ESSENTIAL SELECTION | ALL IN GOOD TASTE
Go to… Hoi An, Vietnam Red Bridge Cooking School Make for the riverside city of Hoi An and you’ll find yourself in the most idyllic region to learn the tricks of the Vietnamese food trade. The Red Bridge Cooking School offers jam-packed, one-day classes that kick off with a visit to local organic farms (pick up fresh coriander and Vietnamese mint for garnishing), before hitting a bustling market full of exotic finds like star anise and banana flower. Back at the open-air restaurant (best reached by its namesake red bridge), the head chef is on hand to teach four classic dishes – our favourite is the lemongrass shrimp in banana leaves: exquisite. After a day by the stove, the restaurant’s huge pool is the perfect place to cool off before a boat trip back to Hoi An town – don’t miss the charming crumbling Old Town which, with no cars allowed, is a peaceful place to walk off the day’s eats. Eat… healthily. Mint, coriander and lemongrass are key ingredients here and with no oil or fats in the mix, you can enjoy the cuisine’s aromatic delights without counting calories – you are on holiday, after all… Sleep… at The Nam Hai resort on nearby Ha My Beach: its powder-white sands will take you away from the town’s hustle and bustle, tropical touches radiate throughout, and its Pool Villas really take the biscuit in the style stakes. visithoian.com/redbridge and ttc.ae
‘This is the most idyllic region to learn the tricks of the Vietnamese food trade’ May 2012 Kanoo World Traveller 27