Kim Samuel, the K-pop idol affectionately dubbed the “Half-Prince” by fans for his striking looks that blend American and Korean heritage, recently visited Vietnam as part of a music collaboration with Vietnamese artist Hoàng Mỹ An. The trip proved to be an exhilarating experience for Samuel, as he immersed himself in Vietnamese culture, daily life, and cuisine. One particular aspect left him pleasantly surprised.
The singer visited Vietnam for a musical collaboration with a Vietnamese artist.
During his brief stay in Ho Chi Minh City, Samuel took time to explore the city, particularly the iconic Bến Thành Market. He wandered through the bustling stalls, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of one of the city’s oldest markets. Beyond sightseeing, Samuel and his companion indulged in quintessential Vietnamese dishes. Pho, fresh spring rolls, and bánh khọt were among the delicacies they savored.
The duo enjoyed a variety of enticing Vietnamese dishes.
Samuel was particularly enthralled by his first experience of eating bánh khọt the traditional way, from wrapping it with fresh herbs to dipping it in fish sauce. He also relished the fresh spring rolls before diving into Vietnam’s national dish, pho. International visitors are often encouraged to try pho at least once when in Vietnam.
While Samuel had tried pho in the U.S., he noted a distinct difference in Vietnam. He observed that the rice noodles in Vietnam are thinner, and he particularly enjoyed the rich broth. This unique experience made his Vietnamese pho adventure truly memorable.
Samuel expressed his love for the flavorful broth of Vietnamese pho.
Beyond the taste, Samuel was stunned by the affordability of a bowl of pho in Vietnam. Upon learning that a hearty bowl costs only around $2 (approximately 40,000 VND), he was incredulous. In the U.S., a bowl of Vietnamese pho can cost up to $15 (over 300,000 VND). This vast price difference left him both amazed and delighted.
The international visitor was shocked by the price of a bowl of pho at the Vietnamese market.
The combination of delicious flavors and incredible value led Samuel to give Vietnamese pho a perfect score of 10. His experience highlights that Vietnamese cuisine captivates not only with its distinctive flavors but also with its accessibility and affordability, leaving a lasting impression on international visitors.
Photos: Hoàng Mỹ An Official
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