Hoi An

At our first stop, you’ll step into a bustling local eatery tucked near the riverside, where the sounds of sizzling batter and smoky grilled pork fill the air. You’ll watch local chefs prepare bánh xèo (Vietnamese savory pancakes) right in front of you — golden and crispy, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. You’ll also get to taste juicy grilled pork skewers (thịt nướng) fresh off the grill, and wrap your own gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls) using rice paper, herbs, and vegetables. Don’t worry — I’ll guide you step-by-step! It’s a fun, hands-on food experience where you’ll eat like a local and learn how these dishes reflect Vietnam’s balance of texture, flavor, and freshness.

Hoi An

At this stop, you’ll visit one of Hoi An’s most famous bánh mì shops — a place that has gained international attention. In fact, world-renowned chef Anthony Bourdain visited this very shop and called the bánh mì here a must-try! As we arrive, you’ll see baguettes being toasted to golden perfection, the smell of fresh herbs and grilled meat filling the air. You’ll get to choose your own filling — whether it’s pork, chicken, egg, or even vegetarian — and watch the vendor skillfully assemble your sandwich with homemade pâté, pickled vegetables, chili, coriander, and sauces. We’ll enjoy our bánh mì just like the locals do — on a small stool by the sidewalk — while I share fun stories about Vietnamese street food culture and how this simple sandwich became a world-famous dish.