Well, we are all settled in our hotel room in Hoi An which is to be our home for the next month. The 'resort' we are in is a rather run down place but adds to the charm for me and makes it more budget friendly at the same time. Right across the bridge from the main market we have a great location.
We have spent the last few days remembering our way around the city and taking note of good food and drink spots. We have found two great watering holes and I successfully bartered for a 24 pack of beer for $10 from a small shop. Was quite funny to watch all the reactions as we marched across the bridge to our hotel with the case on my shoulder. Lots of thumbs up and approval from the locals. We successfully found four fantastic banh mi shops (baguette with ham, pate and pickled carrot and daikon and a multitude of mouth watering sauced for $1) and a coffee shop with lattes.
We haven't tried bbq here (don't worry, we will!) but experienced another rad one in Danang. Stayed three nights in Danang hanging on a weird beach on an odd side of town that reminded me of an abandoned Vegas. Kind of creepy but entertaining to explore. We've learned at bbq to be taken seriously, sit down and order a large amount of beer... this let's them know you mean business and mean to stay a while. Locals will just ask for a 24 pack and ice. The empties aren't removed as this is the system to keep tally. Tables loaded underneath with empty cans is common. After ordering the beer follow with a couple meat dishes and a salad. Picking up a little Vietnamese has helped remarkably and will bring smiles to everyones faces (it also helps in deciphering the menu). In Danang we had beef in a delicious marinade and paired with a chili, salt and lime dipping sauce. Our salad choice was banana flower salad with fatty pork and a spicy peanut dressing. Next we bbqed spicy chicken wings and ordered squid sleeping on rocks. Chicken was so savory with hot chili and a hint of sweetness. The squid arrived as beef which was delicious and we reordered the squid which was amazing. A pot of hot rocks with onion and basil arrives which is opened, meat flavored with salt and pepper dumped in and lid replaced. Then with whatever drink is handy (even if it comes from the neighbouring table) a little liquid is added through the cracks. Seconds later your meat is cooked and it melts in your mouth. Mmm. All of that food and 6 beers, $15!!! And the experience is great:) Our neighbours were super funny and friendly, helping us with Vietnamese which was great. And boasting how much beer they can drink lol.
Well I don't know about you but I sure am hungry now... off to the market I go.
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