Hoa Dong (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

Bánh Canh Cua (Glass Udon Soup with Crabmeat) 65,000 VND (S$3.90)

Hoa Dong (Quán Hoa Đông) is an eatery located in District 1, near the North Gate (Cửa Bắc) of Ben Thanh Market. 

The small humble, no frills eatery with less than 35 seats. We chanced upon this eatery by accident. Despite the fact that it was not air conditioned, we decided to step in to the shop as we were hungry. We did not regret it. In fact, it was one of the best decision we made that day.

Some of the food (e.g. Grilled Pork and Grilled Shrimp Paste wrapped around Sugarcane) being displayed.

Menu 

Menu

The owners of the eatery did not understand English. Luckily, the menu had both Vietnamese and English language with prices clearly indicated. We had to rely on sign language to seek "clarifications" on how to eat certain dishes.

There was a set of condiments, bottle drinks, spoon, chopsticks and even toothpicks at each table.

We ordered the Bún Chả Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork served with Rice Noodle), Bánh Canh Cua (Glass Udon Soup with Crabmeat) and Café Sữa Dá (Coffee with Condensed Milk and Ice).

The beansprouts were for the Bánh Canh Cua (Glass Udon Soup with Crabmeat) while the rice noodle (vermicelli), lettuce leaves and Vietnamese leaves aka fresh herbs (i.e. Vietnamese basil, mint leaves, betel leaves)  was for the Bún Chả Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork served with Rice Noodle).

Bún Chả (Grilled Pork ) being grilled

Bún Chả (Grilled Pork ) being grilled

The Bún Chả Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork served with Rice Noodle) being grilled over a charcoal stove upon order.

Bún Chả Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork served with Rice Noodle) 60,000 VND (S$3.60)

This is the Bún Chả Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork served with Rice Noodle). The grilled pork were soaked in a clear light brown sauce which had a unique flavour with a tangy kick (which I have to confess, turned me off at first).

Bún Chả Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork served with Rice Noodle) 60,000 VND (S$3.60)

The right way to eat the Bún Chả Thịt Nướng (Grilled Pork served with Rice Noodle) 60,000 VND (S$3.60) is to add the rice noodle and the different leaves into the dish and give it a good mix (note: you should need to remove the stem from the leaves for better texture and experience).

Despite the sauce being tangy, when the ingredients were mixed in it, they tasted pretty good. The sauce made a whole world of difference to the taste of the usually tasteless rice noodle. In addition, the different leaves enhanced and added a different dimension to the taste depending on which leaves we ate in that particular mouthful.

The Bún Chả (Grilled Pork) was superb, in a different league of its own. It had the right blend of taste with a unique rich and smoky flavour. It was so addictive and delicious. A must try!!

Bánh Canh Cua (Glass Udon Soup with Crabmeat) 65,000 VND (S$3.90)

The Bánh Canh Cua (Glass Udon Soup with Crabmeat) is a Vietnamese cuisine which is popular among the locals. Most foreigners/tourists would be more familiar with Phở (Vietnamese beef noodle) compared to Bánh Canh Cua. Bánh Canh Cua (Glass Udon Soup with Crabmeat) is essentially a thick crab and shrimp stock with udon noodles and crab meat.

Bánh Canh Cua (Glass Udon Soup with Crabmeat) 65,000 VND (S$3.90)

The Bánh Canh Cua (Glass Udon Soup with Crabmeat) 65,000 VND (S$3.90) at Hoa Dong was very well executed. The stock was (slightly) thick, robust and flavourful. The thickness of the stock complemented the udon noodles perfectly as each piece of udon noodle was well coated with the flavour of the stock. The chunks of soft and fresh crab meat was the icing on the 'cake. Shiok! A must try!! Definitely not from tin cans. In case you are wondering what to do with the beansprouts, they are to be added into the bowl and mixed.

Café Sữa Dá (Coffee with Condensed Milk and Ice) 20,000 VND (S$1.20)

The Café Sữa Dá (Coffee with Condensed Milk and Ice) 20,000 VND (S$1.20) on the other hand was just average. It was simply too sweet and not aromatic enough.

Nevertheless, the food at Hoa Dong was amazing! We were so impressed that we squeezed this in as our last meal just before we flew back to Singapore.

Do note, as this is located near the Ben Thanh Market. This eatery together with the other eateries located near tourist attractions normally tend to be more expensive compared to other eateries which the locals go to. 

Quán Hoa Đông (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

121 Lý Tự Trọng, Phường Bến Thành

District 1, Hồ Chí Minh

Tel: +84 (08) 3823 7647

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Curry Cafe at Canberra Community Club (Sembawang)

Curry Cafe located at Canberra Community Club, a 10 minutes walk from Sembawang MRT station is a small humble family run cafe. If some of you have found the name familiar, its because they were previously located at the basement of The Central (Clark Quay).

Teh C Siew Dai $1 each

The Teh C Siew Dai was strong, fragrant, not bitter and not too sweet. Priced at $1 each, it was cheaper when compared to the likes of Breadtalk, Yakun or Killiney. The addition, it was wonderfully executed as a whole and came in a way bigger cup. 

Fried Chicken Wings $1.50 each

The Fried Chicken Wings ($1.50 each) was quite decent (though not a die die must try).

Fried Rice $3.50

Fried Rice $3.50

The Fried Rice $3.50 was fried with chicken hot dog, mixed beans, carrots, egg and spring onions. This dish was delicious. Although there was no wok-hei, it was tasty and had great consistency. Moreover, it was not oily. A simple dish which reminds me of home comfort food.

Curry Chicken $3.50 with French Loaf $0.50

We ordered the Curry Chicken $3.50 with French Loaf $0.50. I was impressed that the French Loaf was toasted prior to serving such that it was served warm and the exterior was crisp (the little things that matter).

Curry Chicken $3.50

One cannot not order the Curry Chicken $3.50 at Curry Cafe! After all, the Curry Chicken is their signature dish! The Curry Chicken hit all the right note in terms of taste. Fragrant, spicy and it was so delectable that we actually polish off all the curry. Terrific! The icing on the cake was that even the chicken was cooked perfectly - folk tender. The potatoes did not disappoint too (I suspect they had cooked the chicken in the curry and then take it out so that it was not overcooked. Likewise for the potatoes too). The Chicken Curry is one of the best I have tasted, they certainly did a good job blending all spices and chilli powder together and cooking this curry. This is a must try over at Curry Cafe! We liked it so much that we ordered another Curry Chicken to pack back home for dinner!

Curry Cafe is a hidden gem with lots of potential. The food was good and value for money. The downside is that its a small cafe with around 20 seats. We visited on Saturday during lunch hours and the cafe was full. Do note that it is self service. After ordering and making the payment. You can go back and take seat. However, you would need to collect the food from the counter once your food is ready (they will call you). I will be back for more! For those staying in the North, this is one place to consider to satisfy your makan / curry cravings.

Curry Cafe at Canberra Community Club (Sembawang) 
2 Sembawang Crescent
​#01-03 Canberra Community Club
Singapore 757632
Tel: 6966 0832 
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 9am - 9pm
                        Sat & Sun 8am - 8pm
                        Public Holiday 8am - 5pm
Website
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Pepper Lunch: 1 For 1 Beef Pepper Rice Promotion at Orchard Cineleisure (till 8 Jul 2014)

Source: Pepper Lunch Singapore Facebook

Pepper Lunch: 1 For 1 Beef Pepper Rice Promotion at Orchard Cineleisure (till 8 Jul 2014)
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