In the movie, Amanda and other tourists are led by Sinh through the Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City. The film beautifully captures the market's details and offers a familiar and rustic look at Vietnamese dishes such as shrimp rolls, broken rice, fruit yogurt, and filter cake.
Apart from the well-known dishes that can be found in sidewalk shops, people's markets, and famous restaurants, the film also highlights the uniqueness of Vietnamese cuisine through the celebration of Lunar New Year. The traditional dishes served during the occasion, including sticky rice with gac, banh chung, fried spring rolls, and a fruit tray, are portrayed in the film.
Durian is a Southeast Asian fruit that is famous in many countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Despite being known as the "king of fruits," durian's pungent smell can be off-putting for some. In the film, Amanda is initially terrified of the fruit's scent when invited to taste it. However, after trying it, she realizes that durians taste much better than they smell.
The Ben Thanh market scene showcases a range of dishes that are readily available in Ho Chi Minh City, from regional classics to those that young people love. It effectively captures the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine in general and of Ho Chi Minh City in particular. The New Year's rice tray scene also depicts the cultural characteristics of the Vietnamese people and the closeness and warmth among family members.
While some may consider the content of "A Tourist's Guide to Love" to be old-fashioned, the film's appeal lies in its portrayal of the sights and cuisine of Vietnam. The movie follows Sinh as he guides Amanda and other tourists through the bustling Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City. From the stunning visual details to the delicious dishes like shrimp rolls, broken rice, fruit yogurt, and filter cake, the film captures the essence of Vietnamese culture.
What sets this film apart is its depiction of not only well-known dishes but also unique and traditional ones like sticky rice with gac, banh chung, fried spring rolls, and a fruit tray served during the Lunar New Year. The film also features durian, a Southeast Asian fruit known for its strong odor. Despite her initial apprehension, Amanda discovers the delicious flavor of durian after taking a bite.
While the movie may not delve deep into the cultural nuances of Vietnam, it provides enough of a taste to inspire viewers to return and learn more. For those interested in exploring the places and flavors seen in the film, Saigonwalks offers a tour program that delves into the culture, food, people, and architecture of Ho Chi Minh City. Saigonwalks provides a unique experience that slows down the pace of the bustling city, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of this dynamic yet ancient place.