Shocked by Snake Stir Fry

I’m all about trying new things and experiencing the local culture however eating snake was something I’d never thought about before. During a homestay in Sapa my wonderful host prepared a banquet for dinner of amazing traditional Vietnamese food. It wasn’t until the snake stir fry that I hesitated. It is a very unique dish with a protein that western culture do not use. Being aware of Vietnamese custom, I served my self a small amount to ensure I could leave an empty plate as to not offend my host. Admittedly it was quite nice and the Vietnamese flavours broke through my hesitancy as I actually enjoyed the dish. And to top it off, why not a shot of snake blood vodka.

https://vietfuntravel.com/blog/top-weird-vietnamese-dishes.html

Different cultures often have their own food culture as they rely on the produce that can be sourced easily. Although Australia does have an abundance of snakes, the fact that my heritage is western it means that we don’t utilize it as a food source. It gave me an appreciation of the way the Vietnamese use their resources and don’t waste anything. The whole snake, including the heart, can be and is used. I know my first reaction was to refuse the dish however I know that this would be offensive, especially in Vietnam where they take great pride in their work.

https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/yv4yzm/drinking-snake-blood-in-vietnam

I think it is important to embrace the culture of the country you are travelling to and if you are a bit scared about certain things it can help to do a bit of research on your destination before you arrive. By doing this you reduce the chances of culture shock and ensure that you travel respectfully. Furthermore, it is important to understand and practise the proper customs when travelling to different cultures.

Savour Saigon Street Art

Street Art in Vietnam is still getting to the main course and has only been around for just over a decade. The major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are the best places to explore to find the artwork and you can even jump on a Street Art Tour. Often seen as the greatest expression of art free from restriction, Street Art in Vietnam is actually heavily policed. Any direct attack of the government will be censored and the art work must be accepted by authorities if it is to remain.

https://culturexchange1.wordpress.com/2019/01/14/street-art-in-vietnam/

This artwork (right) is plated in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) and represents the iconic typical Vietnamese street vendor. It can be found along a street where inspiration for the piece is all you can eat with vendors lined up to capacity. It represents the profession that has existed in Vietnam for hundreds of years. For many vendors their bicycle is their livelihood and provides everything they need from transport to income. This artwork illustrates just how much can be done with a simple bicycle.

Photo by Jack Young on Unsplash

It depicts the reason lots of tourists visit Vietnam. These vendors provide some of the most famous Vietnamese food that is a level of authenticity that cannot be found anywhere else. Crunch into a Banh Mi made fresh from the back of a bicycle and you’ll understand what I mean. It provides a direct interaction with the whole process from sourcing the ingredients, preparation and cooking to serving all from one person, on one vehicle.

Mouthwatering Mekong Markets

The Mekong Delta is a noodle-like network of rivers that feeds through south Vietnam. It is an iconic water way that is home to more than half of Vietnam’s rice production and fisheries, earning it the quirky nickname of Vietnam's Rice Bowl. A natural supermarket, it provides locals with everything they need. This makes it symbolic and vital to Vietnam and its unique food culture. The floating markets that sprinkle the delta have existed for hundreds of years, however they are now becoming a novelty that attracts many tourists that visit Vietnam. There are numerous floating markets across the Mekong Delta, from small traditional markets that only locals use to large network markets that are capitalising on tourism.

Photo by Harvey Enrile on Unsplash

Cai Be Market is a three-hour bus ride ($9) from Ho Chi Minh city and unlike most floating markets that open and close early, this market stays open longer to accommodate tourists from the old capital city. It may not be the most authentic visit as this market panders to tourists, however it does make it easier to navigate and find a traditional meal. Pull up a plastic chair and dig into some bun ca (fish noodle soup). The fried fish noodle soup is a breakfast staple across Vietnam but is best enjoyed when near the sea.
The Mekong Delta is a symbol of Vietnam as it represents the life source of the country. It has always been an agricultural asset and now it creates an income source from tourism.