ALTHOUGH Vietnam is Singapore's Asean brethren, it is the little differences that makes exploring the country such a delight.
The Lions and members of the press pack are currently in Hanoi for the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup semi-final first leg against Vietnam.
It is a hectic working trip and whatever precious free time we have is fully made use of.
While waiting for coach Raddy Avramovic to show up at the Vietnam Football Federation offices for a press conference, the journos tried out the street fare.
Amidst the quaint old shophouses, there was a roadside barber clipping away, giving his elderly customer a neat haircut.
We ordered coffee from a roadside shop.
It was served in a cup, nothing unusual about that. But it was also kept warm in a bowl of hot water.
And when it came to the "Pepsi challenge", Vietnamese coffee is a winner.
It's potent like a double-shot black espresso and it's guaranteed to wake you up. But it's also sweet, thanks to the condensed milk.
Such is the reputation of Vietnamese coffee that several members of the backroom staff have already stocked up on boxes of the pre-mixed satchets.
Perhaps the Lions should have a bowl or two to boost their energy levels before the next match!
Caffeine shot, anyone?
ST Photo