Top 10 snack foods, in Vietnam and the U.S.

Snacks are great because they tend to be eaten when you're really hungry, but shouldn't really be eating (don't want to spoil your dinner). Meaning they must be extra delicious, for you to make that somewhat concious and drastic decision. Or maybe its the other way around. I also like how other people with obsessive personalities can relate to me when I talk about eating an entire can of Pringles in one sitting.

Vietnam, "a country full of people obsessed with eating," according to Andrew X. Pham, has no shortage of good snacks. But I also love me my American snacks, and my craving has gotten to a point that as of recently I've been frequenting the export stores and paying a Vietnamese laborer's weekly wage for some chips.

So top 10:

1) Cheetos Spicy Hot
The first time I tried them was in Vietnam - my friend Tracy from the CET program had packed them because she thought they wouldn't have them here in Saigon, and then waited about a month after the expiration date to open them and share with us. But man, they were good - not stale at all! 

2) Tostitos Hint of Lime Tortilla Chips
What is it that makes these so good? Oh wait - it could be the monosodium glutamate (MSG), listed right between Natural Flavors and Sour Cream.

3) Xoi
A warm wad of sticky rice, prepared in so many different ways, and usually found on a convienient street corner. I like the kind with sugar and coconut poured over the top, or with chicken is good too.

4) Avocado smoothies

5) Guava with chilli salt
Guava is pretty plain tasting but then you dip it in chilli salt and it's awesome.

6) Banh mi trung
Vietnamese baguette with a runny fried egg, pickled daikon and carrots, mayonaisse and liver pate, hot peppers, and fresh cilantro - 7.000VND or ~$0.35 

7) Seaweed Pringles (VN)

8) Durian fruit

9) Cheese and crackers

10) Beer