Korean-born singer Han Sara and Ngo Lan Huong were guest stars on the Thanh Hoa leg of the culinary show "Sao Chon", broadcast at 21:00 on sunday, 18/10, on the program's website, VnExpress newspaper's YouTube channel, and at 20:40 on VTV8. Throughout the trip, she gained insights into Vietnamese cuisine, culture, and beauty, particularly in Thanh Hoa.

Han Sara had heard from colleagues about Thanh Hoa's specialties like 'banh cuon' (steamed rice rolls), 'nem chua' (fermented pork roll), 'banh khoai tep' (shrimp pancakes), eel dishes (eel porridge, eel vermicelli, braised eel), shrimp cakes, and snails. At a well-known restaurant in the city center, she explored the specific ingredients for eel porridge, fried eel Thanh Hoa-style for the first time, and completed a bowl of eel porridge to her liking.

"This is my first time trying eel porridge," she said, adding that while it might be challenging for foreigners initially, it leaves a lasting impression. The singer noted the eel had no fishy smell, and the rich, thick brown broth and diverse toppings blended well.

This dish is a common breakfast for Thanh Hoa residents. The local eel porridge features rice grains that are not overly soft, creating a light, easy-to-eat consistency with various toppings. Some diners enjoy it with 'banh da' (rice crackers), 'banh cuon' (steamed rice rolls), or 'trung vit lon' (balut).

Another unique experience for Han Sara was deboning 'ca nhech' (needlefish) for 'goi' (salad). This dish is famous in Nga Son, Thanh Hoa, known for its rich, savory, and nutty flavor. It can be served with lime leaves, fig leaves, basil, perilla, and mint.

After deboning, Han Sara learned how to mix spices and prepare the 'ca nhech'. The restaurant chef also taught Han Sara and Ngo Lan Huong the proper way to roll 'goi ca nhech'. The Thanh Hoa specialty banquet also included 'de u trau' (smoked goat) and 'sup ca bong bop' (goby fish soup).

Participating in "Sao Chon" also marked Han Sara's first visit to the Lam Kinh historical site in Tho Xuan commune, a place associated with the Lam Son uprising and the establishment of the Later Le Dynasty. The singer expressed a desire to return soon to delve deeper into Vietnamese history, especially the Later Le Dynasty.

During the show, Han Sara and Ngo Lan Huong also made Tu Tru 'banh gai' for the first time. They learned about the ingredients that give the cake its glossy black crust, the use of naturally dried banana leaves, and the reason for the red/pink string ties. Han Sara was excited when her cake met the standards and was steamed immediately without requiring adjustments from the village artisans.

The singer and her colleagues enjoyed the 'banh gai' on the spot. She called it an unforgettable experience of the trip.

Watch the full episode 4 of "Sao Chon" on VnExpress newspaper's YouTube channel.

Lam Anh

Photos: *Organizers*

With the message "Thousands of Miles of Vietnam - Thousands of Vibrant Flavors", subsequent episodes will air until the end of november, every sunday at 21:00 on the program's website, VnExpress newspaper's YouTube channel, and at 20:40 on VTV8.

"Sao Chon" is part of Vietnam iContent 2026, organized by the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, VnExpress newspaper, FPT Online Joint Stock Company, and the Vietnam Chefs Vocational and Employment Association (VICA). The strategic partner is the Techcombank OneU loyalty program. T Production is the production unit.