|
The Vietnamese are keen snackers. This
scrumptious snacks are commonly available throughout the day on every
street corner. People stop when they are hungry or when they see and smell
something irresistible. They will sit down on a small stool or bench, by a
rickety table set up on the pavement, and wait for their sizzling pancake
or whatever it is to be cooked for them. The southern city of Saigon is
abuzz with the sounds and sights of culinary activity, and the streets are
so enticingly thick with cooking aromas you could almost bite the air.
One of the first words you are likely learn in Vietnam is banh. It is
simply used to describe sweet snacks - from spring rolls and crepes to
sandwiches and rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves. You will find them
everywhere, piles into baskets, stacked on counters and cooking over
charcoal. Sweet or savory, the one thing banh have in common is that they
are eaten with fingers. However, they are just the thing when you want new
ideas for party nibbles, picnics or barbecue food or just a late night
snack.
|