If you’re a foodie, you’ll know that travel is a great way to experience some of the world’s finest dishes in the most authentic way possible and also that when it comes to destinations, Southeast Asia is certainly one of the world leaders when it comes to top-class cuisine. A Mekong River cruise is a great way to explore the region and experience a number of its most famous cities and cultural attractions but also the perfect way to sample some of the fine dishes it’s become famous for, too.
Hanoi
French Indochina’s former capital is a popular starting point for many a Mekong River cruise, with an air transfer to Cambodia to follow, and a place where the restaurants are certainly plentiful. Food’s a big deal in Hanoi and a number of river cruise lines understand this, offering dinner at a local restaurant as part of their Hanoi excursion experience. One of the city’s most popular local foods is Xoi xeo, which can be found in pretty much any market and also in a number of dedicated restaurants in the Old Quarter. It’s basically sticky rice with ground mung bean and onion and is very filling. Perhaps reflecting the city’s French colonial heritage, Banh cuon is another favourite, a sort of crepe pancake which contains pork and is covered with fish sauce, sugar and lime.
Siem Reap
Famous for being the gateway to the majestic Angkor Watt temple complex, this Cambodian city is a Mekong mainstay and a great place to grab a tasty bite too, with a huge choice of restaurants. Some of the most popular dishes here are the Amok Cambodian curry, where the dish is heavy on the coconut and steam-cooked in banana leaves, and a Khmer barbecue. The French colonial influence is strong in this city as well, and you’ll find a number of authentic French restaurants scattered around the city, too.
Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s capital city is another key Mekong river cruise port and again, an evening dinner in the city is popular cruise excursion choice. At one time, you’d struggle to find the city on the lists of must-visit culinary cities in Southeast Asia, but now the city is overflowing with options, especially Khmer dishes. The riverfront itself is great place to eat and soak up the atmosphere but is always a very popular area with tourists, so head further into town if you want a more intimate meal. Pork and rice is a popular snack here, especially in the mornings and Cha Houy teuk is sweet local favourite – a brightly-coloured jelly dessert made using seaweed gelatin often served with sago or coconut cream.
Ho Chi Minh City
The largest city in Vietnam was once known as Saigon and as well as exploring the legacy of the Vietnam War and the city’s French colonial past, you can take your taste buds on an epic adventure too, because the city is one of Southeast Asia’s must-experience destinations. There’s an overwhelming choice of restaurants to choose from, in which you can sample such local favourites as beef grilled on lemongrass skewers. Noodle soups are very popular in Vietnam and Pho is one of the nation’s most loved. Typically, it contains bean sprouts, beef or chicken, lime onions, basil and mint and chilli or fish sauce and makes for a popular breakfast dish.
By Simon Brotherton
Google
photo credit: fabulousfabs via photopin cc
