comforting as an American, it caused an increase in the funds spent on food. Despite the cost, the food was western and delicious.

While it may seem like I rambled about food, there is a purpose. The way the food evolved from destination to destination reflects the Vietnamese society. The northern most city, Hanoi, was mostly street food while the southern most city, HCMC, was all restaurants. This shows that the further south we go, the more developed the country becomes. This country is becoming stronger and more western, a sign of their growth.

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