Name: Vietnamese spring rolls (Nems, pates imperiaux, cha gio)
Eaten in: Vietnam, Cote d’Ivoire
Foodie: Linda
The greatest advantage of growing up in a multicultural, diverse environment is that very early on, your palate gets accustomed to a variety of tastes and flavors. Some never leave your memory.
When asked about nems, many Abidjanais will happily give directions to their favorite kiosk. The owners of the one I used to go to, who came from Vietnam, had become so enamored with Cote d’Ivoire and with Ivorian culture that they gave their son a local name. …
