Ep 6. Episode 6

Food Safari is a cooking show that takes you on an adventure through various cuisines and cultures across Australia. In season 1, episode 6, host Maeve O'Meara explores the vibrant and diverse culture of Vietnamese food.

The episode begins with Maeve visiting the bustling District 3 of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, where she tries her first traditional Vietnamese breakfast of Pho - a savory beef noodle soup with fragrant herbs and fresh lime. Maeve then heads to a local market to discover the unique ingredients that make Vietnamese cuisine stand out, such as lemongrass, fish sauce, and exotic fruits like jackfruit and rambutan.

Back in Australia, Maeve meets with Sydney-based chef, Luke Nguyen, who runs the popular Vietnamese restaurant, Red Lantern. Luke shares his passion for Vietnamese food and the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients. He teaches Maeve how to make a classic Vietnamese dish called Banh Xeo - a crispy and flavorful rice flour and coconut milk crepe filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, and served with a side of herbs and dipping sauce.

Maeve then heads to Cabramatta, a suburb in Sydney known for its large Vietnamese community. She meets with a local chef, Alex Lee, who runs the popular restaurant and bakery, Tan Thanh, which specializes in Banh Mi - a Vietnamese sandwich made with baguette bread, pickled vegetables, and various meats such as pork, chicken, or pate. Alex shows Maeve the art of making perfect Banh Mi, and they sample different varieties of the famous sandwich.

Next, Maeve heads to Melbourne to explore the modern and fusion side of Vietnamese cuisine. She visits the restaurant, Aka Siro, run by Vietnamese-Japanese chef, Jerry Mai. Jerry combines her Japanese heritage with Vietnamese flavors to create unique dishes such as pho ramen and banh mi burgers. Maeve tries the restaurant's signature dish - a modern twist on Banh Xeo, made into a sushi roll with fresh herbs, fruits, and a tangy sauce.

Maeve also visits another fusion restaurant called Twenty Pho Seven, run by Vietnamese-Australian chef, Angie Hong. The restaurant serves up creative dishes such as phorritos - a combination of pho and burritos, and banh mi sliders. Maeve tries the restaurant's popular fried chicken wings, which are marinated in fish sauce and served with a side of pickled vegetables.

In the final segment of the episode, Maeve visits the home of a Vietnamese family in Adelaide and learns how to make a traditional dessert called Che - a sweet soup made with different types of beans, tapioca, and coconut milk. The family shares their recipe and the cultural significance of the dish, which is often served during special occasions and holidays.

Food Safari season 1, episode 6 offers a delightful insight into the colorful and rich food culture of Vietnam. Maeve's exploration of traditional and modern Vietnamese cuisine, along with the personal stories and recipes shared by local chefs and families, make this episode a must-watch for any food lover.