Just roll with it: A Swiss expat's journey into Vietnamese cuisine
The vibrant streets of Hanoi are known for their chaotic charm, with bustling markets and aromatic food stalls lining every corner.
Amid this lively atmosphere, you may well stumble upon an unexpected sight: Swiss expat, Moritz Muggli, passionately grilling and selling traditional Vietnamese delicacies like banh xeo and nem lui.

Running a small restaurant is how these two spend their spare time together. Photo courtesy of Vietnam News.
His journey from Switzerland to Vietnam is not just a tale of culinary exploration but also a testament to the power of immersion and embracing new cultures.
Love at first sight
"Last year, I came here to travel for about three to four weeks. And I really enjoyed the culture of Vietnam," Moritz said, reflecting on his initial encounter with the country's rich tapestry of traditions.

There is always time for food and camaraderie. Photo courtesy of Vietnam News.
"But as a tourist, it was quite impossible... I wanted to get to know the culture better."
Determined to delve deeper into the fabric of Vietnamese life, Moritz returned to Vietnam as a volunteer, seeking a more profound connection beyond the surface interactions of a typical tourist experience.
Transitioning from a background in economics to becoming a German teacher was just the first step. His days became a whirlwind of activity, teaching from dawn till dusk before dedicating his evenings to a newfound passion, helping his girlfriend at her small restaurant.
He said: “I think this is quite a passion, I have to say it's more like I always wanted to create something myself. And I mean, this is not my business, I have to say, but I can be a part of it.

Will the new pitmaster take Hanoi streets by storm? Photo courtesy of Vietnam News.
"I'm doing some marketing, I am helping out. And I really hope that it will develop very well.
"For me personally, it's very simple, but also very fresh... The taste is amazing," he said.
Business for their one-month-old restaurant is booming as curious customers gather to marvel at the sight of a foreigner grilling nem lui. He also introduced western customers on how to eat these types of street food.
Deo Thi Nga, an employee at the restaurant, said: “Sometimes when there are too many customers, he helps out with grilling the nem lui and also with cleaning the table, bringing out the herbs and taking orders from customers just like us.”
When it’s not too busy, Moritz hangs out with regular customers, such as Nguyen Xuan Thai, who used to work at the coffee shop next door.
Thai said: “I come here to eat almost every day. The taste of banh xeo is very delicious. In general, it's full of dipping sauces and other stuffs. Every day I'm surprised by his barbecue skills. His nem lui is very delicious.”
The man without fear
Claiming himself as an introvert, Moritz pulls out all the stops to step out of his comfort zone to connect with locals.
“I had to like get rid of all my fears. But since I came here, I decided to just talk to the people and try everything.
"And I think when you really try to accept that this culture they will welcome you very quickly and you will make friends very quickly.”
As he continues to grill nem lui and roll banh xeo with practiced precision, Moritz embodies the spirit of adventure that defines expat life. With each sizzle of the grill and each satisfied customer, he leaves an indelible mark on the streets of Hanoi, proving that sometimes, the most fulfilling journeys begin with a simple willingness to roll with whatever life throws your way.
- Read More
Malaysia’s investment growth in 2025 faces challenges
In the context of global trade uncertainty, Malaysia may not achieve a hat-trick in approved investments this year after two straight years of record-high numbers.
Southeast Asia - Wed, May 7, 2025 | 10:59 pm GMT+7
Thaco seeks to remove obstacles to hotel, bauxite projects in Vietnam's Central Highlands
Thaco expects the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong to help the multi-industry corporation remove barriers to its hotel, bauxite, and aluminum projects in Da Lat town, said a company representative.
Industries - Wed, May 7, 2025 | 10:55 pm GMT+7
Q1 proves tough for Vietnam's oil and gas giants
Profits for major Vietnamese oil companies dropped significantly in Q1, as global oil prices plunged, driven by U.S. tax policy shifts and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Companies - Wed, May 7, 2025 | 5:06 pm GMT+7
How much is your identity worth?
With 87% of Vietnamese adults having bank accounts and approximately 95% of transactions conducted via online channels, how banks can protect their customers’ personal data has become important more than ever, writes Phillip Wright, chief operating officer at HSBC Vietnam.
Consulting - Wed, May 7, 2025 | 4:01 pm GMT+7
Foxconn plans to expand product portfolio at $200 mln plant in central Vietnam
Fu Wing Interconnect Technology (Nghe An) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Taiwan-based electronics giant Foxconn, plans to expand the range of products at its $200 million factory in Vietnam’s central province of Nghe An.
Industries - Wed, May 7, 2025 | 3:35 pm GMT+7
Sumitomo okayed to build 4th industrial park in Vietnam
With an industrial park to develop in the central province of Thanh Hoa, Japan's Sumitomo will expand its industrial real estate portfolio in Vietnam to four projects amid rising FDI inflows.
Industrial real estate - Wed, May 7, 2025 | 2:16 pm GMT+7
Vietnam upholds 8% GDP growth target despite US tariff turmoil
The Vietnamese Government is persistent with its 8% growth goal though disadvantages outweigh advantages, with a focus on solutions to respond to U.S. reciprocal tariffs, PM Pham Minh Chinh told a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Economy - Wed, May 7, 2025 | 12:42 pm GMT+7
Vietnam's sugar major Quang Ngai Sugar JSC posts lowest Q1 profit in 2 years
Quang Ngai Sugar JSC, owner of famous soy milk brand Fami in Vietnam, reported its weakest Q1 profit in two years as its sugar business struggled under pressure from smuggled and imported sugar, though the soy milk segment continued to support revenue.
Companies - Wed, May 7, 2025 | 11:14 am GMT+7
Listing, state capital divestment “blockbusters” new catalysts for Vietnam's stock market
As Vietnam’s stock market enters an information lull following Q1 earnings releases and AGMs, recent news about major listing and state capital divestment plans are expected to be significant catalysts for the country's benchmark VN-Index.
Finance - Wed, May 7, 2025 | 8:17 am GMT+7
Construction of first locally-owned semiconductor factory begins in Vietnam
CT Semiconductor, a subsidiary of CT Group, has begun the second phase of construction on what is set to become Vietnam’s first semiconductor chip factory fully owned by a domestic company.
Southeast Asia - Tue, May 6, 2025 | 10:50 pm GMT+7
Japanese retailers step up business activities in Vietnam
Japanese retailers Aeon and Sumitomo have planned to expand their networks in Vietnam, Nikkei Asia reported on Monday.
Southeast Asia - Tue, May 6, 2025 | 10:39 pm GMT+7
Vietnam's budget carrier Vietjet sees 24% profit hike in Q1 on int’l growth surge
Vietjet Aviation JSC (HoSE: VJC) reported a 24% year-over-year increase in consolidated profit for Q1, driven by strong international expansion and operational excellence, reinforcing its leadership in regional connectivity.
Southeast Asia - Tue, May 6, 2025 | 10:35 pm GMT+7
Northern Vietnam city Hai Phong claims top spot for first time in Provincial Competitiveness Index
The coastal city of Hai Phong has, for the first time, topped the 2024 Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) with a score of 74.84, marking a significant milestone in its economic governance journey.
Southeast Asia - Tue, May 6, 2025 | 10:20 pm GMT+7
Malaysia initiates tariff talks with US
Malaysia is pushing forward tariff negotiations with the U.S., while implementing various policies to support local industries and strengthening efforts to seek new export markets.
Southeast Asia - Tue, May 6, 2025 | 10:12 pm GMT+7
Superapp Grab appoints new heads in Singapore, Vietnam
Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, on Monday announced leadership appointments in Singapore and Vietnam, effective July 1, 2025.
Companies - Tue, May 6, 2025 | 10:06 pm GMT+7
ASEAN’s largest economy slows to lowest growth since Q3/2021
Official data released recently indicates that Indonesia's economic growth decelerated in Q1 due to weakened domestic consumption.
Southeast Asia - Tue, May 6, 2025 | 9:59 pm GMT+7
- Opinion
-
Vietnam embraces new wave of investments: HSBC exec
-
Chinese e-commerce giant Temu's Vietnam entry: unfair competition or market economy norm?
-
Vietnam's economy: positive changes but concerns persist
-
Slow administrative procedures hinder Korean investments in Vietnam: KoCham chair
-
Abundant real estate opportunities surround HCMC
-
Vietnam needs to modify FDI incentives to stay competitive amid global minimum tax application: expert