Poolside Corn. You know how some hotels go all out with fancy stuff? Well, I’m usually not into that. I mean, who cares about wallpaper or pillow trims? But then, on this one trip, I stumbled upon something unexpectedly awesome at the Intercontinental Da Nang in Vietnam.
The Intercontinental Da Nang: Where Every Detail Shines
This place is a hidden gem. Tucked into a nature reserve on Vietnam’s coastline, it’s got these carpets with playful monkeys, verandas with killer views, and even the staff’s outfits blend in like they’re part of the design. But the real magic? It’s by the pool.
The Corn Surprise by the Pool
Okay, get this. Every day, like clockwork at noon and 2 p.m., this guy strolls around the pool asking if you want a bit of corn on the cob. No frills, no fancy toppings. Just a small piece of warm, steamed corn. And man, every single kernel was tasty.
You might think corn is no big deal. It’s a BBQ staple, right? Well, here, it’s the unexpected poolside hero. Turns out, in Vietnam, corn-on-the-cob is a thing. And not just any thing—a big thing.
Chef’s Insight: Corn and Relaxation
So, I got curious. Why corn? Chef Doan Thi Thu spilled the beans. Vietnamese folks link corn with chilling out. Makes sense for poolside snacking—light and easy after a swim, she said.
Corn Craze Beyond the Pool
Turns out, corn rules the streets too. In Hoi An, this old-school port city nearby, the nights are a whole vibe. Lanterns, historic buildings, and street food heaven. And guess what’s on the street food menu? Corn, baby!
Street Corn Secrets Unveiled
I saw these street vendors rocking two corn styles: grilled (bao nuong) or steamed (bap hap). And get this, they top it off with scallion oil—tastier than butter, especially for a lactose intolerant like me.
But here’s the kicker: it’s not about the corn itself. It’s what they steam it in. Coconut water! That’s the game-changer. It gives the corn this rich, buttery, slightly sweet vibe that’s just irresistible.
The Poolside Corn Ritual
Da Nang. Back at the hotel, I made it my mission to snag that corn every day. I wouldn’t exactly say I associated it with relaxation—I was too hyped for it, biting my nails and all. But one thing’s for sure: it’s the ultimate poolside snack for me now.
In a Nutshell
So, who’d have thought, right? The best hotel snack isn’t some fancy dish—it’s just good ol’ corn, Vietnamese-style. And believe me, once you’ve had poolside corn steamed in coconut water, there’s no going back.
