Fire Power

Quince Saigon serves up simple, smoky goodness The dictionary lists at least ten definitions for the word “simple”. Some carry a negative connotation (think: stupid, unsophisticated, or basic) whereas others are more positive (humble, unpretentious, the opposite of what kids mean when they say “extra”). Quince Saigon (37bis Ky Con, D1) embraces everything good about … Read more

The Blade Master

Hiroshi Takeuchi has quietly built a reputation as the knife-sharpening guru in the country Chefs and most food preparers working in the restaurant industry will regularly sharpen their knives using a metal rod. The rod’s surface is coarse, and rubbing the knife against it files a sharper cut into the blade. To save time (and maybe … Read more

Street Art

On creating an artists’ community in Hoi An The fate of Hoi An’s craftsmen and artists has long waxed and waned with the prosperity of the town itself. Starting in the 15th century, artists from all over the country moved to the bustling port town, hoping to tap into the international market created by traveling … Read more