Saigoneer Audio Archive

On this week's show, we welcome our colleague Elise down from Hanoi for a wide-ranging discussion (1:10) about street/public art in Vietnam. What's out there that we like, what don't we like, and what could be done to foster a community of talent street artists? Our interview guest (24:34) is Linh Valerie Pham, a theater and puppetry artist based in Hanoi. We had a discussion about experimental theater in Vietnam, the art of storytelling, and the different alleys one artist can take. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (1:05:29).

On this week's show, we look (1:11) at the ongoing historic flooding in central Vietnam, where five provinces have been hit by multiple tropical storms in recent weeks and have sustained massive damage and tragic loss of life. What could be done to prevent such calamity in the future, and what sort of charity and relief efforts are currently underway? Our interview guest (23:10) is Le Ngoc Ha Thu, a Hanoi-based fashion designer who won the menswear category at the Redress Design Award 2020, a competition aimed at promoting sustainable clothing production and design. Thu talked about her background in design, how to be an environmentally conscious clothing consumer, and what she hopes to achieve in the future. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (47:20).

We're back! We begin this week (1:08) by chatting about plans to expand pedestrian areas in Saigon and Hanoi. What do we like about existing spaces like Nguyen Hue, and what would we like to see in future vehicle-free zones? Then (17:18), in preparation for Halloween, we share a few scary stories and tales from Vietnam, including the legend of 'rock apes;' ông Ba Bịa, a thin man who haunts kids with three bags; and a demonic grandma. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (41:02).

On this week's show, we begin (0:53) by looking at the uproar over a New Yorker article titled 'The Public-Shaming Pandemic' that was published last week. The feature covered, among other things, the social media abuse aimed at two wealthy Vietnamese sisters who caught the coronavirus back in March, but painted Vietnam poorly and contained several errors regarding the country's response to the pandemic. What does this episode say about foreign coverage of Vietnam, and of the way some Vietnamese perceive journalists and media outlets? A link to the article: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/09/28/the-public-shaming-pandemic Then (18:48), we discuss a new proposal from the Ministry of Education that would allow students at public middle and high schools to use their phones during class for 'educational purposes.' Is this realistic? What are the pros and cons? There is no Bánh Mỉ Banter this week.

We begin (1:13) this week by talking about the recent launch of Urbanist Vietnam, our Vietnamese-language sister site. How do we decide which Saigoneer stories to translate into Vietnamese, and what can readers expect in terms of original features in the future? Then (16:23), we discuss the áo dài in contemporary Vietnam. Cultural officials in Thua Thien-Hue Province have started wearing the outfit on the first Monday of every month. What is the iconic garment's place in contemporary Vietnam? As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (34:24).

On this week's show, we begin (1:08) with a conversation about our recent decision to use diacritics in Vietnamese names on the Saigoneer website. What are the benefits of using the language to its full extent, and what does the fact that most websites publishing in English don't use diacritics say about our relationship to Vietnamese? Then (21:16), we look at the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak centered on Da Nang - how has this development impacted daily life in Saigon, and what do we think of the protective measures being taken here? As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (31:38).

On this week's show, we begin (1:09) by discussing the Vietnamese government's effort to get women to marry by age 30 and have two children by age 35, which is aimed at tackling Vietnam's rapidly aging population. What does this mean for young women, and what is missing from this official suggestion? Our interview guest (24:04) is Bill Nguyen, a visual arts curator and writer currently working at The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre in Saigon. We talked about his work, the status of art in modern Vietnam, and why, in his view, Hanoi is better than Saigon. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (56:27).

This week, we begin (1:00) with a discussion about wildlife consumption in Vietnam. A recently-published study found cornavirus strains in a majority of field rat and bat guano samples taken in Vietnam from 2013 to 2014. What could these findings - and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic - mean for the eating of bushmeat here? Then (20:13), on a lighter note, we share some of our favorite recent street food, cafe and restaurant finds in Saigon. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (30:53).

On this week's show, our Urbanist Hanoi colleague shares what life in the capital was like during the peak of Vietnam's coronavirus outbreak in February and March (1:22), and how daily life has recovered over the last several weeks. Then (16:51), architect Mel Schenck becomes our first repeat guest after his appearance on our third episode ages ago. We discuss his new book, 'Southern Vietnam Modernist Architecture,' and how appreciation of this style has changed over the last few years. The book is available at Fahasa and other major bookstores in Vietnam, or through Barnes & Noble overseas: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/southern-vietnamese-modernist-architecture-mel-schenck/1136864951?ean=9780578516585 For more on modernist architecture in Vietnam: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VietnameseModernistArchitecture/ As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (36:47).

On this week's single-topic show, we look (1:11) at how people of different genders and generations utilize different businesses and spaces in Saigon for civic life - or to just hang out with friends. From open-front cafes dominated by middle-aged men to convenience stores and roadside tea vendors popular with groups of gender-diverse youths, what do the city's spaces say about who visits them? And would floating cafes make any sense? As always, we end with Bánh Mỉ Banter (23:38).

A few weeks ago, we discussed depictions of Vietnam from foreign filmmakers and studios. Today (0:55), we dig into the themes and improving quality of domestically-produced movies like Song Lang, Goodbye Mother, Furie, and Good Morning and Good Night. What do these movies reflect about Vietnamese society, and what do we hope to see from local movies in the future? As always, we end with Bánh Mỉ Banter (34:54).

This week, we share our love of all things snackable (1:27), whether American classics like Cheez-Its and Fig Newtons or Vietnamese staples like chuối nếp nướng and the astonishing variety of fruit-based snacks available here. Conversely, what are some of the worst snacks? Our interview guest (20:01) is Damien Roberts, executive director of Saigon Children, the Saigon-based charity organization which provides education and vocational training to disadvantaged children throughout Vietnam, with a focus on the southern region. We discussed the charity's work over the years, the challenges of fundraising during a global pandemic, and Roberts' goals for the future. Find out more about Saigon Children and how you can help here: https://www.saigonchildren.com/ As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (44:52).

On this week's single-topic show, we discuss movies about Vietnam created by foreign production companies and directors (1:28). The country's home-grown movie industry has improved in leaps and bounds in recent years (something we'll address in a future episode), but how has Vietnam been depicted from abroad? Of course, Hollywood has its classic war movies, most of which make for difficult watching from a Vietnamese perspective, but we dig into a few films (mostly) unrelated to conflict. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (36:33).

We're back with a new episode recorded, believe it or not, in our office. This may sound shocking to many around the world, but Vietnam's coronavirus outbreak has been so well-contained that a sense of normalcy has returned, and that's our topic for today. We discussed (1:57) reactions to Vietnam's success, possible ways forward, and whether it's too soon for the country to fully celebrate. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (24:50).

With no end in sight to working from home - and the coronavirus dominating daily life - we've had to think outside the box for this episode. We played a game of 'review roulette,' in which we each submitted a movie, album, TV show and book/article to a random generator, and then reviewed what we received. Most of the submissions were trashy or things we knew other co-hosts wouldn't like very much. Mike got 'High School Musical' (2:47), Thi dissected 'Thor: Ragnarok' (10:54), Khoi watched the old YouTube series 'lonelygirl15' (21:56), and Paul pondered the ESPN article 'The true story behind Michael Jordan's brief-but-promising baseball career' (30:02). As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (37:10). This episode is brought to you by Waves. Learn more about their audio platform at https://waves8.com/.

On this working-from-home episode, we each share a dispatch from our respective neighborhood of Saigon in the time of COVID-19 (1:16). What is daily life like? How are we spending our time? What happens to the fish at those weird foot massage places when there are no tourists? PSA: Since this episode was reported remotely it doesn't have our usual high-level audio quality. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (31:26). This episode is brought to you by Waves. Find out more at https://waves8.com/.

On this week's episode, our 80th (!), we begin (1:29) with the latest, as of March 12, on Vietnam's Covid-19 outbreak, which has entered a worrying stage with a string of new cases in different regions after over three weeks without any new infections. Then (19:41), we take a slightly whimsical detour to share how we'd spend a hypothetical 14-day home quarantine period. Reading? Baking? Composting? Our interview guest (30:07) is Trang Nguyen, founder of the wildlife conservation organization WildAct. She talked about her childhood interest in animal welfare, her efforts to change attitudes toward wildlife trafficking in Vietnam, and more. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (51:09). This episode is brought to you by Waves, Vietnam's biggest podcast app. Learn more at https://waves8.com/.

In honor of International Women's Day, we begin this week (1:19) by sharing stories of Vietnamese women from throughout history who haven't received the recognition we think they deserve. From a 15th century Confucian scholar to a contemporary poet, Vietnamese women have a fascinating, often overlooked history. Then (21:24), we sit down with Hong Anh Nguyen, Truong Que Phuong and Doan Kim Thu, the creators of the YouTube series Melon Bê Đê, for an extended conversation about their personal experiences as queer women in Vietnam. They discuss the importance of lesbians getting STD tests, the challenges of bringing the foreign and Vietnamese lesbian communities together, why they decided to begin their conversational series on queer life, and much more. Check out their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/MelonB%C3%AA%C4%90%C3%AA?fbclid=IwAR36k57IbaLnySgQGSNLjlVsADL8HctS-wviqUmIsvrcHt81_FedjqR_1yE As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (1:08:57).

This week, we begin (1:04) by discussing nhậu and some of the problems it presents for women or people who don't want to drink, as well as the opportunities for bonding that it can spur in certain groups. This conversation was inspired by an essay titled 'In Food and Community: How Vietnamese Drinking Culture Taught Me to Love My Queerness' by Alex Nguyen. (https://www.colorbloq.org/in-food-and-community-how-vietnamese-drinking-culture-taught-me-to-love-my-queerness) Then (16:36), we look at the impacts of the ongoing closure of schools nationwide amid the Covid-19 outbreak. Many teachers are hurting financially, but could this usher in new forms of learning and methods of teaching? As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (31:01).

Whatever you think of the Oscars, there is no denying that 'Parasite' winning Best Picture was a big deal. We begin this week (1:10) by breaking down Bong Joon-ho's masterful triumph (and new role as a living meme generator); the reaction in South Korea; other movies and directors from Asia worth your time; and the ignorance of western moviegoers who avoid films in a foreign language. Then, we dive into the current state of Vietnamese cinema (19:03), which has seen a few notable recent successes, but lags far behind the likes of South Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand in terms of overseas visibility - and overall creativity. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (31:52).

We're back from the Tet holiday! This week, we begin (1:25) with the novel coronavirus outbreak: how has it impacted our daily lives, and what changes have we seen in Saigon since the virus' spread began? Then (14:00), we look at the zero-tolerance drunk driving laws that went into effect on January 1. What sort of behavioral changes have these regulations created? Are they too strict? As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (21:10).

On this week's show, our last before the Lunar New Year break, we discuss (1:26) potential ways to improve traditional Tet dishes. Specialties like bánh tét, for example, are very heavy - could they be made healthier? And would it be possible to run a year-round Tet food restaurant? Then (22:00), we have an extended chat with Vietnamese writer Nguyen Phan Que Mai, author of the upcoming novel 'The Mountains Sing.' Que Mai is the first Vietnamese national to write a novel in English published by a major American press. 'The Mountains Sing' is a stunning multi-generational story that explores the strength and heartbreak of Vietnamese women during the 20th century. We discuss the book, the craft of writing novels, the differences in publishing in Vietnam versus the west, and, of course, durian. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (1:13:22). Chúc mừng năm mới, and see you in the Year of the Rat! Find out more about Que Mai's new book here: https://saigoneer.com/vietnam-literature/18107-saigoneer-bookshelf-a-quintessential-vietnamese-novel,-written-in-memories

On this special single-segment episode, we look back at the last decade in Vietnam through the lens of four societal trends: digital convenience, cyberculture, labor issues, and overtourism (1:32). The period from 2010 to 2019 brought incredible transformations to the country, and while these four subjects are by no means comprehensive, we believe they illuminate the profound ways in which daily life has changed for tens of millions of people in Vietnam. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (44:00).

We're closing out the year with a special mega-episode, in which we chose a few of our favorite segments from the past 12 months. We begin (:50) by sharing our nominations for Vietnam's 'national senses,' if such a thing existed. What smells, sounds, sights, tastes and textures do we think best exemplify the country? The smell of pork chops grilling on a sidewalk? The Bitexco Financial Tower? Those fragrant wet wipes given out at bia hơi joints? Then (17:03), our extended conversation about superstitions, both Vietnamese and western. We also play a game where we guess which ones are real, and which are not. 'The Third Wife,' (37:13) the critically acclaimed indie film festival darling directed by Ash Mayfair and filmed here, was released in Vietnam several months ago, but only lasted four days in cinemas before being pulled. We break down the controversy surrounding its use of a 13 year-old actress in erotic scenes, and what it says about Vietnam's movie-going public. What makes a certain dish or cuisine authentic? (51:31) Who determines which food and restaurants are authentic? Does authenticity even matter when it comes to food? Then (1:16:31), we discuss a few of the incredibly diverse, occasionally bizarre festivals that coincide with specific dates on the lunar calendar throughout Vietnam. Everyone knows about Tet and the Mid-Autumn Festival, but there are so many more beyond those two. Our interview guest is Thuc Dang (1:33:28), who writes the 'Vietnam's Next Top Bitches' music review Facebook page . We chatted about the evolution of Vietnamese music in recent years, and what he hopes to see in the future.

On this week's show, Saigoneer Korean's editor stops by to chat about the presence of South Korean culture in Saigon (1:32). What draws so many Korean expats to the city, and what's up with the popularity of Cộng Cà Phê among this group? Then (24:08), we dig in to K-pop. What do Koreans make of its massive popularity overseas, particularly in countries like Vietnam? And what sort of impact have recent tragedies involving K-pop stars had on fans? (If you don't know that Saigoneer Korean exists, check it out: https://kr.saigoneer.com/) As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (45:93). Happy holidays! This episode of the Saigoneer Podcast is brought to you by The Deck.

On this week's show, we dig deep (1:24) into the recently-concluded Southeast Asia Games. Vietnam's athletes had a stellar showing, winning the second-most medals among the competing countries, but why does football - and particularly men's football - get the vast majority of coverage and public attention? Also, what are the competition's most whimsical sports? Then, we sit down (24:05) with Phuong Nho and Jerome Buzenet, who are involved in a number of popular restaurants in Saigon - and are also behind a new sourdough-focused cafe. We talked about the exciting F&B scene in the city, as well as what drives them to create new ideas. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (40:39). This episode is brought to you by The Deck.

On this week's show (1:05), we begin by discussing Saigon's rapidly worsening air quality. What can individual Saigoneers do about this seemingly intractable problem, and how does it impact our daily lives? Then (18:48), we ponder whether Saigon's bubble tea 'bubble' has burst, and what the next youth-centric F&B trend might be. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (29:44). This episode of the Saigoneer Podcast is brought to you by Epizode.

This week, we begin (1:00) by discussing the dangers, and potential benefits, of alternative medicine. While sham treatments spread via social media can be dangerous, are we too quick to dismiss methods not used at hospitals or clinics? Then (18:33), we look at video streaming platforms in light of Netflix's recent addition of a Vietnamese-language interface. Will the streaming giant's local productions improve? Can it compete against YouTube and digital piracy? As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (33:39). This episode of the Saigoneer Podcast is brought to you by Epizode (https://epizode.com/).

This week be begin ̣(1:04) by sharing our dream upgrades to the Nguyen Hue walking street in light of the recent completion of a lotus fountain on the thoroughfare. What else could be added? A communal kitchen? Ostrich races? An outdoor cinema? Then (16:23), we sit down with Peter Menchetti, organizer of this weekend's We're Loud Fest, which is bringing four days of international punk, hardcore, garage and rock bands to Saigon. (https://slovenly.eventsmart.com/) As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (31:16).

This week, we begin (1:12) by looking at how some contemporary Vietnamese musicians, artists and architects are taking inspiration from traditional Vietnamese culture and materials for their projects, rather than from foreign countries such as Taiwan or South Korea. Then (15:36), we have our first food fight in quite some time, as we debate the merits of various Vietnamese desserts and ponder whether one is worthy of the title of 'national dessert.' As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (30:01).

This week, we begin (1:16) by discussing the lure of 'promised land' countries like the United Kingdom and Japan to potential Vietnamese migrants in the wake of the Essex truck tragedy. How did this image get built, and how is it perpetuated? Then (16:40), we dig into the sudden collapse of Mon Hue, the national restaurant chain, and its sister restaurants. Can chains serving Vietnamese food be sustainable in a country with such a strong food culture? As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (28:30).

This week, we begin (1:32) by discussing the impact social media, and especially Instagram, can have on tourism in light of two headline-grabbing recent events: the abrupt closure of Hanoi's 'train street,' and the social media furor that erupted after pictures of an illegally-built hotel on the Ma Pi Leng Pass in Ha Giang Province appeared on Facebook. Then (19:28), we break down the perception of the 'Made in Vietnam' label both at home and abroad. We recently learned that Vietnamese products are popular in Russia, but how are they viewed elsewhere? (We're talking about products designed, made and sold by Vietnamese companies, not clothing or electronics manufactured here and sold by foreign corporations.) As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (35:38).

On this week's episode, we begin (1:04) by discussing victim-blaming in the wake of a controversial message sent out by a local ride-hailing company. What does the reaction to this ad, and its very existence, say about current attitudes toward sexual harassment? Then (18:25), we discuss a few of our favorite up-and-coming local indie bands and the improving standards of music videos and live shows. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (30:54).

On this week's episode, we take a look ̣(1:09) at the explosive growth of convenience stores throughout Saigon in recent years. It's hard to walk 10 feet these days without tripping over a Family Mart, VinMart or similar competitor. What does this mean for traditional corner shops? (Also why is Hanoi's convenience store game so bad?) Then (15:48), we discuss social media literacy, especially among older people, many of whom went from not having the internet straight to having Facebook. What should be done to ensure that people use Facebook and other platforms safely? As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (27:06). Links referenced in the show: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/27/facebook-free-basics-developing-markets https://tuoitre.vn/vay-8-trieu-qua-app-2-thang-sau-tra-gan-200-trieu-van-chua-het-2019091022251727.htm https://www.alieward.com/ologies https://saigoneer.com/society/society-categories/7295-photos-saigon-s-convenience-craze-how-corporate-chains-are-creating-new-space-for-civic-life

On this week's episode, we begin ̣(1:22) with a chat about mooncakes, the traditional treats of the just-passed Mid-Autumn Festival. What do we make of new novelty varieties (Oreo mooncakes, anyone?), and where do these pastries stand in Vietnamese society in 2019? Then (21:33), we speak to Michitake Aso, associate professor at the University of Albany-SUNY and author of the 2018 book 'Rubber and the Making of Vietnam.' In this extended interview, Aso discusses the brutality of colonial-era rubber plantations in southern Vietnam, the environmental and social impacts this industry still has today, and more. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (1:09:20).

This episode contains explicit language. On this week's show, we begin (1:22) ̣by discussing the new translation of 'The Tale of Kieu' recently released by Penguin Classics under the name 'The Song of Kieu.' Nguyen Du's original version, written in the early 19th century, is considered Vietnam's most important work of classic literature. Why did Penguin release a translation without the involvement of any Vietnamese scholars? Then (17:41), we look at the recent launches of several Vietnamese social networks aiming to compete with the likes of Facebook and YouTube. Do they stand a chance? Our interview guest is Thuc Dang, who writes the 'Vietnam's Next Top Bitches' music review Facebook page (28:56). We chatted about the evolution of Vietnamese music in recent years, and what he hopes to see in the future. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (49:31).

On this week's episode (our 60th!) we discuss (1:00) a few Vietnam-focused 'what ifs?' - for example, what if the country had never decided to use chopsticks as a dining utensil? Or what if the French had never colonized Vietnam? Then (18:21), we do our first street food update in a while, which includes bamboo rice (171 Phan Dang Luu, Phu Nhuan District in the morning), a glorious vegetarian buffet (73 Huynh Man Dat, Binh Thanh District) and a couple of top-notch bún riêu spots (outside 95 Pasteur Street, District 1 & across from 14 Quoc Huong, District 2 at lunchtime). As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (28:35).

On this week's episode, we begin (1:07) by discussing how the concept and role of pets is evolving as Vietnam becomes increasingly wealthy. More people are buying expensive breeds of cats and dogs, but cities like Saigon have introduced stricter pet regulations, while many new apartment complexes don't allow pets. Then (17:15), we dive into 'Ghost Month' and the traditions that come with it, such as not making big purchases or life decisions in order to avoid bad luck. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (32:11).

On this week's episode, we begin (1:07) ̣by discussing the factors that Vietnamese students weigh when choosing a country for studying abroad. Then (14:44), we dig into recent developments in the local ride-hailing app market, from new competitors to driver strikes and more. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (32:49).

What makes a certain dish or cuisine authentic? Who determines which food and restaurants are authentic? Does authenticity even matter when it comes to food? We debate these questions and more in this single-topic episode (1:04). As always, we end with Bánh Mỉ Banter (26:03).

On this week's episode, we celebrate the end of an era with our second nhậu roundtable special (1:08). We answered questions such as "If you launched a Vietnamese airline, what would it be called, and what uniforms would the flight attendants wear?"; "If you could open a museum in Saigon, what topic would it cover?"; and "What is the worst food abomination you've eaten in Vietnam?" Then (29:29), we speak to Quyen Nguyen, a co-founder of Laiday Refill Station, about her efforts to raise awareness on the dangers of plastic waste and spread a lifestyle focused on reusable, refillable products. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (49:57).

On this week's show, we begin ̣(1:02) by discussing the explosive growth of domestic tourism in Vietnam, an industry aided by rapid economic growth and a blossoming middle class. Can tourism service providers cater to both the domestic market and the international tourism market, given the very different interests of these groups? Then (20:16), we dive into the derivative but possibly important new Son Tung music video, which features an appearance by the one and only Snoop Dogg. The video broke all kinds of records on YouTube, but does it signify bigger things to come for Vietnam's music industry? As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (32:26).

On this week's show, we begin (1:10) by discussing Saigon's disappearing architectural heritage. Much has been written about the city's failure to preserve its historic buildings, particularly those from the colonial era, but at times local voices have been left out of that discourse. Who should preservation serve, and is every historic building worth saving? Then (15:09), we share the one thing each of us would change about our beloved Saigon if given the chance to do so. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (28:46).

On this week's show, we begin ̣(1:06) by discussing Vietnam's new national campaign against plastic waste. Such garbage is a massive problem here, so what do we hope to see from this effort, and what sort of impact have small-scale anti-plastic movements had? Then (20:07), on a lighter note, we share what our Vietnam-related superpowers would be. Punching through the red tape holding back metro projects? Kicking internet cable-munching sharks in the face? Snapping half of all traffic out of existence? Listen to find out! As always, we close (34:36) with Bánh Mì Banter (and a special email offer from Paul).

On this week's episode we start (1:23) in the movie world. 'The Third Wife,' the critically acclaimed indie film festival darling directed by Ash Mayfair and filmed here, was released in Vietnam recently, but only lasted four days in cinemas before being pulled. We break down the controversy surrounding its use of a 13 year-old actress in erotic scenes, and what it says about Vietnam's movie-going public. Then (15:44), we discuss a report stating that Vietnamese consume much less beef and milk on an annual basis than the global average. Is that a bad thing? What are some possible protein alternatives as African Swine Fever spreads through the country? Tofu? Insects? Hippo meat? As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (29:28).

On this week's show, we begin ̣(1:14) by discussing news that officials are considering adding nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to the list of banned substances. Balloons filled with laughing gas have become hugely popular on the local club circuit in recent years. Then (12:47), we debate our favorite Vietnamese sauces and condiments, from green chili sauce and tamarind fish sauce to the incredible hot sauce at Hanoi's Pho Thin. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (30:36).

It's our 50th episode! As unabashed bibliophiles, we care and think about book culture and trends a lot. In our first segment, we discuss what we’ve observed in light of a pretty terrifying survey of reading rates in Vietnam (2:18). Then (20:33), we talk about idioms. While these pithy phrases are an important part of Vietnamese culture and help transmit and reflect important values, they can sometimes be problematic. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (37:44).

On this week's show, which comes a few days late due to two national holidays, we begin (1:14) by discussing challenges which Vietnamese laborers in countries like Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Japan face, as well as some of the problems researchers have found in factories in Vietnam. Then (16:35) we share thoughts on what would possibly happen if a zombie apocalypse hit Saigon. (NOTE: due to a technical error, the beginning of this segment was cut off.) As always, we close with Banh Mi Banter (30:12).

We're back from a two-week break! On this episode, we begin (1:20) with a discussion about sexual harassment of children in Vietnam following a recent incident in which a middle-aged man molested a girl on an elevator in a Saigon apartment complex. Then (14:39), we discuss that Burger King New Zealand ad (you know the one), as well as recent food articles involving jackfruit and kaya toast which highlight the problematic ways in which Western writers and media outlets sometimes cover Asian cuisine. Our interview guest (28:46) is Andrew Rowan, the author of 'Startup Vietnam: Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the Socialist Republic.' Andrew joined us from New York to talk about his experience working in the startup sector here, and advice for anyone looking to do the same. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (50:06).

Happy April Fools' Day! On this week's episode, we sort through a pile of unsolicited listener questions ̣(0:55) and ponder answers to age-old conundrums such as "Which animal makes the best sound?"; "If you could send each of your colleagues on a trip to anywhere in the world, where would it be?"; "Which is best, 'Parks & Recreation', 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' or 'The Good Place'?"; and "If Saigoneer hosted a music festival, what would the line-up look like?" As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (35:22).