It's been a rainy day here in Hanoi so we've had a welcomed day chilling whilst it's not so sunny, without much to report now's a good a time as any to tell you about the food.

Eating is just as much a social engagement as feeding your belly and it's customary in large groups to share dishes at the table, my favourite way of eating! Eating is also part of the language - "Ban an com chau?" is a common greeting meaning "have you eaten rice yet?".

For the brave there are regional delicacies such as balut (fertilised duck egg, a whole one) and yes, some dog, although not readily available.

For the rest of us there are springrolls aplenty and the sticky rice is superb. We've eaten lots of mixed noodles and stir fry.

The photo's of Bun Cha - you are handed a plate of grilled pork, salad, coriander and rice noodles which you then add to a small bowl of hot and sour soup, swish it about a bit and then eat, very tasty and all washed down with iced coffee of course!

Luke had Pho Bo - a traditional broth of beef and veggies, with added chillis (which did come as a massive shock at first, they will blow your mouth apart).

Naturally we've been enjoying the local beer 'Bia Ha Noi' too. At 70p a bottle why not!