Hu Tieu Nam Vang is a beloved noodle soup that beautifully blends Vietnamese and Cambodian culinary traditions, named after “Nam Vang,” the Vietnamese term for Phnom Penh. This dish features a rich pork bone broth with a hint of sweetness, paired with thin rice noodles
Bún Bò Huế, the fiery noodle soup from Vietnam’s imperial city of Hue, gets a vibrant, Southern twist in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). This dish is a flavor bomb—think robust beef broth punched up with lemongrass, shrimp paste
Alright, let’s talk about Bún Bò Huế, the fiery, flavor-packed noodle soup straight outta Hue, Vietnam’s old imperial city. This dish is like a punchy cousin to phở—think beefy, lemongrass-scented broth with a spicy kick, chewy rice noodles, and a wild mix of toppings like tender beef, pork hock,
Phở Gà, the soul-warming chicken version of Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, is a Hanoi classic that embodies simplicity and depth in every spoonful. Originating from the bustling streets of northern Vietnam, this dish features delicate rice noodles bathed in a fragrant
Phở Bò, Vietnam’s beloved noodle soup, is a dish that tells a story of tradition, balance, and soul-soothing comfort. Originating in Hanoi, this northern-style phở is known for its clear, delicate broth, minimalist toppings, and focus on the purity of flavors.
I am not a food critic, nor a chef. I’m a 68-year-old retired school teacher from Lübeck, Germany, who never truly imagined she’d one day find herself under a flurry of pink sakura petals, wandering through Japan with three of her closest friends from the old teaching days.
Ramen is more than just a bowl of noodles—it’s a cultural icon, a steaming hug in a bowl that’s been warming hearts in Japan and beyond for decades. Shoyu ramen, with its soy sauce-based broth, is one of the most beloved styles, offering a perfect balance of umami, saltiness, and depth.
Okonomiyaki, often called Japan’s savory pancake, is a beloved comfort food that hails from Osaka, the culinary capital of Japan. The name “okonomiyaki” translates to “grilled as you like it,” which perfectly captures its customizable nature.
Miso Katsu is a beloved specialty from Nagoya, Japan, where the city’s rich culinary tradition shines through in this hearty dish. A variation of the classic Japanese tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), Miso Katsu swaps the traditional tonkatsu sauce for a bold, savory-sweet red miso sauce
When I first booked my summer backpacking trip to Japan, I had a rough plan — Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka — the classics. I didn’t know I’d arrive in Kyoto right in the middle of Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s oldest and grandest festivals