Lior Amsalem

I had a thought landing in Vietnam, Da Nang. Recently I’ve spend my last 2 months in Thailand with my girlfriend, But because of some limitations (visa etc) I had to move to another country and out of many nearby interesting countries like Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Sri Lanka and more interesting places I’ve decided with the help of others (see photo below) to go to Vietnam!

However my landing was rough, I remember my last visit in Vietnam I couldn’t find much food to eat and the options on the table were skim at best. No matter how many places I research, asked around, try to take a small step forward I just couldn’t connect with the local food of Vietnam unlike places like Thailand where the food is more accessible to foreigners like myself. In Thailand I could eat vegan options like Papaya salad but spicy or Tom Yum with simple meat like chicken or Pad Thai Those dishes are reletavility easier for me. Tom Yum For example is a soup based on tomato, ginger, lime, coconut milk and other products that I am already familiar with. so it’s easier to consume.

In Danag I had a bad stomach problem and ended up vomiting all night because of possible food problem. Mind you that I (think) have good experience eating outside and in forgien countries and I do take small steps to be extra safe and there are many things i consider before I buy food in foreign country outside:

• High turnover – meaning a lot of people eat here so the food is always fresh and doesn’t stay out on the table/plate/cooking pane etc.
• is the food close to it’s original shape or very processed ?
• Is the food at high risk to go bad? like fish, meat, diary products etc are at higher risk than vegetables.
• how clean is the place, even the restroom.
• is this food common in this country? this means that people around are aware of the risks and know how to handle that food. and if the food is not common it means that maybe not a lot of people will order that food and it means that food might expire and sell anyway to a silly foreigner.

I try to do my best to follow some general ideas when it comes down to food in a foreign country, not every country have strong regulation, rules and maintain high standard like other places.

After a week and a half have problems, Everything turn out to be good and i manage to eat again, mostly western food like Pizza and Burger that are easier for me to pick and choose. After that I travel in Da nang nightlife and around Da nang. I took a motorbike and drive around the city, to Lady Buddha and Hai Van Pass. I also explore My Son historical site that is 1 hour drive away from Da Nang and has 80 temples and historical hindu sites! I also had a short 2 days visit in Hoi An which is a small(but big) town beautiful place to explore, specially the night market over the weekend.

We always have ups and down when traveling, Some time I have more bad than good times but overall it’s all part of the experience. now I am heading to a new exciting place! stay tone!