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Feb 12, 2015

A sophisticated cuisine, simply served

Reasonable prices, tasty dishes, good service and a prime location accounts for the rapid rise in popularity of the newly opened Bun Bo Ganh restaurant in HCM City list, reports Xuan Hiep

The former royal city of Hue in the central province of Thua Thien - Hue is noted for its rich cultural traditions, serene landscape and charming people, but few people outside Viet Nam are aware of its distinctive cuisine, considered by some to be one of the most sophisticated in the country.

Bun bo Hue (beef-rice vermicelli soup Hue style) is undoubtedly the most well-known local product and is served not only in the central region but also in every corner of the country. But, many other Hue dishes, like banh beo chen (steamed rice cakes in small cups) and banh bot loc nhan tom thit (shrimp and pork rice dumplings), are also regularly featured on menus that specialise in the city's highly respected cuisine.

Opened only a few weeks ago, the Bun Bo Ganh restaurant in downtown HCM City has already lured a regular clientele, especially from 11:30am to 1:30pm when staff from office buildings nearby come for lunch.

Bun Bo Ganh Restaurant Add: 88 Ho Tung Mau, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCM City Tel: 08 - 66844446 Opening hours: 6:30am-10pm Price range: VND22,000 - 39,000 (US$1-2)

Generous serving: A server prepares a hot bowl of bun bo Hue, a specialty of Hue and the main dish of the restaurant

Located on a prime location on Ho Tung Mau Street in District 1, only a few minutes walk from the 68-storey Bitexco Financial Tower, the city's tallest building, the two-storey restaurant is easy to find.

When my friend and I entered the restaurant last week, we discovered an old French colonial building that had once housed nearly 50 families.

The ground floor had been partitioned into three spaces, one of which housed the restaurant's downstairs area. Upstairs, where we decided to dine, was an airy, large al fresco area covering the entire first floor, surrounded by leafy trees and potted plants.

On the walls were photos of Sai Gon and Hue in the old days, inspiring diners, both local and foreign, to learn more about the country's history and people.

The dark bamboo tables and chairs were simply designed, which added to the cosy, comfortable atmosphere.

Nguyen Vu Quynh Anh, 29, the restaurant's owner, told me that she and her husband have a great passion for food and hospitality.

From 2002 to 2006, when they were students, they worked at the famous Nha Hang Ngon (Delicious Restaurant) and learned a great deal about gastronomy and customer services.

Then in 2012, they opened their first restaurant on Ly Chinh Thang Street in District 3.

Accompaniments: Bun bo Hue is served with sides like bean sprouts, shredded banana flowers, chilli, limes and basil leaves. — VNS Photos Xuan Hiep

Anh, who is also the chef, said that bun bo Hue is the restaurant's main dish. Though famous as a specialty of Hue, it is popular throughout the country.

"Of course, we need to adjust the taste so that it can satisfy the taste of people in the south and north," Anh said.

Ingredients for the dish are imported from the central region to ensure authenticity.

Unlike the traditional and more famous pho soup from Ha Noi, bun bo Hue is more pungent, with lemongrass and a bit of shrimp paste.

My foreign friends, especially Westerners, dislike the smell of shrimp paste, but only a tiny amount of shrimp paste is needed to enhance the dish.

The Hue style beef vermicelli soup is served with sides like bean sprouts, shredded banana flower, chilli, line and basil.

To make the broth, cooks use pork or beef, and lemongrass is crushed and put into boiling water, which enhances the flavour and aroma.

The menu, in Vietnamese and English, includes a variety of Hue traditional cakes, each of which costs VND22,000 (US$1). To sample a variety of these small dishes, I recommend a mixed plate for only VND36,000 ($1.5).

The restaurant also offers sweet Hue soups, served either hot or cold, for only VND13,000.

For our lunch, we ordered a bowl of bun bo Hue for VND39,000 and che suong sa hat luu (agar-agar with pomegranate seeds) for VND13,000 each.

There were other sweet soups we would have loved to try, but because we were already full, we decided to save it for our next visit.

Instead, we ended on a refreshing note, with iced green tea, spiced with fresh ginger.

A staff of 15, many of whom can speak English, offered excellent customer service, which nicely complemented what was an already highly satisfying afternoon.

Bun Bo Ganh Restaurant

Add: 88 Ho Tung Mau, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCM City

Tel: 08 - 66844446

Opening hours: 6:30am-10pm

Price range: VND22,000 - 39,000 (US$1-2)

Comment: tasty Hue cuisine in an old French colonial building in downtown HCM City. Attentive staff, affordable prices.

Source: VNS

07 Reasons Why You Should Spend Your Holiday In Vietnam

Our brains are magnificent organs, complex and effective at what they do, but they do a lot of work day in and day out, and require a break every now and then. A holiday spent abroad allows your mind to relax, and as you stop worrying about your job and social life, you can focus on recharging your batteries, having fun, learning new things and broadening your horizons. It is good to travel as far away from home as possible, and really immerse yourself in a different culture.

As far as history, culture, nature, architecture, and fun activities go, Vietnam has a lot to offer. It can accommodate all types of travelers, from those looking for a relaxing beach holiday to hikers and adventurers, and provide you with an unforgettable experience. Let’s look at the seven main reasons for visiting Vietnam.

1. The majestic islands of Halong Bay are perfect for both adventurers and casual tourists

Halong Bay is probably the most popular tourist destination within Vietnam, and it is not that difficult to see why. There are a large number of small islands clustered around the bay, with sheer cliffs ideal for adventure-seeking climbers and beautiful sandy beaches, as well as tons of interesting activities such as kayaking and helicopter rides. The less adventurous folk can simply relax on lovely cruise boats with large sails (traditional sampan rig style). Adventure, natural beauty, and classy accommodations are what draw the crowd to Halong Bay.

2. Hiking through the hills of Sapa and experiencing the rich culture of local tribes

Sapa is a Vietnamese market town located in the Northwest. The area around it features beautiful hills and valleys, great hiking and trekking trails, and breathtaking terraced rice fields. Several ethnic minorities live in the area and tend to the fields, each with their own distinct culture and way of life.

Meeting the locals is an incredibly pleasant experience—they are quite hospitable and used to tourists visiting the area frequently. There is a lot to be seen, and a lot to be learned about the unique culture of the tribes residing in the hills of Sapa, making it a great place to spend a few days and explore in more detail.

3. Take in classic architecture and culture at the Temple of Literature

Vietnam has a large number of well-preserved temples that stand as witnesses to the highly developed culture spanning hundreds and hundreds of years. The Temple of Literature in Hanoi is devoted to Confucius and scholars in general. Built in 1070, it hosts Vietnam’s first national university.

A large number of stelae were raised to commemorate the achievements of great scholars throughout the years, and it is truly a sight to behold. It is a unique piece of history and a great example of the kind of culturally significant sites available for modern scholars and history enthusiasts to explore.

4. Explore the unique rainforest flora and fauna at the Cuc Phuong National Park

Vietnam’s oldest national park, Cuc Phuong, boasts some jaw-dropping scenery and diverse wildlife that you can explore for days on end. The Limestone Mountains and thick vegetation are home to over 2,000 plant species, more than 250 reptile and mammal species, and over 300 bird species, making it a prime location for naturalists and nature lovers. You can have a fairly long trek through the forest and get to see a myriad of different animals, and explore the caves where you’ll find the remains of people who lived in these parts over 7,000 years ago.

There are plenty of other curiosities like a reptile fossil that is over 200 million years old. The indigenous Muong tribe still resides there in stilt houses, living off the land and producing interesting garments using simple looms.

5. The unique marriage of Western and Eastern architecture (Vua Meo)

As Western countries strove to grow their colonial power, Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands conquered countries on different continents. Vietnam was under French rule from the late 19th century up until the First Indochina War in the mid-20th century.

At certain periods tensions were high, but during this time a unique blend of Western and Eastern architecture emerged, and one of the most beautiful examples of this is the Vua Meo villa built by the French for the leader of the Hmong people. Interestingly enough it was once dubbed “The Opium Palace”, as one of its cellars stored large amounts of opium, and the walls were decorated with poppy-seed and flower designs.

6. Plenty of opportunity to help a good cause by volunteering

For those who want a more active break from everyday life, and wish to help out others and make a difference in the world, there are several great volunteering opportunities in Vietnam. The great thing about helping a cause is that the trip and accommodations are fairly affordable, and you have an opportunity to meet lots of new people, delve deeper into the local culture, learn useful skills, and experience the pleasure of helping those in need.

Whether it is teaching the local youth, helping orphaned children, improving healthcare standards in rural areas, or working at a wildlife rescue center, you have a chance to make a big positive change.

7. A large number of beautiful sandy beaches

In the end, after all the excitement and exploration, some may just want get some sun on their skin, swim and have fun on a beach of fine sand. Well, as we’ve already mentioned, Halong Bay is an excellent place for both adventure and the traditional beach vacation, but there are a whole lot of other incredible beaches in Vietnam, like the quiet Long Beach in Phu Quoc, or the lovely City Beach in Nha Trang.

You can find the right place for yourself, depending on whether you want something more secluded, where you can be alone with a significant other, or want to be in an urban environment, but have the ability to get down to the beach for a quick swim in a matter of minutes.

If you are looking for an exotic location, with lots of fun and worthwhile things to do, Vietnam is definitely the place to visit. Even if you don’t have a clear idea of what you want out of your vacation, there’s something for everyone in this proud country.

BY IVAN DIMITRIJEVIC - Source: LifeHack

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Over 900 years old of the Craft of Casting Bronze in Tong Xa

For over 900 years, bronze casting in Tong Xa Village, Yen Xa Commune in the district of Y Yen in Nam Dinh Province has been preserved and strongly developed, bringing a good life to the local people

By the end of the 12th century, Nguyen Minh Khong who is considered the ancestor of bronze casting settled in Tong Xa to reclaim new lands and taught the local people the craft to help them earn their living.

Pouring the bronze liquid into moulds

The craftsman in Tong Xa Village make mould of the statute before casting.

Carving bronze products.

Skillful hands make sophisticated carvings on product.

Thanks to the secrets handed down by their ancestors together with their skillfulness, creativeness and the application of advanced technology, the local people have not only preserved but also strongly developed their traditional craft. Previously, they only cast household items and worshipping objects in small sizes, namely Buddhist statues, incense burners, basins and pots.

However, they now make various kinds of products in large sizes that require high skills and techniques. In recent years, the artisans in Tong Xa Village and its neighbouring village, Van Diem, cast successfully several grandiose bronze monuments and statues. They are the Monument of Dien Bien Phu Victory, 16.2m in height and 220kg in weight located in Dien Bien and the statue of King Ly Thai To, 10.1m in height and 45 tonnes in weight in Hanoi. There are also the statue of The Great Buddha, 35 tonnes in weight on Non Nuoc Mountain, Soc Son Province, and three statues of Buddha, weighing 50 tonnes in Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh Province.

Besides large monuments and statues ordered by customers, the villagers also make traditional items, including incense burners, bronze urns, statues of sacred animals, statues of famous people and statues of leaders in small and medium sizes. The statues of celebrities and leaders of the country made by Ngu Xa artisans are rendered beautifully thanks to painstaking care using delicate strokes.

To make high quality products, the villagers combine traditional techniques and secrets of modern technology. Therefore, the village’s products have gained prestige in the market.

Statue of President Ho Chinh Minh

A bronze urn.

Patterns on a bronze drum.

A statue of rhinoceros made from bronze.

Visiting the village, one will see with his own eyes the bustling life in the 900-year-old craft village. Along the main road in the centre of Lam Town in Yen Xa Commune are a series of shops selling Tong Xa products, which are always full of customers. The products are not only sold to local people, but also to other provinces nationwide and exported to foreign countries.

In the village, there are now about 150 workshops producing bronze fine arts items, providing jobs for over 1,500 people, each earning 3 - 4 million VND/month. Sales from the whole village reaches over 600 billion VND/year.

Apart from small scale establishments, many private enterprises with large scale production, such as Tan Tien, Quang Ha, Duong Ba Phong and Duong Ba Tan, were established, making a great contribution to shifting the traditional and small scale production into an industrial and modern direction, expanding production, increasing productivity and improving the quality of the village’s products.

To meet the demand of the domestic and foreign markets, a mechanical casting area was established in Lam Town in the district that involves the participation of many households. At present, both the villagers and private enterprises have invested in machines, expanded markets and sought new partners. It is a sound direction, promising a bright prospect for bronze casting in Tong Xa and making a contribution to developing the local economy.

Story: Thuc Hien - Photo: Trinh Van Bo / Source: VNP

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Hanoi Water Puppet Theater - Vietnam Water Puppet Show - Water Puppets Made

Located at 57B, Dinh Tien Hoang street, nearby Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a familiar address for both domestic tourists and foreign ones, who want to enjoy water puppet shows and discovery the beauty of this unique Vietnam traditional art.

Location & History

In 1969, the theater was established and since 1990; many water puppet shows have been performed by Thang Long theater artists.Every year, about 500 shows are offered to approximately 150,000 audiences. Moreover, the theater has brought water puppetry art to more then 40 foreign countries like Japan, France, America, Australia, Spain… through performance tours, or international cultural exchange program or puppetry festivals.

Water Puppet Show

Traditional content of water puppet performance like daily life of Vietnamese farmers (cultivating, tending buffalo, catching fishes…), communal entertainment (swimming contest, dragon dancing…), or historical legends (Le Loi returns precious sword…), with modest performance way have appealed audiences for centuries. However, the artists of Thang Long Water Puppet Theater want to renew the old puppet shows with effect of light, music and combination between people and puppets.

It sounds risky, but the theater has been successful since the beginning the beginning and received favors and praises from audiences. To enjoy some typical water puppet performances, you can take a look at the video below.

Certainly, it will be much great if tourists can directly watch these shows in Thang Long Water Puppets Theater after enjoying a cup of coffee in the coffee lounge which is right in front of the theater, and giving a nice view to Hoan Kiem Lake.

Show schedule

There are puppet show every day at 15:30 - 17:00 - 18:30 - 20:00 - 21:15 and Sunday at 9:30
Ticket costs between 60.000 - 100.000 VND ($3-5) by contacting the theatre:
Tel: (84-04) 3 824 9494, 3 825 5450
Fax: (84-04) 3 824 5117
Email: thanglongwpt@fpt.vn
Website: www.thanglongwaterpuppet.org

How are Water Puppets Made?

A water puppet stands on a round wooden plate which can rotate around its horizontal axis with a rudder at the bottom. The plate is linked with a long pole which the puppeteer uses to move the puppet on the water. Ropes or string run from the puppet’s articulation through pulleys and along the pole to the performers.

To move puppets to a far distance from the manipulation room, poles with pulleys are placed under the water to connect the strings between puppets and performers.

With the skilful manipulation by the performers, the puppets can swim, catch fish, cross sword, row a boat, raise a flock of ducks, dance, jump high in the sky, spurt fire and kick a ball.

Puppets maker must be good at designing, wood sculpture and have a good knowledge of the complicated movements of water puppets.

When working out a water puppet item, first of all artisans think of movements and operation mechanism of puppets in order to make puppets with proper structures.

For istance, Uncle Teu has two arms moving around a vertical axis. Fairies‘ arms can wave around the axis perpendicular to their body. Teu’s arms has a single articulation while fairies’s arms have joints at their hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders. More complicated puppets have very special structures: dragons that can sprut fires and water, fishes or frogs that snatch bait.

Pham Hoang Hai, “Traditional Water Puppetry”

The puppets usually range from 30 to 100cm (12 to 39ins) in height and weigh from 1 to 5kg (2 to 11lbs). Larger puppets can weigh up to 20kg (44lbs) and need four people to manipulate them.

Some comments:

by jorgejuansanchez: I enjoyed very much ths show in this theater. The shows refered to Vietnamese traditions by means of water puppets, like daily life of Vietnamese farmers (cultivating, tending buffalo, catching fishes…), communal entertainment (swimming contest, dragon dancing…), or historical legends

by ValbyDK: Water puppet theatre is a traditional art form in Vietnam, and has existed for more than 1000 years. The Puppeteers use bamboo poles to move their puppets around the small pond that forms the stage. I must admit that they are very skilful, but water puppet theatre never caught my interest. I think it is one of those things that you either love or hate – and I found it pretty boring...

I visited the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (located at the Hoan Kiem Lake) and paid 40000 dong for a one hour show.

by katherin810: We booked the show through our hotel in Hanoi, the Emotion Hotel. As the evening tickets were sold out, they bought us a late afternoon ticket instead. The puppets were cool and so the accompanying music and narratives. I am even more impressed when learn about the effort behind the scene. Great fun and insightful learning about Vietnamese culture. My kids loved it too. I think it was our lucky charm to watch it in the afternoon as the night show seems to be packed.

by TheAndos: It is a very entertaining show - the fish are realistic, I loved the water buffalo, and the man climbing the coconut tree, - oh and the dragon that flies away! The puppeteers work from behind a screen in waders, standing in the water. Some of the puppets are up to 15kgs and keep several villages outside of Hanoi in work, as they have to be replaced frequently. Live music.

Highly recommended.

by quepeng: You absolutely must go to a Water Puppet Show (mua roi nuoc) when you are in Hanoi...At the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre you'll see a traditional art form which is unique to Hanoi and northern Vietnam.The show takes place in a pool of water. The puppeteers are behind a bamboo screen and the controls are under water and out of sight.

by Greggor58: If you are spending time in Ha Noi..DO NOT miss this AMAZING performance at the Water Puppet Theater. You will witness a series of “ancient” short stories and legends presented through the use of traditional music, song, and characters. The stage is actually a large container of water where the characters (carved wooden puppets} “act” out the story. Most of the stories are whimsical and fun and the music is live, performed by a group of musicians that share a side stage adjacent to the water stage.

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50-gift-specialities-which-were-nominated-by-localities-tourism-agencies-domestic-and-foreign-tourists-part03

Deer antler: is as precious as other kinds of expensive, rare food. Deer antlers are treasured because people believe it can not only improve people’s physical, mental and sexual health but also provide a magic cure for a wide range of diseases

Yen Mac fermented pork roll - Nem Chua Yen Mac: the finished fermented pork rolls ensure high quality, good taste, and fresh colors. Its freshness can remain for a week.

Lai Vung fermented pork roll: In Lai Vung District of the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap, it is a signature recipe of the locals

Cinnamon of Quang Ngai province: better known as Que Tra Bong, the product is of great quality, therefore, it is selected as one of the top specialty gifts of Asia. Tra Bong’s cinnamon is exported globally.

Cu do candy - Kẹo Cu do: is made from natural ingredients like peanut, cane molasses, malt powder, sesame, and ginger. It is a popular snack usually served with hot green tea. The sweet taste of the molasses, the aroma and bitter taste of green tea, and the greasy taste of peanuts are the very quintessence of central Ha Tinh Province.

Coconut candy: it most commonly refers to the candy produced in the Mekong delta province of Bến Tre. It is made with coconut milk and coconut cream.

Da Lat jam: Tourists to the Central Highlands city of Da Lat can enjoy the diversity of local specialties such as strawberry jam, dried fruits, avocado, and artichoke

Malt sugar: it is a kind of candy from central Quang Ngai province. Malt sugar is much similar to molasses with dark yellow color, sweet taste and sticky rice flavor. Input materials for making malt include rice sprout powder and sticky rice that are condensed during cooking.

Siu Chau candy: It is crisp, fleshy and aromatic but not sticky sweet. Siu Chau candy materials are easily found, including peanut, sesame, sugar and malt.

Dried mud fish: it is a specialty of the Mekong Delta’s Tien Giang province

Cam Le sesame cake – Kho me: There are many ingredients to make the "Kho me" such as glutinous rice flour, rice flour, granulated sugar, ginger, and sesame.

Ha Giang apples are listed in the Top 50 gift specialties

Dried shrimp is a key aquatic product of the southernmost province of Ca Mau

Sour shrimp: it is a signature dish of Hue cuisine. Making the item requires a number of steps that must be performed in a specific order. The fresh, clean, and dry shrimp of the same size are put in wine along with dry bamboo shoots, garlic, and chili. It is left for some time before ready to serve.

Ban soybean paste – Tuong ban: the specialty comes from My Hao district of northern Hung Yen province. The paste, generally dark brown in color, is produced by adding the fungus Aspergillus oryzae to roasted soybeans, which are then allowed to naturally ferment in a jar with water until it develops an umami flavor.

Nam Đàn fermented bean paste: The central province of Nghệ An is famous for Nam Đàn fermented bean paste

Pepper of Kien Giang province - known as Tieu Phu Quoc, is a unique strong tasting and pungent smelling pepper which has been selected as one of the top specialty gifts of Asia.

Ly Son garlic – Quang Ngai Ly Son island district is famous for delicious onion and garlic.

Ngoc Linh ginseng: it is a precious medicinal species indigenous to the mountain of the same name in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum. Research has found it is among the four most precious ginseng species in the world, which contain substances beneficial to human health and thus high in economic value

Khanh Hoa salagane nests: The birds usually make their nests on high mountain cliffs, so the workers must be skillful and brave mountain-climbers. Apart from the natural source on the islands, Viet Nam has successfully raised the salanganes in man-made houses

Source: VGP

50 gift specialties which were nominated by localities, tourism agencies, domestic and foreign tourists (part 02)

Thai Nguyen tea: Northern Thai Nguyen province is a cradle of Vietnamese tea. The most famous tea from Thai Nguyen is Tan Cuong Tea, whose incredibly delicious taste can bewitch any tea drinkers. A bitter taste comes to you when making the first sip of a cup of hot Tan Cuong tea and then it turns out to be a lasting sweet when you finish it.

Bitter tea is founded in Thach An and Ha Lang districts, the northern province of Cao Bang. The tea is used for the treatment of colds, headaches, eye, nose and throat inflammations, diarrhoea, and other ailments. It also reduces cholesterol level, blood tension, stress, infections and weight problems

Sweetened pan cake of Phu Quang or che lam is made from sticky rice flour, roasted peanuts, ginger liquid, malt, molasses mixed with water taken from a special source in Tay Do. When you take a bite, the sweet flavor gradually melts in your mouth and then heats your body up..

Vang tea: Vang trees are present in Cam Lo and La Vang, central Quang Tri province. Vang tea is a famous medicine for those suffering from digestion disorder and rheumatism.

Bao Loc tea: En route to Dalat, passing Bao Loc Town in Lam Dong Province, tourists will catch sight of immense green tea farms. Bao Loc tea is mellow and fragrant.

San Tuyet tea: Situated at an altitude of nearly 1,400 meters above sea level, through the winding but fascinating road, Suoi Giang (Van Chan district, northern mountainous Yen Bai province) appears in front of visitors. It is where the oldest tea trees in Viet Nam are found.

Green rice flakes - com xanh: young rice grains are harvested, roasted and ground down to become com.

Dried mackerel is a specialty of the southern province of Vung Tau

Palm sugar: Palm trees are very close to the lives of Khmer people in the southern province of An Giang. People produce palm-sugar, a local specialty, from palm flowers.

Cashew nuts: Cashew trees are grown mostly in the southern region, with Binh Phuoc province having the largest cashew cultivation area

Gia Lai honey: it has pleasantly sweet taste, and dark yellow color and often used in traditional medicine

Dried bamboo sprout: The central highlands province of Dak Lak is famous for producing dried bamboo sprout

Bitter bamboo sprouts is well-known as a favorite main ingredient in the northern province of Hoa Binh. Boiled and soaked until turning into sour, it is cooked with chicken or duck to make hot sour sweet soups that are certain to warm you in cold days.

Sesame candy – me xung has become a symbol of Hue's culture. Sesame candy is made from blended malt with peanuts (peanut oil), covered by sesame. It is cut into small pieces and packed in a box.

Chu rice noodles: The northern province of Bac Giang is famous for making rice noodles.

Phan Thiet dired squid: After squid is meticulously cleaned, it will be exposed to sunlight for a day to get dried.

Malabar almond jam: Malabar almond gives a taste like walnut. The fruits are dried for four or five days and then peeled to take the seeds out. The seeds are then fried with either salt or sugar.