525 - Why Is Vietnam Secretly Erasing Its Iconic Street Vendor Culture? - Chris Tran Travels
Published: August 20, 2026
Duration: 1:05:41
Does the food we eat define our national identity—or does history make it far more complicated?
In this episode, Ken catches up with creator and researcher Chris Tran (Chris Tran Travels) to unpack the deep, unexpected rabbit holes of Vietnamese history, food evolution, and diaspora identity.
Chris shares insights from co-hosting a Brown University study abroad course across Vietnam, examining how geography, harsh climates, and Champa/Khmer cultural exchanges shaped the pungent, fermented flavors (mắm) of Central and Southern cuisine. Kenneth and Chris also dive into the visi...