I feel extremely fortunate to have been born and raised in Canada. Recently returning from a year abroad, teaching English in Japan and traveling through India has made this sentiment resolute. Aside from all the freedoms and luxuries that most Canadians innocently take for granted, the food is what I indulgently appreciate. I can walk down the streets of downtown Toronto and have brunch in the Beaches, stop for Ethiopian coffee on Queen, have the perfect slice of Italian pizza in Little Italy and after all the walking work up an appetite for some authentic Vietnamese pho on Ossington. I am able to experience culinary travel all in one city not to mention in one day and on a budget.
A classic bowl of Vietnamese pho is serious comfort food. I often eat it when I can’t think of anything else to have. It has become one of my staples. Flat rice noodles immersed in a savory and subtly sweet broth, topped with red and spring onions arrive with a plate of fresh bean sprouts, basil, sliced lime and chilies. I usually add in hoisin and chili sauce along with the fresh veggies until my bowl is brimming. After this meal, I feel satisfied and warm without a hint of guilt. To say the least, Vietnamese food, in general is healthy and exceptionally delicious with layers of flavor and texture.
From my experience, experimenting with the array of Vietnamese food available in this culinary diverse city, the flavors of this South Asian coastal land is of simple and fresh ingredients that mingle with astringent sours and sweetness of the sea.
With influences from around the world, Vietnamese cuisine is distinct and unique. Eating a dish is more than just a gastronomic activity it’s also an exploration into culture and history.
So far, I have eaten enough Vietnamese food to make it one of my top choices but I haven’t yet tasted the dishes that appear time and again on the tables of Vietnamese families. Every country has their diverse culinary specialties that differ from region to region, and Vietnam is no exception. And so, my glad undertaking to educate my taste buds begins…
