A Taste of Southeast Asia at Farm Fusion: Fresh Flavors, Bold Aromas, and Culinary Adventure

If you’ve ever been captivated by the fragrant herbs of Vietnam or the sweet-spicy balance of Thai cuisine, our recent "Taste of Southeast Asia" class at Farm Fusion was an unforgettable journey through the vibrant flavors of the region. This hands-on culinary experience brought together bold ingredients, fresh produce, and a whole lot of joy in the kitchen.

Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just dipping your toes into Southeast Asian cuisine, this class had something for everyone—from street food favorites to refreshing desserts. Here's a look at the delicious menu we explored and the stories behind each dish.

🧋 Thai Iced Tea: A Sweet and Creamy Start

We kicked things off with a glass of Thai Iced Tea, that signature drink with a sunset-orange hue. Made with strongly brewed black tea, a touch of star anise and cardamom, and sweetened condensed milk, it’s the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. The creamy texture and bright flavor woke up our palates and set the tone for the feast ahead.

Pro tip from the class: For a more authentic flavor, use Thai tea mix (with added spices) and let it steep for at least 5 minutes before straining and chilling.

🍜 Authentic Vietnamese Beef Pho: The Heart of the Class

Next up was the crown jewel: Beef Pho (Phở Bò)—a soul-warming bowl of Vietnamese comfort food that’s all about the broth. We crafted ours the traditional way, starting with a long, slow simmer of local Colorado beef bones, paired with charred onions, fresh ginger, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. The result? A rich, clear, aromatic broth that forms the heart of this beloved dish.

Using locally sourced beef wasn’t just a nod to sustainability—it made the flavor even more vibrant and satisfying. Every spoonful told a story of mindful sourcing and regional pride.

The pho was served with rice noodles, thin slices of tender beef, and a colorful assortment of fresh toppings: Thai basil, cilantro, mint, lime wedges, bean sprouts, and optional chili slices for those who wanted a little heat.

Hands-on moment: Guests learned how to properly roast bones for a clean broth, how to balance salt and umami with fish sauce, and the magic of customizing your own bowl with fresh herbs.

🥢 Spring Rolls with Homemade Peanut Sauce: Light, Fresh, and Flavorful

No Southeast Asian experience is complete without fresh spring rolls—and we rolled up our sleeves (literally) to master the technique. These colorful rice paper rolls were packed with crisp veggies, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and optional shrimp or tofu for protein.

But the star? That homemade peanut sauce. Creamy, nutty, and with just a hint of heat from chili-garlic sauce, it had everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds).

Fun fact shared in class: In Vietnamese cuisine, these rolls are often eaten as an appetizer or snack and are meant to be dipped generously!

🥥 Coconut Lime Sorbet: A Cool, Tropical Finish

To end the evening on a light note, we whipped up a zesty and refreshing Coconut Lime Sorbet—a dairy-free treat that felt like a tropical breeze. Made with coconut milk, fresh lime juice and zest, and just a bit of natural sweetener, it was the perfect palate cleanser after our flavorful feast.

Kitchen trick: We churned this in an ice cream maker for the smoothest texture, but shared tips on how to freeze it in a loaf pan for a no-churn version at home.

👩‍🍳 The Farm Fusion Experience

What makes our classes special isn’t just the food—it’s the connection. Guests picked fresh herbs from our garden, learned the cultural roots of each dish, and got to work side-by-side in our open teaching kitchen. Laughter, learning, and amazing food—it’s what Farm Fusion is all about.