Ep 1. Cambodia and Vietnam
- July 16, 2009
- 59 min
In the first episode of Rick Stein's Far Eastern Odyssey season 1, viewers are taken on a culinary journey to Cambodia and Vietnam. Rick begins his trip in the bustling city of Phnom Penh, where he discovers a vibrant street food scene filled with grilled meats, spicy curries, and delicious noodle dishes.
From there, Rick travels to Siem Reap, the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor. Here, he visits the local markets to sample some of the unique ingredients used in Khmer cuisine, including prahok (fermented fish paste) and kroeung (a fragrant herb and spice paste).
Next, Rick crosses the border into Vietnam, where he visits the Mekong Delta and meets with local fishermen and farmers to learn about the region's abundant seafood and fragrant herbs. He also visits the famous floating markets, where vendors sell everything from fresh fruit to live eels from their boats.
Along the way, Rick meets with local chefs and home cooks who share their passion for traditional dishes like Vietnamese pho and Cambodian amok, a steamed fish curry flavored with coconut milk and kaffir lime leaves.
Through it all, Rick's deep love for the cuisine and culture of Southeast Asia shines through, as he explores the vibrant flavors and vibrant communities of Cambodia and Vietnam. With stunning scenery, mouth-watering food, and plenty of fascinating cultural insights, this episode is a must-see for anyone with an interest in Far Eastern cuisine.