Unfortunately, I missed out on last Sunday’s Snooze Day. I write to you from the homestay I am living in for a week in Hanoi which is found at the end of a dark alley - it sounds a little daunting but extremely safe! Hanoi is full of narrow laneways and skinny houses. Once upon a time, taxes on property were charged on the width of the houses, despite that law being outdated, houses continue to be built narrowly which is an iconic image of Hanoi.
This homestay is the third place I have lived in a month, and it has been really difficult to get into a routine here. Today marks the end of the 6 months I have been travelling for and I am very grateful to be able to travel slowly like this, but I am also wanting to stay put in a base for a minimum of 3 months.
I am overwhelmed by the unlimited amount of food and drink in Hanoi, it is definitely one of the best places in Vietnam for street food (but that is only my opinion on what I have experienced here). It has so much variety, is of really high quality and some dishes I have tried here are unique only to this city.
Coronation banquet of King George IV at Westminster Hall, 1821.
The Coronation of King Charles III
Whether or not you are interested in the British monarchy, there is no denying they have been featured a considerable amount in the international headlines lately. From the death of the longest reigning British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II to the exit of Prince Harry and Meghan from the Royal Family, the world now embarks on the latest episode of the royals, the Coronation of King Charles III.
The first coronation of the British Monarch dates back to 973AD, crowning King Edgar at Bath Abbey. With some smearing of some holy oil, to the placing of St Edwards Crown atop the head of the next King/Queen, the ceremony is steeped in tradition yet has evolved over time and it was in the 14th Century that the coronation banquet was introduced.
The food served at coronation banquets was an extremely opulent affair and has evolved over time reflecting tradition, wealth, and symbolism through food. It is not only the royal family and distinguished guests that can enjoy this momentous occasion through food as the general public throw street parties for this symbolic event. The coronation official website even has an official toolkit to help you plan the day with games, activities, and recipes including the much-talked-about Coronation Quiche.
The Demise of The French Baguette
Spending a considerable amount of time in Vietnam over the last 6 months, I have tried many a banh mi from north to south of this glorious country. It is one of the most popular and well-known sandwiches in the world, with the origins of this crusty delight influenced by the French. The French baguette, which was awarded the UNESCO intangible heritage status, and is a symbol of French culture, is facing troubling times as bakeries around the country are facing increases in both energy and ingredient costs.
Fermentation - Then and Now
Fermentation is an ancient process that has been used for thousands of years to create a variety of food and beverages such as beer, wine, cheese, and kimchi. Research and experimentation continue to evolve fermentation techniques. Fermented foods are beneficial for our health, and even cellophane bees use fermentation to provide nutrition to their offspring.
Producing high-quality animal products through ethical and environmentally conscious methods is revolutionising the food industry. Precision fermentation is a method that is leading the way in making this possible by genetically engineering bacteria and other microorganisms to produce specific proteins that are identical to those found in animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs.
Leaving this beautiful book cafe in Hanoi now to wander the streets and see what wonders I can find…
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