Michelin Guide 2025: Beyond The Tourist Traps | Saigon Sunday Sessions #17

"Beef stew for breakfast, in this heat? Only in Vietnam - and somehow, it works." I’ve lived in Saigon for nine years, and yet, this city’s food scene never stops surprising me. Let me bring you through Michelin Guide’s 2025 picks - but not the fancy, white-tablecloth stuff. We"re talking about the real heroes: local eateries that made it to the Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected lists for their exceptional quality and value. This episode was a blast to record. From simmering bò kho in a clay pot to coconut ice cream in a coconut shell, to nearly getting hit by an ambulance while searching for bún chả - this was part food tour, part love letter to Saigon, and part chaos. And that’s exactly what I love about it. Whether you"re living here, planning a trip, or just a food nerd like me, I hope this episode gives you a taste of what makes Vietnamese cuisine - and its people - so special. Key Talking PointsThe Michelin Guide in Vietnam – What it means, how it"s grown, and why it matters for local businesses and the country’s global image.What is Bib Gourmand? – A Michelin recognition for restaurants that offer great food at great value—not just fine dining.Three Must-Try Local Spots – Bò kho at Bà Gà, bún chả at Bun Cha Van, and cơm tấm at a street spot near the airport.Why Vietnamese People Don’t Care (And That’s Fine) – Most locals don’t know or care about Michelin, they just know where the food is good.The Chaos and Charm of Eating in Saigon – From blowing on cold ice cream to dodging motorbikes, eating here is always an experience. Chapters and Timestamps01:10 – Starting our food journey at Bà Gà with bò kho in a clay pot07:30 – Coconut & longan ice cream and Vietnamese hospitality18:30 – Bún chả at Bun Cha Van: sesame, spring rolls, and giant fish sauce29:00 – Heading to our third spot: cơm tấm heaven near the airport34:30 – Huge pork chops, sweet-savory flavors, and food nostalgia42:00 – Why Saigon’s food scene is infinite and magical "Send me a message!" This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental. Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh Support the show 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!