oleh admin | Agu 13, 2025 | food and drink, foodies, shopping, snacks, Travel
Vietnam’s street food is gaining widespread popularity, with tourists opting for new delights like fried bananas and rice paper wraps instead of traditional options such as pho and banh mi.
Having spent over a month exploring Vietnam, Filipino Dannica Refe came back home carrying two suitcases filled with snacks valued at almost VND7 million (US$275).
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The 25-year-old remarks: “It’s not even close to what my friends spent. They splurged more than VND10 million ($381) and still wished to purchase additional items.”
She came to Hanoi in mid-June for a vacation but confesses her primary reason was to join the TikTok challenge of sampling local Vietnamese street food.
She immediately went from the airport to convenience shops and grocery stores to purchase the products she had come across as suggested.
She claims she developed feelings for the snacks.
I could devour a bag of grilled coconut cookies without ever growing weary of them. They surpass numerous desserts found in high-end restaurants across the Philippines and are more affordable.
She is also amazed at the variety of Vietnamese snacks. For instance, using just one ingredient such as young green rice (
com
) individuals can prepare glutinous rice, ice cream, and sweets.
Prior to returning home, she and her companions visited supermarkets and stores in Hanoi’s Historic District, looking for treats to bring back as mementos and presents.
A clip she posted displayed snacks and instant coffee being placed inside her suitcase, which gained numerous views on TikTok.
Over the past two months, the “Vietnam snack haul” phenomenon has become popular online, featuring clips of foreigners purchasing instant noodles, treats, and coffee accompanied by tags such as #snackvietnam.
Numerous tourists show astonishment and mention they became hooked on these snacks.
Several people also ask for guidance on transporting significant amounts back home.
Hoang Nghia Dat, chief executive officer of VNA Travel, mentions that international travelers today seek more than just tourism; they are interested in culinary adventures, particularly street foods and traditional restaurants.
Previously, their main interest was trying foods such as pho or Vietnamese cuisine at restaurants. However, nowadays, they are eager to enjoy snacks from roadside stalls, sip locally brewed beer, or look for food vendors offering street-side treats.
bo bia
(Chinese sausage spring rolls).”
Thuy, who runs the Tai Loc sweet soup store located in Hoan Kiem District of central Hanoi, mentions that many international tourists have visited her establishment over the last month, opting for traditional specialties such as cassava dessert and steamed bananas wrapped in glutinous rice.
Many people are amazed to discover that these desserts cost just a few ten thousand VND ($1 to $2), but they can still savor them inside a lovely traditional home.
Thuy further mentions that local convenience stores have grown busy with international customers looking for treats, which was uncommon before.
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Boxes of traditional Vietnamese snacks and beverages that Dannica Refe bought on her visit to Hanoi. Image provided by Tiktok/nicsrefe.
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Nguyen Tien Dat, deputy chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, states that social media is transforming the way visitors discover Vietnam. More travelers are now exploring independently, relying on online culinary recommendations.
The range of tastes and affordable costs of Vietnamese street foods attract many tourists, he states.
Towards the start of this year, the culinary guide TasteAtlas featured various Vietnamese street dishes such as
bun dau mam tom
(rice noodles and tofu with prawn sauce) and
banh ran
(deep-fried sticky rice ball) in its list of
The Top 100 Dishes of Southeast Asia
alongside timeless favorites such as pho and banh mi.
Dat states: “Food holds an important position in the growth of tourism. Although the action of tourists purchasing Vietnamese snacks might appear minor, it contributes to promoting our food culture worldwide.”
By June this year, the count of foreign visitors arriving in Vietnam increased by 23% compared to last year.
This highlights the importance of maintaining hygiene in street food and utilizing media to showcase Vietnamese snacks.
Our aim is for visitors to come back because of meals that are delicious, budget-friendly, and leave a lasting impression.
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Zane Hanson (L) and his Vietnamese partner sample local street food in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of Zane Hanson
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Twenty-one-year-old Zane Hanson from New Zealand arrived at a school entrance in Ho Chi Minh City and paused near a roadside stall offering popular children’s treats. He mentions that his Vietnamese partner showed him this post-classes snack habit, with items priced between VND5,000 and VND20,000 ($0.20 to $0.80).
He tried
keo chi
A dessert crafted from manually stretched malt sugar encased in a crisp cookie along with grated coconut. He also sampled a bowl of crushed ice soaked in fruit syrup, which he mentioned was the initial refreshment that helped cool him down during the hot weather apart from beer.
I tried instant noodles, pho, and instant coffee that my girlfriend brought with her, thinking these were the essentials, until the Vietnamese snack craze took off online.
He arranged a trip to Vietnam in early July to join the movement.
In New Zealand, snacks usually refer to biscuits or potato chips, and street food is uncommon.
Hanson was surprised by how cheap the snacks were in Vietnam: a bubble tea that costs VND160,000 ($6) back home sells for only VND20,000 ($0.70) on the streets here and includes tapioca balls.
He entered a store with children and was overwhelmed by the taste of hot potato chips,
o mai
(sweetened or seasoned dried fruits), and rice paper wraps.
Nearby school snack kiosks are filled with students and adults enjoying food and conversation.
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Maximilian Rolf (L) sips on beer and savors local cuisine with a companion in Hanoi. Image provided by Maximilian Rolf
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Maximilian Rolf, aged 31, hails from Germany and has been residing in Hanoi for more than three years. Eating snacks has become a regular part of his everyday life. He likes to have light meals with companions at roadside vendors during the afternoon, an activity that aids individuals in unwinding following a tiring day.
He mentions that although Germany also has snacks, it is difficult to find sweets similar to those found in Vietnam.
“Banana fritters (
banh chuoi
They are a weekly necessity for me. It’s incredible how something as straightforward as fried fruit can be so tempting.
He has likewise developed an affection for savory fried rice cakes (
banh ran man
2) soaked in fish sauce along with green papaya. Initially, he thought they were unusual, but quickly became addicted to their mix of tastes.
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | food and drink, food safety, health risks, product recalls, snacks
-
READ MORE: Emergency Recall Initiated for Coffee Products Due to Critical Labeling Mistake
Frito-Lay, the snack behemoth, has issued a recall for approximately 1,300 bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips because they may have been contaminated with milk.
The chips were dispersed to retailers in 13 states, including
Alabama
,
Florida
, Georgia,
Illinois
,
Indiana
,
Kentucky
,
Mississippi
,
North Carolina
,
Ohio
, South Carolina,
Tennessee
,
Virginia
and West Virginia.
The 13-ounce bags of yellow corn chips might include an alternative option, namely nacho cheese tortilla chips, which have milk as an ingredient.
Individuals who have an allergy to milk ought to steer clear of packages marked with a ‘Fresh Until’ date of May 20, 2025, along with any of these production codes: 471106504 followed by 18 then 13:XX; 471106505 followed by 85 then 13:XX; 471106506 followed by 85 then 13:XX; and finally, 471106507 followed by 85 then 13:XX.
Frito-Lay
said
In a statement: “Individuals who have an allergy or intense intolerance to milk face the possibility of experiencing a severe or potentially fatal allergic response upon ingestion of the recalled item.”
Lactose intolerance is fairly widespread. It’s believed that about 4.7 percent of people in America suffer from it. This condition predominantly affects children but they often overcome it as they grow older.
The company
issued a similar recall
In December, following the FDA’s determination that Lay’s Classic Potato Chips distributed in Oregon and Washington might include undeclared milk.
Frito-Lay stands as a giant in the snack sector, boasting revenues of approximately $29 billion within a single year.
The firm, under PepsiCo ownership, maintained that the recall impacts just a minimal portion of its items.
Read more
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | food and drink, food safety, health risks, product recalls, snacks
-
READ MORE: Immediate recall of coffee items following critical mislabeling mistake
Frito-Lay, the snack behemoth, has issued a recall for almost 1,300 bags of Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips because they may have been contaminated with milk.
The chips were disseminated to outlets spanning 13 states, including
Alabama
,
Florida
, Georgia,
Illinois
,
Indiana
,
Kentucky
,
Mississippi
,
North Carolina
,
Ohio
, South Carolina,
Tennessee
,
Virginia
and West Virginia.
The 13-ounce bags of yellow corn chips might include an alternative option, the nacho cheese tortilla chips, which have milk as an ingredient.
Individuals who have an allergy to milk ought to steer clear of packages marked with a ‘Fresh Until’ date of 20 MAY 2025 along with one of these production codes: 471106504 18 13:XX; 471106505 85 13:XX; 471106506 85 13:XX; 471106507 85 13:XX.
Frito-Lay
said
In a declaration: “Individuals who have an allergy or significant intolerance to milk face the danger of experiencing a severe or potentially fatal allergic response upon consuming the affected product.”
Lactose intolerance is fairly widespread. It’s believed that about 4.7 percent of Americans suffer from this condition. This issue tends to be more prevalent among children but is usually something they overcome as they grow older.
The company
issued a similar recall
In December, following the FDA’s determination that Lay’s Classic Potato Chips distributed in Oregon and Washington might include undeclared milk ingredients.
Read more
oleh admin | Mar 6, 2025 | food and drink, health, healthy eating, nutrition, snacks
There’s something about
dates
that hooks you.
Sweet without being cloying
, effortlessly gentle and with that touch that transforms every bite into
healthy snack
. They rescue you from hunger during midnight cravings, enhance every dish, and most importantly, provide you with
natural energy
In a delightful manner. Ditch the artificial items: just a few quality dates, and the day begins smoothly. It’s that easy. It’s that great.
Tracing their roots back to date palms and boasting centuries of history, these items weren’t just
fundamental in the cuisine of numerous desert communities
, but today they have become an
key component in nutritious cuisine
And indeed: their incredibly sweet and caramelized taste, along with their smooth texture and capability to offer natural energy, makes them an ideal choice for mid-meal snacks as well as adding zest to dishes.
unique twist for desserts and breakfast dishes
.
However, dates are more than just
alternative to refined sugar
They truly pack a nutritional punch with their fiber, potassium, magnesium, antioxidants, and natural sugars that get absorbed gradually. This is precisely why they are not only
perfect for individuals who lead an active lifestyle or for athletes
They have also made their way into vegan baking due to their natural sweetness and capability to hold dough together without requiring any animal products.
Today, let’s introduce six delectable recipes where dates take center stage. From
quick snacks
for bringing along to your workplace or to the gym, to
easy
and surprising
desserts
That doesn’t require an oven. Additionally, if you’re searching for ideas to
open the fast during Ramadan
Whether you’re looking for a nutritious treat before your workout or just want to enjoy something guilt-free, here are choices to suit every palate.
Prepare to be enchanted by these six treats that prove why dates should have a forever home in your kitchen cabinet.
Dates filled with an energy ball containing a peanut butter center
Energy balls
These are perfect snacks for hectic days. Simply mash dates along with nuts and add extras like pure cocoa, shredded coconut, or seeds, then shape into balls—it’s done! They’re quick to make without needing an oven and portable too. You might find it challenging to have just one.
Full recipe ❘
Date Energy Balls
Brawnie: The unprocessed brownie made with dates
Indeed, one can relish a deeply chocolaty brownie.
without adding sugar or butter
. Here the dates provide all the necessary sweetness, in addition to giving it a juicy and moist texture that has nothing to envy to the classic recipe. Ideal for desserts, snacks or to accompany a coffee when you have guests and want to surprise with something different… and healthy.
Full recipe ❘
Brawnie
Snickers: Chocolate-covered stuffed dates
Who mentioned you can’t have enjoyment?
tasty treat free from highly processed ingredients
These DIY Snickers bars use dates as their foundation and blend the finest elements from both realms: a smooth and rich texture.
peanut butter
filling and a crunchy dark chocolate coating. All
free from flour, free from processed sugars
And with that perfect balance that leaves you wanting more. Ideal for packing in your backpack and tackling sugar cravings in the most wholesome manner.
Full recipe ❘
Snickers: Chocolate-covered stuffed dates
Coffee and date smoothie
If you’re looking for an energizing pick-me-up during mornings or midafternoons, this smoothie will be your go-to choice. It’s creamy, freshly made, and perfectly complemented with a hint of coffee to invigorate you. The blend includes bananas, milk, and dates for natural sweetness. This healthy and filling drink merges the goodness of breakfast with the delight of cold brew coffee.
Full recipe ❘
Coffee and Date Smoothie
Date fudge
This fudge serves as evidence that
vegan desserts
can be just as irresistible as traditional ones. All you need are dates, a little tahini or nut butter and coconut oil to achieve a soft, almost toffee-like texture that melts in your mouth. Keep it in the fridge and you’ll always have a sweet snack on hand for when you need it most.
Full recipe ❘
Date Fudge
Date cream, the natural sweetener for your desserts
Ditch the conventional sugary caramel. This nutritious alternative made from dates works great as a spread on bread, pairs well with yogurt, or elevates any dessert. It’s a basic element you’ll wish to keep using repeatedly.
Full recipe ❘
Date spread
You might also want to check out:
Ramadan 2025: Strategies for Fasting Without Fatigue During This Month
read more on en.SANGGRALOKA
oleh admin | Jul 7, 2024 | children, children and families, eating habits, food and drink, snacks
If you catch yourself heading towards the snack cabinet right after the kids leave, consider this carefully instead.
Children of ‘stealthy snackers’ tend to have greater consumption of goodies compared to those whose parents aren’t as secretive about snacking.
Researchers from Finland examined approximately 500 parents and 400 children aged three to six to document their intake of about a dozen sweet food items and beverages.
Sixty-eight percent of parents said they engaged in ‘secret eating,’ which means intentionally consuming food when their children were not around.
Nearly three-fourths of mothers – 73 percent – admitted to being ‘secret eaters,’ whereas only 55 percent of fathers confessed to doing the same.
Nevertheless, kids whose moms secretly snack tend to consume sweet treats more often compared to other children; however, no such pattern emerged regarding fathers.
According to the study published in the journal Appetite, chocolate topped the list of favorites targeted by parents, closely followed by sweets, ice cream, biscuits, and cakes.
Researchers from Jyvaskyla and Helsinki stated: “Parental secretive eating was associated with aspects of the social home food environment including family food regulations, efforts to avoid granting children’s requests, and aspirations towards setting examples of healthy behavior.”
‘More studies are required to ascertain if parents can truly stop their own eating behaviors from affecting their children.’
Read more
