Factual
TLC uncovers secrets of Vietnamese cuisine in ‘Luke Nuguyen’s Vietnam’
MUMBAI: Luke Nguyen acclaimed Australian-Vietnamese chef returns to the country of his heritage to learn centuries-old cooking secrets, traditions and techniques in ‘Luke Nuguyen’s Vietnam’, a brand new series on TLC. From his food-obsessed extended family, as well as home cooks and local street-food vendors scattered across the southern regions, Luke travels around Vietnam to learn from the people of the country.
‘Luke Nuguyen’s Vietnam’ premieres on 5 January and will air every Monday to Friday at 8 PM, only on TLC.
In the ten-part series, Luke will travel through Vietnam’s spectacular northern countryside, visiting the natural wonders of Ha Long Bay, stopping at the bustling and French inspired Hanoi and all the way to the beautiful mountains of Sapa. Along the way he prepares dishes in locations that represent an authentic Vietnam, in all its chaotic vibrancy.
Each episode will explore the food and culture of Vietnam, while on the journey he enlists the local dish to be cooked by him. On a journey of Vietnam’s southern region, Luke travels from Saigon, through the Mekong Delta, and north along the coast to the World Heritage-listed city of Hoi An. Along the way, he meets many relatives, who share with him the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine, and help him discover the tiny cottage industries that have been creating vital ingredients for many centuries.
Discover Vietnam’s diverse cuisine as Luke whips up tantalizing dishes along his journey: from favourite takeaway snacks like green papaya salad, to local favourites like sweet Mekong shrimp with fried pork belly, to unusual dishes like deep fried pumpkin flowers stuffed with prawns and dill.
Join Luke on his quest to trace his heritage and the secrets that make Vietnamese food the ‘nouvelle cuisine of Asia’ in ‘Luke Nuguyen’s Vietnam’.
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
