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2022

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  • 3 min read

My Career Story

Welcome back to another episode of Continuous Improvement! I'm your host, Victor, and today we're diving into the fascinating world of technology and professional growth. I've always been captivated by the ever-evolving landscape of tech, and today I want to share my journey with you. From switching careers to navigating challenges, and embracing continuous learning, we'll explore how I've grown into the role of a software engineer. So grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and join me on this exciting ride!

It all started back in university when I stumbled upon a Java programming course. Little did I know, that course would spark an intense passion for technology within me. After completing my bachelor's degree in Chemistry, I initially pursued a career as a marketing manager in the tourism industry. But I couldn't ignore the fact that many marketers lacked technical skills. This realization inspired me to make a career switch and become a software engineer at an Australian consulting firm.

My time at Accenture was both challenging and rewarding. I was fortunate to work on a large customer-based mobile app for an airline. Tight timelines and numerous feature requirements pushed me to adopt an agile approach. But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Negotiating with the product owner to overcome project blockers taught me an invaluable lesson about the importance of collaboration. In the end, we successfully launched the mobile app, meeting business requirements and ensuring customer satisfaction.

While consulting for EY in the banking sector, I encountered a setback involving the choice of a cloud platform. Our initial choice, Amazon Web Services (AWS), was unable to meet regulatory requirements due to a delay in their data center in Hong Kong. So we had to shift gears and migrate to Microsoft Azure. It was a challenging experience, but one that highlighted the need for adaptability and the ability to make quick, strategic decisions.

Dynatrace brought a whole new set of challenges to the table. I was part of the post-sales team, working on software monitoring products. One particular project stood out – integrating our product into Huawei's cloud platform. Working in Shenzhen, I faced a demanding work culture and a grueling schedule. But through proactive communication and dedication, we successfully launched the project and delivered exceptional results.

My journey continued at HSBC, where I served as a technical lead. Developing an online payment solution for merchants in Malaysia, I identified a fragmented team and office politics that hindered our progress. To overcome these challenges, I dove deep into understanding customer needs, consulted error logs, and fostered effective delegation of tasks. Gradually, we saw a remarkable rise in transaction success rates. This experience taught me the importance of taking ownership and cultivating a harmonious team environment.

Today, I find myself at Thought Machine as a client engineering manager. It's a role that allows me to explore new technologies and collaborate with customers, partners, and teams. Recently, I had the opportunity to assist a colleague in pre-sales, presenting to one of Taiwan's largest banks. Despite the language barrier, I embraced the challenge, translating and presenting the slides with confidence. It was a rewarding experience to see our efforts recognized and appreciated.

Outside of my professional pursuits, I'm an avid advocate for continuous learning. I've obtained certifications in various cloud platforms and project management methodologies like Scrum. But I don't stop there. I actively engage with Toastmasters clubs to improve my communication and public speaking skills. After all, growth knows no limits!

And that brings us to the end of yet another episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope my journey has inspired you to embrace the ever-changing world of technology, to strive for collaboration and continuous learning, and to never shy away from taking on new challenges. Remember, you have the power to shape your own path to success. Until next time, this is Victor signing off!

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  • 1 min read

我的職業生涯故事

我對科技的興趣始於大學時期，當時我選修了Java編程的選修課。我愛上了這門課程，並知道我想把它變成我的職業生涯。在獲得化學學士學位後，我在旅遊業擔任行銷經理。在那裡，我遇到許多具有商業頭腦但技術技能不足的行銷人員，尤其是在SEO和網站建設方面。這激勵我轉行，成為一家澳洲顧問公司的軟體工程師，在這裡我獲得了高級前端開發技能。在工作以外，我進行了兼職的電腦科學學位，這證明是非常有價值的。

在Accenture擔任軟體顧問角色時，一個重大的挑戰是遵守緊湊的時間線。我管理了一個針對航空公司的大型客戶移動應用程式。鑑於眾多的功能需求，我採用了敏捷的方法來持續提供價值。偶爾，我必須與產品所有者協商以克服專案的阻礙。最終，我們成功地推出了移動應用程式，滿足了業務要求並贏得了客戶的滿意度。這次經驗教會了我，僅靠科技並不能解決所有的商業問題。因此，我報名參加了兼職MBA課程，以更好地了解商業與科技的交叉點。

在EY為銀行業界提供咨詢服務時，我們遇到了一個挑戰，那就是雲平台的選擇。我們最初使用Amazon Web Services（AWS）開發了一個銀行錢包產品，認為它符合所有的要求。然而，在即將上線前，我們意識到香港的AWS數據中心有所延遲。由於監管要求，我們必須遷移到Microsoft Azure。我提供並執行了新的技術架構，以確保符合規定。

在Dynatrace，我是售後團隊的一員，專注於軟體監視產品。一個令人難忘的專案涉及到想要將我們的產品整合到他們的雲平台的新客戶華為。在深圳駐點工作時，我面對了要求苛刻的工作文化和每週六天的9 am至9 pm的工作時間。儘管如此，這個專案還是成功地推出了，這部分要歸功於我對客戶問題的主動回應。

作為HSBC的技術領導，我監督了一個針對馬來西亞商戶的在線支付解決方案的開發。我注意到團隊的人分裂，有的人專注於後端，有的人專注於前端，卻沒有人關注整體的用戶體驗。加劇此問題的是辦公室政治，這阻礙了我們的進程。要克服這些挑戰，我與客戶接觸，了解他們的需求，並查詢Splunk日誌以獲取錯誤數據。我對結果負責，有效地分配了任務，從而使交易成功率從40％提升到70％。

現在，作為Thought Machine的客戶工程經理，我最近協助一位需要向台灣最大的銀行之一發表演說的業務預售同事。只有一星期的準備時間，我的同事不擅長講國語，我翻譯並演示了投影片。這是一個具有挑戰性的任務，但演講被很好地接受了。

在我現在的角色中，我還主持新的團隊成員、客戶和越南合作夥伴的培訓課程。雖然英語是我們的第二語言，但我確保說話清晰，並使用各種短語來表達我的觀點。

在工作之外，我對持續學習有著熱忱。我在各種雲平台上都取得了認證，並且擁有Scrum項目管理的認證。我也喜歡通過Toastmasters clubs來提高我的溝通能力和公共演講技巧。

總的來說，我熱衷於探索新技術，並在商業與科技的交叉點找到解決方案。我喜歡與客戶、合作夥伴和團隊合作，根據客戶需求創建強大的架構和演示。歡迎隨時與我聯繫：https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorleungtw。

  • 3 min read

On Digital Transformation

Over the last 5 years, I have assumed leadership roles in multiple digital transformation projects.

In 2017, I worked as a senior consultant at Accenture, helping Cathay Pacific Airways transform their mobile app from a legacy platform to new native mobile technology. I led the sprint process and actively communicated priorities to remote team members. I gained hands-on experience coding for Node.js and Java Spring Boot servers, while simultaneously addressing client business challenges at the intersection of organizational structure and technology.

In 2018, I served as a consultant at EY, leading a project for HSBC's Payme business mobile app. The rise of e-commerce and AliPay's aggressive expansion into new products posed a threat to traditional banks. If these banks failed to adapt to the emerging QR payment trend, they risked becoming obsolete. My role was to help the bank navigate this transition successfully. I presented technical architecture and agile delivery methodologies, gained hands-on experience coding in Kotlin on Android, and advised on the migration from AWS to Azure for compliance reasons.

In 2019, I led the HSBC merchant online payment project as a technical lead. The pandemic accelerated the shift toward e-commerce sales, and the existing legacy platform struggled to keep pace, resulting in numerous failed transactions. I was responsible for building a new website with a more robust technology stack to replace the old platform. I led teams in delivering solutions from kick-off to launch, using Angular in TypeScript on Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), and fostered relationships across engineering, design, and stakeholder teams.

In 2021, I worked on a newly licensed, digital-only bank in Singapore. Unlike traditional banks burdened by legacy systems, this digital-only bank had the competitive advantage of utilizing cloud-native technology. Traditional banks may have more customers, financial resources, and market data, but new banks have the agility to innovate, enabling more efficient and cost-effective operations.

In 2022, I am currently involved in a Vietnamese Digital Bank project. As a key technical member of the Client Service team, I help build financial products on the platform. My tasks include working on bank deposit and lending products and implementing Python smart contract code. I analyze and translate business requirements into technical specifications, ensuring timely and successful delivery while collaborating with customers, partners, and other teams.

The most significant aspect of digital transformation projects over the past 5 years has been changing mindsets and introducing new ways of working. I have a decade of experience in software development, application architecture, and cloud solution deployment for enterprise customers. With master's degrees in both Computer Science and Business Administration (MBA) in Finance, I have a unique blend of technical and business acumen. I hold certifications in Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure, Kubernetes, and Scrum, and have experience building banking products from scratch.

My career goal is to lead digital transformations, which are complex endeavors requiring innovative approaches to strategy. Launching large-scale projects without sufficient information can lead to resistance at various organizational levels. I aim to overcome these common barriers by winning early supporters through smaller successful projects and demonstrating clear financial impact.

My strength lies in my ability to learn and apply knowledge quickly. In a volatile business environment, it's crucial to adapt swiftly and test assumptions at a low cost. My test-and-learn mentality serves as a source of continuous improvement, enabling me to provide valuable feedback and help teams succeed.

However, my weakness could be my tendency to focus solely on technology. Digital transformation is not just about technological change; it's about meeting customer needs more effectively. As an engineering manager, I realize that technology alone cannot transform an industry without a business model that connects it to an emerging market.

Innovation requires a diverse skill set. A team that includes both business and technical individuals, working alongside domain experts, ensures projects address organizational priorities rather than isolated departmental issues. When I, as a software developer, involve end-users in the design of applications, the likelihood of successful adoption increases significantly.

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  • 3 min read

On Digital Transformation

Welcome to Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we explore the world of digital transformation and discuss strategies for success. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we'll dive into the career journey of a digital transformation leader.

But before we begin, a quick reminder to subscribe to our podcast and leave us a review if you enjoy the content. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Now, let's get started.

Over the past 5 years, our guest today has assumed leadership roles in multiple digital transformation projects, working with renowned companies like Cathay Pacific Airways, HSBC, and EY. With a unique blend of technical and business acumen, our guest has tackled complex challenges and obtained hands-on experience in various technologies.

In 2017, as a senior consultant at Accenture, our guest led the transformation of Cathay Pacific Airways' mobile app, moving it from a legacy platform to a new native mobile technology. Through effective communication and the utilization of his coding skills, our guest successfully addressed both the organizational and technological challenges.

Following this, in 2018, our guest worked as a consultant at EY on a project for HSBC's Payme business mobile app. The rise of e-commerce and the disruption caused by AliPay posed a threat to traditional banks. Our guest was entrusted with guiding HSBC through this transition, advising on technical architecture, agile delivery methodologies, and even driving the migration from AWS to Azure.

In 2019, our guest took on the role of technical lead for the HSBC merchant online payment project. With the sudden surge in e-commerce due to the pandemic, our guest played a crucial role in building a new website to handle the increased demand. Leveraging Angular, TypeScript, and Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), our guest ensured a smooth launch while collaborating with various teams.

Continuously pushing boundaries, our guest then joined a digital-only bank project in Singapore in 2021. Unlike traditional banks burdened by legacy systems, this digital bank had the advantage of utilizing cloud-native technology. Our guest witnessed firsthand how agility and innovation can lead to more efficient and cost-effective operations.

Now, in 2022, our guest is contributing to a Vietnamese Digital Bank project, working on building financial products on the platform. With a diverse skill set and the ability to analyze business requirements and translate them into technical specifications, our guest is helping drive innovation and success in the banking sector.

Throughout these experiences, our guest emphasizes the importance of changing mindsets and introducing new ways of working. Digital transformation is not just about technology—it's about meeting customer needs effectively. Our guest's journey highlights the need for a diverse team, involving both business and technical individuals, and working closely with end-users to ensure successful adoption.

While focused on technology, our guest acknowledges the importance of developing a strong business model that connects technology to an emerging market. With a test-and-learn mentality and a commitment to continuous improvement, our guest aims to lead successful digital transformations.

And that's a wrap for today's episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope you found our guest's journey inspiring and learned valuable insights about digital transformation.

Don't forget to tune in next week for another exciting episode. Until then, keep exploring and striving for continuous improvement.

Thank you for listening to Continuous Improvement. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. We appreciate your support.

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  • 1 min read

關於數位轉型

在過去的5年裡，我在多個數位轉型項目中擔任領導角色。

2017年，我在埃森哲擔任高級顧問，幫助國泰航空將其手機應用程序從傳統平台轉換為新的本地移動技術。我領導了迭代過程，並積極與遠程團隊成員溝通優先事項。我獲得了在Node.js和Java Spring Boot服務器上編碼的實戰經驗，同時解決客戶在組織結構和技術交叉點上的商業挑戰。

2018年，我在安永擔任顧問，領導滙豐銀行的Payme業務移動應用項目。電子商務的興起和支付寶對新產品的積極擴展對傳統銀行構成威脅。如果這些銀行未能適應新興的二維碼支付趨勢，可能會變得過時。我的角色是幫助銀行成功地進行這項轉變。我展示了技術架構和敏捷交付方法論，在Android上使用Kotlin進行編碼的實戰經驗，並就由於合規原因從AWS遷移到Azure的問題提供建議。

2019年，我作為技術負責人領導了滙豐銀行的商家在線支付項目。大流行病加速了向電子商務銷售的轉變，現有的傳統平台無法跟上，導致許多交易失敗。我負責建立一個使用更穩健技術堆棧的新網站，以取代舊平台。我帶領團隊從啟動到上市提供解決方案，使用TypeScript on Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)的Angular，並在工程師，設計師和利益相關者團隊之間建立了良好的關係。

2021年，我參與了在新加坡新獲許可的數位銀行的工作。與受傳統系統限制的傳統銀行不同，這家數位銀行有利用雲原生技術的競爭優勢。傳統銀行可能擁有更多的客戶，財務資源和市場數據，但新銀行有進行創新的機敏性，使得運營更高效，成本更低。

2022年，我目前參與越南數字銀行項目。作為客戶服務團隊的關鍵技術成員，我幫助在平台上建立金融產品。我的任務包括在銀行存款和貸款產品上工作，並實現Python智能合約代碼。我分析並將業務要求轉化為技術規範，確保及時和成功的交付，同時與客戶，合作夥伴和其他團隊合作。

在過去5年的數位轉型項目中，最重要的一部分是改變思維模式並引入新的工作方式。我在軟體開發，應用架構設計，和企業用戶雲解決方案部署方面有十年的經驗。擁有計算機科學和金融商學碩士(MBA)學位的我，具有獨特的技術和商業智識結合。我擁有Amazon Web Services (AWS)，Google Cloud Platform (GCP)，Microsoft Azure，Kubernetes和Scrum的認證，並有從頭開始建立銀行產品的經驗。

我的職業目標是領導數位轉型，這需要創新戰略來應對複雜的挑戰。在沒有足夠信息的情況下啟動大規模項目可能會導致組織各級的抵制。我希望通過更小的成功項目早期贏得支持者，並展示明確的財務影響來克服這些常見障礙。

我的優勢在於我學習並快速應用知識的能力。在多變的商業環境中，迅速適應並以低成本測試假設至關重要。我的測試和學習的心態是持續改進的源泉，使我能夠提供有價值的反饋，幫助團隊成功。

然而，我的弱點可能是我過於關注技術。數字轉型不僅僅關於技術變革;它是關於更有效地滿足客戶需求。作為一個工程經理，我明白單憑技術無法改變一個行業，除非有一種商業模式將其與新興市場連接起來。

創新需要多種多樣的技能。包括商業和技術人員的團隊，與領域專家共同工作，可以確保項目解決組織的優先問題，而不是孤立的部門問題。當我作為軟體開發人員將最終用戶納入應用程序的設計中時，成功採用的可能性大大增加。

  • 3 min read

Think and Grow Rich - Book Review

The book I'm going to review is "Think and Grow Rich," written by Napoleon Hill. Reading this book in public might be a bit awkward, not because it's poorly written, but because its title could come off as superficial. Given that people often judge a book by its cover, I worry they may judge me based on what I'm reading.

Let's start with a quotation from Henry Ford that is featured in the book: "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right." This quote encapsulates the essence of the book. Initially, I was skeptical about reading it. Was it a scam? A Ponzi scheme? Or perhaps an attempt to persuade me to invest in Bitcoin and NFTs? The author claims to reveal "the biggest secret of all time," even though he has faced accusations of fraud and business failure.

However, before passing judgment, it's important to understand the book's historical context. It was published in 1937, during the Great Depression. Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation, with the stock market having dropped by 20%. Despite this, the book remains a bestseller, has sold more than 20 million copies, and belongs to the self-improvement genre. I've read many self-improvement books, and if they were as effective as they claim, I'd already be wealthy and retired on a yacht, enjoying my life.

The book emphasizes mindset, distilled down to a simple formula: desire, faith, and then action. Despite its title, the book clarifies that you can't simply think your way to riches; action is required. If you possess enough desire, have faith in yourself, and conquer your fears, you'll be compelled to act.

The book features numerous motivational stories and case studies of successful individuals, like American industrialist Andrew Carnegie. While it claims to be supported by research, the methodology doesn't appear to be rigorously scientific. The best way to test the book's ideas is to put them into action.

Don't expect to get paid simply for knowing something; you have to act on that knowledge. The world doesn't pay people for what they "know"; it pays them for what they do or for their ability to inspire others to act. A skilled leader can significantly increase the efficiency of others, persuading them to provide better service than they would on their own.

It's one thing to want money—everyone does—but it's another thing entirely to actually be worth more. Many people confuse their desires with their true worth. Your financial goals have nothing to do with your actual value, which is determined solely by your ability to provide valuable service or to encourage others to do so.

Success is unattainable for those who repel people with a negative personality. Power is achieved through cooperative efforts, and a negative personality won't facilitate such cooperation.

Having a college degree doesn't necessarily make one educated. An educated person has learned how to achieve their goals without infringing upon the rights of others. Education is less about accumulating knowledge and more about applying it effectively and consistently.

If you're obsessed with the idea of becoming rich, my first recommendation would be to read this book.

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  • 3 min read

Think and Grow Rich - Book Review

Welcome to Continuous Improvement, the podcast that helps you unleash your full potential and achieve success in all areas of your life. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're diving into the world of personal development with a book review of "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill.

Now, before we begin, I want to address the elephant in the room. Yes, the title may sound a bit superficial, and you might even feel a tad awkward reading it in public. But trust me, there's much more to this book than meets the eye.

Let's kick things off with a powerful quote that sets the tone for the entire book. Henry Ford once said, "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right." This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of "Think and Grow Rich." At first, I too had my reservations about this book. Was it a scam? A get-rich-quick scheme? But as I delved into its pages, I discovered something much more profound.

To truly understand this book, we need to consider its historical context. Published in 1937, during the Great Depression, "Think and Grow Rich" remains a bestseller, having sold over 20 million copies. It belongs to the self-improvement genre, and like many self-improvement books, it raises skepticism. After all, if these books were truly effective, we'd all be living lavish lives by now. But let's not jump to conclusions just yet.

The core message of the book revolves around mindset—a key factor in achieving success. It's not just about thinking your way to riches; action is required. Hill presents a simple formula: desire, faith, and then action. If you have an unwavering desire, faith in yourself, and the courage to conquer your fears, you'll be propelled to take the necessary action.

Throughout the book, Hill shares captivating stories and case studies of successful individuals, including renowned industrialist Andrew Carnegie. While some accuse the book of lacking scientific rigor in its methodology, I believe the best way to test its ideas is through action. Knowledge alone won't get you paid; it's the application and the ability to inspire others to act that holds the key to financial success.

"Think and Grow Rich" also tackles the importance of character and mindset. Building positive relationships and cooperative efforts are crucial for achieving power and success. In essence, your ability to provide valuable service and inspire others is what truly sets you apart.

The book challenges the notion that a college degree equates to true education. True education lies in the effective application of knowledge without infringing upon the rights of others. It's about consistently pursuing your goals and making a positive impact.

If you're someone who's passionate about becoming wealthy, I wholeheartedly recommend reading "Think and Grow Rich." It's a powerful exploration of mindset, action, and the principles that can guide you towards your goals.

And that brings us to the end of this episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope you found this book review insightful and inspiring. Remember, success is within reach if you're willing to embrace the right mindset and take consistent action.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to Continuous Improvement on your favorite podcast platform, and don't forget to leave us a review. Until next time, keep striving for greatness.

[END OF SCRIPT]

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

思考與致富 - 書評

我要評論的書是由拿破崙·希爾所著的"思考與致富"。在公眾場合讀這本書可能會有點尷尬，不是因為它寫得不好，而是因為它的書名可能顯得刻板。人們常常以貌取人，我擔心他們可能根據我正在閱讀的內容來評價我。

我們先引用一段亨利·福特在書中說的話："不論你認為自己能，或是你認為你不能，你都是對的。"這句話概括了這本書的精髓。起初，我對於閱讀這本書感到懷疑。這是個騙局？是庞次宗吗？還是試圖說服我投資比特幣和NFT的一種手法？儘管作者被指控欺詐和經營失敗，他仍宣稱揭示了“有史以來最大的秘密”。

然而，在做出評價前，了解書籍的歷史背景很重要。它是在1937年，大蕭條期間出版的。今天，我們發現自己處於類似的情況，股市下跌了20%。儘管如此，這本書仍是暢銷書，已經銷售了超過2000萬冊，並被歸類為自我提升類型的書籍。我讀過很多自我提升的書，如果他們像宣稱的那樣有效，我應該已經富有並在遊艇上過著享受生活的退休生活了。

這本書強調的是心態，明確的表達成一個簡單的公式：慾望，信念，然後行動。儘管他的書名明示你可以通過思考致富，但書中明確表示你必須付諸行動。如果你足夠渴望，對自己有信念，並且克服你的恐懼，你將被迫去行動。

書中有很多成功人士的激勵故事和案例研究，如美國的大工業家安德魯·卡內基。儘管書籍宣稱受到研究支持，但其方法似乎並未嚴格遵循科學準則。測試書中思想的最好方式是將之付諸行動。

別指望僅僅因為知道某件事就能得到報酬；你必須將那知識付諸行動。世界不會因為人們“知道”什麼而付給他們報酬；它會根據他們做了什麼或者他們的能力來激勵其他人去行動來付賬。一個技巧純熟的領導者可以顯著提高他人的效率，說服他們提供比他們自己會提供的更好的服務。

想要錢是一回事–每個人都想–但真正的價值在於你是否真的價值連城。很多人把他們的慾望和他們真正的價值混為一談。你的財務目標與你的實際價值無關，因為你的實際價值完全取決於你提供有價值的服務的能力或鼓勵他人這樣做的能力。

對於將人們以負面的個性推開的人來說，成功是無法實現的。力量是通過合作努力來實現的，而負面的個性不會促進這種合作。

擁有學位並不一定使人受過教育。一個受過教育的人學會了如何在不侵犯他人權利的情況下實現自己的目標。教育不在於積累知識，而在於如何有效且持之以恆地應用知識。

如果你對致富的想法痴迷，我首先建議你閱讀這本書。

  • 5 min read

Vietnamese Street Food

Today, I am going to review Vietnamese street food. All the photos featured in this post were taken by me during the trip. I will showcase the authentic Vietnamese street food that I enjoyed throughout my journey.

Food during the Vietnam War

In the Củ Chi Tunnels

Food during Vietnam War

I traveled with a vegetarian colleague for two weeks. Due to her dietary restrictions, all our meals were vegetarian. Honestly, I found the vegetarian dishes somewhat disappointing. This photo depicts food eaten during the Vietnam War—a dry, flavorless potato. The harsh reality of the time was that people were so hungry they had little choice. An elderly man told me he even had to eat dogs to survive. It's important not to judge in this context.

Motorbike Local Street Food Tour

Motorbike Tour

I could only indulge in proper street food on weekends when my colleague was not around. The most local way to enjoy street food is by riding a motorbike. Driving in Vietnam is an adventure in itself; traffic rules are more like suggestions. People say if you can drive a motorbike in Vietnam, you can drive anywhere in the world. Thankfully, I made it through without any injuries.

Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese Pizza)

Vietnamese Pizza

Vietnamese pizza is another popular dish. It is made with rice paper, making it light and easy to eat. Authentic Vietnamese pizza is cooked over an open flame, without concern for safety regulations. The end result is simply delightful.

Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake)

Vietnamese Pancake

Next up is the Vietnamese pancake, cooked in a wok over real fire. The pancake is filled with various aromatic ingredients like morning glory, making it incredibly fragrant.

Bột Chiên (Fried Rice Flour Cakes with Papaya on Top)

Fried Rice Flour Cakes

While fried rice is a favorite of mine, this dish takes it up a notch. It's essentially fried rice flour cakes, and it's delicious.

Nem Bò Nướng Sả (Smoky Sweet and Savory Pork Skewer)

Pork Skewer

Pork skewers are also a hit. Pigs might be smart, but they're also incredibly tasty.

Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Baguette)

Vietnamese Baguette

The French colonial influence in Vietnam has left us with this delicious Vietnamese baguette, also known as Bánh Mì.

Bún Bò Huế (Beef Noodle Soup from Hue)

CO AN, 001 BIS C/C NGUYEN THIEN THUAT, P.1 Q3, TPHCM

Beef Noodle Soup from Hue

This isn't Pho; it's called Bún Bò Huế and it's a bit spicy. Hue is the name of the city where this dish originates. I apologize to vegetarians, but it's too good to pass up. In Vietnam, veganism is not commonly understood; people often add fish sauce even to salads.

Bún Cả (Fish Cake)

Fish Cake

Bún Cả is a delightful fish cake dish. It becomes even more flavorful when you add fish sauce, the ultimate flavor enhancer.

And More

Various Foods

There's plenty more delicious food to try.

Chuối Nếp Nướng (Banana Sticky Rice)

378 VO VAN TAN, P.5. QUAN 3, TP. HCM

Banana Sticky Rice

For dessert, I recommend Banana Sticky Rice with coconut. It's a delicious alternative to the Mango Sticky Rice found in Thailand. Just be careful with the pronunciation; you don't want to accidentally say something inappropriate.

Dessert

Miscellaneous Dessert

Various jelly-like desserts offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Coconut Ice Cream

Coconut Ice Cream

In this picture, you see two ice creams, although I'm eating alone. The upside of being single? You get both for yourself.

Coconuts

Coconut

Here's a plain coconut, in case you've never seen one.

Coconut Coffee

Coconut Coffee

My current favorite drink is coconut coffee. It's like Starbucks' Frappuccino but much better.

And More Vietnamese Coffee

Vietnamese Coffee

Of course, Vietnam is famous for its coffee, especially the kind made with condensed milk. It's as good as it looks.

Useful Phrases to Learn

Rượu (Getting Drunk)

The first word is "rượu," which means getting drunk. Whether you're happy or sad, getting "rượu" is the answer to everything.

Một, Hai, Ba, YO (1, 2, 3, Cheers)

The second phrase is "Một, Hai, Ba, YO," meaning "1, 2, 3, Cheers." It's simple and easy to remember, so grab your beer and say it with me: "Một, Hai, Ba, YO!"

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

Vietnamese Street Food

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Continuous Improvement." I'm your host, Victor, and today we have a mouthwatering topic to dive into - Vietnamese street food! So grab a snack, sit back, and let's embark on a culinary adventure through the vibrant streets of Vietnam.

Vietnam is known for its rich history and diverse culture, but its street food scene is truly something to behold. During the Vietnam War, food was scarce, and the first dish we'll discuss serves as a reminder of that challenging time. It's a photo of a dry, flavorless potato - a representation of the hardships people faced. It's important to approach this with empathy and understanding.

Now, let's switch gears and delve into the exciting experiences I had while sampling authentic Vietnamese street food. The best way to truly immerse oneself in the culture is by joining a motorbike local street food tour. Trust me, driving in Vietnam is an adventure in itself - traffic rules are more like suggestions! But don't worry, I made it through unscathed.

One of my favorite street food dishes is Bánh Tráng Nướng, also known as Vietnamese Pizza. Unlike its Italian counterpart, this dish is made with light and crispy rice paper, cooked over an open flame. Just don't expect any safety regulations here!

A popular dish that you must try is Bánh Xèo, the Vietnamese pancake. Cooked in a wok over real fire, it's a fragrant and savory delight. The pancake is filled with mouthwatering ingredients like morning glory, making it a must-try on your culinary journey.

Another dish that caught my attention is Bột Chiên. It takes fried rice to a whole new level. Imagine tasty rice flour cakes fried to perfection and topped with flavorful papaya slices. It's an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Now, let's talk about Nem Bò Nướng Sả, smoky sweet and savory pork skewers. Pigs might be smart, but they are also incredibly delicious. The succulent pieces of grilled pork will satisfy any meat lover's cravings.

The French colonial influence in Vietnam gifted us with Bánh Mì, the Vietnamese baguette. Picture a crispy yet soft baguette filled with various delectable ingredients. It's a mouthwatering blend of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

For the soup lovers out there, I recommend trying Bún Bò Huế. This spicy beef noodle soup hails from the city of Hue and packs a punch. Although it might not be suitable for vegetarians, it's simply too good to pass up. Keep in mind that fish sauce is a common addition in Vietnamese cuisine, even to salads.

If you're a fan of fish, you must try Bún Cả, a delightful fish cake dish. But wait, there's a secret to enhance its flavor - fish sauce. Known as the ultimate flavor enhancer, it takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Now, let's satisfy our sweet tooth. I recommend trying Chuối Nếp Nướng, banana sticky rice with coconut. It's a mouthwatering dessert and a delightful alternative to Thailand's famous Mango Sticky Rice. Just be careful with the pronunciation, as we don't want any unintentional miscommunications.

Vietnam offers a wide variety of desserts. From jelly-like treats to miscellaneous sweet and salty delicacies, there's a dessert to satisfy every craving. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new - you won't be disappointed.

Coconut lovers, get ready for a treat! Vietnam is abundant in coconuts, and they're put to great use. Whether it's a simple coconut itself or a creamy coconut ice cream, you're in for a refreshing delight. And for coffee enthusiasts, Vietnam is famous for its coffee, especially the kind made with condensed milk. It's an indulgence worth savoring.

Before we wrap up, let's learn a couple of useful phrases. If you're up for a night of festivities, the word "rượu" means "getting drunk." But remember, everything in moderation! And when it's time to raise your glass, you can join the locals with the phrase "Một, Hai, Ba, YO" - it means "1, 2, 3, Cheers!" So let's practice together: "Một, Hai, Ba, YO!"

And that's a wrap for today's episode of "Continuous Improvement." I hope I've whetted your appetite for Vietnamese street food. If you ever find yourself in Vietnam, be sure to explore the vibrant streets and indulge in these mouthwatering delicacies. Until next time, remember to keep improving, one flavorful bite at a time.