Must Try Asia Season 1 Episode 2 Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

In season 1 episode 2 of Must Try Asia, viewers are transported to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. This episode explores the diverse culinary offerings of the city, which is known for its street food culture and fantastic seafood.

The episode begins with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, one of the largest and most popular markets in Ho Chi Minh City. Here, viewers are given a glimpse into the local food scene, with vendors selling fresh produce, meat, and seafood, as well as popular street foods like banh mi sandwiches and pho noodle soup.

Next up, host National Geographic explorer Justin Shiels meets with a local chef who introduces him to the Vietnamese tradition of fish sauce. This delicious condiment is a staple in Vietnamese cooking and is used to enhance the flavors of dishes like cha ca, a popular fish dish made with turmeric and dill.

Shiels then heads to a nearby seafood restaurant to sample some of the city's freshest seafood dishes. In this episode, viewers get to see mouth-watering dishes like grilled clams and snails, baked scallops, and fried crabs, all prepared using traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques and ingredients.

One of the highlights of the episode is a visit to a local noodle factory, where viewers get to see how rice noodles are made from scratch. With the help of some local experts, Shiels learns about the history and tradition behind the popular Vietnamese dish of bun cha, which typically consists of grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce.

The episode also features a visit to one of Ho Chi Minh City's hidden gems, a local coffee shop that serves up some of the city's best coffee. Here, Shiels discovers the Vietnamese tradition of egg coffee, a unique and delicious drink made with egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk.

Finally, the episode concludes with a visit to a rooftop bar, where viewers get a stunning view of the city and a taste of some of the city's most innovative and creative cocktails. From the classic mojito to the innovative "Pho-jito", this segment showcases the vibrant bar scene in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overall, Must Try Asia season 1 episode 2 offers an immersive and engaging look into the culinary scene of Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing the unique and diverse flavors that make this city a must-visit destination for food lovers.