Join me and Adrie for a look at Yunka, a Chilean-Japanese fusion restaurant in Saigon, as we navigate the chaotic rainy season. We speak to manager Huynh Nguyen about the evolution of Saigon's service industry and the passion of young Vietnamese staff who make places like Yunka shine.

Amidst personal anecdotes and event planning nightmares, we explore the unique offerings of this cozy spot, its serene ambiance, and its standout drinks like the Passion Fruit Sake and Yunka Sour.

And we answer the most important question... is the Yunka Sour better than the 86 Proof whisky sour?

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I have some crazy, exciting, unbelievable news to share with you. I have just found out that A Vietnam Podcast has been nominated in the Asia Podcast Awards 2024 for the best interview podcast.

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Niall and his frequent guest and friend, Mischa Smith, embark on a conversation about Mischa's favorite Bloody Mary spots in Saigon.

Reviews cover the Bloody Marys from Bardo, Malt South, Layla, Ministry of Men, Wkend, and Summer Experiment, culminating with their top pick.

The episode is part of a broader theme of exploring stories and experiences connected to Vietnam, including insights into brunch cultures, cocktail bars, and the growing craft beer scene.

Listeners also get a glimpse of their upcoming podcast venture focused on rewatching the series Deadwood.

00:00 Hungover Brunch and Bloody Mary Revelation
01:01 Introduction to the Vietnam Podcast
02:26 Exploring Saigon's Craft Beer and Cocktail Scene
03:38 The Quest for the Perfect Bloody Mary
17:05 The Downside of Free Flow Deals
17:43 Testing the Limits at Malt's House
21:44 Exploring Saigon's Best Cocktail Bars
24:35 Top Bloody Marys in Saigon

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Audio Episodes Edited for ONLY $27! Save $127!!

Please vote for A Vietnam Podcast here!

I have some crazy, exciting, unbelievable news to share with you. I have just found out that A Vietnam Podcast has been nominated in the Asia Podcast Awards 2024 for the best interview podcast.

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Niall meets up with his friend and personal trainer Thinh to try bánh bèo, a traditional dish from Central Vietnam. They discuss Vietnamese regional cuisines, accents, and Thinh's experience as a personal trainer while enjoying the food at a local restaurant in Saigon.

Key Points:
Discussion of regional differences in Vietnamese cuisine (North, Central, South)
Comparison of Vietnamese and British regional accents
Thinh explains the proper technique for eating bánh bèo
Conversation about Thinh's work as Niall's personal trainer
They learn about the restaurant owner's background and menu expansion
Plans to return to try other dishes like bánh xèo

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Save Frustration. And time!
Let my team and I save you the time and frustration it takes to edit a podcast. From start to finish, we can help you share your story with the world with minimum fuss and cost. – Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy
Audio Episodes Edited for ONLY $27! Save $127!!

Please vote for A Vietnam Podcast here!

I have some crazy, exciting, unbelievable news to share with you. I have just found out that A Vietnam Podcast has been nominated in the Asia Podcast Awards 2024 for the best interview podcast.

We are up against 9 podcasts in our category and it's People's Choice SO WE NEED OUR HELP!

Please vote today and make sure to let me know!

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Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer on Patreon and you would have gotten this episode ages ago!

In this special bonus episode exclusive to Patreon members, Niall Mackay shares a riveting tale about the intense and surreal experience of acquiring a COVID-19 vaccine during the deep lockdown in Saigon.

Niall recounts the chaotic situation where his friend, Lewis Wright, tested positive for COVID-19 at a vaccination center, leading to an unexpected journey to deliver essential supplies to Lewis in a government quarantine facility.

With a gripping narrative, Niall details the eerie, almost apocalyptic atmosphere of the lockdown, the challenges faced, and ultimately the triumph of safely getting supplies to his friend. This story highlights the extreme measures and human resilience experienced during the pandemic in Vietnam.

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Save Frustration. And time!
Let my team and I save you the time and frustration it takes to edit a podcast. From start to finish, we can help you share your story with the world with minimum fuss and cost. – Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy
Audio Episodes Edited for ONLY $27! Save $127!!

Please vote for A Vietnam Podcast here!

I have some crazy, exciting, unbelievable news to share with you. I have just found out that A Vietnam Podcast has been nominated in the Asia Podcast Awards 2024 for the best interview podcast.

We are up against 9 podcasts in our category and it's People's Choice SO WE NEED OUR HELP!

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In this special episode of 'A Vietnam Podcast,' host Niall Mackay discusses the transformative two-year journey of living through the pandemic in Vietnam with his wife, Adrie.

From their initial excitement over new jobs, a new dog, and a new apartment, to navigating a stringent lockdown in 2021, they share a candid look at their unique challenges and experiences.

The episode covers their successful efforts in building a school for underprivileged children, the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak, their extreme lockdown experience, the mental health impacts, and the eventual easing of restrictions.

This episode provides a compelling look at expat life in Vietnam during unprecedented times.

00:00 New Beginnings in Vietnam
01:02 Special Guest Introduction
03:07 Settling Down with Biscuit
10:19 The Onset of the Pandemic
25:42 Navigating COVID-19 in Vietnam
33:29 Facing Uncertainty: Job Challenges and Contract Woes
34:26 Navigating the Pandemic: Shifts in Work and Life
36:38 Building a Business Amidst Chaos
40:25 The Harsh Reality of Lockdown
56:03 Emerging from Lockdown: New Beginnings and Reflections

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Save Frustration. And time!
Let my team and I save you the time and frustration it takes to edit a podcast. From start to finish, we can help you share your story with the world with minimum fuss and cost. – Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy
Audio Episodes Edited for ONLY $27! Save $127!!

Please vote for A Vietnam Podcast here!

I have some crazy, exciting, unbelievable news to share with you. I have just found out that A Vietnam Podcast has been nominated in the Asia Podcast Awards 2024 for the best interview podcast.

We are up against 9 podcasts in our category and it's People's Choice SO WE NEED OUR HELP!

Please vote today and make sure to let me know!

Support the Show.

Please vote for A Vietnam Podcast here!

I have some crazy, exciting, unbelievable news to share with you. I have just found out that A Vietnam Podcast has been nominated in the Asia Podcast Awards 2024 for the best interview podcast.

So I am absolutely buzzing right now.

There are 61 finalists in total that they've whittled down from hundreds of entries.

We are up against 9 podcasts in our category and it's People's Choice SO WE NEED OUR HELP!

Please vote today and make sure to let me know!

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Support the Show.

Have you ever wondered how a short vacation can turn into a life-changing adventure?

Niall Mackay shares the incredible story of how he and his wife Adrie ended up living in Vietnam for over eight years. What started as a brief six-week trip to complete an English teaching certification course turned into a multi-year adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Niall takes listeners on a journey through their initial travels in Southeast Asia, their decision to teach English in Vietnam, and the serendipitous circumstances that led them to put down roots in Saigon. He shares the challenges and joys of their first years teaching, their plans to leave for Oman, and the last-minute job opportunity that changed everything. Throughout the episode, Niall's passion for Vietnam and the impact it has had on his life shines through, offering listeners a glimpse into the transformative power of embracing the unexpected.

Key Takeaways:

• Niall and Adrie initially came to Vietnam for just 6 weeks in 2015
• They decided to do their CELTA certification in Vietnam after a year of saving
• The couple made the decision to stay and teach English at ILA after completing the course
• A last-minute job opportunity as Community Network Manager made them decide to stay longer
• Creating the podcast has changed Niall's life and led to nearly 75,000 downloads

"Send me a message!"

Save Frustration. And time!
Let my team and I save you the time and frustration it takes to edit a podcast. From start to finish, we can help you share your story with the world with minimum fuss and cost. – Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy
Audio Episodes Edited for ONLY $27! Save $127!!

Please vote for A Vietnam Podcast here!

I have some crazy, exciting, unbelievable news to share with you. I have just found out that A Vietnam Podcast has been nominated in the Asia Podcast Awards 2024 for the best interview podcast.

We are up against 9 podcasts in our category and it's People's Choice SO WE NEED OUR HELP!

Please vote today and make sure to let me know!

Support the Show.

Comments & Community:
I love hearing from you! Drop a message below and let me know your favorite Vietnamese dishes or any places you recommend I try next. Have you had similar experiences with Vietnamese food? Let's chat!

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Podcast: avietnampodcast.com

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If you enjoy my content and want to support the podcast, consider becoming a patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AVietnamPodcas]

More About Me:
I'm Niall Mackay, aka The Podcast Guy, founder of Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. I love sharing my passion for podcasting and the incredible stories from Vietnam. Thanks for joining me on this journey!

"Send me a message!"

Please vote for A Vietnam Podcast here!

I have some crazy, exciting, unbelievable news to share with you. I have just found out that A Vietnam Podcast has been nominated in the Asia Podcast Awards 2024 for the best interview podcast.

We are up against 9 podcasts in our category and it's People's Choice SO WE NEED OUR HELP!

Please vote today and make sure to let me know!

Support the Show.