At the back of a restaurant in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City, cats stand paws splayed against the bars of their tiny wooden cage, soon to be submerged in hot water. The drowned carcasses are shaved and their skins burned, meters from a pile of ageing, silent bones. Often grilled or stir-fried in a marinade of garlic and peppers, the meat is best served with an accompaniment of beer or rice wine. Sitting on stools, two groups of men await their food. "My restaurant has been running for three years. Cat meat is exotic and expensive, perfect for those with good taste. Customers can pay up to VND2 million ($86.34) for a black cat," says owner Cuong. It is difficult to cook cat meat, he adds, noting he first learnt the recipe from a relative in northern Thai Binh Province. Cuong's restaurant serves up to five cats a day, "though by the end of lunar months, the number could double thanks to the belief the meat helps avoid bad luck." The owner describes cat as softer and sweeter than pork … [Read more...] about Paws for thought: cat meat still top of the menu
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US-China trade war puts pressure on Vietnamese agricultural products
The growth of the agricultural sector hit a 10 year high during the first half of this year. However, export markets have seen unstable developments from the impact of the US-China trade war, the European Commission (EC)’s extension of a yellow card warning on Vietnamese seafood, unpredictable weather and natural disasters are existing difficulties facing the sector in late months of the year. Domestic market faces intense competition as tariffs hit China and the US are the two major export markets for Vietnam’s agricultural products. The tit-for-tat US-China trade war has created dramatic shifts in the import and export policies of the two powerful economies and this will have a knock-on effect on Vietnamese farm produce. Agricultural products from China will have to find alternative markets to make up for the loss of trade resulting from the US’ increase of import duties on Chinese goods. With their plentiful supply, cheap prices and attractive varieties, Chinese … [Read more...] about US-China trade war puts pressure on Vietnamese agricultural products
South Korean audience cheers as Vietnam pop star performs new hit
Thinh was the first Vietnamese singer to perform on a grand stage at the V.Heartbeat Live concert held at the Gocheok Skydome Stadium in Seoul on Saturday night. The Vietnamese singer brought a team of 20 to South Korea for his performance. Although he has performed many times in South Korea, he was nervous about performing in front of such a huge audience on such a big stage. "When I heard the cheers from the audience below, I was relieved," he said. Thinh shared the stage with South Korean music bands like Monsta X, ITZY and Stray Kids at the concert. Thinh performs at the V.Heartbeat Live concert. Photo by VnExpress/Quoc Dat. On November 24, Thinh will return to South Korea where he will perform at the ASEAN Fantasia 2019, a part of the ASEAN-Repulic of Korea Commemorative Summit 2019 which will be open in Busan on November 27. Noo began his career in HCMC in 2009, and has released eight albums and more than 30 MVs so far. In 2016, the Vietnamese singer attended … [Read more...] about South Korean audience cheers as Vietnam pop star performs new hit
