***FIENDISHLY GOOD FOOD***

In spite of writing from Ho Chi Minh, I feel it my duty to report on my last sublime meal in Hong Kong with my lovely hostess. I was truly in foodie heaven - things just seem to be getting better and better!

• Chopstick competitions to see who could pick up our shelled, fresh peanut nibbles quickest (now, no disrespect to my darling friend, but this is when I should boast that I have had my chopstick skills complimented in every single Asian country so far - she didn't stand a chance...!)
• Roast Spiced scallops served with slick, dark green slivers of sea spinach, a veg which retains a supreme amount of bite, but, as its name suggests, just a hint of the sea. Flecked with fiery red chilli. Scrum.
• The Star of the Show: Jade with ginger. Now, any food fiends out there who might be stellar researchers (I have one in particular in mind...!), this one is worth figuring out. The dilemma is that I have no clue what Jade actually is, other than my hunch that it might be something similar to a cucumber/melon type veg. A plate of what can only be described as a bowl of emerald green jewels, which glittered with promise, and didn't fail to deliver. The veg has a really delicate fresh flavour, almost like cut grass, which combined with its ginger topping was perilously addictive. My poor hostess really struggled, as the pebble sized bites were slippery little mites. I quickly figured out that the best approach was to form a bridge-scoop with your choppers and hey presto.
• Dessert - a selection of kooky chinese icecreams - in order of my favourites - Tarro (sweet potato), which is almost like rich vanilla, Chestnut, which is caramel-like, Black Sesame, a nutty bite and...chilli. Almost exactly like chomping into one frozen. Not pleasant, as both Camilla and I agreed!

Tune in for my next, lengthier, blog - where I will write about the wonders of Vietnam - the food fiend in me is licking its chops with anticipation!