10 RANDOM THINGS THAT MAKE ME FEEL ALIVE.

1. My upcoming business. It's both scary and exciting to be starting a business at my age considering my oh-so-humble life experience.I can feel the thrill burning in my veins and pushing me way past my boundaries. I've learnt so much from the experience and I can't wait to see what lies ahead. 
2. My freedom. Since I'm not working for anyone, I can stay in bed till 9 without anyone yelling at me. And I just take my mom out for meals whenever I want. 
3. My love for filmography. I love Christopher Nolan, David Fincher, Guillermo Del Toro and so many more!
4. All things sweet and chocolaty. This means red velvet lava cake, chocolate mousse and hot choco!
5. The Emart which is just 2 minutes away from my home. I love the container-like exterior design.
6. My sweet ducky who happens to be the most optimistic guy in the world.
7. My collection of American series. I'm currently hooked on "How to get away with murder" by the way. Gosh!!!
8. My makeup products (YES! YES!)
9. My amazingly supportive family. My mother is in charge of logistics for any of my events and she's a great marketing channel herself. Amazing she is!
10. My super comfortable bed. (Okay, I need to sleep now)

See you soon!

SAI GON MEDLEY

I had a student quite some time ago who hates Sai Gon. Her complaints were always about the crazy traffic, the unstoppable noise and the endless stresses she had to deal with as an immigrant. It wasn't hard for me to sympathize with her although I was born and raised in Saigon, but oddly enough, I could never say I hate it. And if I dig deeper, Saigon has become such a big and endearing part of me with all its charms and flaws. 

THE MISADVENTURE OF A LITTLE SAIGONESE

Once when I was a kid, I went to the bookstore with my mom, and while she wasn't looking, I sneaked out to take a look at the toy store nearby. I was only 4 so I wasn't aware of the unfortunate things that could have happened to me. After admiring the toys for a while, I went into the bookstore to find my mom but she wasn't there. I started to panic. The guard asked me if I had been lost but dumb enough, I said I was ok (I was always the stupidly brave kid). I didn't want to seek any help from others. All I wanted was to find my mom. So I went out of the bookstore and wondered around cluelessly. The lady at the toys tore took pity on me and offered to bring me home. At this point, you've got to know that my sense of direction can't be worse. So, the lady took me around for more than 15 minutes until I could finally locate my house. My mom was at the front gate looking panic. Of course, she gave me a long speech that for the life of me, I can't remember a word. 

THE AGE OF INNOCENCE

That story was more than 19 years ago. It was when people used beeper and there was no cable TV. That lady in my story is still selling toys nearby the bookstore, and she is still the sweet lady who saved me that day. The thing is, despite what people say about how dangerous and deceitful Saigon is, I do believe the city and its people are still in the age of innocence. It wouldn't be too rare to bump into people who would tell you to put your kickstand up or to tuck your money into your back pockets. 

The kindness of strangers still exists in the heart of Saigon after all.

IT'S NOT ALL ROSES BUT I KEEP MY HEAD UP!

I love the city, but it drives me crazy sometimes. I always find myself drained driving home during the rush hours. I'm nervous about the rainy season because the rain usually comes when least expected. And when it rains, it pours. The pollution is also quite a headache. However, despite all that, I still find myself living in Saigon as happy as I could be because I've found thousands of ways to enjoy the city instead of moaning about pollution and whatnot. 

I try to come to Nguyen hue square every week because this may be the most joyful place in the city. The people are always smiling and there are so many activities to help me wash away the worries.

Nguyen Hue Square at night

I also love discovering the little alleys and old apartments that are home to some amazing restaurants and coffee shops. 

Gac hoa attic cafe - one of the hidden gems of Saigon

I also visit D7 once in a while to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and the delicious Korean food.

My favorite spot in D7

SAIGON MEDLEY 

If you ever listen to "Bohemian Rhapsody", you've got to admit it is one of the weirdest songs ever. When I first heard it, I thought it was a medley that I certainly didn't enjoy. Now, it is one of my all-time favorite songs. Saigon is like that for me. It is a medley with the blues during the rainy season, the rock 'n roll during the hot sunny days and the ballad during the breezy fall. I embrace every note of it. And if you listen closely to the sound of the city, you may love it too. 

Thank you for reading.

P/S: Just in case you don't know the song Bohemian Rhapsody, here it is http://chiasenhac.com/mp3/us-uk/u-pop/bohemian-rhapsody~queen~1044693.html

BUN MAM | THE UNDERRATED VIETNAMESE NOODLE SOUP

Hello everyone! Welcome to my first blog post ever! I've decided to make a food-centered post since I live for and adore great food. Let's get started.

What is Bun Mam?

According to wikipedia, "Bun Mam a fermented thick Vietnamese vermicelli soup" also known as "Vietnamese Gumbo". I hardly understand the definition but as far as I know, it's a kind of fermented noodle soup. 

Bun Mam is composed of fermented fish paste (which I didn't know I'd love) and fermented shrimp paste (Vietnamese: Mắm tôm). Better yet, it's also made with a good deal of seafood. I actually am not fond of seafood (beside oyster, praise the lord!) because I think it doesn't smell like actual food, but somehow when mixed Bun Mam soup, it becomes perfectly seasoned to the point that I eat it all every time. Also, Bun Mam wouldn't be complete without pork, eggplant and tons of fresh vegetable on top. 

The origin

In Vietnam, Bun Mam is one of the specialties in the Mekong Delta (some people call it "Mekong in a bowl") but hardly do people know it actually comes from Cambodia and was localized when it came to Vietnam. 

Why the hype?

You may wonder why I love Bun Mam so much. The reasons lie in my personal references and the distinctness of the dish itself.

My mother was born in Cambodia. She has loved Bun Mam since she was just a little girl and somehow her keenness for the dish just rubbed off on me as I grew up. My first experience with Bun Mam was strangely awesome. In fact, I never knew Bun Mam existed until way into my teenage years. Before that, Pho and Bun Moc were my whole noodle soup world. I never thought any kind of noodle soup would top them until Bun Mam came along. To be honest, I didn't like the smell at first because it can be quite revolting. But then, I tried it, I loved it, and loved it even more as I get older for the taste is so unique. 

Of course I can be biased. My grandmother, who is a great cook in the family, makes amazing Bun Mam. I've enjoyed some Bum Mam at quite a few authentic restaurants but whenever I drop by Grandma's and taste hers, it just never gets better than that. It feels like home: warm, gentle and full of loving care. "Home is where the heart is", they say.

Why underrated?

I know some people who adore Bun Mam, and some who loathe it.The main reason is that the fish taste is too intense for them, thus, underrated. So, if you can't bear the taste of fish paste, or even shrimp paste, it may disappoint you. 

Also, most foreigners have grown used to the smell and taste of Pho, which is nothing like that of Bun Mam. The later is more salty and have a bit of a bitter aftertaste. But give it a try! You may love it just like I do.

Restaurant recommendation

I love Bun Mam 444 (369 Lê Quang Định Street, Bình Thạnh District). It's a family restaurant that offers reasonable price and authentic Bun Mam. But really, I'd welcome you to have Bun Mam at my grandma's with me for a homely atmosphere. 

Thanks for reading.