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.

Kobe Gyu Taku Yakiniku & Steak

Kobe Gyu Yakiniku & Steak

After a bit of scavenging in my drawer, I found the receipt to this... it was dated Aug 19th 2009! So this review is almost 6 months overdue haha. To make things worst, I actually went there on their first week of opening (as you can see in the pic- congratulatory flower stands) but am now probably one of the latest to write on this :S Anyway, better late than never!

Yakiniku Teisyoku (BBQ Set)- RM28

This new (ok not so new, by now...) Japanese restaurant specializes in BBQ- the Jap way, rather than your usual Jap restaurants which has a variation of sushies, sashimies, bento sets etc. The meat selection are skewed towards beef, so if you don't/can't take beef, my advise is this is not the restaurant for you. Luckily for me, I LOVE beef! I had the cheapest Yakiniku Teisyoku set, which comes with the usual sides- kobachi, kimchee, vege salad, rice, beef tendon soup and a few raw beef cuts.


Grill it the way you like it!

As with Korean BBQs or the usual all you can eat buffet BBQs, you can grill your dinner the way you like it- rare, medium rare, medium well, well done etc. I like my beef to be medium, not too well done while still retaining some of the juices and pinkish meat. The grilled meat was tender and yummeh. The juices from the meat complements the rice very well too.


Seats- Tatami or chairs?

You can also choose to have your dinner the authentic Japanese way of Tatami-ing or proper table and chair. Either way, the ambience of the restaurant is very inviting and cosy.


Cheeeeeeers!

The only grouse I have is the prices are a bit too steep for the normal lunch/dinner affair. However, it may be another new 'hangout' joint for the Japanese expatriates who are known to patronize the Jap restaurants around Subang Jaya.

*I'm trying out a new photo editor. Let me know if you guys prefer my photos to be 'fancy' or unedited :)


Kobe Gyu Taku Yakiniku & Steak
No. 52, Jalan SS15/4,
47500 Subang Jaya,
Selangor.
Tel: 03-5638 2923

[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.]

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

The Year That Went Past

I notice that my long spell of silence is unconsciously becoming a routine rather an occasional occurrence. As much as I wish there are more hours in a day, I also wish those hours are NOT working hours. Here I am on NYE trying to write a post that (hopes) to capture the past 365 days of the year.

Some of MY defining moments for 2009:

- Quitted a job;
- Got a new job;
- Traveled to Perth, Bangkok, Vietnam, Singapore for holidays;
- Drove long distance for the first time in my life- Ipoh, Taiping, Melaka, Penang;
- Had the MOST hotel stays in 3 months- 9 times!
- Broke personal and all time record by staying up in office till 6.30am;
- Got thrown into shits and survived (1st assignment at new job) and got a good rating from bosses;
- Had the opportunity to be part of the BIGGEST milestone of the new co;
- Managed approx 30 Bangladeshi + Pakistani workers (learnt that 'Achar' means 'Good' in Bangla);
- Took up part time studies and never felt happy on weekends since then;
- Gotten an iPod Touch for birthday and now truly understands why it is THE bomb! but I'll still stick with my Nokia for phone functions cos apparently I suck in typing qwerty with touchscreen;
- Ate crocodile meat! (taste like chicken but slightly stiffer)
- Met with an accident, called an ambulance, went to the hospital (I'm not the injured one) and still believe there are good people out there;
- Stepped into an LV shop @Singapore and actually came out with a bag! (what people didn't know is I was merely helping someone to collect her bag hahaha)- at least now I know how it feels.... ;
- Registered as a voter- come GE13 I will be exercising my rights- beware inefficient $$ sucking gov, I'm gonna contribute that ONE vote for a better ONEMalaysia!!!
- Had my first Guinness on tap and still don't understand why people say it's not bitter when IT IS BITTER dammit;
- Still hates beeeeeeeeer....

... hmmm. 2009 has been a very challenging but great year indeed- a lot of travelings which I enjoy doing and greater responsibilities at work, studies to juggle, friends to meet, and bed to sleep.

***********

My resolution for 2010- To travel at least once every quarter of the year... I'm already close to achieving it before the year begins! Phuket in January, KK in March, Bali in Sept and I'm off for a 2.5 months overseas attachment at the end of the year (just hope I maintain my performance at work lah).

Till then, I shall sign off for 2009 and be back in this column next year!

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.]

Phở 2000- Phở for the President

Phở 2000

Upon arrival at Saigon City, our first activity was to EAT! We walked to the city centre in search of food and phở (rice noodles) was our first craving. We stumbled upon Phở 2000 when we were just about to cross the busy streets near Ben Thanh.

Talking about streets, yes you've probably heard it before and I'm gonna reaffirm what others had said, THE STREETS IN VIETNAM IS CRAZYYYYYYY. Cars and motorbikes (tonnes of 'em) just come zooming from every direction and there's literally no way you can ever cross those streets even if it's just 5 meters away! Simple rule of thumb for those crossing for the first time is, always always follow the locals. If they walk, you walk. They stop, you stop. After mastering the beginners level, JUST WALK! The cars and motorbikes will somehow avoid you. Fortunate thing though is they don't drive fast so you won't die as a pancake even if the motorbike hits you. Oh and the honking seems to be their way of saying hello to everyone else on the road.


Bill was here!

Phở 2000 prides itself for having served the President of the United States of America- Bill Clinton. In fact pictures of Bill and his entourage adorned the walls within the shop. When I open my own restaurant in the future, I shall invite Obama to officiate my shop.


Phở Bò
Beef Noodle Soup (R- 33.000 vnd, L-41.000 vnd)

We quickly ordered the Phở Bò, to satisfy our cravings and proudly tell everyone, "We've eaten the REAL Phở Bò yo." The noodles were good, not too soggy and the beef were tender. The soup was flavourful with the basil leaves, chillies (quite hot), beansprouts and a squeeze of lime.


Bùn Chả Giò
Spring Rolls & Vermicelli (33.000 vnd)

Vietnam is also famous for their rice vermicelli and I remember when I was much younger I had this dish during my first Vietnamese meal in Malaysia... The spring rolls were made with meat and other assorted vege that would usually go inside a spring roll. No need for me to elaborate further as the picture already tells you how wonderful it is.


Sinh Tồ Đu Đủ & Sinh Tồ Sapôchê
Papaya Shake (26.000 vnd) & Sapodilla Shake (20.000 vnd)

One of my favourite drinks in Vietnam was the papaya shake (Bangkok was their orange juice). The juices here are relatively cheap compared to Malaysia. Alex had the Sapodilla shake which is actually the Ciku fruit. Yums!


Bowl lickin' good

You know it's good when we both licked our bowls clean. Total bill came to 112.000 vnd or just about RM22. There is no service taxes for restaurants in Vietnam except one that we came across which was abit on the 'atasan' level.

Headin' off to Taiping for work but will be bunking in Ipoh for the night (cos Taiping's hotels are not very haps). Already got a few things in mind that I wanna eat! Will anyone be in Ipoh? If you have my number, call me :-)


Pho 2000
Phan Chu Trinh St. District 1,
Ho Chi Minh City.
Tel: (84.8) 822.2788

26 A Le Thanh Tob St. District 1,
Ho Ci Minh City.
Tel: (84.8)829.2612

[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.]