Recent Works

So how is the experience of being a football fanatic in Việt Nam, through the eyes of a migrant? To sum it up in one word; accessible.

Consider it a civic duty to keep your local spots in business or be doomed to a future of dystopian food-halls and shiny wok’s clean of char in permanency.

The things they share often come from a place of passion, something far more noble and honest than gatekeeping or taking smug pleasure from being 'in the know'.

Ngon Ngon is worth a visit. It offers an interesting perspective on Vietnamese cuisine adapted for the palates of likely clientele.

A combination that complements about as well as a mosquito-filled squat toilet and the dawning realisation that you forgot to check for toilet paper.

The sudden affordability of smashed avocado on toast without the side of working-class guilt has been a little too tempting recently.

Observe the contrast of working solitude and youthful companionship on display together as two different chapters of life in the city

Hà Nội, in its essence, is a testament to tradition's resilience in the face of relentless modernisation. It's a city where old ways aren't merely preserved; they're celebrated.

North Korean restaurants were a visceral simulator for territory that the vast majority of world foodies will never chart.

This is no endorsement of anything, only an observation on the lack of division that can spill down from the sweat glands of government and into the pores of the masses. 

Convenience, though, is such a mighty force in our modern existence, I can’t help but wonder if it stifles such love affairs as the one I have with Hà Nội.

Aside from the hearth of the local pub or the embrace of family, there’s only one winner here and I can’t wait to be back next week.

For over three decades, this family-owned gem has been serving up the city’s distinctive flavours, offering a taste of the Mekong Delta in the heart of southern Việt Nam.

I've become more Hanoian than British, and the subtle nuances of daily life here that once seemed at best charming, are now intricately woven into the fabric of my existence.

Good customer testimonies, and I’m intrigued. A flurry of messages and a short wait later, I’m tucking in, and I’m hooked.

There’s even a ‘Grab Translations’ Facebook group dedicated to our ‘heroes in green’ which I implore anybody to spend an hour reading through.

There is much peace and satisfaction to be found when a little Thai wisdom meets a big appetite.

Good governance has improved a number of situations and I have no doubt that in time, this is an area which will be addressed.

You invest in the artisanal talent and hard work of local people, you avoid the ethical dilemmas associated with fast fashion and you look good doing so.

An emergent and notably French culinary movement is afoot, with the banks of the Red River proving fertile ground for such scenic ventures as today’s focus.

The star of the show here is, of course, the broth. Dark as the night, it's a rich, almost black potion that oozes character and depth with a captivating sweetness and slight kick.

The innate human balance of purism and ingenuity ensures the age of choice continues to grow while our holiest methods are retained.

Vietnam's best restaurant 2023. Asia's Top 50 Best Restaurants. A charismatic head chef. 

Michelin Series: 3/4

The best kept secret in Hanoi - A succulent Chinese meal by the side of the road. Bring your appetite.

On the 5th anniversary of 'Bourdain Day' I tried to express the thoughts and feelings of many - especially those sharing his connection to Vietnam.

I took a visit to the fine dining selection from the Michelin Guides first ever Vietnamese awardees - and it did not disappoint.

Michelin Series: 2/4

Tầm Vị was one of the first Vietnamese restaurants to ever be awarded a coveted Michelin star. I went along to find out why.

Michelin Series: 1/4

Hà Nội’s little slice of Tuscany. Lots of truffle, serious beef steak. Old school Italian hospitality in a modern setting. Get down.

Phở Thìn Tokyo is an excellent homage to one of the best bowls of noodles on the wider continent. We’re fortunate to have the original on our doorstep.

To those of us with a love for it, football is more than just a game. It’s the game; the beautiful game. It’s a whole other universe with a rich tapestry of stories, iconic moments and accepted wisdom

Some may even say he accentuates the flavours around him. That's certainly the feeling in France right now.

Will Brazil bring an end to the nation's longest ever World Cup drought?

As the Qatar 2022 kicks off, I make my predictions alongside a selection of other local pundits.

Scroll down and find my earliest contribution to Vietnam News, recanting fond memories of Tết holiday.