Thus far, in Cuisines of Asia, we've studied China, Korea, Japan, and now Vietnam. Of those, I've got to say, the most impressive has been Vietnam. Granted, the country is poor, dirty, hot as hell, and did I mention, poor? But there's a really nice simplicity to it all and the flavors are pretty solid. Although they've got a strong affinity for the use of fish sauce, which smells like wet ass, I've got to say I've enjoyed it the most.

Perhaps it's because I really love cheap Chinese, you know, local mall Chinese. Eating upscale, real Chinese food just wasn't the same; where can I get my sweet and sour pork? Korea was just not that good, and Japan was just ok. Vietnam, that's where it's at.