This summer, fourteen students embarked on an incredible three-week journey through Vietnam as part of the course Brown University’s EAST 0655: The Story of Vietnamese Food Across Regions and Time. Thanks to the efforst of Professor Trang Tran, the classroom moved from traditional lecture halls to the vibrant landscapes of Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng, Hội An, Huế, Hồ Chí Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. There, students learned about Vietnamese culture and history through food, not just by reading but by experiencing firsthand.
In Hà Nội, students participated in cooking classes, coffee workshops, and tea ceremonies, engaging with scholars to explore northern culinary traditions. They asked meaningful questions about the origins of ingredients and the cultural significance of various dishes.
As they traveled through central Vietnam, visits to a 400-year-old fish sauce village and lively markets like Chợ Cồn in Đà Nẵng turned everyday spaces into active classrooms. In Huế, students learned to make “bánh phục linh” from descendants of royal chefs, and conversations with local vendors deepened their understanding of the culture.
A visit to Chợ Lớn in Ho Chi Minh City encouraged dynamic discussions about migration and heritage, prompting students to rethink their daily coffee rituals. In the Mekong Delta, students enjoyed memorable experiences, including a home-cooked lunch at Cô Trang’s grandmother’s house, which offered a glimpse into local hospitality.
Throughout the trip, students kept field notes, led discussions, and connected their experiences to themes of identity, migration, and memory. By the program’s end, food had become a lens through which we built connections and learned to appreciate the rich history surrounding our shared meals.
Student testimonials:
"Participating in this program was one of the best experiences I could ever have. It was such a great way to experience Vietnam’s vast history, cuisine, and culture firsthand! Traveling throughout the country was a whirlwind of great experiences. Perhaps the most amazing part of the trip was the emphasis on connection—we made friends in every city we went to, from passionate professors to local tea artisans, and they all offered their unique perspective that informed our knowledge in a way textbooks never could. If you’ve ever had an interest in Vietnam or are simply curious to know more about the ways cuisine can permeate a culture, this is the class for you!". (Tiffany Phan' 29)
“Culture is not just read about and studied—it’s lived. There’s only so much you can learn about a culture through books and articles. To truly understand it, you need to talk with and learn from the people who are actually living it.” (Puqi Luo)
