Ep 13. Episode 13

Food Safari is an Australian cooking show that takes you on a culinary journey around the world. In season 1, episode 13, we explore the cuisine of Vietnam.

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients. This episode of Food Safari takes us on a tour of Vietnamese dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

The episode starts with host Maeve O'Meara exploring the bustling markets of Ho Chi Minh City. Maeve meets with local food vendors who are selling exotic spices, herbs, and fresh produce. She buys ingredients for the dishes she'll be making later in the episode.

Next, Maeve meets with a group of Vietnamese chefs who specialize in traditional Vietnamese cooking. They show her how to make one of Vietnam's most iconic dishes, pho. Pho is a hearty soup that's made with rice noodles, beef broth, and a variety of herbs and spices.

After the pho tutorial, Maeve visits a restaurant that specializes in another popular Vietnamese dish, banh mi. Banh mi is a type of sandwich that's made with a crispy baguette, grilled meat, pickled vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. The restaurant owner walks Maeve through the process of making the banh mi, from grilling the meat to pickling the vegetables.

Next, Maeve visits a family-owned restaurant that serves bo kho, a rich beef stew that's flavored with lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon. The restaurant owner shows Maeve how to make the dish from scratch, starting with browning the beef and simmering it in a fragrant broth.

After the beef stew, Maeve travels to a noodle factory where she watches the age-old process of making rice noodles. The factory owner explains the process of mixing the rice flour, kneading the dough, and steaming the noodles.

The episode ends with Maeve visiting a Vietnamese home cook who makes a traditional dish called bò lá lốt. Bò lá lốt is a grilled beef dish that's wrapped in betel leaves. The home cook shows Maeve how to season the beef and wrap it in the leaves, then they grill it to perfection.

Throughout the episode, Maeve also explores the cultural significance of food in Vietnam. She talks about the history of Vietnamese cuisine, as well as how different dishes are prepared and served for special occasions.

Overall, this episode of Food Safari is a delicious and informative exploration of Vietnamese cuisine. From the vibrant markets to the family-owned restaurants, Maeve takes us on a culinary journey that's sure to leave you hungry for more.