Ili ventures to the heart of romantic Hoi An City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to temples, pagodas and ancient homes. Ili meets Ms. Vy, who introduces her to Spicy Clams in Hotpot, Spicy Snails with Lemongrass and Fresh Herbs, and Fried Prawn Wanton Topped with Crab Meat Sauce. After a quick boat ride, Ili is seduced by the magic of Cham Islands, where she meets a local fisherman hunting for sea urchins.
Ili visits the ever changing city, Da Nang, and is surprised by its endless offering of authentic Vietnamese seafood dishes from Tamarind Chili Crab, to the famous Vietnamese Fishball Noodle. Ili goes on a private tour and discovers just how simple condiments can make a world of difference to a dish. Learning from a local passionate home cook, Ili discovers the secrets of a beautifully spiced Tom Kho Tau - Prawns in Roe Sauce that has been passed down for generations.
Phuket is most famous for its white sandy beach but little to most know, it is also home to some of the most ancient seafarer civilisations - the Cham people - or otherwise known as Sea Gypsies. Ili gets the opportunity to meet a sea gypsy who puts her straight to work on traditional dish traps and introduces her to exotic sea grapes. A walk around the Old Town highlights a different side to Phuket's cuisine, introducing the island's tasty seafood dishes. With the beautiful view of the Andaman sea, Ili cooks up Steamed Crab with Seaweed Aioli and Pineapple and Prawn Peranakan Curry.
When you think of Thai food, you think spicy, coconut milk, chili, and prawns, but Ili discovers an ingredient that happens to be the heart of local Phuket cooking - Pumpkin! In a country that has a deep, underlying love for its food, Ili is in for a special treat as she discovers royal seafood cuisine such as Goon Sarong and Chor Muang, leaving Ili overwhelmed with inspiration. Humbled and excited by the beauty and treasures of the sea, Ili makes a beautiful plate of Grilled Squid with Garlic Chili Oil, and Grilled Fish and Spicy Pumpkin Salad. It's the perfect dish on a sunny day.
Finally on home ground, join Ili as she uncovers the charming Penarik Village Community in Terengganu, Malaysia. From wading in knee deep water while clam digging, to tasting the best grilled fish in a restaurant owned by a former national footballer, Ili's seafood expedition is filled to the brim. Watch as Ili makes Lemongrass Clam Pasta and BBQ Salt Fish with Sweet Sambal Sauce.
On the tranquil Perhentian Islands in the East Coast of West Malaysia, friendly locals introduce Ili to seafood delicacies such as Ikan Singgang and Satar. As she gets to know the locals better, she walks through a less travelled path in the local culinary scene, Chinese cuisine. Ili indulges in delectable stories of restaurants and recipes that have stood the test of time. In an unexpected twist of luck, Ili experiences the extraordinary act of releasing baby sea turtles back to the ocean before cooking up a storm that celebrates the sea and the people.