The artists' culinary journey in Hai Phong began at a banh da workshop, where they learned about making the staple rice noodles. Quang Thang, Do Duy Nam, and Phi Linh actively participated, steaming the noodles, drying them on bamboo racks, and tasting the freshly prepared strands. This hands-on experience, coupled with conversations with the noodle makers, provided insight into a key ingredient in many Hai Phong dishes.
Later, the three guests enjoyed banh da cua at a restaurant in an alley. This iconic Hai Phong dish featured cha la lot (betel leaf sausage), shrimp, be be (mantis shrimp), and crab roe. MC Phi Linh highlighted its uniqueness, stating, "This is something only Hai Phong has; no other place has it."
The program then presented a challenge: giving away 10 servings of banh mi cay, a popular Hai Phong street food, to passersby in 10 minutes. Despite a sudden heavy rain, the artists donned raincoats and carried umbrellas, navigating the streets to complete their task.
In the evening, Quang Thang, Do Duy Nam, and Phi Linh continued their culinary exploration by making nem cua be (crab spring rolls) at a garden restaurant. They selected ingredients and competed to wrap the spring rolls in the dish's distinctive square shape. Do Duy Nam's struggle to achieve the correct form led to several humorous moments.
Concluding their journey, Quang Thang praised Hai Phong cuisine for its contribution to Vietnam's culinary map and its potential as an international tourist attraction. Phi Linh expressed a sense of familiarity with her experiences in Hai Phong, while Do Duy Nam noted that the local food reflects the simplicity and warmth of the people. This series of activities wrapped up the artists' discovery of Hai Phong for "Sao Chon", highlighting local dishes and stories through practical engagement.
Watch the full episode 2 here.
"Sao Chon" is a reality show with the message "ten thousand miles of Vietnam - ten thousand vibrant flavors", aiming to immerse artists in the cuisine, culture, and daily life of various localities. Each episode combines culinary exploration with insights into ingredients, preparation methods, artisans, and regional cultural characteristics. Episode 2, themed "Hai Phong: Spicy cuisine of the port city", aired on 4/10, following the first episode, "Quang Ninh amid wonders". Over 50 minutes, Quang Thang, Do Duy Nam, and Phi Linh explored Hai Phong specialties like banh da and banh mi que.
Subsequent episodes of "Sao Chon" will air weekly on Sundays until the end of November, at 21h on the program's website, VnExpress's YouTube channel, and at 20h40 on VTV8. After Quang Ninh and Hai Phong, upcoming destinations include: Ha Noi, Thanh Hoa, Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang, TP HCM, Vung Tau (TP HCM), and Can Tho.
Nhat Le
The reality show Sao Chon, part of Vietnam iContent 2026, is co-organized by the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, VnExpress Newspaper, FPT Online Joint Stock Company (FPT Online), and the Vietnam Chef Vocational Training and Employment Association (VICA). The strategic partner is the Techcombank OneU customer loyalty program. T Production is the production unit.
