[Video] Following A Hột Vịt Lộn Vendor Through The Streets Of Saigon

We often take for granted the immense diversity of foods found on the streets of Saigon, in addition to those that sell them. This short film profiles Vinh, a hột vịt lộn (fetal duck egg) vendor who hawks her product to pay for her son's university tuition.

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In addition to providing a better understanding of Vinh’s life, the film explores reasons people eat this dish. Many believe it relieves headaches while others eat it to rid themselves of bad luck. Interestingly, this idea can be found in the dish’s name - lộn means to turn upside down, hence its connotation for reversing bad luck. However, many, like me, eat it simply because it’s delicious.

Through the lens of Michael Abela (director, cinematographer, editor), and the ambient sounds of a đàn bầu (a traditional, single string instrument), this video truly captures the spirit of Vinh; a hard worker who is able to flash a radiant smile while doing a tough job.

Hột vịt lộn - Saigon, Vietnam from Abela Films on Vimeo.