Somebody Feed Bill! (December 13, 2025)
Yes, this headline is a total rip off of the Netflix show, Somebody Feed Phil (in case you were paying attention). And it’s the best way to describe how I’ve felt this past week of living here in Saigon (a.k.a. Ho Chi Minh City). It started with not one but a series of dinners together with Violet (Thuc Anh Phan) and her husband, Cuong (see related blog post). This ranged from whole-food, plant based Vietnamese cuisine (which, if I lived here would be my “go to”) to various hot pots to snails and crab. I’ve had an amazing culinary experience here.
In Vietnam, You Can Eat Out at Every Meal (If You Want To)
Every since I’ve entered Vietnam, I’ve not had to cook anything. That’s not true for many other places where I’ve stayed. Often, I’ll get a studio, one or two-bedroom apartment so that I have a kitchen and can cook for myself. But I’ve found here in Vietnam eating out is often inexpensive and the quality of the meals are incredible.
The price ranges from $2 USD street food (like Pho or other soup-based meal) to $16 for a multi-course sit down meal — and not just Vietnamese cuisine, either. Vietnamese chefs have out sushied several of the sushi places in Japan, totally crushed Italy when it comes to pizza, and even gives Mexico a run for its money when it comes to tacos and enchiladas. Even the Indian food has been top-notch. Vietnamese chefs are incredible at their work and they ensure the quality is the best.
Strangest Foods I’ve Enjoyed
I was never a big fan of snails until I visited Saigon. In France, I find snails are a “garlic and butter” delivery vehicle. Nothing wrong with that, but I didn’t find much variation on this theme. In Vietnam, there are many different types of snails to choose from (ranging in tenderness and flavor) and the most important component are the sauces. I’ve enjoyed snails in everything from Thai coconut curry to a sauce similar to General Tso’s chicken flavor. Let me tell you, this makes ALL the difference.
A snail’s flavor by itself is relatively bland (IMHO). So the taste really comes down to whatever sauce you choose to smother and cook the snail in. Then, depending on the type of snail, you either “suck” or “stab” to consume it.
My friend Hoang Viet (see related post) took me to a restaurant that specializes in snails. I was suspicious at first, but after enjoying several different kinds of flavors and types of snails, I could see the appeal. I was down to keep trying them when ordered and served. I don’t see this becoming my “go to” food (even when here in Vietnam), but I’m much more open to joining those who prefer to eat snails here.
Vietnamese Coffee: Egg, Brown, White, Matcha, etc.
I’ve already shared my first experience having an Egg Coffee in Hanoi (see related post). At the time, I wasn’t sure if it was the experience of being on Train Street (inches from a moving train) or the actually egg coffee that I loved so much. So I’ve ordered it a few more times and it’s still amazing every time and everywhere I order it.
Brown coffee is my second favorite. They used condensed milk to turn the coffee brown and, in case you didn’t know: (1) Condensed milk is a main ingredient in making caramel, and (2) I’m crazy for caramel — it’s my favorite dessert. White coffee is fine, but it’s just milk with coffee and although the milk is ridiculously fresh, it’s not all that special (IMHO) than what you get everywhere else.
Now Matcha Coffee is another matter. Matcha is a special type of green tea and comes with it’s own caffeine. Adding that to regular Vietnamese coffee is like getting a super charged caffeinated beverage. And I should note, Vietnamese coffee tends to run high on the caffeine naturally. They way they lightly roast and process, it just tends to have a strong hit of caffeine if that’s what you’re after (and, for me, I usually am happy about the added caffeine).
Better with Friends
Of course, none of this food is as good as sharing it with your friends. I’ve been fortunate to have a number of people to share meals with while I’m here in Vietnam and for me that’s what’s most important. Last night, Violet (Thuc Anh Phan) and her husband, Cuong introduced me to two more friends from their building (and past working lives). Tram Tran and her roommate Phuong Nam Lai, who is both a great dancer and choreographer.
Phuong Nam Lai, me, Tram Tran, Violet (Thuc Anh Phan) & Cuong
Conversations ranged from entrepreneurism in Vietnam to what it was like growing up in Saigon to Spiritual Intelligence. So my heart and soul were just as filled up as my stomach. It’s wonderful to spend quality time with such creative, intelligent and energetic people.
As I wind down my time here in Vietnam, I’m deeply grateful for all the people I’ve had the pleasure to spend quality time with during my visit and the many meals I’ve shared with these incredible humans.
