Vietnam House and Other Food

Vietnam House- Set Menu for 1 person (400.000 vnd- RM80)
Clockwise from Top Left: Deep Fried Duck Breast with Orange Sauce, Prawns Meat on Sugarcane Stick, Caramel Custard, Sauteed Glass Noodles with Crab (109.000 vnd- RM22), Vietnam House Sampler, Steamboat, Spicy Squid Salad, Seafood Kebab with Ginger Sauce

Just like Quan An Ngon, Vietnam House appears in the Google search of 'food in HCMC'. Vietnam House is said to be one of the best restaurants specializing in Vietnamese and International cuisine. The restaurant is somewhat historical as it is actually in a restored French colonial house with French deco and gives you a nostalgic feel while you dine. The best way to sample a little bit of everything would be the Set Menu consisting of 7 courses and prices vary for the type of food you'd like to sample. Vietnam House is the only place we dined that charges service tax and VAT...


Assorted Rice Dishes @ Dai Do Mi and Com Tam Moc
Clockwise Top Left: Crispy Skin Chicken with Tomato Rice (39.000 vnd- RM7.80), Pork BBQ and Pork Skin Rice Set (49.000 vnd- RM9.80), Stir Fried Beef Lemongrass Chilli and Steamed Rice (42.000 vnd- RM8.40), Pork BBQ and Pork Pie Rice Set (49.000 vnd- RM9.80)

My travelling buddy, Alex was determined to get his rice dish so we dropped by at random restaurants to sample some. I would say there's nothing much to shout about except that they are pretty value for money.


Assorted Noodles
Clockwise Left: Pork Noodles in Nha Trang, Vemicelli with Pork and Fish Fillets, Wanton Noodles with Pork and Fish Fillets @ Calimette Street

We also tried some simple noodle dishes at a random stall but was very disappointed with it as they were as simple as the instant meehoon you get in supermarkets (and not cheap too, perhaps because we were tourists??).


Bahn Mi (Pork Sandwich)- 10.000 vnd or RM2
Pork liver pate, pickles, vege, pork ham, char siew in a Vietnamese baguette

The Bahn Mi or Pork Sandwich is a must try as it is the staple breakfast of many Vietnamese. Served in a Vietnamese Baguette (to be honest, I love this bread- it's so soft and fluffy!), buttered with pork liver pate, Vietnamese mayo, cold pork cuts like ham and 'char siew', pickles, tomato slices, and garnished with coriander. It's cheap and good!


Cafe Sua Da (7.000 vnd- RM1.40)
Strong iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk

If 'teh tarik' is the national drink of Malaysia (or is it not?), then Cafe Sua Da or Iced Coffee with Sweetened Condensed Milk is the national drink of Vietnam. Almost every cafe, restaurant and street side stall will offer this drink in their menu and I can see why- it's goooooooooood! This will surely delight all caffeine addicts as this is the Starbucks of Vietnam! And again, it's cheap and gooooooooooood!


Banana in Ice Cream @ Diamond Plaza

A different kind of ice cream potong with banana in it.



Vietnam House
93-95, Dong Khoi St,
District 1, HCMC.
Tel: (84-8) 3829 1623

Dai Do Mi
67, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, P.Ben Thanh,
Q.1, HCMC.
Tel: 08 3915 2334

Com Tam Moc (Vietnamese Broken Rice)
48, Le Thanh Ton
85, Ly Tu Trong
www.comtammoc.com

The Famous Pho 24

Clockwise from Top Left:
Lamp-terns, traditional Vietnamese coffee, gwai lohs, packed with people!

Yes, still on the same subject of Vietnam.

Pho 24 is a very famous pho joint as it's not only available in Vietnam but have also spreaded its wings to other parts of the world such as Hong Kong, US, Australia, Indonesia, Korea, and Cambodia. It's like the Vietnamese version of McD! It's hard not to spot a Pho 24 outlet due to the theme vibrant green colour.


Clockwise from Top Left:
Pho with Chicken (38.000vnd- RM7.60), Deep Fried Spring Rolls (32.000vnd- RM6.40), Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk (24.000vnd- RM4.80), Pho Special- Fillet, well done flank, fat brisket, soft tendon, tripe muscle and well done brisket (45.000vnd- RM9)

The Pho-s were good, we especially enjoyed the Pho Special which has everything and anything you could ever want in your beef noodles. And a great Vietnamese meal cannot be complete without an iced coffee!


Clockwise from Top Left:
The Saigon Opera House, the famous Vietnam House at night, a gallery with Eiling's initials and the HCMC Louis Vuitton

The city of Ho Chi Minh has much to offer, besides being a historical place, it also boasts an upmarket area where the rich can still get their fair share of LVs and branded goods.


Snow Town
Green Tea with Red Bean Snow Ice (35.000vnd-RM7)

I also got to relive my memories of having green tea with red bean snow ice which I had in Perth! The one in Perth tastes better and I can't believe why this isn't in Malaysia yet! (Or if anyone knows if it's in Malaysia already???)


Clockwise from Top Left:
Alex buying some fried snacks, Diamond Plaza where all the expensive things are, Riverside Hotel by the Saigon River, Fried Assorted Snacks

Diamond Plaza is the well known high class shopping center in HCMC. Coincidentally, I also met some international colleagues there as the Vietnam HQ is located at Diamond Plaza.


Clockwise from Top Left:
A monument in the city, motorcycles being the main form of transportation, HCMC Post Office


Pho 24
5, Nguyen Thiep Street,
District 2, HCMC.
Tel: 0084 8822 6278
www.pho24.com.vn

Snow Town
TTTM Parkson Q.1
35, Bis Le Thanh Ton- P.Ben Nghe- Q.1

Cheap Seafood at Hai Lua, Ben Thanh

Dinner for two on the first night

Besides the pho and spring rolls, we also discovered a cheap seafood place which only operates at night. When Ben Thanh market closes down in the evening, the whole market scene is shifted to the roadsides where you can find yourself in a pasar malam. There is also a street dedicated to food where stalls are set up with the whole kitchen transported from the lorry equipped with tables, chairs, utensils, table cloth and uniformed waiters!


Clockwise from Top Left:
Hotpot Seafood in Thailand's Taste (135.000 vnd- RM27), Clams Fried with Garlic (38.000 vnd- RM7.60), Harvested from the Hotpot, Red Snapper Grilled with Salt & Spicy (98.000 vnd- RM19.60), Spring Rolls for Display, Clams Roasted with Tamarind (42.000 vnd- RM8.40)

The menu was flourished with too many choices that we simply couldn't make up our mind. With only 2 stomachs, we tried to manage within our cravings and means ($$ and stomach space). On the first night, we ordered the hotpot seafood (aka steamboat), clams in two styles- garlic and tamarind and a big grilled fish! While I wouldn't say they were excellent, given the price it was well worth it.


Clockwise from Top Left:
Frog Fried with Butter (69.000 vnd- RM13.80), Frog Grilled with Five Tastes, Stir Fried (69.000 vnd- RM13.80), Grilled Mullet (98.000 vnd- RM19.60)

On the last night, we decided to give Hai Lua a revisit since there are so many other dishes we have not tried. This time, we had the frog done in 2 styles- fried with butter and grilled. Frogs, though they're quite yucky and sends chills down my spine when alive, tastes good when cooked! I love 'tin kai chuk' (frog porridge) as the meat is so smooth and tender. We had another fish, this time a grilled mullet. We did not enjoy this fish much as it has a lot of bones :(


Prawn Steamed with Coconut Water (85.000 vnd 1/2 kg- RM17, 165.000 vnd 1kg- RM33)

After seeing this dish on few others' tables, we jumped on the bandwagon as well. This one is really unique as the prawns are dipped in coconut water whilst the dried ice beneath it helps to 'fire up' the coconut. The waiter even provided peeling service so that we don't have to dirty our hands.


Clockwise from Top Left:
Edible Snail Steamed with Citronella (98.000 vnd- RM19.60), Papaya Shake and Sweet Pamelo Juice (15.000 vnd and 24.000 vnd- RM3 and RM4.80), Clam Boiled and Steamed (40.000 vnd- RM8), Loadsa people at Hai Lua

To max our experience at Hai Lua, we ordered 2 types of shellfish that night- escargots and clams, both of which were so-so only. Hai Lua is a popular dine out place at night amongst the locals and tourists alike, thanks to it's marketing strategy of putting a bbq pit outside to attract passersby of the grilled seafood smell.

All these food for less than RM100 per pax for 2 nights.



Hai Lua Restaurant
Crossroads of Luu Van Lang and Phan Boi Chau St
Next to Ben Thanh Market

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt

Tutti Frutti colours

While waiting for dinner time to arrive, we stopped briefly at Ben Thanh area to kill time. We spotted this Tutti Frutti outlet and gave it a shot- and also to rest our tired feet.

They were self-service machines with different flavoured frozen yogurt (much less like the sundae churning machine at McD, only that they're all frutti flavours). This is more fun as you get to control how much frozen yogurt you want. After that, proceed to the counter where they have a variety of toppings- dried fruits, nuts, chocs, fresh fruits, cereals etc. The price is dependent on the weight of the frozen yogurt- 25.000vnd for 100g (RM5).

Do check out their website below- it's very interactive and vibrant!

p/s: Tutti Frutti is now available in Malaysia too @Sunway Pyramid, IOI Mall, BSC, TTDI, Times Square and Capital Square!

Now, here's something for those who are weight conscious but still want to indulge....... ;-)


Tutti Frutti
Available @
114, Nguyen Hue, Q1
19, Han Thuyen, Q1
15-17, Phan Chu Trinh, Q1
469 Nguyen Huru Thy, Q7
Ho Chi Minh City
www.tfyogurt.com

[disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. please dont sue me, i dont have money. kthxbye.]

You Haven't Been to Vietnam...

... if you've never been to these places!


Clockwise from Top-
Reunification Palace; Ho Chi Minh City Center; Notre Dame Cathedral


Behind the scenes of making lacquerware, clockwise from Top Right-
Roasted egg shells paints the picture; applying layers of lacquer; sand papering action; polishing the finishing goods; up for sale!

Lacquerware is the signature Vietnamese souvenir. However they can be very pricey especially when you purchase them off the 'factory'. If you want to buy some souvenirs home, I would suggest you head on to Ben Thanh Market as there are plenty to choose from there and you can put your bargaining skills to use too!


War Remnants Museum-
Fighter jets, submarines, tanks, machine guns, bullets... and the names of those perished in the war


Such an obscene bomb heehee


My first & last time handling a gun- M16 and AK47!

Explains why I will never be a soldier/ able to fight the war. The 1 minute needed to fire all 5 bullets took me almost forever as I stood there shaking from the deafening gun shots, pulling the trigger and waiting for the recoil to hit my shoulders and the bullet shell to shoot out. It was scary. Glad to say I can now have that tick off my checklist of things to do before I die!


You Don't Wanna Mess with Alex-

My travel buddy Alex is a pro when it comes to killer machines. He's in the Selangor shooting team! What a lousy friend I am that I only found out about this during the trip :S

To have the experience of a lifetime with these mankiller machines, you'll have to purchase 10 bullets at once- 30.000vnd (RM6/USD1.60) per bullet for M16/M60, 26.000vnd (RM5/USD1.40) per bullet for AK47, 24.000vnd (RM4/USD1.30) per bullet for M30/M1 Carbine and 25.000vnd (RM4.50/USD1.40) per bullet for K54/K59.


Cu Chi Tunnels- Look ma, I can fit in!

The tunnels is a very interesting historical yet touristy place indeed. We were brought into the woods (not scary cos there's so many tourists around) and the obligatory 'camouflaged' secret hiding places and underground tunnels made by the Viet Congs. The tour guide told us that the holes and tunnels were small because the Viets are very small sized people. I qualify to be a Viet too- I can fit in the hole!


Clockwise from Top Left-
The opening to the first level tunnel; empty bomb shells; no smoking sign; fellow tourists and tapioca tasting; bottled snake wine for the bravehearted; booby traps; Mr Tour Guide; Alex in the tank

Overall it was a very interesting, yet educational tour as it brings one closer to the historical side of Vietnam. One can never truly relive the feelings of what the Viets felt during the war but it brought us a step closer to understand their suffering and pain. If eating tapioca everyday doesn't kill you, the thought of hiding in the tunnel not knowing when bombs will be dropped will be enough to traumatize you forever.

And for that, I truly respect the Viets & the Congs.

Ben Thanh Market- Food & Fare

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is a *must* visit when in Ho Chi Minh City. Just like it's neighbouring cousin in Bangkok- the Chatuchak Market, Ben Thanh Market offers a piece of Vietnam experience (food and fare) for the locals and tourists alike.

Ben Thanh Market is strategically located at District 1 of HCMC. We were fortunate that the backpackers hostel we were staying in was just about 15 mins of walking distance from Ben Thanh.


Shoes, shoes, shoes and more shoes

Just like Chatuchak, Ben Thanh has many many many stalls (though not as many as Chatuchak) selling almost repetitive things- shoes, lacquerware, souvenirs, fake branded clothings, food, fruits, poultry etc.

Food Stalls



On our first visit to the BTM, we were attracted to the food section. It is similar to the foodcourt of some of our bigger markets (ie. Pasar Besar Ipoh). There were just too many tempting food- spring rolls, big prawns, noodles, rice dishes etc etc. We vowed to make a comeback for the food on the following day since we already had some pho for lunch at Pho 24.


Look ma, Big Shrimps!

On the following day, we revisited BTM. I chose this stall as our first stop as the BIG orangy shrimps were just too tempting!!


Rice with Baked Flank- 20.000 vnd (RM4)

The baked flank was really good- well roasted, tender and the accompanying gravy had us finishing the rice and licking the plate clean! I would come back for this over and over again.


Roast Shrimps- 50.000 vnd for 3 pcs (RM10)

I think these were fresh water prawns. They were roasted and then cooked with onion oil similar to that of the baked flank. They were awesome- Big, Fresh and Juicy!


Steamed Thin Rice Pancake (aka Chee Cheong Fun)

There are many similarities in food among Asian countries. For ie. when I was younger and hadn't the opportunity to travel, I always thought Malaysia originated satay. It was only later that I found out every Asian country has their own version of 'skewered meat'... and some of them are called 'sate' too.

Hence, when I saw this... I realized that the HK Chee Cheong Fun and Anson (Teluk Intan) Chee Cheong Fun has found their distant cousins!


Steaming the rice roll


And putting in the fillings- minced meat

Though similar to the HK and Anson versions, it is different in terms of fillings. The HK one comes with shrimps and char siew while the Anson version boasts a variety of ingredients, such as crispy shalots, dried shrimps, chopped turnips etc.



The Vietnamese version however comes with minced meat, bits of spring onions and topped off with a piece of fish cake, a few slices of Viet ham and fried shallots. There is also an accompanying sour plum sauce and julliened cucumber and bean sprouts.


Rice Paper Roll with Shrimps- 5.000 vnd each (RM1)

One can never have to much of rice paper rolls as they're not only yummy but also healthy!


Fried Spring Roll with Pork- 5.000 vnd each (RM1)

These fried spring rolls with pork fillings were nothing outstanding but fits the reputation of streetside food...


Vietnamese Iced Black Coffee- 8.000 vnd (RM1.60)

And there is no experience like having a mug of iced black coffee within the hot stuffy environment in Ben Thanh Market. Kauuuuu!


Shove the shaved ice

My travel partner-in-crime was more attracted to the local 'tong sui', so we made a quick move about the food court to this stall.


Che Chap Cam and Vietnamese Leng Chi Kang- 10.000 vnd each (RM2)

The popular orders were these two 'tong sui', which were basically the Vietnamese Cendol In a Cup and Vietnamese Leng Chi Kang. The other 2 cups are some local iced tea which were complimentary. Nothing much to shout about but definitely a cool drink for a hot day.

Fruits Stalls


Fruit Stalls

Fruit stalls are also aplenty and they are pretty cheap too. Mangoes, grapes, apples, oranges, avocadoes... you name it, they have it.


Do Not Disturb. Durian session ongoing

... including the Asian King of Fruits too! We had wanted to savour some durians too but forgotten about it.


Extra services- no, not that kind!

One of the services provided by the fruit stalls here is the peeling service.


All peeled and ready to be eaten!

We bought a box of jackfruits and ciku, all peeled and ready to be eaten at about RM10. After all the meat, vege and rice rolls eaten... here's some vitamin nutritions to get us going for the rest of the trip!


The Vietnamese Experience

To end today's post, here's a picture of a Gwai Lou family having their meal on stools and plastic chairs as table!

Click also to view-
Chatuchak- Fares,
Chatuchak-Food

Luan Vu Guesthouse

Searching for places to stay is always either a b*tch or a breeze, contributed by few factors:
1. How deep is your love pocket;
2. How far it is from places of attractions, ie. shopping malls; and
3. Cleanliness & hygiene of the accomodation.

When I was researching for places to stay in Saigon, I came across Luan Vu Guesthouse at hostelbookers.com. Now, what I normally do is google for other sources that has reviews of this place because you cannot trust one source alone!

Quán Ăn Ngon

Quán Ăn Ngon

I like this place.



How can anyone not like it here? The dimmed lights, the lush greens, the flowing water, al fresco (& indoor) dining in a colonial inspired premise, and most of all the variety of authentic Vietnamese food served here.



Quán Ăn Ngon is perhaps the one place we came across that is packed to brim with people. It's almost like you need to get a number for your turn to be seated though the secret is just keep bugging the waiter/waitress that you want a table. Makes the process even faster if you keep it at 2 persons hence why I believe travelling in a small group is better :-) Food is prepared along the corridor, I initially thought it was buffet style! Haha luckily I did not embarass myself by self-service taking the food away.


Nem Nướng Cuốn Bánh Tráng- 70.000 vnd (RM 14)
Grilled minced pork meatballs served with rice vermicelli, Rice papers & vegetables

First on the list was the Vietnamese version of tapas- except eaten with rice papers and not bread! Just chuck everything on the rice paper and roll it up! That's when you get judged on your rolling/wrapping skills.......



I know my wrapping skills is still very failed. The meatballs is lightly grilled and goes well with the other paper roll ingredients ie. fresh lettuce, mint leaves, meehoon-like rolls. As the rice paper is not moistured, it provides a crispy sensation when eaten.


Bún Mắm- 35.000 vnd (RM 7)
Vemicelli soup with seafood & roasted pork in Mekong delta style

We decided to try something else although we still like our pho. The Bún Mắm was recommended by the waiter serving us. It tasted abit spicy and the ingredients can relate to it's distant cousin- the tom yum.


Bo Xiên Nướng- 30.000 vnd (RM 6)
Grilled beef on skewer
Heo Xiên Nướng- 30.000 vnd (RM 6)
Grilled pork on skewer

There was a bbq pit right infront of us and how can we resist not ordering something from there? One skewer each of beef and pork were enough to drive us full.


Chè Súòng Sa Hột Lựu- 16.000 vnd (RM 3.20)
Jelly, water chestnut, tapioca pearls and coconut milk


Dừa Tươi- 20.000 vnd (RM 4)
Fresh Coconut

Quán Ăn Ngon is definitely the place to go in Saigon city for those searching for good Vietnamese food in a lovely ambience. We had wanted to make a revisit here on our last night but it was a bit far for us to walk. FYI, we walked all the way here from our guesthouse and it took us about 45 minutes of walking (& trying to locate it).


Quán Ăn Ngon
160 Pasteur, Phủŏng Bến Nghé, Quận 1,
Tp. Ho Chi Minh.
Tel: (84.8) 3827 7131

[disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. please dont sue me, i dont have money. kthxbye.]