A taste of Vietnam
THREE guest chefs from Vietnam flew all the way to the Philippines to prepare a lavish feast of their local cuisine at the Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila.
The food festival, called A Taste of Vietnam, is ongoing until March 18. It is a collaboration with Vietnam Embassy in the Philippines. The three chefs are Tran Kim Hoang Trong, Vo Van Chien, and Nguyen Thi Khanh Ngan.
Speaking at the press launch on March 10 at the hotel’s Café 8, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Ly Quoc Tuan said Vietnam and the Philippines have many things in common — which is the main reason why Filipinos will love what they will be offering.
“Vietnam and the Philippines have many similarities in terms of culture and cuisine. But with these similarities, we will have something new,” he said.
Not to be missed among the entrées are Vietnam’s worldrenowned dishes such as the
bánh mì ( baguette sandwich), pho ( beef noodle soup), fried tofu, crab noodle soup, and spring rolls.
Less well-known Vietnamese dishes like the Goi Ga Bap Cai (chicken salad with cabbage), Goi
Tien Vua voi Hai San ( Vietnamese “Tien vua” salad with seafood), and Bac Ha Sa Lach (dried colocasia gigantea salad) will be introduced.
Desserts include that country’s version of rice ball sweet soup, sweet mung bean soup, and baked banana cake.
Mr. Ly added that most of his Philippine friends and colleagues often express their love for Vietnamese food. Although some of the ingredients can be bought in markets here, he said that the way the chefs will prepare the food selections will be very tasteful and unique in flavors.
“This is a chance for them to enjoy these dishes,” the ambassador said. “It’s a gastronomic travel to the beautiful land of Vietnam.”
A Taste of Vietnam at Crimson Filinvest features a lunch buffet priced at P1,235++ and a dinner buffet at P1,410++, inclusive of free flowing beverages such as wine, beer, juices, and sodas.
For details and reservations, visit www.crimsonhotel.com/manila or call 863-2222. —