Beyond Phở: A Gourmet Voyage at Alma Resort

In light of Vietnamese cuisine’s global acclaim, a resort situated along the southern coastline of Vietnam has crafted a unique culinary journey that immerses visitors in centuries-old traditions, adding a fresh dimension to the beloved dish known as phở.

Alma Resort, located on Vietnam’s picturesque Cam Ranh peninsula, has partnered with the boutique travel agency Zazen Travel to unveil ‘A Journey Through Culture and Cuisine.’ This captivating experience revolves around an interactive cooking class but encompasses much more.

The adventure commences with participants exploring the bustling and vibrant Cam Duc Market, offering an authentic glimpse into local life and an opportunity to discover the fresh, locally sourced ingredients that will soon grace their culinary creations.

Following this, the intimate group embarks on a visit to a one-of-a-kind cobblestone temple in Cam Lâm, a remarkable architectural achievement in Vietnam and perhaps the world. It stands as a testament to the 24-year journey of devotion undertaken by monk Thích Tâm Phước in its construction, a story of unwavering faith and determination.

The journey also includes a stop at a lush mango orchard, where participants learn about the significance of mango cultivation to the region while sipping on invigorating mango tea.

Returning to Alma, the aspiring chefs delve into recipes passed down through generations. Together, they prepare quintessential Vietnamese dishes like bò lá lốt (ground beef wrapped in betel leaves), chả giò tươi (fresh spring rolls), and phở (Vietnamese soup with bone broth, rice noodles, and meat).

Afterward, guests come together to savor their creations during a communal lunch and receive a recipe book and apron to commemorate their experience, along with cherished memories.

Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, Alma’s managing director, aptly noted, “As they say, ‘You have to taste a culture to understand it.’ There’s no more authentic way to experience Vietnam than by sharing a meal crafted from scratch. We hope our guests not only return home with an impressive repertoire of authentic dishes to delight their dinner guests but also with lasting friendships.”

Nestled along Vietnam’s burgeoning Cam Ranh peninsula, facing the stunning Long Beach, Alma Resort sprawls over approximately 30 hectares of awe-inspiring terrain. Symbolic of Vietnam’s evolution as a premier destination, this expansive integrated resort features 580 generously sized suites and pavilions, all offering panoramic ocean views. Among its highlights are contemporary three-bedroom oceanfront pavilions, each spanning 224 sqm, complete with a living room, four bathrooms, and a private pool.

Alma also boasts a diverse array of dining options curated by top chefs, a food court serving an array of local and international flavors, a sports bar, pool bar, and beach bar. The resort’s amenities include 12 cascading swimming pools leading to the beach, a waterpark, a 13-treatment room spa, a 75-seat cinema, a convention center, an amphitheater, a science museum, a gymnasium, and a yoga room. Additionally, it offers an 18-hole mini golf course, a youth center with virtual reality games, a kid’s club, a water sports center, a sustainable organic farm, and even an ‘Alma Mart’ mini supermarket.