Vietnam Wrap up, guide, help...the go to sources (lots of links!!)

     This post is a general hint list of great resources, places to now and where to check out while in the adventurous land of Vietnam!


     I went to three destinations total, spanning all throughout Vietnam (though there is a LOT more to see)! I started my adventures in Hanoi (the capital) then went South to Ho Chi Minh City, to Mui Ne and then routed back to Hanoi. 


Here are some helpful phrases that are worth knowing:


Hello~ Xin Chao (Jzin Chow)
Good morning~ Chao buoi sang
Good afternoon~ Chao buoi toi
Hi friend!~ Nay E! (Nay,ye!)
Good night~ Chuc ngu ngon 
Thank you~ Cam on (Caam oon)
No good/ too expensive~ Come phy


GREAT website: newhanoian.xemzi.com  Has classifides, restaurant reviews, events, things to do, etc...


GREAT travel agent: Lai, She is located just inside iProvecho. 
     Address: 18 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (about three blocks from Hoan Kiem lake)
     Phone #: 0912223996


HANOI:
Where to eat~
Vegan restuarants:
GREAT Vegan food at White Cloud! 
     I ate food from here three different times, and was pleased each time. The food is made with love, be patient. If you want food quickly, this is NOT the place. Put at least an hour aside. It is worth the wait and the place is super cute. 
     ~I highly recommend the spring rolls (of course), the banana flower salad, fried mung beans, and tofu cooked with tomato sauce!!
     Address: So 2 Ngo 12 Dang Thai Mai,HaNoi

                  No.2, alley 12, Dang Thai Mai street, Hanoi
     phone #: 04)-6258-1622/ 0912-143-647
     hours: Monday through Sunday 11am to 2 pm and 5pm to 9pm

Phat Truong Tho

     This is an all vegan place that offers a LOT of vegan meats, more quirky than yummy in all honesty. It is more than affordable and the interior is stunning, but that all it really has going for it. The best dish is the grapefruit salad, this is worth coming back for. But if you want to explore a vegan variety...I'd steer elsewhere. 

     Address: 184B Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi
     Directions: At the end of Xuan Dieu (West lake would be on your Left is you are walking   

                    towards it), across from the turn into Cong Doan Hotel
     phone #: 04-7307-8838

Vietnamese street food: Quan An Ngon

     This place means 'delicious food' and has an interesting concept, taking street food inside. You can dine family style next to loads of people, order lots of food on the cheap and be more than entertained by the busyness that is going on around you. NOT very vegan friendly, but you can find something (tofu, and specify for soy sauce!)

     Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

     Phone number: +84-4-3942-8162 

Western Food: iProvecho

     Daniel Hoyer is the head owner and chef behind the food here. It is not very vegan friendly, but the guacamole I had was lovely. Fresh, creamy, full of flavor...and served with fresh made tortilla chips. While your here, grab a drink, sit at their glass bar that opens over the streets, nom on some Mexican glory and who knows, book a tour somewhere! Defiantly worth checking out!

     Address: 18 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
                  It is about 3 blocks from Hoan Kiem lake.
     Phone #: 0912223996
     email: provechohanoi@gmail.com

INDIAN Food:

More affordable: Foodshop 45

     This place has a lovely interior and is great to go with friends while on the go to a bar or out on some nightly adventure. Lots of people came in and out, so it's more popular than I may give it credit for. The staff was very kind, but the food isn't amazing. It's affordable and with everything in Vietnam, you get what you pay for. This is more vegetarian friendly than it is vegan friendly. But I had an alright experience. 

     Address: 59 Truc Bach street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi 

     phone number: +84-4-3716-2959 

Quality: Namaste 

     This meal was beautiful, aesthetically, through taste and experience. The food was a bit more expensive, but well worth it. Gopi, the owner is very attentive and clearly has a passion for food. Everything is made to order, is fresh and able to be slightly manipulated. Not originally vegan items were made vegan after I let Gopi aware of my dietary restrictions. He helps you out too, not letting you over-order and giving great advice on what works well with what. 

     ~*I highly recommend the pakeezah, a coconut appetizer that is just so strange it works! And the Kapuli salad is DIVINE!!!

     Hours: Open 7 days. 11am-2:30pm (last order is at 2) and 6-10:30 pm (last order at 10)

     Address: 47 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

     Directions: East of the Northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake

     Phone #: 84-4-3935-2400 

     Website: www.namastehanoi.com 

  

WHERE TO GET YOUR DRINK ON:

~***Bia Hoi= BEER***~

Barbetta: A classy bar that's always got good people in it. You can sit on the roof and sip on some delicious cocktails while the moon shines overhead. The staff doesn't speak very much English but no worries, if you can read it, you'll be fine. The drinks are all creative and from all the ones I sampled (mojitos, to beachy drinks, to rums)~ you can't go wrong with anything. 

     ~Drinks are around 80,000-100,000 dong ($4-5) 

     Address: 34C Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Mao's Red Lounge: This place is dark, to the point where you have to feel around to figure out where to park it. But the drinks are cheap, it's FULL of people to talk to and meet. It is located in the Old Quarter, so if you'e aiming to meet fellow travelers, you're in luck. There are a LOT of drink options, so if you want the cheap bia hoi, or the frothy coconut milk cocktail~ this place has it. 

      ~IF you are all dressed up (why in Vietnam>!!) you will sweat loads...

     Address: 7 Te Hien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

    Phone #:           +84-4-3926-3104 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            +84-4-3926-3104      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      end_of_the_skype_highlighting 

Half Man/Half Noodle: I'll be 100% honest, I don't remember very much about this bar. I remember loving the name. I was...a tad tipsy at this point (damn those fruity cocktails!!) but I do know that this is one of the only places that serves food rather late for the hungry kids! In Seoul, where you can a full course meal at any hour, no matter the point of inebriation, in a country where everyone sleeps around midnight (at the latest) those drunk munchies are left to munch. Drinks are affordable, but...honestly, it's the name isn't it!     

     Address: 62 Dao Duy Tu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoiend_of_the_skype_highlighting

     Phone #: +84-4-3926-1943 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            +84-4-3926-1943      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

WHAT TO DO/ CHECK OUT:

~Hoan Kiem Lake: a beautiful walk, peaceful, full of people watching, photo opportunities, and also legend has it an ancient turtle lives here!

~Check out the Old Quarter, there's a big backpacker's district here (travelers, LOADS of places to crash here!) shopping opportunities, comforting AND exotic foods!

~Shop around: eat the fruit, buy scarves, bikinis, and iPho tees!

~ Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: A place we were going to check out (another reason, man they keep popping up!) Apparently all the tribes and communities of Vietnam are represented here and it is more than interesting!!!

     address: D Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay, Hanoi

     phone #: +84-4-3836-0350 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ho Chi Minh City

     Ani and I only stayed one night and two days here. Even though we were there for a short time, we experienced all the main tourist points, here's my two cents^^*!~

WHERE TO EAT:

Vegan noms: Saigon Vegan

     A more than extensive menu offering lots of traditional Vietnamese fare, just without the flesh!>.<# Everything is more than affordable and like all places in Vietnam~ BE PATIENT. This place is affiliated with Loving Hut (murmur) and due to that, low prices and Vegan safety. 

     ~I recommend the bi cuon springroll, it's fresh and subtle. Also the Goi Nam Bao Rau Ram (mushroom with flagrant knotweed salad) is interesting and packed full of flavor!! And the coffee is BOMB!!!

     Address: 240 Bui Vien Street, District 1

     Phone #: +84-4-3837-2686

~* Bui Vien street is backpackers district, loads of places to crash, find cheap drinks, wander, and meet people*~

WHERE TO STAY:~

Hong Han Hotel: For only $25.00 a night you sleep in a clean big room, complimentary breakfast on a cute balcony, and a staff that speaks English! Ahn (brother) gave Ani and I a map along with easy directions of where to go and how to do it. Very relaxing area, located in the middle of bars, restaurants, stores and shops. We had a great experience here and if you're wanting a bargain, and a CLEAN place, stay here!!

     Address: 238 Bui Vien street, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam     
     telephone: (84-8)-38-361-927 

WHAT TO DO/ CHECK OUT:

~China Town: This is the biggest one in Asia (besides all of China!!) and is full of options and opportunity. Enjoy some Chinese fruits and snacks, or shop for vegan meats on the cheap. There are black cashews (roasted with the skin still on) and they're AMAZING! There are loads of things mirroring China, knock off bags, breaking toys, hammocks...worth to play around in! And a great people watching experience!!

~ War Remnants Museum: This is a MUST. It's upsetting and powerful and very informative. It provides a side to the war that Americans especially are unaware of. IT's heartbreaking...recommended to go after eating...you won't be hungry after. 

     Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
     Telephone number: 930-5587
     Open: 7:30-11:45 am and 1:30-5:15 pm
     ~~~*It is 15,000 dong to get in ($0.75).

~ Into Yoga and meditation? Check out the YMC: Yoga and Meditation Center. Classes are nearly two hours long and come in at 200,000dong ($10.00!!!) The instructors speak English, along with the desk staff. It's a bit hidden away but it is walking distance from the War Remnants Museum!!

     Address: 335/31 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 4, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

     Phone number: (08)-3929-1707

     e-mail: info@ymcvn.com

     website: www.ymcvietnam.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MUI NE

     Ani and I stayed here for only a couple days and were in paradise. There is so much to see, explore, eat- pure brilliance. A MUST go for anyone if you're in Vietnam. 

WHERE TO EAT:

Vietnamese noms: 

Vietnam Family Resturaunt: The spring rolls here are amazing, and the drinks are fresh and refreshing. The food is affordable, healthy, and quality. The family that owns this place is very kind and accommodating and understand English. The owner speaks the best. They have two dogs that are just too cute to handle! 

     ~get the spring rolls and the mango vodka!!!

     *located on Nguyen Ding Chieu Street near Mai Am Guesthouse. 

WHERE TO STAY: (and eat at!!)

Mai Am Guesthouse: Hands down the BEST hotel experience I've ever had. The family running this joint are beyond accommodating and so genuinely kind. I've never been more relaxed and "at home" in any other place. The food they serve here is great, the coffee wonderful, the location superb! You're RIGHT on the beach, so you wake up to a breeze, the sea air wafting around you and the sun shining smiles! The rooms are large and clean and the rooms are $25.00 a night. Bikes and motorbikes are available upon rent. The location is great also, lots of restaurants and bars around, along with tourist shops and the Fairy stream is nearby. 

    ~~Eat their springrolls, a vermicelli noodle nest wrap instead of the flat noodle! The coffee is strong and sweet!!

     Address: 148 Nyguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Ham Tiem Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh     

                Thuan Provine, Vietnam

     Phone number:             (+84)-062-3847062 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (+84)-062-3847062      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      
     email: guesthousemaiam@gmail.com

WHAT TO DO/ CHECK OUT:

~ Rent a motorbike!!! and EXPLORE!

~The White Sand Dunes: Impeccable, breathtaking, straight up spiritual. Seeing such beauty with your own eyes can't compare to anything also, no effects, movies, pictures. This place is magical. Miles upon miles of stretched out sand dunes, high hills, and a direct connection to the soul. PLEASE PLEASE go here!!

~Fairy Stream:(pictures part 2) This is a beautiful stream full of stunning views and giddy glory. It stretches for a long time, and is hidden behind some dingy neighborhoods. The water looks murky but it's only because of the runoff sand and clay. You're in a canyon, surrounded by red and white sands, thick clays, and tropical plants. I took so many pictures because everywhere I turned, my eyes were astounded, and in that my heart nearly stopped! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SOMETHING I WISH I DID, AND YOU MUST DO!!

~*Ha Long Bay: sadly a typhoon hit while our overnight plan was supposed to happen. I just have to go back again. ^^*!~

WRAP UP/ POINTERS:

*You can get your Visa On Arrival...I used this VietnamVisaPro, all together (stamp and service fee is $35.00)

*bring a LOT of tank tops, this will soak up the sweat...and you'll be sweating

!*Ladies, ditch the make-up...not worth it

*When wandering or shopping, remember to SMILE...it goes a LONG way

*Remember that your freedom does not travel with you!

*Enjoy and be open to what life brings you!

*Drink a lot LOT of coffee and 

*Eat all the fruit

The New Hanoian 

Tripadvisor Vietnam

VEGANS/ VEG-HEADS~ Vietnam is do-able!!! GO GO GO!!!

Vietnam: Lost shots...

     I can't believe that a month ago today, I was flying to the land of Vietnam. A country filled with a infinite amount of discovery, sweat, and adventure. Truly a land and experience that has left me yearning for more.
     Here are some shots that I gathered while wandering the streets of Hanoi.

fancy lights and track suits (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The only streets in Seoul lined with trees are Garusogil...But in Hanoi~


hairs hang (photo taken by VeganBeats)



spiced and pickled fruits (photo taken by VeganBeats)

      I can't believe I didn't write about this stand. There were over a dozen different fruits just lying in the open, not fresh but flavored and spiced. There were papayas, plums, berries, mangoes, etc...all pickled and sprinkled with spice. Back home, I would stock up on Trader Joe's brand spicy dried mangoes and, when I saw fresh spiced ones...my hands were already reaching for cash.

spiced mango (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Verdict: sweet and rather ripe mango, it was a bit snappy, but there was a sweet limey pickling with some dashes of heat that were interesting. These flavors bounced on my tongue and even though my senses halted a bit, I was thinking about this mango so many times throughout the trip...next time. (Aha, another reason!)

cute cute baby (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     ~~again, Vietnam I miss you~~

Soon to come a post with helpful hints, recommendations, resources, etc~~

Hanoi: White Cloud- The Final Meal

     The final meal, the last noms of Vietnam to be had would happen at where else but where it all began...heya White Cloud!
     On my first day in Vietnam, I was introduced to this secret spot, and on a tired journey of return, we turned to White Cloud. The restaraunt is a gem, the owner is beautiful and the food is loved. I have read other reviews where others complain of how slow the food is, or how long they have to wait~ that is one of the biggest beauties of this place. You grow excited for what's to come, food takes time to prepare. This is a reality we must understand. It is comforting to know that they are taking time with what they are giving me. And, it's worth the wait!
     Ani and I set ourselves up for a feast, ordering whatever our hearts, stomachs, and eyes desired~ hell we're on vacation and this jazz is great. What do you think we started with?!

Nem ran~ spring rolls (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We ordered our favorites, the com gao lut and dau phu ca chua (brown rice with lotus seeds and black soy beans and tofu cooked in tomato sauce) and the quay dau xanh tam vung chien (fried mung bean batter with sesame). Everything was fresh, warm, full of flavor...just awesome!
     And because I fell in love with it the first time, I got a nom hoa chuoi (banana flower salad). And...it was delicious!

nom hoa chuoi~banana flower salad (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We tried something new too! The Cha dua is described as being a pineapple pie and I was curious! In my head I was thinking of sliced pineapples with layers of coconut cream and sugared lime (sounds good though eh!), we ended up getting this...

Cha dua~ pineapple pie (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Plump generous chunks of pineapple in a thin sesame and flour batter and served with a spiced pepper sauce. The pineapple lost it's bitterness but the sweetness soaked well into the batter. The sesame seeds made the individual 'cakes' prettier but didn't make much of an effect on taste. This was good, not great...and we were full!

One hell of a feast though!!
     After this meal...the airport was waiting, and my heart was falling...

Hanoi: Phat Truong Tho

     Right near West Lake, and Ani's place there seems to be a surplus of vegan restaurants! While driving around one day I spotted a brightly colored spot at the end of Xuan Dieu. The place is called Phat Truong Tho and according to the New Hanoian, it's not that bad.

the entrance of Phat Truong Tho (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The parking is confusing here, there's a small driveway and garage on the right side of the restaurant...walk there!
     When we entered we were seated in the back room where a smiling monk greeted us while eating a table full of colorful veggies. Matching the veggies was a vivacious room of crimson red, sunny yellows, and apricot oranges. A large golden Buddha was at the end of the room, inside of an impressive shrine. Being in all that color, you can't help but smile a bit wider.

Beautiful Ani and Buddha (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The menu was decent in size, offering the classics, noodles, rice dishes, etc...but some interesting offers included snails, shrimp, and frog~all vegan, so no worries!
     We were both hungry and tired and ordered spring rolls to start (ahh yea!)

spring rolls (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The springrolls were filled with a lot of greens, smashed tofu, and some julienned root veggies. They were served with slices of spicy hot peppers and a peanut sauce. Not great, not bad...just okay.
     The salad I ordered was a grapefruit and shredded mango one. It was delicious! Chunks of sweet sour tangy grapefruit topped with julienned mangoes, mint leaves, and dried hot peppers and in a sweet lime and rice vinegar dressing. The chewy peppers, slightly grainy mint leaves, hardy sweet mangoes, and plump juicy grapefruit mixed together so well. It was a refreshing and delectable salad.
          ~I desperately miss grapefruit...I long for it.

grapefruit and mango salad (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     One entree we got was the classic tofu in tomato sauce. This dish, wasn't impressive. It was missing a lot...greens and veggies. It was pre-fried and re-marinated tofu cubes in a slightly oily sweet tomato sauce. The tofu just tasted like- sponge. The sauce would have worked if there were some carrots or onions (give it a natural versus artificial sweetness) and some more color. We didn't finish this, it was just...missing.

Tofu in tomato sauce (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I forgot what I originally ordered but I guess it was out so I went with a quirky sounding dish that had 'snails' in it. It was a curried inspired stew but really what came out was something similar to dwenjjang jigae (된장찌개). The soup base was soybean paste, and it had that same spongy tofu in it (points lost). The greens in the soup were rather bitter, like raw bitter melon, but the "redeeming" points are only on the strangeness of some of the ingredients. The snail was beyond odd, looked like vegan clam and tasted like nothing, the texture was... squeaky. There was something starchy int he sop I couldn't figure out, it was soft, slightly sweet, and smooth~ banana! I am not a fan of bananas but in a soup, it's not too bad. This dish though also wasn't nearly finished, not very impressed.

'snail' soup (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The menu boasts of a lot of interesting potential options but in the end...not that awesome. It wasn't very pricey, I think all together we spent around 120,000-150,000 dong ($6.00-7.25).

The best part of Phat Truong Tho are it's decorations and artwork inside, the smiling ski-ball hat wearing monk and the grapefruit and mango salad , other than that...not worth it. (unless you're nomming on that salad!)

Address: 184B Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Directions: At the end of Xuan Dieu (West lake would be on your Left is you are walking towards it), across from the turn into Cong Doan Hotel
phone: 04-7307-8838

Hanoi: Stone Horses~ creepy town

      There's this eerie town in Hanoi where the streets are clean, pristine, and empty. Guards stands by large doors and multiple-storied houses stand with glossy stone walls that are behind thick ivy-gated doors. Everyone has a nanny, two cars, and there's a chill that embraces you coldly when you enter. When I first arrived, I was driven by this part of town and instantly attracted to the giant horse statues protecting the area.

Ani was kind enough to buzz me over so I could capture some shots...

fierce (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The horses are long and scared in appearance. Their bodies are stretched and their eyes massive. These statues were more disturbing then stunning...perfect spot for a zombie invasion.

anger (photo taken by VeganBeats)

fire (photo taken by VeganBeats)

...

Hanoi: Those Comfy pants~~

     There are these amazingly comfortable linen pants that I bought LOADS of. They're breezy, loose, and affordable. More pricey than any meals but these pants are WORTH it! I wore them in Mui Ne (at the Sand Dunes) and in yoga while at Ho Chi Minh.

Viet shop! The pants store!!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The pants are abut 150,000 dong each ($7.00), I recommend getting a bunch! There are also long ones that are about 200,000 dong ($10.00)!

The store, Viet Shop, is located on Dinh Liet street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. 

Hanoi: Namaste

     After Mui Ne, Ani and I received news that a typhoon was in the works and cancelled our plans for Ha Long Bay. (One of the hundreds of excuses to kick it back over to Vietnam!) Ani and I headed over to iProvecho to work things out, get funds returned, and in the process, a newly opened Indian restaurant was recommended to us. Daniel and Lai were really positive about their dining experience and how great everything was, from the food to the ambiance, to the owner. Ani and I made plans to check out Namaste Hanoi!
     Namaste is authentic Indian cuisine, offering Northern and Southern Indian fare. The menu is more than extensive (which is usually always a bit unnerving). Entering the space, I was impressed with its cleanliness and elegence. Everything was beautifully organized, dressed tab;es, golden walls, a very attentive and smiling staff. We both had a feeling that we were in for something special.


interior of the bar (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We were seated in the back room next to a fully stocked wine bar and within sight of the kitchen. Gopi, the owner greeted us himself and was so kind and caring. He was very helpful and accomodating and considerate of my dietary limitations.

interior of the back seating (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The menu was overwhelming...the most difficult decision was coming up with what we wanted to order. Everything sounded so damned good! And having Southern and Northern Indian options was in itself loads of excitement for me. I've had only North Indian food~

the sauces (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We were first served drinks and started with the pakeezah (55,000 dong= $2.75), which is a pancake stuffed with coconut, capsicum, and dry fruits. The pakeezah was served with an interesting "special" chutney. Gopi gave a great introduction to this dish. The pakeezah itself is a bit of a sweet starter so alone it could be a dessert, but paired with the chutney it works well as a started.

pakeezah (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We also got a Kabuli salad (45,000 dong= $2.25), this was delicious! It is composed of soaked chickpeas, onion, cucumber, garam masala, cumin seed, and mustard. Again, delicious. The chickpeas were nutty, tomatoes fresh and sweet, potatoes cut into tiny morsels that sopped up the flavors and spices, and the cucumbers were refreshing. There was a great combination of textures and I couldn't get enough of this. (Next time I'm in Hanoi, I'm getting a bunch of these!!)

Kabuli salad (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Gopi recommended getting a bread but everything was not vegan. Upon explaining my dietary restrictions, he offered to make the Tawa paratha (35,000 dong= $1.75) special for me!! (how kind)

Tawa paratha (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The tawa paratha was flaky and from what I understand it is made by taking the dough and slapping it hard against a flat surface. The 'slapping' creates air pockets and thus making the bread fluffy. It was also crunchy and stretchy!
     We were both anxious and overwhelmed by everything available, I swear we both were juggling between several plate options. Everything with potential sounded so good!

the spread (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     After snappy debating in my head, I went with the Vegetable jalfraize (70,000 dong=$3.50) which is a Northern Indian plate. This dish is described as 'mixed fresh vegetables cooked with onions and capsicum in a spicy gravy.'

vegetable jalfraize (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The jalfraize was very different from all the other Indian curry dishes I've had. Instead of being mostly 'soup' this was like a stew. It was full of chunky vegetables, fresh herbs, and the "gravy" was thick and coated everything generously. I'm glad that Gopi recommended getting that bread, it was like having a deluxe dipping meal! (I love dips...ask hummus!)
      Ani ordered a Kesar kulfi (60,000 dong= $3.00) which is an Indian saffron ice cream. There were no vegan desserts but Ani's eyes lit up when she had this and she said it tasted like caramel, and you could find chunks of saffron in it! Gopi said the ice-cream is made fresh, which explains the interesting cube-like shape!

Kesar Kulfi (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Gopi was wonderful and really added a lot to Namaste, he added a personal touch and educated us about his creations. The entire meal was filling and lovely. I'm glad he told us how far to go when it came to how much we ordered. 

     In comparison to other restaurants, Namaste is pricier that most but  Namaste is an experience. Everything is made to order, fresh, and made with love. 

Great food...great options...and worth going to over and over again!

Hours: Open 7 days. 11am-2:30pm (last order is at 2) and 6-10:30 pm (last order at 10)

Address: 47 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

Directions: East of the Northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake

Phone #: 84-4-3935-2400

Website: www.namastehanoi.com

Hanoi: Vietnam's Morning View...

     Every morning in Hanoi...


beauty (photo taken by VeganBeats)

      This is out of Ani's bathroom, if my closet had a view like this, I'd live in it.


embrace (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 I miss Vietnam...

Hanoi: AMAZING bread

      My favorite bread is Manna bread but in Vietnam I had the fluffiest, crunchiest and most delectable bread ever...seriously, EVER. (y'all know I'm not a bread girl...)
     Ani drove me around to this place and we nommed on these glorious loaves...I wish remembered where the bakery was located, it's a gem of a place and literally a whole in the wall.


ahh glory! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

      I guess I'll go back to Vietnam, grab a coffee and some of this bread...

Hanoi: Provecho

     For our travels throughout Vietnam, Ani and I got help from a wonderful person and travel agent names Lai. She co-owns iProvecho with her partner Daniel Hoyer (author of Culinary Vietnam, Tamales, Mayan Cuisine: Recipes from the Yucatan Region, Culinary Mexico: Authentic Recipes and Traditions, Fiesta On the Grill, and Tacos (Santa Fe School of Cooking Series)).
     iProvecho is a Western classic restaurant with a great bar, lots of Mexican influence here. Considering Daniel is the main chef behind alot of the food projects, there's a load of delicious influence.
     Ani and I stopped by here to chat with Lai, whose travel office is located right in the doorway! She speaks perfect English and knows some great things around Vietnam (of course)! She helped organize out trip and rides and flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne, and Ha Long Bay (though this was cancelled due to a typhoon) everything was under $400.00!!
     I thought and found it hilarious that back in the states I have read all of Daniel's books and it tooka  coupel meetings, and staring at these familiar cookbooks behind his head, for me to make the connection! WhA!
     One time while there, Lai shared some of iProvecho's gaucomole with us. Avocados in Vietnam are literally $0.10 a pop and I didn't spoil myself with any of them, until this generous offer.


fresh toasted totilla chips and delicious gaucomole! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The chips were freshly toasted and I think the tortillas were home/house made. They had a great corny crunch and maybe some paprika and spice jacke dup in there. The gaucomole was rich with avocado and fresh onions (red and white), tomatoes that were beautifully sweet, and cilantro that...made my eyes nearly water (I MISS cilantro!)      If your wanting some great Mexican Western noms, want to kick it with some interesting lovely people, or travel around Vietnam...check out iProvecho, talk to Lai...enjoi enjoi enjoi!!

Address:
18 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
It is about 3 blocks from Hoan Kiem lake.
Phone #: 0912223996
email: provechohanoi@gmail.com


Directions: 3 blocks north of Hoan Kiem Lake (just past



Phone:

0912223966

Hanoi: Weasel Coffee

     I've dropped a line about it a couple times already and can't explain how awesome the coffee is in Vietnam. Strong, full flavored, but not acidic...so it doesn't hurt. It's sweet, flavorful, and...just moan! The coffee alone is worth tripping over to Vietnam. Phil and Laura have raved about it, there are posts littering the net and books alike about how spectacular the coffee is here...so naturally, I followed the scent and scene of coffee beans.
     Most of my money, a high percentage of it goes towards coffee here in Seoul, but now...since Vietnam I've spent nothing on coffee. It seems utterly disrespectful and a full fledged waste cosh and energy to purchase coffee in Seoul. Watered down, acidic, low quality beans...yech.
     Wandering the Old Quarter, Ani was more than patient and kind enough to swirl the crisscrossed roads to locate these one "Weasel coffee" joint. When we found it...my eyes popper out- Roger Rabbit style.

loads of Weasel coffee! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Weasel coffee are coffee beans that have literally been picked out of weasel poo. Apparently weasels have a fondness for coffee beans and started crunching on bean farms. The weasels, or civets, eat coffee berries and the proteolytic enzymes in their stomachs seep into the beans, making the beans less bitter. Someone had the brilliant idea to collect the pooey beans and sell it to the coffee curious. It is supposed to be the most expensive coffee of the world.
     In the shop I went to, the owners allowed me a taste of this special stuff and...I was surprised. I expected something that tasted like...well poo. Instead, I got a warm, woody sweet drink that gave me a little buzz and made me want to close my eyes and really enjoy this tiny cup.

my sample! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Result, I bought a bag of their "best stuff"~ for about 280,000 dong, $24.00 for a tiny bag. Worth it yes..am I saving it for a super special occasion, yes.

I want to go back and buy too much more...So Vietnam venturers, find this poopy coffee, and realize that 'shit aint that bad.'

Hanoi: Shopping and Galavanting in the Old Quarter

     The Old Quarter in Hanoi is a pretty busy and bustling place, tightly adjoined stores nuzzle into one another selling things from knock off sandals, stamps, fruits and veggies...it's a market, a bar central area, a cafe zone- tourist kazaa. Even though full of visitors, there's a lot to see here, that's worth wandering through. Ani and I did hours of walking, shopping, coffee drinking, kicking it through this area...here's some photo porn:


Nick Lachey...he's back (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The signs reminded me of my time in Changchun, celebrates copy and pasted onto billboards or signs, shamelessly 'promoting' hair styles, to watches, to douches. I haven't heard of any 98degrees stuff going down since the late 90's...good to see Nick Lachey still has it going on for hair shops.      I love the produce section of any store, but mostly of markets. I liek the yelling, the haggling, the ordering and sloppy shifting of veggies. It's dirty, stressful, and...I like the rush. At least, that's what I'm used to, and think of when it comes to markets...Vietnam, chill produce sales. Was it strange I felt...calm?


veggies!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

donuts (DON'T BUY= unsanitary and poor quality) photo taken by VeganBeats

     In the folds of these markets are eateries, and even though this gets me all sad to see anything crammed in a tank, for those foodies out there- if you're going to consume animals, try to be as local as possible.

clams (?) photo taken by VeganBeats

crabs...)O: (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I have to admit, we all know the vegan deal is staying, just about the only lifestyle I'll commit whole-heartedly to, but local, local is so important. I realize, recognize, and accept that vegan is something I have chosen, and not everyone is going to do my lifestyle...hell if I'd do theirs- I try to push for local. Kepp it fresh and community based if you want to put these living things in your body.

Fresher~> less distance traveled (by theory)~> (hopefully) less harmful to your body + it's better for your neighbors, community, and family. 

beautiful fish (photo taken by VeganBeats)

riding ma bike (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I miss fruit....fresh, voluptuous, juicy, sexy, tropical- exotic fruits. Korea, I love you, but the apples, melons, pears, nectarines- I got these in the states. Show me something different, tease my taste-buds will ya?!!

jackfruit (photo taken by VeganBeats)

dragon fruit and rambutan...chillen, no big (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I HIGHLY recommend getting  a passion-fruit. Wrinkly and not very pretty on the outside, get a knife, grab a spoon, slice this baby into two and spoon some of that tart sweet juicy goodness.

do your tongue a flavor, have a passion-fruit (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     So these beautiful fruits, the cows, birds, homeless animals )O:~ nom on these...in an ideal next life- I'll be one of these (I vote free rolling cow or flock away bird) kicking it in Vietnam~~~
                "Ah, thanks for the dragon fruit, oh mangosteen and passion-fruit; don't mind if I do..."

Hanoi: White Cloud...take out

     The days were full of rain in Hanoi, and our bodies were tired. After so much vitamin D and visual stimulation, our bodies were tired. One night we stayed in and went for our staple~ White Cloud! They do take out!! The tv was looking REAL nice and as the rain poured around us, wine glasses and tea in hand, we enjoyed GLEE, trashy American tv (The Bachelor yech but I must watch the next episode!!) and pajamas!
     The dishes we went for of course were the classic fried mung bean, more spring rolls and some new dishes. We started off with the Num du du (green papaya salad), a classic and popular 'salad' dish of Vietnam and Thailand.

Nom du du (Green papaya salad) photo taken by VeganBeats

      The nom du du cost 40,000 dong ($2.00) and was flavorful but I think the whole 'take out' aspect took away from the freshness. I've never been super into papaya, it's too sweet and starchy but I really enjoyed the chopped carrots and mint. The sauce/marinade was a mixture of brown rice vinegar, lime juice, some cane juice, and a little bit of pepper. It balanced very well together, but...papaya is just not for me.
     We also went with a new tofu dish, the Dau phu va dua xao miso (tofu cooked with pineapple and miso). The dish was a bit lackluster in flavor, the tofu a tad over-cooked (so it was a bit spongy) but the pineapples were good. The miso wasn't very strong either. The dish cost 45,000 dong ($2.25).The dau phu sot ca chua (tofu with tomato sauce) is much better. But It's always good to try things.

from bottom left and counter clockwise: tofu with pineapple and miso, spring roll,  and fried mung bean (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The meal would have tasted much better if fresh, but that's a given when you do take-out. But it was super nice and wonderful to kick it chill style, be girls, talk with loads of parts...and watch some crummy American crap.

Crap...but to entertaining...(reminds me that I'm in fact brighter that most bulbs....phew)