Ume Mai Chau Eco Homestay

(This review is for lunch - we didn't stay at the homestay) We were on a glorious 12 mile cycle ride through the delightful Mai Chau valley and our guide, Lee, had booked us into her own homestay for lunch, cooked by her mother-in-law's sister. Her homestay is in Lác 2 village, which sites right in the rice paddies, close to Mai Chau village, such a lovely and peaceful situation. Lee is currently building 2 more rooms at her homestay, so there is some construction going on, but it should be finished very soon. We were presented with a freshly cooked meal of: - Pumpkin soup with tamarind - Pork meat balls with tomato - Vietnamese spring rolls - Sautéed cabbage - Deep fried battered chicken - French fries - Steamed rice The food was nice with very generous quantities - unfortunately we couldn't eat it all. I think they had "Westernised" the food and we did think some dishes, like the cabbage, needed a bit more taste: some garlic, chilli, soy / fish sauce, for example. But we had an enjoyable time with the usual lovely, gentle, friendly service we've come to expect in Vietnam. (Also posted to my food blog on Instagram @AbbeyKing16)