Research Question: In consideration of recent rapid economic growth, globalization and Westernization in Vietnam, what is the state of Ho Chi Minh City residents attitudes and habits around food and what are the implications of evolving consumption patterns?
My research will mainly focus on the western fast food chains in contrast with street vendors and small restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese foods as a means to observe changing consumption patterns. So far I have found through literary research and observations that fast food is seen as very hip, elegant and sophisticated, especially by youth. More questions I will seek to answer are why are they viewed as a symbol of class and what are the health implications of the emergence of these restaurants?