The years of going to school with stolen moments always leave beautiful memories of teachers, friends, and cherished memories of after-school evenings at street-side eateries. Snacking at the school gate has long become a cultural tradition followed by many generations of Vietnamese students.
The busy life and societal development have caused changes in all our habits, especially eating habits. However, there is a characteristic of our school cuisine that, no matter how swiftly time passes, it never fades away. Is there any of us who grew up without ever wandering the streets to snack? Is there any of us who has never stubbornly insisted, getting angry at our parents just for a popsicle or a piece of cake? It seems that snacking at the school gate has become something indispensable to the childhood of each one of us, of any generation of students.
Here are the snacks that every time after each class, I always hurriedly run outside the school grounds with a few friends to buy:
1.Bánh tráng trộn
''Bánh tráng trộn'' is a snack that tops the list due to its delicious flavor and affordable price. This distinctive dish originates from Tây Ninh, and nowadays, it is becoming increasingly popular, with you being able to find it at the entrance of any elementary or high school.
Thinly sliced rice paper mixed with crispy fried dried shrimp, julienned green papaya, soy sauce, peanuts, and cilantro blended together create a fantastic snack.
2. Fish balls
The carts filled with delicious food truly make the little ones unable to resist. Crispy and chewy fish balls, crunchy fried sour spring rolls with a crispy shell and a soft interior, along with countless other deep-fried items, all dipped in tomato sauce or chili sauce, are absolutely delightful. Many young people, even as they grow older, still yearn for the childhood snacks. Whenever passing by their old school, they can't help but grab a few skewers to satisfy their cravings.
3. Homemade ice cream
In the scorching summer, coming home from school feeling both tired and hot, there's nothing better than rushing to a street vendor, buying and savoring a refreshing, ice-cold, and sweet popsicle!
The homemade popsicles in my hometown are slender, about 3-5 cm long, and come in a small plastic bag. Each time you want to enjoy one, you just bite the tip of the bag and squeeze it gently to let the icy popsicle inside flow out. The popsicle is very firm, icy cold, and sweet. You can think of it as if someone mixed lemonade with sugar, poured it into the bag, and froze it!
One popsicle costs only about 500 VND, making it very affordable for a group of students to quench their thirst and beat the summer heat!
The snacks we often enjoy after school are just small examples in a diverse list of delicious specialties. However, in the Netherlands, due to different customs and habits, finding familiar street food becomes a challenge as it's not a common practice. Yet for me, cuisine is not only about savoring delightful flavors but also about bonding and preserving memorable experiences.
The post-school gatherings have become precious moments, where we satisfy not only our taste buds but also create unforgettable memories. In the relaxed atmosphere of outdoor tables and chairs, we frequently gather to discuss everything from sky-high stories to underwater adventures. It's a time when our main concern is learning, and worries about the future seem distant.
The meet-ups with friends and the enjoyment of delicious street food are not just culinary experiences but a journey for us to seek small waves of happiness and joy in life.