Banh Xeo 46A (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

Gỏi Cuốn (Pork Prawn wrapped in Rice Paper) 30,000 VND (S$1.80)

We have heard quite a fair bit about Banh Xeo 46A (Quán Bánh Xèo 46A) which serves authentic Vietnamese Pancake known as Bánh Xèo. This eatery is located along a small narrow road between shop houses. 

Banh Xeo 46A offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The photo above shows the outdoor seating. We visited at around 2pm on a weekday after our lunch for tea. The place was nearly empty except for a couple of locals. 

'Open kitchen' concept. 

The food prepared before hand. I was initially worried about the hygiene and that there would be lots of flies around the food. Upon a closer look, I was relieve that there was no flies. =)

The menu cover with its address and opening hours. 

Part of menu

Another part of the menu. 

Condiments and toothpicks place on every table. 

Chả Giò (Spring Rolls) 20,000 VND (S$1.20)

This was the Chả Giò (Spring Rolls) 20,000 VND (S$1.20). The fish sauce at the left was a dipping sauce for the Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake). 

Chả Giò (Spring Rolls) 20,000 VND (S$1.20)

The deep fried pork spring roll was amazingly delicious! One of the best I have ever tried! 

Gỏi Cuốn (Pork Prawn wrapped in Rice Paper) 30,000 VND (S$1.80)

The Gỏi Cuốn (Pork Prawn wrapped in Rice Paper) 30,000 VND (S$1.80) was served with dark brown dipping sauce with peanuts which was sweet in taste.

Compared to the Spring Roll, the Pork Prawn wrapped in Rice Paper dwarfed in comparison in terms of taste. Should have ordered more Chả Giò (Spring Rolls) instead. 

Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake) 60,000 VND (S$3.60)

The last dish to be served was the Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake) 60,000 VND (S$3.60)

Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake) 60,000 VND (S$3.60)

The pancake was crisp, thin and slightly sweet with a hint of coconut fragrant. As for the interior, it was slightly moist and was filled with beansprouts, shrimps, onion, pork and mung beans. Do note that the shrimps were not deshell. 

A plate full of fresh herbs and vegetables was served together with the Vietnamese Pancake. 

Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake) 60,000 VND (S$3.60)

We were unsure how to eat this and observed how the locals ate it. The way to enjoy this was to first grab some vegetables and herbs, arrange them on top of one another with the biggest being placed at the bottom. After that, add the Vietnamese Pancake along with the ingredients in it. Next, roll it up and then dip it into the dipping sauce. It was delicious and hard to stop at one!

The Vietnamese Pancake tasted good even on its own! A must try!

Banh Xeo 46A is certainly a place to visit if you are making a trip to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). Their Chả Giò (Spring Rolls) and  Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake) are a must try! Your trip to Ho Chi Minh would not be completed without trying these 2 items! 

Quán Bánh Xèo 46A (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

46 Đinh Công Tráng

Tân Định, Quận 1

Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Tel: +84 (08) 3824 1110

Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 9pm

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Cơm Tấm - Bún bò Huế (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt Chay (Bitter Gourd stuffed with Minced Meat Soup)

My Vietnamese friend had told us that we had to visit a Cơm Tấm at Nguyễn Văn Cừ, P4, Q5 for its Cơm Tấm Sườn Bì Chả (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork Chop) and Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt Chay (Bitter Gourd stuffed with Minced Meat Soup). Having written down the name of the shop in Vietnamese and the dishes to order, my partner and I managed to slot this in at a last minute and took a cab down. 

The cab driver was not familar and we was very helpful in trying to help us find the location. We stumbled upon a stall named Cơm Tấm - Bún Bò Huế along the road and thought that this had to be the shop as there were no other such shops nearby. 

In addition, this shop was like my friend described. No frills, no air conditioners, basic furnishing, only the locals knew of the place and that the staff would not understand English. 

This stall was similar to our Economy Rice (Cai Fan) stalls in Singapore. Where the dishes are cooked in advance and customers order what they want.

Since we had eaten lunch only half an hour ago, we showed the staff what our friend had written for us and indicated using sign language that we were sharing it. 

Cơm Tấm Sườn Bì  Chả (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork Chop), Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt Chay (Bitter Gourd stuffed with Minced Meat Soup), Trứng (Fried Egg)

We ordered the Cơm Tấm Sườn Bì  Chả (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork Chop), Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt Chay (Bitter Gourd stuffed with Minced Meat Soup) and Trứng (Fried Egg). 

Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt Chay (Bitter Gourd stuffed with Minced Meat Soup)

We were both most impressed with the Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt Chay (Bitter Gourd stuffed with Minced Meat Soup). The bitter gourd sliced into half was cooked till it was so soft. The minced meat was nicely seasoned and the soup was surprisingly tasty and light. I have not tried this before and would love to have this again! 

Trứng (Fried Egg)

Trứng (Fried Egg) topped with spring onions. Ordinary and on the oily end. 

Cơm Tấm Sườn Bì  Chả (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork Chop)

This was the Cơm Tấm Sườn Bì Chả (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork Chop). 

Cơm Tấm Sườn Bì  Chả (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork Chop)

The Sườn Bì Chả (Grilled Pork Chop) was average. The pork was well marinated and tasty, however it was a tad too hard for my liking.

It was only when we got back to our hotel and sent the photo of the shop to my friend, then did we realised that we went to the wrong shop! The right one should be the Com tam Nguyen Van Cu at 165 Nguyễn Văn Cừ. Well at least we managed to try the Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt Chay (Bitter Gourd stuffed with Minced Meat Soup). =D

Cơm Tấm - Bún Bò Huế (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

213 Nguyễn Văn Cừ

Phường 02, Quận 05
Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

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Pho Nho (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

Phở Áp Chảo (Saute Beef Noodles Soup with Slices of Round Steak) 55,000 VND (S$3.30)

Pho Nho is an eatery my local friend highly recommended for beef noodles. We were told that it was way better than Pho 2000 (1-3 D Phan Chu Trinh) and Pho Hoa (260C Pasteur Street). I can't really compare as I have not tried them before. In addition, Pho Nho served Northern (Hanoi) style pho where as the Pho 2000 and Pho Hoa served Southern style pho. 

Pho Nho is located along Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, near War Remnant Museum and Ngoc Suong Marina (refer to location map) where we had seafood dinner the night before. 

The interior of the Pho Nho was unique and nicely designed. 

The walls were decorated with murals of the Hanoi street. In addition, the traditional street lights and foot paths completed the picture, making us felt as if we were dining along the streets of Hanoi.

The eatery was spacious with lots of seating capacity.

If required, you can request for English menu.

Fresh herb and vegetable

This plate of Fresh herb and vegetable was served as we had ordered Phở. Customers would be able to add the types and quantity of herbs or vegetables according to their own preferences into the bowl of Phở.

Phở Áp Chảo (Saute Beef Noodles Soup with Slices of Round Steak) 55,000 VND (S$3.30)

The Phở Áp Chảo (Saute Beef Noodles Soup with Slices of Round Steak) cost 55,000 VND (S$3.30). At most eateries, the beef served were not fully cooked (still slightly reddish in colour). Customers who preferred to cook their beef a little longer can just stir the beef into the soup and noodles and let the beef cook a little longer in the pipping hot soup.

The rice noodles looked similar to Kway Teow, though it was smoother and thinner. The bowl of pho was very forgiving. The clear, light brown soup broth was tasty and flavourful yet not overwhelming in beef flavour.

Crispy Chinese Roller 30,000 VND per piece (S$1.80)

The best part was dipping the Crispy Chinese Roller (dough fritters) into the pho. It was just dipping dough fritters into a bowl of Bak Kut Teh Soup back home in Singapore. Letting the dough fritters absorb all the essence of the soup!

 Sữa chua nếp cẩm (Yogurt mixed with Coconut Milk and Sweet Sticky Rice) 25,000 VND (S$1.50)

The Sữa chua nếp cẩm (Yogurt mixed with Coconut Milk and Sweet Sticky Rice) 25,000 VND (S$1.50) was listed as a drink in the menu. It was more like a dessert to me. It was served cold with ice cubes.

 Sữa chua nếp cẩm (Yogurt mixed with Coconut Milk and Sweet Sticky Rice) 25,000 VND (S$1.50)

Give it a good mix till its like the above picture and you are ready to enjoy it! Shiok! 

Phố Nhỏ (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

170 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu

Phường 6, Quận 3 

Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam 70000

Tel: +84 (08) 3930 5739

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Kem Cong Truong (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

Kem Trái Dừa (Coconut Ice Cream)

After our meal at Ngoc Suong Marina, my Vietnamese friends brought us to Kem Cong Truong (Kem Công Trường) as we requested to go somewhere, where the locals would go to for desserts. Kem Cong Truong was located next to Hồ Con Rùa (Turtle Lake), besides a busy traffic circle. It would be around 15 minutes walk from the Reunification Palace. 

Kem Cong Truong has been in operation for a long time since their parent's time (before the 70s) and is famous for their home made coconut ice cream. This no frills eatery with just a neon signboard had both 'alfresco' and indoor dining areas. It looks old and run down, in need of a renovation. When we arrived at 830pm, we noticed that only a few customers were in the indoor dining area (which was not air-conditioned). Most other customers sat at the alfresco area which consisted of low level tables and chairs located outside the shop just next to the busy road. Wanting to experience this for ourselves, we sat at the alfresco area.

The menu. They sell mainly small snacks, desserts and drinks. They had no english menu and we noted that except for our table, the rest of the customers were locals. Another point to note would be that the saff only understand Vietnamese (not English). Hence, do at least know what you want to order before coming here. 

We ordered the Kem Trái Dừa (Coconut Ice Cream) and Cacao Sữa Đá (Iced Cocoa).

Their signature Kem Trái Dừa (Coconut Ice Cream) was served inside a coconut shell with traditional toppings; crushed peanuts, pineapple, and dried bananas and plums. This is the authentic Vietnamese Style Coconut Ice Cream. The chilled coconut juice was served separately in a small glass. The Coconut Ice Cream was very well executed. The flavour of the coconut ice cream was robust and fragrant while the toppings added complexity to the taste resulting in sweet creamy yet tangy sour flavours. It also provided contrasting textures as the ice cream was smooth and soft where as the toppings varied between hard, soft and chewy. At the end, customers could enjoy the coconut flesh by scrapping them off the shell. It was very refreshing trying the Kem Trái Dừa (Coconut Ice Cream) which provided different tastes and textures.

The way the coconut ice cream was presented reminded me of the coconut ice cream in Bangkok at Chatuchak Weekend Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. 

Cacao Sữa Đá (Iced Cacao)

We also ordered the Cacao Sữa Đá (Iced Cocoa). It was a very 'thick' intense and rich chocolate drink. 

Kem Công Trường (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)
10 Phạm Ngọc Thạch
P. 6, Quận 3
Hồ Chí Minh

Opening Hours: 630am to 10pm

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Nha Hang Ngon (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

Bánh hỏi chao tôm cuốn bánh tráng (Grilled Pounded Shrimp Paste on Sugar Cane served with Rice Vermicelli, Rice Papers and Vegetables) 140,000 VND (S$8.40)

Nha Hang Ngon used to be called Quan an Ngon and located along Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street has moved to 160 Pasteur road. The Vietnamese name of the restaurant is called Nhà Hàng Ngon. “Nhà Hàng” means "restaurant" while “Ngon” means delicious in English.

Nha Hang Ngon with its yellow, colonial style villa was hard to miss. It had a huge sitting capacity with both indoor and alfresco dining areas.

If you were to walk around the alfresco area, you would notice numerous food stall stations where the various dishes are created are prepared and cooked, ranging from appetisers, sides, mains to desserts. It was an interesting experience walking around to look at the different type of food available and how it was prepared. I do have one concern which was hygiene as I noticed there were a few flies flying around the food.

The interior of the indoor dining area. Look at how elegant it was.

The setup on the tables. The menu had both English and Vietnamese languages on it.

Cà  phê sữa đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Milk) 40,000 VND (S$2.40)

The Cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Milk) 40,000 VND (S$2.40) got us off to a great start. The coffee was so aromatic and fragrant. The coffee taste was intense and rich, and was too sweet. But once the ice melted and diluted the drink, it was excellent! One of the best Vietnamese iced coffee we drank.

Gỏi đu đủ tai heo (Green Papaya Salad with Sliced Pig Ears) 50,000 VND (S$3)

We started off with an appetiser; Gỏi đu đủ tai heo (Green Papaya Salad with Sliced Pig Ears) 50,000 VND (S$3). It had a good balance in taste when everything was mixed together. In addition, the pig ears provided lots of collagen.

Bánh hỏi chao tôm cuốn bánh tráng (Grilled Pounded Shrimp Paste on Sugar Cane served with Rice Vermicelli, Rice Papers and Vegetables) 140,000 VND (S$8.40)

The Bánh hỏi chao tôm cuốn bánh tráng (Grilled Pounded Shrimp Paste on Sugar Cane served with Rice Vermicelli, Rice Papers and Vegetables) 140,000 VND (S$8.40). The waiter helped us to cut the grilled shrimp paste into almost equal thickness. Anyway, we saw a small fly flying around the rice vermicelli. Not wanting to kick up a fuss, we threw off quite a few of  the rice vermicelli where the fly flew around. It certainly makes us wonder about the hygiene factor.

Bánh hỏi chao tôm cuốn bánh tráng (Grilled Pounded Shrimp Paste on Sugar Cane served with Rice Vermicelli, Rice Papers and Vegetables) 140,000 VND (S$8.40)

It was served with rice paper, fresh vegetables and herbs, slices of unripe banana and star fruit. The way to eat it would be to place the fresh vegetables and herbs, slices of unripe banana and star fruit, rice vermicelli and grilled shrimp paste onto the rice paper. After that roll it up and dip it into the sauce provided. Frankly, this dish was average. Did not find it delicious.

Bánh canh cua (Thick Noodle Soup with Crab Meat and Pork) 58,000 VND (S$3.50)

Having had such a wonderful experience Hoa Dong's Bánh canh cua, the partner decided to order it again. The Bánh canh cua (Thick Noodle Soup with Crab Meat and Pork) cost 58,000 VND (S$3.50). It was a major let down. The stock was thick but not flavourful. In addition, the serving of ingredients given were so little. To make things worse, the prawn was not fresh.

Bún ốc (Vermicelli in Soup with Snails and Tomatoes) 54,000 VND (S$3.24)

I ordered the Bún ốc (Vermicelli in Soup with Snails and Tomatoes) 54,000 VND (S$3.24), as I had many people complimenting about this dish on the internet sphere. It was served with fresh herbs which could be added into the soup.

Bún ốc (Vermicelli in Soup with Snails and Tomatoes) 54,000 VND (S$3.24)

This was another let down. The soup had a strong hint of fishy smell. Although the snails were large, they were too tough and chewy.

Chè  sương sa hột lựu (Jelly, Water Chestnut, Tapioca Pearls and Coconut Milk) 27,000 VND (S$1.60)  

We were still not satisfied and decided to order a dessert; the Chè sương sa hột lựu (Jelly, Water Chestnut, Tapioca Pearls and Coconut Milk) 27,000 VND (S$1.60). It was a pleasant surprise. Very refreshing and flavourful. The coconut which was so fresh made it so addictive.

Needless, to say, I made the wrong choice coming over here. I did extensive research and heard about how highly raved this restaurant was. So much so that when my Vietnamese friend advised us to give this a skip as the locals do not eat over there and the food was so-so, we still went ahead.. Should have just listened to her!

If you are reading this, my advise would be to just visit Nha Hang Ngon for its Cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Milk). The rest of the food are really just so-so (i.e. average). 

Nhà Hàng Ngon (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

160 Pasteur

Phường Bến Nghé, Quận 1

Hồ Chí Minh,

Tel: +84 (08) 3827 7131

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