In our show today we get to explore the evolving food culture in Vietnam, with a focus on the growth of new culinary experiences and the expansion of dining options beyond just street food. Don’t get me wrong, Street Food is still something you must try, but don’t stop there!  Stick around to find some of the up and coming places to eat in Vietnam. My wonderful guest, Jovel Chan a food writer and consultant, shares her insights on the influx of chefs from Vietnam and abroad, the rise of upscale establishments, and the overall refinement and enhancement of the dining scene in cities like Saigon and Hanoi. Listen to the end as as you will want to know about Jovel's favourites in those 2 cities. Many talented chefs have come to Vietnam, particularly in cities like Saigon and Hanoi, to set up their own restaurants and cater to both tourists and locals looking for something different. These chefs bring with them their expertise and creativity, introducing new flavors, techniques, and cuisines to the Vietnamese food scene. Additionally, the rise of five-star hotels and the opening of more malls in Vietnam have further diversified the dining scene. This has led to a wider variety of cuisines being available, catering to different tastes and preferences. It was pure joy to have this time with Jovel as we laughed and agreed on so many topics and shared experiences. I hope you can forgive the slight ‘cross talk’ in places, but I think if I didn’t leave that in, you would miss out on the connection we had, and wanted to share with you. Listen to the end as Jovel shares her favourites in Hanoi and Saigon. You can find all about Jovel’s Saigon Social, dining guides and so much more on her website here Follow Jovel here: Website: https://jovelchan.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovel.chan/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jovel.chan.7/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joveleugeniachan/We wish you a happy festive Christmas season and a Happy safe New Year. This is the last show for 2023, but I am back in February 2024 with a new style of show that I hope you will love. Stay tuned and check out over 90 shows on this podcast channel. Thank you for being such wonder Thank you for listening. Give us a review on your podcast channel - Apple is easiest. Follow our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok Let me design your customised private tour of Vietnam - See our new Travel Services We have a new partnership which is helping support this podcast. If you have a Dental or Cosmetic Procedure you are contemplating but the cost is way too expensive in your country. Why not find out what’s possible through What About Vietnam’s beauty travel partner Worldwide Beauty Hospital. Check out our website here, contact us direct; speak to Kelley at WAV, as she has been a dental patient for 10 years, or mention #whataboutvietnam to receive 5% discount at Worldwide Beauty Hospital What have you got to lose? Get your FREE consult today.