Exclusive Pop-Up Tour – Sunday the 29th of September
Paul’s background is rooted in Vietnam. His parents hail from Vietnam’s central region (Da Nang and Hoi An) before they moved to Los Angeles in the late 70s.
Since his parents worked for the U.S. embassy, Paul spent much of his life between Hanoi and Saigon until.. he became a Berliner. But not by chance like many of us expats. He was soul searching for a city where he could still feel the familiarity of the Vietnamese community and be able to have his own vibrant city life. After careful selection and testing Paul landed on Berlin and has not looked back since.
One of the main contributions to this familiar feeling is the Dong Xuan Centre. No place so closely represents Vietnam as this vibrant marketplace. While you can visit alone, this would be a very daunting experience of flashing lights, confusing menus in local Vietnamese language, ordering in Vietnamese and not knowing exactly how to order the ”real deal” that is not on the menu. Factor in 400 businesses on a site of 165,000 square metres and you have one big headache that makes you turn around before entering.
Instead Paul will take you on this journey through ‘little-Vietnam’ which is an exclusive deep dive into the thriving Vietnamese community in Berlin, centred around the Dong Xuan Centre. Paul will open up his world to give you an insight into his upbringing, connection to home, his choice of city and the delectable dishes that can only be found in a true Vietnamese environment. This culinary adventure will also take you through the regions of Vietnam, showcasing the differing flavour profiles of each area and the historical influence which led to these creations. As the Fork & Walk motto goes: ”we eat history” to understand the past, present and future of Berlin’s second largest migrant community. You will also have the chance to openly discuss important topics of cultural migration and the influence, reaction and current-day conversation within the city of Berlin.
Your belly and eyes will be dazzled and delighted with velvety rich Pho, umami flavoured sticky noodles or grilled betel leaves in sizzling beef from local shacks that are steaming down the house with traditional sharing dishes. Not to mention homemade brews and Vietnamese coffee, warm & cold! This is just to get you in the mood.
The centre serves as a focal point not only for the Vietnamese community but also features outstanding Pakistani, Chinese, and Indian food stalls. All to be experienced throughout this 4,0-hr adventure.
This immersive tour is perfect for local Berliners, whether you have just landed on our doorstep, or have been here for 20+ years. This is an incredible insight into a world you cannot know about unless you are with a Berlin-Vietnamese local who knows the ins and outs and contacts of the Dong Xuan Centre. You will feel as though you have just magically teleported yourself out of Europe and right into the heart of Vietnam.
– Limited to 10 spots
– Pay in full via bank transfer
Paul’s selection of dishes from entrees to mains and dessert, vegetarian options also available. (undisclosed and change per season)
Lots of different tastings (we don’t put a number on it, but you will be stuffed!)
Local Beers
Covers a lunch or dinner easily
The best Vietnamese coffee!
Historical tour throughout the Dong Xuan Centre
Unique Vietnamese shopping experience
A-list recommendation on what we ate and what you could still discover & eat on your next adventure
