In India, we know of the Paan leaf, Betel leaf, Piper betle , a chew that is beloved by the nation. It is used as a wrap with calcium hydroxide, catechu (which gives the red colour), and araca nut seed, and often with rose jam (gulkand) for a sweet version. There are more varieties, some with tobacco, and various other spices and herbs. These are always chewed raw, and the taste of the beetle leaf is pungent. And then I discovered, with Naomi at her home, Miang kham, the Laot

Tofu came to Vietnam from its neighbour, China, centuries ago. It rose to prominence due to Buddhism. Tofu serves as an essential part of...

The French forst entered Vietnam in the 17th century as missionaries. Later in 1887 they colonized Vietnam, cambodia and Laos and ruled...