Job Discussion Forums

[CThomas]

God, I love the food here.

[mark_in_saigon]

but it scares the hell out me also. I am trying to condition my stomach a bit more slowly this time, rather than going completely native from day one. I do think that Loteria thingy is pretty good. Is there some magical formula for getting a normal cup of coffee, or does everyone get used to this crazy espresso type thing they seem to think is the only way to make coffee?

[Micro67]

There were a KFCs in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap over the Tet holiday. Maybe they were there before and I didn't notice, but I think that has happened in the last 6 months.

[jb0072009]

I was in Thailand over Tet and I will confess. I will say that I miss having a variety of food, especially western food. I went to Subway and Sizzler and Burger King and was in heaven eating at those places. You can all say that i should go back to the USA but let us face facts: the food variety in Vietnam is not shall we say that much. True you can get "western" food in some places and some are actually pretty good but except for Pizza Hut, KFC, Lotteria and Jollybee they are just like some things in Vietnam; copies.

[mark_in_saigon]

Lotteria is much better than KFC, here, their fried chicken is quite fresh, not overcooked and very tasty. Their shrimp burger is excellent, again, not overcooked. A beef burger was fine also. I have not really tried too much, because those are so good I am kinda hooked on them. A bit pricey for VN, although their little ice cream thing is inexpensive if you have room. I wish I could get fast food as good as this in the U.S. I am a big fan of Lotteria. It may not be true fast food by the way, as they seem to cook the sandwiches to order rather than in batches. Part of why they are so good. Very nice servers too, they even speak a bit of English. Some friend told me there are quite a few in HCMC, I think she said 40.

My problem here is it is almost impossible to get normal hot chocolate, or what I consider normal coffee. Maybe over in 1 for two bucks a cup it is not a problem.

[blateson]

Without a doubt, after weeks and weeks of eating Pho noodles and banh mi sandwiches and rice three times a day, a flame-grilled Burger King whopper with fries or a Sizzler steak and potatoes really hits the spot, along with a DQ chocolate dipped double ice cream. Not to mention some peace and quiet to go with that meal.

[jb0072009]

[Hari Seldon]

[mark_in_saigon]

and have not had decent fries here anywhere, they have problems serving things like that hot, quickly enough. Fries need enough volume to batch produce and serve right away in something that will hold the heat. Not enough volume on fries in this country. No catsup to be found either. Their fried chicken is quite good, their shrimp burger is excellent, I would put that up against almost any american fast food. Their service is way superior to ours, the human aspect, not so much the nuts and bolts. I am still getting used to using toilet paper and kleenex as a napkin, seems to be a national standard. I understand the toilet paper, some of the things we eat are gonna come thru so fast it is a good handy, all around choice.

[Jessica L]

[Jessica L]

[deessell2]

KFC is 'consumed' differently in Asia. For us in the west, it is simply fast food, we get it quickly, we eat it quickly and we go.

KFC is seen as symbol of modernity, less so in Thailand as it is much more developed and there is a wider selection of western fast food outlets. In Vietnam and Cambodia the locals are attracted to the 'experience' more. The experience includes the modern and clean decor, the standardization of the food and the chance to experience some 'Americana' and those good old Hollywood values of equality and democracy.

Personally, I'm more of a Burger King fan but the best KFC I have ever eaten in the world, goes to Cambodia!

[isabel]