Top 5 Vietnamese Rice Noodles You Have to Try

The Vietnamese have various ways of preparing their light-tasting rice noodles, which they combine with various meats and vegetables to create dishes that are delicious, fresh, and healthy to boot.

Compiled by: Ari Vanuaranu

If you think phở is the greatest dish you can’t pronounce, think again, ‘cos here are some other Vietnamese noodle dishes you’ll definitely need to wrap your tongue around. The following is by no mean a definitive list, but it features dishes from all around Vietnam, offering a culinary tour around the traditional regions of the country.

1. Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm

The concept of this Hànội favourite is simple. You take a little bit of fresh bún (rice noodle) and fried đậu (tofu) and dunk them in the pungent sauce made of mắm tôm (shrimp paste). But there’s more to it, as the vendor will also add chả cốm (fritter of minced pork, minced prawn, and young rice flakes) and chân giò hầm (stewed pork hock) to your plate, as well as rau thơm (odoriferous herbs), making this a delicious treat that is fun to eat!

 

2. Gỏi Vịt Bắp Cải

Duck haunch or breast is boiled along with ginger and nước mắm (fish sauce) to be placed on top of a bed of cabbages and other fresh greens, served with either bún măng (rice noodle with bamboo shoots) or cháo huyết (rice porridge with blood pudding). Dip the duck meat in a special condiment made of ginger and fish sauce to enhance the warming effect.

 

3. Bún Bò Huế

If you like your food to have that spicy kick, then this dish of bún (rice noodle) and tender slices of bò (beef) is for you. The special part of bún bò Huế is the soup which has the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty. The accompanying greens and sometimes banana blossoms are meant to temper the heat. Since this dish originated from Huế, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, you could say that this is a dish fit for a king!

 

4. Mì Quảng / Mỳ Quảng

Quảng Nam Province is home to the famous attractions of Đà Nẵng and Hội An as well as mì quảng, a much-celebrated dish of Central Vietnam. This rice noodle dish has a bold-tasting broth seasoned with củ nén (garlic-like chives) fried in peanut oil. Marinated chicken, pork, and beef are joined by eggs, peanuts, pork sausage, rice crackers and fresh greens which make for a festive bowl that is usually seen at special occasions such as Tết (Vietnamese New Year).

SEE ALSO: Haute in Hoi An

 

5. Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang

Hủ tiếu is related to various local Chinese noodles found in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia’s kway teow and Indonesia’s kwetiau. Unlike those two countries, though, the Vietnamese prefer to use rice noodles instead of ricecake strips. South Vietnam was probably introduced to the dish by way of Cambodia, hence the Vietnamese translation of kuy teav Phnom Penh (hủ tiếu Nam Vang). The toppings of hủ tiếu varies from shop to shop, usually including pork slices, prawns, eggs, offal, dumplings, fried shallots, fried garlic, and many more.

 

6. Bonus: Thịt Bò Nướng Lá Lốt / Bò Lá Lốt

Thịt bò nướng lá lốt or just bò lá lốt for short is ground beef mixed with garlic, shallots, lemongrass, ngũ vị hương (five-spice powder) and peanuts rolled inside piper lolot leaves which releases a strong and smoky flavour when charred. The most interesting part of this beef wrap is the way you eat it. You have to roll it in a bánh tráng (rice crepes) along with rice noodle, fresh herbs, chillies, and fish sauce, making it a twice-rolled wrap! What a foodception!

SEE ALSO: 10 Southeast Asian Foods Every Pro Foodie Must Try

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Your Awesome 2016 Lunar New Year Holiday Guide by Tony Fernandes

Gongxi gongxi, welcome to the year of the monkey! Our in-house sifu Tony Fernandes is here to share the perfect holiday destinations according to your Chinese zodiac.

Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)

The first animal on the Chinese calendar, the rat is often associated with wit, vitality, and flexibility. They thrive on healthy social lives, and can easily fit into new environments. A rat person will enjoy cities like Hong Kong or Shanghai that can satisfy their need to revel in an exciting atmosphere.

Ox (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)

As someone who values family and work, an ox will be difficult to convince to take a break and go on a holiday. They also tend to prefer familiarity, so perhaps a domestic holiday is the way to go. Lucky directions for ox people are south or southeast, so depending on where they are located, maybe a trip to Johor Bahru, Krabi, or Cebu will be most auspicious.

Tiger (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)

A symbol of bravery and power, a tiger is one who accepts challenges without complaints. My mate Richard Branson’s one of them. They also like to be the centre of attention, so a trip doing adventurous stuff for bragging rights on Facebook would probably entice them, like a bungee jumping trip in New Zealand or scaling up the heights of Mount Bromo in Indonesia.

Rabbit (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

Rabbits are lovable beings, bringing a sense of cheerfulness and harmony wherever they go. They also tend to be artistic and have a sense of style, which makes kitschy cities like Chiang Mai or Yogyakarta perfect spots for a chill out weekend trip for these bunnies. Both are famous for historic temples and crafts, which means there will be no shortage of souvenirs to bring home.

Dragon (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

A fantastical creature, a dragon is (I am one myself). This is a sign that is ruled by ambition, dominance, and intelligence (clearly!). A person from a dragon year likes to live in extremes, soaking in the good and bad of everything. It would be great for them to visit India, experiencing the yellow cab-laden traffic of Kolkata, celebrating Holi Festival in Jaipur, or visiting ancient temples and sites in Visakhapatnam.

Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001)

They are sensitive yet wise, intuitive and also secretive. A snake is also one with a penchant for the finer things in life, so a sea and sun vacation in the Maldives is simply perfect for them.

Horse (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)

To be born in the horse year means that the person is popular with lots of energy and high self-esteem.  Their outgoing nature makes a horse loves crowds, revelling in it every chance they can get. This high energy is best to bring when vibrant places like Beijing or Bangkok. Maybe even the AirAsia boardroom.

Goat (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)

A person born is the year of the goat is often shy and sensitive. Goats have a special fondness for quiet living, so a trip to the countryside where there is a lot of greenery such as the interior of Sabah from Kota Kinabalu or secluded Luang Prabang in Laos would be like soul food for them.

Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)

Mischievous, lively, and always in the lookout for more, a monkey is hard to pin down to any certain place. Their flexible ways make it easy for them to go out and about, so an Asean Pass is the way to go. With plenty of trip-planning options with the Asean Pass, a backpacking trip covering several destinations in one go will certainly make a monkey happy.

Rooster (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)

A rooster person is active, hardworking, and enjoys the outdoors. They can be a little bit eccentric, and are very particular when it comes to time. These early morning beings can head to the Land of the Rising Sun, to destinations with lots of history, cultural attractions, and four wonderful seasons such as Tokyo, Osaka, or Sapporo.

Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994)

Dogs are loyal, sweet, and sincere. They enjoy lots of happiness and always look on the positive side of things, yet they are also independent and are not afraid of difficulties in life. An off-the-beaten-path track is what they crave, for example island hopping around Gili Islands off the coast from Lombok or traversing Bagan’s ancient temples.

Boar (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995)

A person born in the pig year has a natural way of communicating with people around them, making them fun travel companions. They are often associated with wealth and prosperity, and tend to enjoy sleeping, eating, and pretty much all the good things in life. A relaxing holiday in beachfront cities like Da Nang, Busan, or Sydney are best for piglets.

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The Club

Before I reached my destination, I was already curious about The Club. The namesake alone was enough to pique my interest, as it evoked a sense of exclusivity – a place reserved for the privileged few – and when I finally arrived at this Singaporean hotel, I was not disappointed.

Words: Stuart Danker

Tucked along Ann Siang Road, the building appeared to sit smack dab between lots of classic architecture. I would later learn that those buildings date back to the original colonial construction of the 1900s, preserved by the Singaporean government as a heritage site. Because of this, the exterior carried a quaint quality, and already, The Club was looking to be a unique stay. If I thought that The Club had a strong personality from the outside, I was even more impressed when I walked in.

     The check-in counter was a small nook situated in front of the café lounge. This quirky detail was punctuated by the fact that there was no lobby. The waiting area was cosy, devoid of any extra frills, and I liked the elegance of its minimalist setting.

     The only elevator providing access to the rooms was card-activated, providing guests with an extra layer of privacy and security within the hotel compounds, a welcome feature for guests who just wish to hunker down during business travels or creative retreats.

     There are two categories of rooms in The Club: the Club Room and the Club Suite. I was boarded in the latter and lavish would’ve been inadequate to describe it. The 41 square metre room had the usual modern comforts such as television, radio, and Wi-Fi, but I really appreciated the extra amenities like the private Nespresso coffee machine and the Hypnos bed set in the centre of the room.

     I had never slept in one of those before, but I’d heard stories about Hypnos’ impeccable quality. They’re so comfortable that even Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II awarded the company a royal warrant. If there were such a thing as sleeping on air, that would be it.

     But the luxury didn’t stop there. Built as large as the bedroom, the bathroom came equipped with a posh bathtub, complete with his-and-hers sinks, and organic body care products from Bamford’s Body Collection. The holiday hadn’t even started and I was already feeling like a king!

     The Club is a mere two minutes’ walk away from the nearest hawker centre and MRT station, making it a prime destination for visitors wishing to explore Singapore’s landmarks and food scene, but that doesn’t mean that this boutique hotel lacks F&B variety. In fact, The Club is a sizzling F&B powerhouse, with four restaurants and bars within its premises: Mr & Mrs Maxwell, B28, Tiger’s Milk and The Disgruntled Chef.

     B28 is a basement bar carrying over 200 Scottish single malt whiskeys, while The Disgruntled Chef is a restaurant specialising in the small plate-big plate concept, allowing guests to order any meal, sized to their fancy. But since I was in the mood for breakfast in the cosy café and dinner at the rooftop, I confined my visits to Tiger’s Milk and Mr & Mrs Maxwell instead.

     The former, Singapore’s first Peruvian rooftop bar and grill, was where I indulged in fresh and creamy king oyster mushrooms topped with corned salsa, asparagus and a drizzling of butter. I paired that with a serving of roasted beet quinoa mixed with feta cheese and cashew nuts, and both dishes made for a hearty yet healthy meal under the stars. The candle lights and casual outdoor setting added to the relaxing ambience.

     For breakfast and lunch, I visited Mr & Mrs Maxwell. While I enjoyed the perfectly-cooked breakfast of eggs benedict, the highlight of the menu for me was the Croque Mademoiselle, a croissant sandwich served with tomatoes, béchamel sauce, melted emmental and cheddar. The café even doubled up as a place for inspiration, with chill out music a la Café del Mar compilations, classy lounge chairs, along with beautiful artwork stacked on walls and shelves made for a potent combination. It was all I could do not to break out my notepad and begin scribbling ideas for my next book.

     Contributing to this first-class stay was The Club’s exemplary service. Being a 20-room hotel, guests often find the service more personal, and begin to foster a close rapport with the staff. Having everybody greet you by name is an experience that cannot be rivalled in the hospitality industry, and I believe that The Club excels when it comes to the human factor. Despite the hustle-and-bustle of Singapore, I found myself perfectly relaxed as I left the hotel. If I’m ever in need of a creative getaway for my soul, I’ll look no further than The Club.

THE CLUB

Address: 28 Ann Siang Road, Singapore

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8 Exceptional Budget-friendly Destinations in Asia

You don’t need an epic splurge for a noteworthy travel experience. Here are eight value-for-money locations for your next trip.

Compiled by Abby Yao

Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary by Karyn via travel 3Sixty° Photoblog

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

When it comes to value, Thailand is always a shoo-in. This charming city’s cooler weather is just one of the reasons why it is popular, along with its historic temples, ethical elephant sanctuaries and bustling night markets. There’s no shortage of places to see and things to buy in this northern hub where affordable is the norm.

Flower Market in Ho Chi Minh City by Kieu Tien via travel 3Sixty° Photoblog

2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Deeply entrenched in the Southeast Asia backpacker trail, this lively city formerly known (but still commonly referred to) as Saigon has cheap, delicious food such as banh mi and pho, plus plenty to see within the city itself and further afield.

Okazaki canal cruise in Kyoto by Edmund Hong via travel 3Sixty° Photoblog

3. Kansai, Japan

Though Japan as a whole is more expensive than practically all of Asia, the Kansai region—which includes Osaka, Kyoto and Nara—offers plenty of good deals at prices generally lower than Tokyo’s. Entry to numerous cultural and scenic spots is free, and there’s a wide variety of sights, from big city lights to wide open nature parks.

Kathmandu street scene by Muhamad Azeril Zulkifli via travel 3Sixty° Photoblog

4. Kathmandu, Nepal

Whether you’re trekking the Annapurna Circuit or heading to Everest Base Camp, the capital is where you’ll likely start your journey. But even for those who are not interested in peak bagging, there are Durbar Squares to wander around and stunning stupas to visit. Stay a while—it’s inexpensive enough for an extended stay.

 

Mingun Pahtodawgyi by Anton Jankovoy via travel 3Sixty° Photoblog

5. Mandalay, Myanmar

Budget accommodations and fantastic attractions make Mandalay a worthy addition to any budget traveller’s list. You won’t run out of temples, monasteries and ancient cities to explore. Now is the time to visit, before Myanmar loses its slow pace of life as it opens up to the rest of the world.

Penang food by Ahmad Maududi Bin Mahdi via travel 3Sixty° Photoblog

6. Penang, Malaysia

Food lovers know Penang for its street stalls selling char kuey teow, laksa, cendol and many other yummy treats. It’s also much-loved by backpackers for its affordable stays. Surprises lie just around every corner in George Town, which brims with amusing street art and lovingly restored shop houses.

Taipei cityscape by Paul Ratje via travel 3Sixty° Photoblog

7. Taipei, Taiwan

Though its prices aren’t at par with the Chinese mainland, Taipei makes up for price difference with an efficient transportation system, cleanliness, and the availability of free tourist information. The phenomenal night markets will excite serious foodies and curious food trippers alike.

Jomblang Caves, Yogyakarta by Raymond CK Wu via travel 3Sixty° Photoblog

8. Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The entry fees to the centuries-old temples of Borobudur and Prambanan will likely be your biggest expenses in this city of culture. There’s much to see within Jogja itself and the local delicacies will satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Reel World

Some of the most sensational film sets are found not in studios, but out there in the real world.

Words: Keeta Brennan

MAYA BAY, KRABI
THAILAND

IMAGE: CORBIS

Maya Bay in Krabi, Thailand, shot to fame when it was featured in The Beach, a drama-adventure film based on the 1996 best-selling novel by Alex Garland and directed by Academy Award winning director Danny Boyle. The film follows the protagonist, Richard (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), an average American in his 20s, on his search for the adventure of a lifetime in Thailand. Through strange twists, Richard is led to a utopia in the form of a self-sustaining community that lives on a secluded beach – Maya Bay. Located on Koh Phi Phi Leh in Krabi province, Maya Bay is breathtakingly beautiful, with an expanse of white sand, surrounded by limestone cliffs. In the mesmerising scene when DiCaprio first chances upon the deserted bay, with its clear green-blue waters, Maya Bay is at once captured in all its paradise-worthy glory. The film is credited for making Maya Bay world famous, and today, it is almost impossible to recreate the solitude of the area as was presented in the film, as scores upon scores of tourists flock to this bay every day to take in its natural beauty.

SHINJUKU, TOKYO
JAPAN

IMAGE: GETTY

The areas of Shinjuku and Shibuya, which are amongst Tokyo’s most vibrant, appeared in Lost in Translation, a film that won three Golden Globes and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture. In this film, which was shot entirely in Japan, Bill Murray plays Bob Harris, a has-been actor, who falls in love with young graduate Charlotte, played by Scarlett Johansson, when they meet in a hotel bar. A recurring location in the film is the New York Bar, located 52 storeys high on the topmost floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel and offering stunning views of Tokyo city. Another highlight in the film is Kabukicho, the entertainment district of Shinjuku, with its frenzied bursts of neon-lit signages. The film also makes full use of the iconic intersection in front of Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit, one of the busiest intersections in the world. Other famous Tokyo landmarks featured are the Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge.

SEE ALSO: Rock Art

BAYON TEMPLE, SIEM REAP
CAMBODIA

IMAGE: 123RF

The ancient temple ruins of Angkor provided the majestic backdrop for many pivotal scenes in the first film to be shot in Cambodia since 1964 – Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, an action-adventure film starring the stunning Angelina Jolie and based on the popular video game series. Among the film locations is the Bayon Temple, a 12th century Khmer temple with 54 towers, each with enigmatic and tranquil stone faces, and Ta Prohm Temple, with its massive intertwined trees prominently featured when Lara falls into a hidden tomb. The steep rental paid by the production studio to shoot at the temple complex was later used to fund conservation and restoration works and today, movie buffs flock to see the beauty of Angkor for themselves.

KOWLOON, HONG KONG
CHINA

IMAGE: 123RF

After long negotiations with the Chinese government, Hong Kong was chosen as the main location for Transformers: Age of Extinction, a film based on the popular toy and cartoon franchise, and the fourth in the series to be directed by Michael Bay. In this instalment, humans no longer trust the Autobots and are hunting them down, so the Autobots go into hiding. Notable highlights in the movie include the scene where Yueming (played by Li Bingbing), and Joshua (played by Stanley Tucci) are chased through the packed market around Ki Lung Street in Kowloon’s Sham Shui Po district, and when Galvatron and the Decepticons travel at high speeds down the Tsing Sha Highway across the Stonecutters Bridge. Another epic scene is the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons that happens behind the Fok Cheong Building on King’s Road in Quarry Bay.

SEE ALSO: When Two Become One

THE FORBIDDEN CITY, BEIJING
CHINA

IMAGE: GETTY

The Forbidden City features prominently in The Last Emperor, a biographical film based on the life of Henry Pu-yi, the last emperor of China and the last ruler of the Qing Dynasty. The film, which won four Golden Globes and nine Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, was directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and revolves around the life of Pu-yi, from the time he was crowned emperor at the tender age of two, to the time of his capture by the Red Army later in life. This was the first time a western filmmaker had been allowed full access within The Forbidden City and the result – a stunning movie that captures the alluring beauty of the Imperial Palace and its vast grounds. Two of the most memorable scenes in the movie are the elaborate coronation and when three-year old Pu-Yi rushes out of the palace to see hundreds of loyal subjects bow before him. Today, The Forbidden City is a major tourist attraction in Beijing and houses the Palace Museum, filled with historical artefacts, ceramics and art from the Qing Imperial collection.

UBUD, BALI
INDONESIA

IMAGE: CORBIS

Bali has always been a mystical place but Eat, Pray, Love, the soul-searching film based on the 2006 memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert has deepened its allure. In the film, Julia Roberts plays Liz, a successful American woman with a seemingly happy life until she finds herself divorced. Embarking on a new chapter in her life, Liz goes on a journey of self-discovery that leads her to Italy, India and finally to Bali, Indonesia, where she finds true love. Many scenes were shot at Gianyar, mainly in Ubud and Pecatu, with notable scenes showing Roberts cycling through picturesque paddy fields and visiting the Ubud market. Aside from making Bali even more famous, the film also shone the spotlight on many locals. Balinese healer, Ketut Liyer and Wayan, a single mother who Liz befriended and helped to build a home and restaurant, were portrayed by actors in the movie, but the real personalities have become favourites with visitors seeking them out for their own Eat, Pray, Love experiences.

GEORGE TOWN, PENANG
MALAYSIA

IMAGE: GETTY

Malaysia was selected as the perfect location to recreate the Siam of old for Anna and the King, a biographical drama loosely based on the life of Anna Leonowens (played by Jodie Foster), a governess to the royal children of King Mongkut (played by Chow Yuen-Fat), the fourth monarch of Siam. Ipoh, Perak, provided the landscape for the massive Palace that was built over seven acres of land. Most of the film’s iconic scenes take place here, like the scene when Anna is first summoned to appear before the King in the grand hall and also later, when sparks fly between Anna and King Mongkut as they share a romantic dance. Penang was also featured; its colonial shop houses along Armenian Street represented 19th century Bangkok, while the Swettenham Pier was portrayed as Bangkok Harbour.

PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE, KANDY
SRI LANKA

IMAGE: GETTY

Kandy in Sri Lanka was transformed by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg into an imaginary India for the second instalment in the widely successful Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. The second largest city after Colombo, Kandy was also where the elephant scenes were shot, at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. In this prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indy, played by Harrison Ford, is an archeologist on a mission to reclaim a precious, mystical gem and save kidnapped children at the behest of distraught villagers from a remote East Indian village. For the iconic rope-bridge scene towards the climatic end of the movie, the film crew actually strung a dramatic bridge over a deep gorge situated near Victoria Dam, north of Kandy.

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LIGHTS, CAMERA… ACTION!

MACAO
China

Although Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai’s film In The Mood For Love was set in 1960s Hong Kong, he found modern day Hong Kong no longer suitable to represent the city in the 60s. Instead, Wong chose among others, the streets of Macao, to recreate the imagery of a bygone era. His film was nominated for the highly coveted Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

MATAMATA
New Zealand

The awe-inspiring fantasy trilogy of The Lord Of The Rings was shot entirely in New Zealand, with its natural beauty making it the perfect setting to recreate JRR Tolkiens’ world known as Middle-earth. The town of Matamata was the filming location for The Shire and Hobbiton, with the Hobbit village now a permanent tourist attraction there. Other choice locations include Wellington’s Kaitoke Regional Park, depicted as Rivendell in the films.

MUMBAI
India

Bustling Mumbai was the primary shoot location for Slumdog Millionaire, winner of eight Oscars. One standout location of this critically-acclaimed film is the Dharavi slum, Asia’s biggest slum with over one million dwellers. Another is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station where the film’s final dance scene was filmed. The film cast many local children from the slum as actors, a move that helped them and their families lead better lives.

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