Huan has also had to sell his car after gasoline prices surged. "When the price of gasoline dramatically surged, the price of everything went up," he said. "A dozen eggs used to sell for around US$1.80, but then it doubled and tripled before settling on around US$2-3 now." A woman is shopping at a local market in Nice, France on June 7, 2022. Photo by Reuters Van Lam, a Vietnamese restaurant owner in Germany, has experienced the same problem. "I used to live comfortably spending around 500 euros a month," he said. "But now, I have to spend between 800 and 900 euros, or even up to 1,000 euros, to maintain that quality of life." For Thu Hong, a Vietnamese nail salon owner in the U.S., things have not been any different: "Prices of everything have gone up," she said. U.S. prices of goods and services are currently 8% higher than they were last year, according to a recent CNBC report. Combined with decreased incomes post-pandemic, analysts and everyday people … [Read more...] about The West’s Vietnamese residents battle living cost spikes
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Taxi commissions raise Phu Quoc restaurant prices
Nguyen Cam Loan in Ho Chi Minh City was frustrated after her recent trip to Phu Quoc for the Reunification Day and May Day (April 30-May 1) holidays. When using a taxi to take her family to a local restaurant, she was enthusiastically introduced by the driver to a rice pot restaurant. However, a meal for four people with regular dishes, including rice, boiled vegetables, braised fish and braised meat, cost nearly VND1.3 million ($55.39). She then complained to the taxi driver who took her family to the restaurant to no avail. Incensed, Loan said drivers should only recommend eateries based on quality, otherwise both drivers and restaurants "will lose customers in the future." Once a popular tourist hotspot for its famed pearls and scenery, Phu Quoc has been shunned by travelers recently. In addition to high airfares, exorbitant service prices have made the island lose much of its charm in the eyes of many tourists. Phu Quoc officials have said that food services in Phu Quoc … [Read more...] about Taxi commissions raise Phu Quoc restaurant prices
Fried spring rolls named in world’s 100 most popular appetizers
Cha gio is an appetizer that can be found almost anywhere from small gatherings to big parties in Vietnam where the spring rolls are made with rice paper and filled with shredded pork, cooked prawns, shredded taro, wood ear mushrooms and vegetables. The rolls are fried until golden and crispy. And they are often served wrapped with lettuce and herbs, with a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, lemon and sugar. "The rolls are quickly fried, which results in a treat with an appetizing golden color, a crisp and light outer layer, and a delectable filling, according to the magazine, which describes itself as a "world atlas of traditional dishes, local ingredients, and authentic restaurants." It also recommended some restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City to try the dish such as Ngon Restaurant and 94 Restaurant in District 1 and Hum Vegetarian, Lounge & Restaurant in District 3. Chinese dumplings, known as jiaozi, were named the most popular appetizer in the world, followed by South … [Read more...] about Fried spring rolls named in world’s 100 most popular appetizers
Broken rice ranks second among top 100 most tasty rice dishes in Asia by TasteAtlas
Broken rice (or com tam) has become a must-try dish for locals, foreign visitors, and travellers to Vietnam. (Photo toplist.vn) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Vietnam’s broken rice (locally known as com tam) was chosen the second place among the top 100 most tasty rice dishes in Asia by TasteAtlas , the home of local food, traditional restaurants, and authentic recipes, in March this year. This traditional dish of Vietnam is cooked from broken rice, once considered food for the poor. Still, nowadays, it has become a special popular dish in the country, particularly in Hanoi and HCM City, TasteAtlas said, noting that Japanese sushi ranked first. A friend of mine, Chiam Jia Xine from Malaysia, said during his recent trip to Hanoi, he was interested in not only bun cha (vermicelli with grilled pork and fresh herbs) and rau muong xao (fried morning glory with garlic) but also broken rice. “I like broken rice eaten with grilled sour and sweet pork ribs and salad made from the mix … [Read more...] about Broken rice ranks second among top 100 most tasty rice dishes in Asia by TasteAtlas
Southern food festival kicks off in Ho Chi Minh City
The ‘Taste of Southern Food’ festival opened at Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11, Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday to honor the culinary culture of Vietnam's southern region and introduce local specialties to domestic and international tourists. The annual festival, co-organized by Phu Tho Tourist Service JSC and Saigontourist Group, is set to wrap up on Sunday. Delicacies showcased at 30 booths The festival’s 30 booths are showcasing southern dishes prepared by 20 different local F&B brands, including a restaurant chain run by Saigontourist Group, Rach Gia Kien Giang Restaurant, the Vam Sat ecotourism area, Thuy Ta Restaurant, the Phu Tho Hotel, and other food producers from Ho Chi Minh City. In the southern food area, visitors can savor hundreds of cakes and sweet soups prepared by the Binh Quoi Tourist Village. Among the dishes representing the southwest region of Vietnam are banh xeo (Vietnamese sizzling crepe), banh khot (mini savory Vietnamese pancake), and … [Read more...] about Southern food festival kicks off in Ho Chi Minh City
Hanoi makes plan to clean up West Lake
Hanoi's West Lake is home to a large expat community and one of the city's most vibrant centers for international cuisine. The Tay Ho District People's Committee has drawn up a plan to clean up West Lake , the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi and one of the most famous tourist attractions and iconic places in the Vietnamese capital, according to District Chairman Nguyen Dinh Khuyen. Khuyen said local authorities are preparing draft regulations for the management and operation of the West Lake to be submitted to the city government after all old and dilapidated boats and structures are removed from the lake. He added that the Tay Ho District's administration is weighing measures to clean up the lake, including dredging its bed, increasing aeration, and growing aquatic plants. More electric lighting and decorative lights will be installed on roads along the lakeshore, and walkways and flower gardens around the lake will be renovated. The West Lake located … [Read more...] about Hanoi makes plan to clean up West Lake
First Vietnam – ASEAN culture, food festival opens in HCM City
The first Vietnam – ASEAN culture and food festival opens in HCM City on May 25. (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – The 2023 Vietnam – ASEAN Culture and Food Festival, the first of its kind, kicked off at Hoa Lu Sports Centre in Ho Chi Minh City on May 25 evening. Hosted by the Institute for Research Development and Conservation of Southeast Asian Art and Culture (IRSAC), the four-day event is one of a series of events designed to realise the goals of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025 and strengthen the ASEAN identity towards the 56th founding anniversary of ASEAN (August 8, 1967 – 2023). The festival sees the presence of local and foreign restaurants, hotels and travel businesses, and food processing establishments, which display their products and services at 200 pavilions, including traditional and modern dishes, food products, and specialties. On display at the event are traditional and modern dishes, food products, and specialties. (Photo: VNA) … [Read more...] about First Vietnam – ASEAN culture, food festival opens in HCM City
First Vietnam – ASEAN culture, food festival opens in Ho Chi Minh City
Hosted by the Institute for Research Development and Conservation of Southeast Asian Art and Culture (IRSAC), the four-day event is one of a series of events designed to realize the goals of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025 and strengthen the ASEAN identity towards the 56th founding anniversary of ASEAN (August 8, 1967 – 2023). The festival sees the presence of local and foreign restaurants, hotels, and travel businesses, and food processing establishments, which display their products and services at 200 pavilions, including traditional and modern dishes, food products, and specialties. There are also cooking demonstrations by skilled chefs, as well as a presentation of traditional costumes, performances of traditional music and dances, and folk games from ASEAN countries. According to Director of IRSAC Le Van Tiep, the festival aims to introduce characteristics of culture and cuisine, people and arts of the ASEAN community to local and international visitors, … [Read more...] about First Vietnam – ASEAN culture, food festival opens in Ho Chi Minh City
Knowing Thailand, Vietnam’s tourism problems are clear
When my wife and I traveled Bangkok and Chiang Mai, there was nothing that outstanding about the famous Thai food and traffic infrastructure. While their transport system is indeed years ahead of Vietnam, I don’t think that’s the reason why tourism in Vietnam pales compared to our regional neighbor. What impressed me the most was the hospitality and friendliness of Thai people. When we crossed the street, cars always made way for us in the politest ways. We spent six days in Thailand, but I barely heard horns honking, even though traffic jams were a frequent occurrence. I love traveling, so I have already been to many places in Vietnam. I have met so many good people. Some were willing to let me trail behind them on my motorbike as I didn't know the way to Ha Giang. There was one time when I traveled to Dien Bien and I stopped by a small restaurant for a bowl of plain rice. The owner did not charge me for the meal as there were no side dishes available. And there was the time I … [Read more...] about Knowing Thailand, Vietnam’s tourism problems are clear
7 Quy Nhon summer travel experiences to enjoy from dawn till dusk
Dawn on Queen (Hoang Hau) Beach, located on Ghenh Rang Hill, two kilometers from downtown Quy Nhon. According to the locals, Queen Nam Phuong, consort of Bao Dai, Vietnam’s last king, chose the spot for a private holiday with her husband in 1927, thus giving the beach its name. A unique, distinct feature of the beach is the presence of hundreds of round stones like giant bird’s eggs. The poet’s grave lies on Thi Nhan Hill in Ghenh Ranh Tourism Area, a few minutes’ walk from Hoang Hau Beach. The beach is not far from the tomb of Han Mac Tu, a talented Vietnamese poet who tragically died young. Tu’s poems emerged during the 1920s-30s as the heartbroken voice of a young soul. He contracted leprosy, then an incurable disease, in 1937 and spent the rest of his life at Quy Hoa Leprosy Village, established in 1929 by a French priest named Paul Maheu. He died two years later, just 28 years old. Photo by Ngoc … [Read more...] about 7 Quy Nhon summer travel experiences to enjoy from dawn till dusk