DISH OF THE WEEK: Stuffed Squid with Pork at MORNING GLORY (in Hoi An, Vietnam)

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

Even when in a foreign country, I often get asked for food recommendations. I guess people who know me know that I research and agonize to find the best places to eat even when traveling.

I was literally on the other side of the world in Vietnam for the Urban Adventures global conference. For work. Pretty cool job, right?

And on the last night of the conference, my boss decided to take some of the team out for dinner and asked me to choose the restaurant. He also asked me to narrow down the large menu and pick dishes for the table to share.

I couldn’t have asked for a better situation – except the pressure was on. This had better be good.

One restaurant I kept reading about in my research for my trip to Hoi An was Morning Glory. It was clear this was less of a local joint (we ate at plenty of those) and more of a tourist-friendly establishment. But it’s run by a Vietnamese chef and the food is supposed to be amazing. So why miss out on incredible food just because no local Vietnamese were dining there?

And I’m so glad we bit the bullet. It was the best meal I had in Vietnam. And I think the rest of the group agreed.

Plus I scored with my choice of dishes. From the white rose dumplings to the local Cau Lao noodles to the spicy clam curry, every dish was flavorful, refined, and spoke to the ingredients of the central Vietnam region.

I think everyone agreed though that one stand-out was the squid stuffed with pork (mực nhồi thịt). The sweet chili and fish sauce-slicked squid tubes were stuffed with a minced pork concoction that was juicy and full of textures. The squid had a unbelievable tenderness that I didnt think possible with this usually chewy cephalopod. It was impossible not to scrape the bottom of the pan because the juices were thick and rich with hints of lemongrass and sugar.

Praise was heaped upon me for discovering this restaurant and choosing the dishes I did. I guess even on the other side of the world, I know how to sniff out great food. Stick with me, kids.