Ep 4. Vietnam (The Island of Mr. Sang)

Anthony Bourdain, the American chef and travel writer, is in Vietnam for another episode of his popular travel and food series, No Reservations. In this episode, titled "Vietnam (The Island of Mr. Sang)," Bourdain takes us to the island of Phu Quoc in South Vietnam, where he explores the local food culture and discovers the many flavors and spices that make Vietnamese cuisine so distinctive.

Bourdain begins his journey with a visit to the local market, where he samples some of the local street food dishes. He is particularly impressed by a steamed crab dish that is served with a special dipping sauce made with the island's famous nuoc mam, or fish sauce.

Next, Bourdain visits a local fish sauce factory, where he learns how this essential Vietnamese condiment is made from fermented anchovies that are left to mature for months or even years. He also gets to sample some of the fish sauce, which he describes as "intensely funky" but delicious.

Bourdain then heads to a local fishing village, where he meets Mr. Sang, a fisherman who takes him out on his boat to catch some squid. Bourdain marvels at the beauty of the island's coastline and the dedication of the local fishing community to their craft.

Later, Bourdain visits a pepper farm, where he learns about the island's famous black pepper, which is highly prized for its sharp, pungent flavor. He samples some freshly ground pepper and is amazed at the intensity of the taste.

Bourdain also visits a local family-run restaurant, where he tries a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes, such as banh xeo, a rice flour pancake filled with pork and shrimp, and goi cuon, a fresh spring roll with shrimp, pork, and herbs. He is particularly impressed by the freshness and quality of the ingredients used in the dishes.

Finally, Bourdain ends his journey with a visit to a local Buddhist temple, where he participates in a traditional tea ceremony and learns about the spiritual significance of tea in Vietnamese culture.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain showcases his trademark wit and humor, as well as his deep respect for the people and culture of Vietnam. He also demonstrates his adventurous spirit by trying a variety of unusual and exotic dishes, such as grilled frog and snake wine.

"Vietnam (The Island of Mr. Sang)" is a fascinating and engaging episode of No Reservations that offers a unique and insightful look at Vietnam's rich food culture and the many flavors and spices that make it so distinctive. Bourdain's passion for food and travel shines through in every scene, while his exploration of the island's natural beauty and cultural traditions adds a deeper dimension to the episode.