At certain times of the lunar month, the consumption of dog meat is considered lucky, which may explain why women sometimes eat it. And of course, it could after all be true that to some people dog meat is actually ‘ngon’.This can cause a dilemma for westerners in Vietnam, particularly the English. Napoleon called England ‘a nation of shop-keepers’, but most Europeans nowadays know it a nation of dog lovers. Just about every household in rural England has a pet dog or two. There are popular TV shows devoted to dogs, magazines about the animals with nationwide readerships, and an annual competition for the best-behaved and best-looking dogs called ‘Crufts’, which is actually more like a national institution.Queen Elizabeth’s dogs, of the Corgi breed, are more famous than some members of the Royal Family. Households that have no pet dogs often still have portraits of dogs hanging on the walls, and porcelain statues of pooches by the … [Read more...] about Dog meat special
Dog meat
China’s dog meat festival opens despite ban rumours
A notorious Chinese dog meat festival opened on Wednesday with butchers hacking up slabs of canines and cooks frying the flesh, despite rumours that authorities would impose a ban this year.After initial reports that authorities would ban the meat at the summer solstice event in the southern city of Yulin, animal rights groups said vendors and officials reached a compromise and set a limit of two dogs displayed per stall.But multiple carcasses rested on some stalls at the main Nanqiao market, with stiff pointy tails, leathery yellow skin, eyes shut and bared teeth as if in a final growl.Animal welfare groups, however, said sales appeared to be down this year.Behind two long rows of dog butchers, other vendors sold more typical fare like cow tongues and pork hocks and trotters. But even they sold some dog parts, including liver.The market also features poultry, tanks of fish and vegetables and fruit, including big bundles of lychees.There was a heavy police presence outside the market … [Read more...] about China’s dog meat festival opens despite ban rumours
Dog-meat business lacks bite in Nhat Tan
A section of Hanoi’s busy Au Co Street in Nhat Tan Ward is wreathed in smoke and the smell of grilled meat coming from over 50 dog meat restaurants scattered along the street. The street is extremely crowded every afternoon, especially at weekends with dog-meat lovers arriving from different places to enjoy the specialties of the street. But this was the scene about ten years ago. The smoky palm-roofed restaurants have now been replaced by modern buildings and villas and colourful shops, like many other busy streets in the capital. Although dog-meat is still a popular dish in this city, all the restaurants here have closed. There have been lots of rumours around their closing which is still a question for many local gastronomers. Illustrative photo. The closing of all dog-meat restaurants on Au Co Street is still a question for many local gastronomers. One of the rumours is that the owner of the first dog-meat restaurant here, Nguyen Thi Xiu has claimed she had to … [Read more...] about Dog-meat business lacks bite in Nhat Tan
Dog meat spices up the conversation
Last week, Viet Nam News asked its readers whether Vietnamese diners should give up their custom of eating dog meat. This topic has really sparked a debate among our readers. Hamish McNair Wilson, British, Da Nang Your say Next Week: Ha Noi's Industry and Trade Department recently submitted a project to the municipal People's Committee encouraging local people to ride bicycles. The department says that the move will save fuel, reduce pollution and traffic jams and give a much-needed boost to the domestic bicycle manufacturing industry. However, some experts do not support the proposal. They say that while encouraging local people to ride bicycles would be good for the environment, it would also in fact worsen traffic congestion. They argue that jams become worse when a number of cyclists flock onto roads at slow speeds together with other vehicles, especially as there are no specific bicycle lanes in the city. Do you prefer travelling by bicycle to other vehicles? What do you think … [Read more...] about Dog meat spices up the conversation
Should Vietnamese people give up dog meat?
Dogs and cats in Western countries are considered as pets and live with humans as friends or companions. However, in many countries such as China, South Korea and Viet Nam, dog meat is readily consumed and is cooked in various dishes. Vietnamese people, especially in the northern region enjoy this food. A Vietnamese person recently raged a public debate for saying that eating dog meat is an expression of cruelty which will destroy the country's cultural values and spirit. He said Viet Nam should give up eating dog meat if the country wishes to become truly civilised and integrate more with the rest of the world. What do you think about this idea and Viet Nam's dog meat eating habit? How do you feel when tasting this meat or witnessing people eat it? Should Vietnamese people give up their eating habit of dog meat? Tell us your reasons. Please reply by email to [email protected] or by fax to (84-4) 3 933 2311. Letters can be sent to The Editor, Viet Nam News, 11 Tran Hung Dao … [Read more...] about Should Vietnamese people give up dog meat?