Milk Street Television Season 2 Episode 20 From Vietnam to Burma

In this episode of Milk Street Television, host Christopher Kimball takes viewers on a culinary journey through Southeast Asia. The episode, titled "From Vietnam to Burma," highlights the unique and flavorful dishes of these countries, with a focus on the use of fresh herbs and bold spices.

The first segment explores the cuisine of Vietnam, where Kimball visits a market to source fresh ingredients for a traditional noodle dish. He then heads to a restaurant to learn how to make Banh Xeo, a crispy rice flour and turmeric pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Kimball also shares a quick recipe for a tangy Vietnamese dipping sauce to accompany the dish.

Next, the show travels to Cambodia to sample traditional Khmer dishes such as Amok, a creamy fish curry steamed in banana leaves, and Nom Banh Chok, a refreshing rice noodle salad with herbs and vegetables. Kimball meets with a local chef to learn the step-by-step process for making each dish, from grinding fresh spices to assembling the final presentation.

The episode then moves on to Laos, where Kimball visits a noodle factory to see how the popular dish Khao Piak is made. He also samples a Laotian specialty called Tam Mak Hoong, a spicy papaya salad that features a mix of sour, salty, sweet, and umami flavors. Viewers will learn how to make their own version of the salad, including tips for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Finally, the episode concludes in Burma, now known as Myanmar, where Kimball explores the traditional Burmese street food scene. He tastes a variety of dishes such as pea fritters and mohinga, a fish soup with lemongrass and rice noodles. The show also takes a closer look at the Burmese spice blend called nga cho, a mixture of coriander, turmeric, cumin, and other aromatic spices.

Throughout the episode, Kimball emphasizes the importance of using fresh ingredients and bold flavors to create these Southeast Asian dishes. He also provides tips for sourcing hard-to-find ingredients and adapting the recipes for home cooks. With its focus on unique and flavorful dishes from Vietnam to Burma, this episode of Milk Street Television is sure to leave viewers hungry for more.