Cooking in the Red River Delta

October 02, 2019

We love food, all types of food.  But especially Asian food. So, while in Vietnam, we were not going to miss the chance to learn more about it. How to combine all the varied ingredients together to produce a dish that bursts with flavor.

We grabbed the chance eagerly at almost the end of our travels. We started off with our guide and headed outside the city center into the countryside.

Amazing Vietnam

The drive itself was enough to convince us we’d made the right choice. An hour-long tour through the dirt back roads. Past local houses with kids playing happily and waving as we went by. Lush emerald-colored jungles and rice fields surrounding.

Our destination was a small, quaint little local village. Snuggled deep in the heart of the Red River Delta. Packed full of excitement and keen to start our class we arrived outside the home of our host.

Tea with the Locals

Introducing herself through our guide, she welcomed us into her small home. We sat and sipped small cups of delicate green tea as she told us stories about village life and the Delta. Her stories about her village and family were captivating. She was a natural storyteller!

With tea finished, we went into her kitchen area to start. Our guide acted as a translator between us. Our host was patient and easygoing, and wonderfully methodical. She made sure we understood the names of each of the ingredients, even though our pronunciation was woeful.

Farm Tea-Sapa

Working for our Lunch

Then we followed her lead and began to mix and grind. Grate and chop, using mortar and pestle and some vicious looking all-metal knives. We adored every step and new technique learned.

With preparation done we started to cook! Over flaming woks, we mixed herbs and spices, oils and rice wine, meats, and fresh vegetables. Her small kitchen quickly filled with mouth-watering aromas.

Let the wine Flow…

Learning alongside our new friend in this small, palm leaf-covered kitchen, was sublime. The hours just flew by. Sizzling pans, fresh herbs from her garden, we were in foodie heaven. We bent our heads, worked our steaming woks, fired the noodles and added more chili!

Now was our reward. We took our fragrant dishes, with a massive bowl of freshly steamed jasmine rice outside to the small table. Sitting under the shade of the banana trees, with her little dog looking on, we prepared to feast. Before we started, we had a little surprise.

Rice Terrace Fields

Friends found under the shade of the Banana Trees

We had bought a small gift to share with our new friend and guide. Some wine to enjoy along with our home-cooked meals. We sat on this simple wooden table. Drinking our wine, eating fantastic food and talking with our new friends. This was an experience to savor, even more than the wonderful food.