Vietnamese recipes to try at home

Wine pairing suggestion: Bermejos Malvasia Seco 2011 (Canary Islands, Spain)

My favorite part about these dumplings is the delicacy of their texture -- silky and slightly chewy in contrast with the surprisingly sweet mung bean interior. The Bermejos Malvasia from the Canary Island of Lanzarotte is rife with minerality, a touch of carbon dioxide and a bit of implied sweetness that you would get from a just picked pineapple or guava.

Cocktail suggestion: Blanc and Blue Martini

This is a classic martini with four parts gin to 1 part dry vermouth and 1 part blanc vermouth, orange bitters and lemon oil. Blanc vermouth is a sweet white vermouth that adds body to the cocktail while the dry vermouth adds a nutty quality. This is a subtle and delicate drink that pairs well with the slippery and chewy texture of the hue dumplings.

5. Mama's meatballs

"If meats are essential for your party, you will be very popular with this dish. I like to hand chop the meat because great texture is essential for this dish. You can roll them into small, bite sizes to serve alongside crunchy bread or baguettes."

Wine pairing suggestion: Leitz 2010 Rüdesheimer Magdalenenkreuz Riesling Spätlese (Rheingau, Germany)

The lush texture of this wine -- fall golden apples, wet stone and citrus blossom -- cuts right through the richness of the pork and the density of the spice, finishing with Johannes Leitz's signature acidity.

Cocktail suggestion: Carter Beats the Devil (Reposado tequila, mezcal, lime, agave, bird's eye chili tincture)

This drink is named after Carter the Great, a notable 1920s era, Oakland-based illusionist. His greatest trick was Carter Beats the Devil. This drink is bright, smoky and spicy. The smoke and spice compliment the rich, fatty texture of the meatballs and the acidity keeps the palate primed for more food.

Hoi An Wontons with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Serves 8 to 10 as a snack or appetizer

For the tomato sauce

2 Tbsp canola oil

3/4 cup thinly sliced shallots

2 tsp minced garlic

4 Thai hot chiles stemmed and minced

2 Tbsp rice wine

2 pounds ripe tomatoes (such as Roma or Early Girl), cored and diced

3/4 cup chicken stock

1 Tbsp fish sauce

50 square wonton wrappers (1-pound package)