No other cuisine in the world can beat Vietnamese food when it comes to simplicity, purity and freshness. A unification of fresh vegetables and herbs complemented by fine rice products, and sometimes a humble addition of meat or seafood, highlight the ingenious culinary wisdom of Vietnamese food that has been passed on for over a thousand years. Not only does Vietnamese cuisine boost health and vitality, it also promises to delight the eyes and taste buds. From left: The bahn xeo crispy crepe; Deep-fried shrimp cake on sugarcane sticks. Van Arayangkoon, the chef-patron of thriving French resta…