A Vietnamese feast!
It’s Thanksgiving and that means Americans all over the world are giving thanks and stuffing their faces with turkey. Every time Thanksgiving rolls around, I fondly reminisce about the time I was in Sydney Australia for Thanksgiving and was treated to an amazing turkey and stuffing feast. Plus the strange and inexplicable dinner entertainment of a Dolly Pardon look-a-like chasing a guy in a chicken suit. Those crazy Aussies!
This Thanksgiving I’m back in the US celebrating with family minus Dolly Pardon. We are cooking up a big turkey with my dad’s special stuffing. I am taking a break from work/blogging and simply going to enjoy the day and be thankful for family, health, friends, a place to sleep every night, and travel.
As we all sit down to eat turkey across America – I thought I would leave you with this Vietnamese treat…pig ears.
Yes, that’s right pig ears.
Lee and Tuyet
I had the opportunity to try this commonly found dish in Vietnam. My dear friends Lee and Tuyet took me out for this eating experience. When they mentioned that the restaurant was know for their pig ears, I was a bit tentative at first, but eventually said – ok – let’s try them! I seldom had Vietnamese food I didn’t like.
However, when they came out to the table, they weren’t quite what I expected. They were served with all of the normal greens and wraps; to be made up into a taco like meal. But the pig ears were cold and cut into thin strips. I was expecting something hot and sizzling; and something that looked much more appetizing.
Not quite what I expected!
Tuyet showed me step by step how to create the perfect pig ear ‘wrap’ and I took a bite. Hmmm…crunchy…like eating cartilage. Oh wait…I was eating cartilage!
Everything tastes better with greens!
Like most things in Vietnam, the fresh greens and the yummy sauce can make anything taste good…even crunchy cartilage. I actually grew quite found of the texture after a few more bites.
Granted – I don’t think I”ll be substituting my turkey for pig ears this Thanksgiving – but I’m thankful I tried them!
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving where-ever you are in the world! And know that one of the things I’m most thankful for is that people actually do read this blog! Thanks for all of your support for the last 4 years!
Still Hungry? Then stop by Wanderfood Wednesday at Wanderlust and Lipstick and read about other foods around the world!
Hmmm. Yummy. Not!!!
Enjoyed your description though. Happy thanks giving.
Pig ears is not something we tried while in Vietnam, but you’re right in that I rarely met a food there I didn’t like. And I typically enjoy all things pig, so I’m sure I’d be willing to give it a try. I’ll definitely be going with turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing tomorrow though.
Happy Thanksgiving to you Sherry!
If I go back to Vietnam I’ll have to give these a go. Happy Thanksgiving.
http://budgettravelerssandbox.com/2010/11/wanderfood-wednesday-cure-your-holiday-hangover-with-this-korean-remedy/
Oh man, it looks just as appetizing as it sounds.
Jake likes pig ears but they are fully cooked. Mmmmmmm…. crunchy and delicious.
The worst aspect of the pig’s ears is that they look like…well…pig’s ears. Sounds like better than muching on fingernails.
I about died when I read the line: “Oh wait, I was eating cartilage!” Made me eternally grateful I’m a vegetarian.
wonderful story,imaginative imagery.u r a gift 2 humanity,therefore humanity will never stop giving 2 u in return.
I love your imaginative writing and pictures. Though, I have to say, I don’t think the food looked that appetizing.