Gỏi cuốn

It has been well-known amongst NUS students that taking up language module is a very tough task. However, it is only partially true for LAV1201. We must say that learning Vietnamese language is not easy but the module structure is very fun.

LAV1201 is the only module that offers projects that give no stress to the students. The previous visit to the Asian Civilisation Museum exposed us to the history of Vietnam .This time round we do not only learn but we get to EXPERIENCE the Vietnamese culture by cooking and eating Vietnamese food. Learning a language is never complete without learning its culture.

Our group chose to do the famous Vietnamese Cold Salad Roll (gỏi cuốn). We chose this dish because we thought it should be easiest among all other options as it does not involve much cooking. Conversely, later on we realise that the ingredients wasn't easy to sort. Hien had a hard time looking for the Thai basil leaves, chives and mint leaves. As we were preparing the ingredients at cô Bích's house, we had fun teasing at each other's cooking skills. It seems like most of us do not cook regularly.

Duc having difficulty using the peeler for his very first time.

Ly and Suong trying to slice the cucumbers as thin as possible.

The messy table as we were preparing the Gỏi cuốn.

After trying many many times, only half of our Gỏi cuốn was presentable. The others were either too hideous or lack of one of the ingredients. Nonetheless, the not-so-successful Gỏi cuốn were not wasted, they were all eaten up by our group mates.

Our cold Vietnamese salad rolls displayed simplicity, flavour and colours. The choice of ingredients definitely played a part in its characteristics. The fresh prawns gave it its orange colour, the vegetables gave the green, and the rice paper just shows off its colourful ingredients within. The mint and basil leaves gave it its powerful taste and even so with the special sauce that was pre-made. Placing all the groups’ creations on the table, the table displays a picturesque sight of colours and variety.

Tadah..~ Our final product. The rolls look much better with a bit of garnishing.
The sauce prepared by Xuan was very very good.

Judge of the day =D

Class photo

Despite learning about the cuisine, we get to experience the hospitality of Vietnamese people too. Having cô Bích to host this cooking project at her house truly shows that Vietnamese people are hospitable. Cô Lê and cô Quỳnh were also eagerly walking around to see if we needed help in preparing the dishes. Besides, thay Minh also brought some Vietnamese jelly made by his wife. All these small gestures were significant to illustrate the warmth among Vietamese society.