Monday, 8 September 2014

BeefSteak Nam Son (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

BeefSteak Nam Son also known as "Nam Sơn" among the locals is a no frills Vietnamese restaurant. I understand the locals love coming to this restaurant for breakfast and some visit as early as 6am or 630am!
BeefSteak Nam Son as its name suggests specialises in serving Vietnamese style western food; beefsteak (Bít tết). It has 2 branches. The branch that we went to was located along the Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai (main road).
After seeing the signboard, we turned in and found ourselves in a long alley filled with rows of motorcycles. At the end of the alley, we reached the entrance of the restaurant.
Entering the restaurant, we were greeted by rows of dark wooden tables and white plastic chairs that were arranged systematically to maximise the space. The above photo shows part of the outdoor dining area. There was also an indoor dining area with the same type of tables and chairs. In terms of furnishing, it was simple and basic. Although there was no air conditioners, the restaurant had high ceiling with many ceiling and wall fans. Hence, it was well-ventilated.

We were surprised to see that the restaurant was full when we arrived at 9am for breakfast as it had such a large sitting capacity. Despite the crowd, we were able to find a table shortly at the indoor dining area.
Menu 
The menu with most of main and side dishes. This should be for foreigners as it was translated in English language.
Menu
On the other side, it was the beverage menu. We noticed that most of their customers seems to be regulars as they did not need a menu and ordered on the spot. It was fairly easy ordering as they had many staff who were able to multitask. You could order through anyone (e.g. the person who is clearing or serving the food.

The condiments (chilli sauce, fish sauce, pepper) on every table.
Daily Homemade Passion Fruit with Ice (Chanh dây) 25,000 VND (S$1.50)
This was the Daily Homemade Passion Fruit with Ice (Chanh dây) 25,000 VND (S$1.50).
Baguette (Bánh Mì), Salad, Cucumber and carrot mixed with olive oil (Món Chua), French Fries (Khoai tây chiên) 
Although the restaurant was full, shortly after we ordered, these [Baguette (Bánh Mì), Cucumber and carrot mixed with olive oil (Món Chua), French Fries (Khoai tây chiên)] were served at our table!

The Baguette (Bánh Mì) and Salad were complimentary dishes. The Baguette deserves a mention. It was very well executed and it was so good that we requested for more after our main dishes came! (You can request for unlimited replenishment of Baguette)
French Fries (Khoai tây chiên) 15,000 VND (S$0.90)
We ordered French Fries (Khoai tây chiên) 15,000 VND (S$0.90) for sharing. Although it was average, this was a good side dish was soaking up all the sauce in the hotplate of meat!
Ostrich Steak (Bít tết Đà Điểu) 90,000 VND (S$5.40)
The partner ordered the Ostrich Steak (Bít tết Đà Điểu) 90,000 VND (S$5.40) which was served with a sunny side up egg on a hotplate.
Nam Son Specialty Combination of Steak, Sunny Side Up Egg, Meatball and Pate (Beefsteak Thập Cẩm) 60,000 VND (S$3.60)
I ordered the Nam Son Specialty Combination of Steak, Sunny Side Up Egg, Meatball and Pate (Beefsteak Thập Cẩm) 60,000 VND (S$3.60) which was also served on a sizzling hotplate which splattered the oil and sauces out. The serving was generous as the cut of the meat was fairly large. We followed what the local did and shredded our Baguette into small pieces and dipped them into the sauces and also spread pate on it.

If you are wondering what pate is, it is actually minced pork liver.

Never underestimate the influence of western breakfast in Vietnam. It was so crowded when we visited and majority of the crowd was locals except for another foreign couple. Despite the crowd, the service was prompt and efficient! In addition, the food was unique. This is worth a visit if you are interested in trying what the locals eat.  

BeefSteak Nam Sơn (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)
200 Bis Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, 
District 1,  Ho Chi Minh
Tel: +84 (08) 3930 3917
Opening Hours: Daily 6am to 10pm
Website

BeefSteak Nam Sơn (another branch)
157 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia
District 3, Ho Chi Minh
Opening Hours: Daily 6am to 10pm


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Friday, 5 September 2014

Datouxia (Da Tou Xia 大頭蝦 Prawn Noodles)

*Edited on 21 Sep 2014. Closed*
Super Prawn Noodles (dry) $10.80
Datouxia (Da Tou Xia 大頭蝦 Prawn Noodles) opened recently, less than 2 months ago specialises in Prawn Noodles and Ngoh Hiang.
The non-air conditioned eatery, located just outside a bus stop has a large seating capacity. When I visited on a Friday evening, the restaurant was empty except for another couple (probably in their 50s).  
The menu with their prices indicated are nett prices. They sell a variety of prawn noodles (including jumbo prawns), pork ribs, pig tails and even abalone noodles. 
 They also have a separate menu for Ngoh Hiang (variety of fried Chinese food).
Super Prawn Noodles (dry) $10.80
I ordered the Super Prawn Noodles (dry) $10.80 and a Golden Wing(s) $0.90. 

Surprisingly, the Super Prawn Noodles (dry) was served with pig tails which was weird since I did not request for that and its not indicated in the menu for such an order. Nevertheless, I went ahead and try this bowl of Super Prawn Noodles. 
Super Prawn Noodles (dry) $10.80
There was three jumbo prawns sliced into halves which made it easier to savour the prawns. The jumbo prawns did not disappoint. Big in size, they were so fresh and its meat was firm and sweet. Prawn lovers would love this. Chilli, fried shallots and pork lard were mixed with the noodles and beansprouts. The chilli was very spicy, you may wish to ask for less chilli. 

As for the soup, it was tasty and robust, full of essence of the prawns. However, I felt thirsty after drinking the bowl of soup.
Golden Wing(s) $0.90
I spotted the Golden Wing(s) $0.90 in the Ngoh Hiang menu and decided to order one to try. As I order this, the staff informed me that they had only one piece left as he was probably worried that I would order more than one. The Golden Wing, did not impress me. It was over fried and the interior was dry. 
As shown in the above receipt, the prices indicated in the menus are in nett. 

Datouxia (Da Tou Xia 大頭蝦 Prawn Noodles) 
383 Upper Aljunied Road
Singapore 367868 
Tel: 9062 2342
Opening Hours: Daily 730am to 9pm

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

J.CO Donuts & Coffee: Buy 1 Get 1 Free Drink Promotion at One Raffles Place (till 30 Sep 2014)

Source: J.CO Donuts & Coffee
J.CO Donuts & Coffee: Buy 1 Get 1 Free Drink Promotion at One Raffles Place (till 30 Sep 2014)

- Valid till 30 Sep 2014 at One Raffles Place only
- Valid for any Tre size drink (not applicable for basic selection) and get 1 free Due size drink (not applicable for frappe selection)
- Not valid with other promotions or discounts
- The management reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions without prior notice
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