Follow Donal to Vietnam

Follow Donal to Vietnam is a captivating culinary journey that transports viewers to the scenic landscapes and bustling cities of Vietnam, through the eyes of Irish food writer, photographer, and television presenter, Donal Skehan. Available on the streamlining platform discovery+, this gastronomic series portrays Donal’s exploration of Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and regional cuisines in an endeavor to uncover the diversity and essence of Vietnamese cooking.

With a running time of approximately dozen episodes, the show sets Donal on a course through the heart of Vietnam, focusing on an array of culinary treasures that define the country's food culture. Throughout his journey, Donal not only admires the stunning natural vistas and ancient architecture but also delves into the food markets, local eateries, and home kitchens seeking the authentic flavors of the Vietnam.

In each episode, Donal starts by exploring local landmarks, the cities’ unique environments, and their cultural elements before it seamlessly transitions into conversations and culinary explorations with local chefs, street food vendors, and home cooks. These encounters allow Donal to learn about traditional Vietnamese dishes and hands-on cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations, reinventing his understanding of Vietnamese cuisine with each tasted dish.

With his warm, engaging, and intuitive personality, Donal is the ultimate guide through this gastronomic adventure. He demonstrates a unique brand of enthusiasm and curiosity, making the viewers feel as if they're right beside him — savoring the rich pho broths, biting into the crunchy spring rolls, and discovering the intricate flavors behind each tangible piece of Vietnamese culture. Through Donal, viewers gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine.

The show not only focuses on food but also beautifully showcases Vietnam as a country - its traditions, history, and daily life. The vivid drizzle drenching the lush rice fields in Sapa, the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh city, the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, and the ancient charm of Hoi An — all immortalizes Vietnam's diverse landscape, making you feel the spirit and soul of the places and people.

An aspect that makes "Follow Donal to Vietnam" stand out is its invitations into Vietnamese homes for family-style meals. It depicts the central role that food plays in Vietnamese culture — a symbol of hospitality and a catalyst for bringing families together. Whether the family is sharing stories or secrets behind generations-old recipes, these intimate encounters offer a dauntingly beautiful representation of Vietnamese culture and cuisines.

This show goes beyond the feast-for-the-eye colorful cuisines and ventures into decadent drinks and appetizing street food snacks that have been woven into the fabric of everyday Vietnamese life. It's a food tour that showcases Vietnam's humble yet diverse culinary scene, allowing Donal to unearth the harmony between tastes, the geography, and the rich history that informs this country's fascinating food culture.

"Follow Donal to Vietnam" is as much a travelogue as a cooking show. While it indulges the senses and educates about the Vietnamese culinary landscape, it also interweaves tales of the country’s history, traditions, and people, making it a must-watch for food and travel enthusiasts alike.

In a nutshell, “Follow Donal to Vietnam” is a delightful symphony of travel and food that offers viewers a detailed, enriching, and flavorful journey through beautiful Vietnam. It is a virtual trip that allows one to experience the country through all senses and plunges the viewer deep into a mosaic of cultures, landscapes, and delectable cuisines that make up Vietnam. If you are a fan of gastronomy, culture or simply a lover of exploration, then buckle up and let Donal lead you on an unforgettable Vietnamese voyage made available on discovery+.