SBS food series: Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam
SBS has announced a new series starring Luke Nguyen, acclaimed owner and chef of Sydney restaurant Red Lantern, which follows a culinary journey through the northern regions of Vietnam.
The series will begin airing on December 2nd, starting in imperial Hue. Travelling north toward Hanoi and Sapa, Luke explores nine regions of Northern Vietnam over ten half-hour episodes.
“The cuisine in the northern parts of Vietnam is more delicate, elegant and refined,” says Nguyen, “As I travelled from Hanoi to the northern mountains of Sapa, I felt like I was entering a whole new country.”
As he travels around the stunning landscape and chaotic towns, Luke takes the opportunity to cook for and with the locals, creating dishes that will inspire the home cook or anyone who wants to try this magnificent cuisine in an easy-to-follow style.
Nguyen was born in Thailand in 1978, shortly after his parents fled Vietnam as boat people. After spending some time in a Thai refugee camp, his family eventually settled in Sydney.
As well as running his restaurant, Red Lantern, Nguyen is the author of the bestselling book, Secrets of the Red Lantern & Songs of Sapa. In his spare time, Luke hosts 13-day culinary discovery trips to Vietnam.
In 2009, Luke Nguyen and Suzanna Boyd founded the little lantern foundation in Hoi An, which gives disadvantaged youths an opportunity to undertake a hospitality training program in little lantern’s operating hotel restaurant and bar.
I have watching Luke’s show for the past few weeks and really liked his style and manerisms. He is inspirational to others while respecting the culture and way of life of the Vietnamese people.
Is there any way of geting the recipes from Luke’s DVD
disgusting to see him eat dog on national tv, should be ashamed. and you wonder why people think badly of some asians.
I love Luke’s show, having visited Vietnam many times for work. Although I didn’t try dog, I’ve eaten horse in France. Have to say though, I’m yet to try bigot trotters – however Rick P has just put me off.
There are some aspects to this show that I find really disturbing. When animals such as dogs, baby ducks, piglets, snakes etc are featured to be slaughtered and eaten are horrifying. The lack of animal respect in this show makes me sick! And what makes it worse is Luke doesn’t seem to show any compassion or understanding of the way the animals are treated. Seriously?