On this week's episode, we begin (1:07) by discussing how the concept and role of pets is evolving as Vietnam becomes increasingly wealthy. More people are buying expensive breeds of cats and dogs, but cities like Saigon have introduced stricter pet regulations, while many new apartment complexes don't allow pets. Then (17:15), we dive into 'Ghost Month' and the traditions that come with it, such as not making big purchases or life decisions in order to avoid bad luck. As always, we end with Bá...
Aug 11, 2019•45 min
On this week's episode, we begin (1:07) ̣by discussing the factors that Vietnamese students weigh when choosing a country for studying abroad. Then (14:44), we dig into recent developments in the local ride-hailing app market, from new competitors to driver strikes and more. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (32:49).
Jul 28, 2019•40 min
What makes a certain dish or cuisine authentic? Who determines which food and restaurants are authentic? Does authenticity even matter when it comes to food? We debate these questions and more in this single-topic episode (1:04). As always, we end with Bánh Mỉ Banter (26:03).
Jul 21, 2019•34 min
On this week's episode, we celebrate the end of an era with our second nhậu roundtable special (1:08). We answered questions such as "If you launched a Vietnamese airline, what would it be called, and what uniforms would the flight attendants wear?"; "If you could open a museum in Saigon, what topic would it cover?"; and "What is the worst food abomination you've eaten in Vietnam?" Then (29:29), we speak to Quyen Nguyen, a co-founder of Laiday Refill Station, about her efforts to raise awarenes...
Jul 14, 2019•59 min
On this week's show, we begin ̣(1:02) by discussing the explosive growth of domestic tourism in Vietnam, an industry aided by rapid economic growth and a blossoming middle class. Can tourism service providers cater to both the domestic market and the international tourism market, given the very different interests of these groups? Then (20:16), we dive into the derivative but possibly important new Son Tung music video, which features an appearance by the one and only Snoop Dogg. The video broke...
Jul 09, 2019•41 min
On this week's show, we begin (1:10) by discussing Saigon's disappearing architectural heritage. Much has been written about the city's failure to preserve its historic buildings, particularly those from the colonial era, but at times local voices have been left out of that discourse. Who should preservation serve, and is every historic building worth saving? Then (15:09), we share the one thing each of us would change about our beloved Saigon if given the chance to do so. As always, we end with...
Jun 23, 2019•36 min
On this week's show, we begin ̣(1:06) by discussing Vietnam's new national campaign against plastic waste. Such garbage is a massive problem here, so what do we hope to see from this effort, and what sort of impact have small-scale anti-plastic movements had? Then (20:07), on a lighter note, we share what our Vietnam-related superpowers would be. Punching through the red tape holding back metro projects? Kicking internet cable-munching sharks in the face? Snapping half of all traffic out of exis...
Jun 16, 2019•45 min
On this week's episode we start (1:23) in the movie world. 'The Third Wife,' the critically acclaimed indie film festival darling directed by Ash Mayfair and filmed here, was released in Vietnam recently, but only lasted four days in cinemas before being pulled. We break down the controversy surrounding its use of a 13 year-old actress in erotic scenes, and what it says about Vietnam's movie-going public. Then (15:44), we discuss a report stating that Vietnamese consume much less beef and milk o...
Jun 02, 2019•37 min
On this week's show, we begin ̣(1:14) by discussing news that officials are considering adding nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to the list of banned substances. Balloons filled with laughing gas have become hugely popular on the local club circuit in recent years. Then (12:47), we debate our favorite Vietnamese sauces and condiments, from green chili sauce and tamarind fish sauce to the incredible hot sauce at Hanoi's Pho Thin. As always, we close with Bánh Mì Banter (30:36).
May 26, 2019•43 min
It's our 50th episode! As unabashed bibliophiles, we care and think about book culture and trends a lot. In our first segment, we discuss what we’ve observed in light of a pretty terrifying survey of reading rates in Vietnam (2:18). Then (20:33), we talk about idioms. While these pithy phrases are an important part of Vietnamese culture and help transmit and reflect important values, they can sometimes be problematic. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (37:44).
May 13, 2019•46 min
On this week's show, which comes a few days late due to two national holidays, we begin (1:14) by discussing challenges which Vietnamese laborers in countries like Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Japan face, as well as some of the problems researchers have found in factories in Vietnam. Then (16:35) we share thoughts on what would possibly happen if a zombie apocalypse hit Saigon. (NOTE: due to a technical error, the beginning of this segment was cut off.) As always, we close with Banh Mi Banter (30:12...
May 01, 2019•39 min
We're back from a two-week break! On this episode, we begin (1:20) with a discussion about sexual harassment of children in Vietnam following a recent incident in which a middle-aged man molested a girl on an elevator in a Saigon apartment complex. Then (14:39), we discuss that Burger King New Zealand ad (you know the one), as well as recent food articles involving jackfruit and kaya toast which highlight the problematic ways in which Western writers and media outlets sometimes cover Asian cuisi...
Apr 21, 2019•1 hr
Happy April Fools' Day! On this week's episode, we sort through a pile of unsolicited listener questions ̣(0:55) and ponder answers to age-old conundrums such as "Which animal makes the best sound?"; "If you could send each of your colleagues on a trip to anywhere in the world, where would it be?"; "Which is best, 'Parks & Recreation', 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' or 'The Good Place'?"; and "If Saigoneer hosted a music festival, what would the line-up look like?" As always, we close with Bánh Mì B...
Mar 31, 2019•45 min
On this week’s episode, we devote our extended first segment (2:14) to poetry. We each read a favorite poem by a writer of Vietnamese descent and then discuss it while looking into the context, as well as the pleasures and pitfalls of translation. Then (35:26), we talk about a recent study which ranked the popularity of different global cuisines. We debate what may have led to Vietnam landing in the 13th spot, and then examine how other cuisines are received here. As always, we end with Bánh Mi...
Mar 24, 2019•54 min
On this week's episode we begin (1:17) by sharing our nominations for Vietnam's 'national senses,' if such a thing existed. What smells, sounds, sights, tastes and textures do we think best exemplify the country? The smell of pork chops grilling on a sidewalk? The Bitexco Financial Tower? Those fragrant wet wipes given out at bia hơi joints? Then (17:36), we do an audio version of our occasional Street Cred series, which dives into the history of the people Saigon's streets are named after. This...
Mar 17, 2019•41 min
On this week's episode, we begin ̣(1:15) by discussing Vietnamese contestants on international reality TV shows who have made headlines recently, from Christine Ha on 'MasterChef US' to the Giang brothers on 'Britain's Got Talent', and several countries in between. How have they been received here? Then (15:10), we talk about Vietnam's domestic tourism boom and the impact it is having on destinations throughout the country. Some spots, like Phu Quoc, are being massively over-developed, while loc...
Mar 10, 2019•38 min
On this week's episode, we begin (1:45) by discussing a few of the incredibly diverse, occasionally bizarre festivals that coincide with specific dates on the lunar calendar throughout Vietnam. Everyone knows about Tet and the Mid-Autumn Festival, but there are so many more beyond those two. Then (18:42), we talk about some of the awkward questions, often about relationships, young people get asked by family members when they visit for the holidays. Why do these get asked? Should we have sympath...
Feb 24, 2019•42 min
On this week's episode, our first after the Tet break, we begin (1:12) with a look at Saigon's parks and precious little green space. If we were in charge of re-designing one of these areas, what would we add? A dog park? Tire swings? A wholesale re-imagining of the very concept of a park? Then (17:16) we discuss recreation in the city. How do we find ways to exercise amid the traffic and pollution? What could be done to make this a better city for outdoor activities? As always, we close with Ba...
Feb 17, 2019•39 min
This episode originally aired on April 15, 2018. Our first segment (1:28) evolved from a recent office conversation about which fruit deserves to be the national fruit of Vietnam. That debate revealed some rather controversial fruit-based opinions among our staff, so we've taken the argument to the airwaves to debate our favorites, from bottom to top tier. Then (12:55), we call up our editor in Hanoi to discuss last week's launch of Urbanist Hanoi. What does our sister site hope to achieve, and ...
Feb 10, 2019•52 min
This episode first aired on June 10, 2018. On episode 17 of the Saigoneer Podcast we begin (1:28) with a discussion of some of the challenges involved in writing in Vietnam, both overall and when writing in a second language such as English. Then (15:09), we wander into Saigon's unofficial Japan Town, at the start of District 1's Le Thanh Ton Street. We talk about the area's unique history, and share some recommendations of our favorite restaurants in the area. Our interview segment (23:09) feat...
Feb 03, 2019•42 min
This episode, our last before the Lunar New Year, is a simple one. We enjoyed a few beers and then discussed (1:19) burning questions such as: "How would the pig fare in a brawl between the 12 zodiac animals?"; "If you could only eat one Vietnamese dish for the rest of your life, which would it be?"; and "If you could add any food or activity to Tet, what would it be and why?" As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (27:00). Chúc mừng năm mới, and may the Year of the Pig begin auspiciously for y...
Jan 27, 2019•33 min
This week's show features an extended conversation about superstitions (1:10), both Vietnamese and western. We also play a game where we guess which ones are real, and which are not. Our interview guest (21:29) is Parag Khanna, the international relations analyst and author of the new book 'The Future is Asian: Commerce, Conflict and Culture in the 21st Century'. We talked about how Asian countries are reconnecting in the post-colonial era, and what this means for Vietnam, among other topics. As...
Jan 20, 2019•55 min
Happy New Year! On our first episode of 2019, we begin (1:22) by discussing food delivery platforms like GrabFood and GoFood. What benefits do they create for customers, drivers and restaurants, and what problems do they present too? Then (18:25) we suggest some potential locations for Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un to meet if Vietnam is selected for their second summit. Could one of the country's many cable car systems come into play? Also, which Vietnamese dishes should they eat while here? As a...
Jan 13, 2019•37 min
This episode originally aired on September 30, 2018. We will return with a new show next week! On this week's show, we begin (1:24) with a look at nhậu culture in Vietnam. What does this age-old drinking tradition tell us about masculinity and gender in the country? Then (13:00), we provide one of our periodic updates on recent street food and cafe finds, including an unexpected Greek spot on Hoang Sa Street and a roti cart near Ben Thanh Market. Our interview guest (21:47) is Hang Tran, who go...
Jan 06, 2019•55 min
This episode originally aired on May 20, 2018. This week we begin (1:22) with a look at the prevalence of fake goods and businesses in Vietnam, and whether or not they're a bad thing. This follows allegations that Mumuso and Minigood are actually Chinese companies, despite their Korean branding. Then (11:36) we chat about some uber-successful Vietnamese millenials who are beating the stereotype that young people are lazy and lack business drive. Our interview discussion (19:51) features Erik Har...
Dec 30, 2018•57 min
This episode originally aired on July 15, 2018. On this week's show, we celebrate our 21st birthday by drinking a few alcohol-infused Japanese drinks and discussing vital matters such as: - Which is the best district in Saigon? - If you could remove three animals from Vietnam's Zodiac calendar, which animals would you replace them with? (Hint: we're big fans of the pangolin.) - What do we expect people to try and bring onto Saigon's metro trains when the service opens? - Street sushi? And more! ...
Dec 23, 2018•41 min
On this week's show, our last of 2018, we begin (2:24) with a look back at our favorite segments, guests, moments and bánh mì banters from our first year on the air. Then (20:39) we'll share some comments and feedback we've received from listeners over the last year, and also look ahead to some guests we'd like to speak to or segments we'd like to try in the coming year. As always, we end with Bánh Mì Banter (31:29). We'll be back in January, in the meantime, have a great holiday season, and...
Dec 16, 2018•41 min
On this week's show, we begin (1:16) with a discussion on what it would mean for English to be named Vietnam's second national language, as recently mentioned at a conference on startups and tech innovation in Hanoi. Then (12:28), we break down several cliches about Vietnam that we're frustrated by seeing in international media. These include an over-reliance on war references and simplistic food coverage. Our interview guest (23:26) is Soleil Ho, the San Francisco Chronicle's new food critic an...
Dec 09, 2018•59 min
On this week's show, we begin (1:19) with a chat about the retro/vintage trend that has spread through Vietnamese cafes, restaurants, design, typography and more over the last couple of years. What does this say about nostalgia among younger generations, and what's the deal with Cong Caphe? Then (13:22), we weigh in on one of our periodic street food updates, though this one ranges away from Saigon to Quy Nhon, Hanoi and beyond. As always, we end with Banh Mi Banter (27:03).
Dec 02, 2018•35 min
This episode was originally released on March 9, 2018, before we began recording in a studio. We'll be back with a new episode next week. Enjoy! We’re back! This week we made up for lost time over our month-long break with an episode featuring two longer, in-depth conversations. Unlike in previous shows, this episode features just one staff discussion (1:18): a deep dive into contemporary Vietnamese literature, including poetry, fiction and graphic non-fiction, by both native and overseas writer...
Nov 25, 2018•58 min
