Vietnam in 2016

Bonjour Gastronomads

The big news is that I have just returned from Vietnam and you know what that means!!!!!!!!! My love and association with Vietnam goes back to 2003, when I wrote my book on Vietnam called 'Noodle Pillows' and later, filmed a food docco there for TVNZ.

Vietnam is still fabulous and the people still hilarious and gorgeous. Yes, it has changed in the ten years since I was there, but many of the people I worked with are still there, and I came across many more fantastic contacts and experiences. SO... the first ever Peta Mathias Culinary Adventure to Vietnam will be from the 2nd – 12th April 2016. Ten days and nights of the most unbelievably fresh and zingy food you have ever tasted. 

We start our tour in the north in Hanoi where we find out how to make rice paper and tofu, eat street food which is THE Hanoi specialty, learn how to cook at my friend's house and drink the famous Hanoi fresh beer.

We then jump on a plane to Hué (which is like going from Paris to the South of France),where we stay at the most exquisite French Art Deco hotel. Hué is the ancient Imperial Capitol of Vietnam and is most famous for its intricate imperial cuisine, fabulous imperial sites and is a huge centre for Buddhism.

Then we drive through the Hai Van Pass and over the Marble Mountains to Hoi An, one of the most exceptionally well preserved heritage towns in Vietnam. Here we shop, cook and visit the beautiful old town and market.

And lastly we fly to Saigon for some big city fun – this is where things get seriously rock n' roll. I'm loathe to say more as the grande finale will be enchanting, but I can tell you that Saigon will involve fashion, fabulous restaurants, chocolate, sushi, a show and yes, another cooking class. 

Full details are on the Vietnam page and we are taking bookings right now. And to really get you in the mood check out the tour promo video. See you on the tour!