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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Fun Toast: 1 get 1 Free at Fun Toast Westgate Mall (till 31 Oct 2014)

Fun Toast: 1 get 1 Free (Hot Kopi O / Kopi / Kopi C / Teh O / Teh / Teh C) at Fun Toast Westgate Mall (till 31 Oct 2014)

- Valid till 31 Oct 2014
- Present  Fun Toast's 1 for 1 Facebook picture
- Choice of Hot Kopi O/ Kopi/ Kopi C/ Teh O/ Teh/ Teh C
- Limited to 1 redemption per customer
- Not valid with other promotions or discounts
- Complimentary drink must be of the same or lower value than the purchased beverage
- The management reserves the right to amend the terms & conditions without prior notice.

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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Manhattan Fish Market: $42.42 (50% off) Lobster Platter (till 31 Aug 2014)

Source: Manhattan Fish Market

Manhattan Fish Market: $42.42 (50% off) Lobster Platter at Kallang Wave Mall, Suntec City and Marina Square only (till 31 Aug 2014)

- Valid for till 31 Aug 2014 at at Kallang Wave Mall, Suntec City and Marina Square only
- Valid for dine-in only
- Limited to 50 sets per store per day

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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Food Republic: Weekday Lunch Special at 112 Katong (till 30 Sep 2014)

Source: Food Republic

Food Republic: Weekday Lunch Special at 112 Katong (till 30 Sep 2014)

Buy 1 Get 1 Free Mountain Dew canned drink with a minimum of $6 spend in a single receipt at Food Republic.

- Valid till 30 Sep 2014
- Valid on weekdays from 12pm to 230pm (exclude eve of PH and PH)
- Not valid with other discounts or promotions
- The management reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions without prior notice

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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Swiss Bake: Buy 1 Get 1 Free Pastries at City Link Mall Outlet(till 13 Aug 2014)

Source: Swiss Bake

Swiss Bake: Buy 1 Get 1 Free Pastries at City Link Mall Outlet(till 13 Aug 2014)

- Valid till 13 Aug 2014 from 2pm to 6pm
- Valid at City Link Mall outlet only
- While stocks last

Tony's Pizza: $9.90 National Day Pizza Combo (till 31 Aug 2014)

Source: Tony's Pizza

Tony's Pizza: $9.90 National Day Pizza Combo (till 31 Aug 2014)
Combo consist of 1 slice of Pizza, 1 Drink and 1 Potato Wedges or Onion Rings

- Valid till 31 Aug 2014

Ngoc Suong Marina (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

Tôm sú chiên giòn rang muối tiêu (Deep Fried Prawns With Salt and Pepper) 205,000 VND (S$12.30)

Ngoc Suong Marina also known as Marina Saigon Seafood Cuisine is a Vietnamese seafood restaurant located along Nguyen Dinh Chieu road. It is less than 5 and 10 minutes walk away from the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace respectively. 

With its bright red signage, it would be hard to miss this restaurant. Ngoc Suong Marina is air-conditioned and has two levels. At the entrance, you would be able to see several tanks full of life seafood.

As my Vietnamese friends made reservations, we sat at the first level which was full (on a friday night)! I noticed on several occasions that foreigners were led up to the second level and that the first level seems to be mainly locals. I was curious and asked them. I was told that the second level had a different price and that there were more service staff there. Foreigners would normally be directed to the second level.

Hàu sống (Fresh Oysters) 31,000 VND (S$1.85) per piece

The first dish that was served was the Hàu sống (Fresh Oysters) 31,000 VND (S$1.85) per piece. The natural colour of these oysters were brown in colour as they were grown locally in Vietnam. The oysters were quite fresh, plump and juicy. Interesting, but if you are used to those air flown from Australia / Canada / USA, you might not be use to this.

Gỏi cá Ngọc Sương (Ngoc Suong Fish Salad) 142,000 VND (S$8.50)

Next, we had the Gỏi cá Ngọc Sương (Ngoc Suong Fish Salad) 142,000 VND (S$8.50) which we were told was a popular item in the restaurant. It was served with rice paper, fresh vegetables and herbs, slices of unripe banana, star fruit and a mixture of fish sauce with peanuts.

Gỏi cá Ngọc Sương (Ngoc Suong Fish Salad) 142,000 VND (S$8.50)

Slices of ginger, chilli and ground peanuts were sprinkled on top of the fish.

Gỏi cá Ngọc Sương (Ngoc Suong Fish Salad) 142,000 VND (S$8.50)

The fish salad, fresh vegetables and herbs, slices of unripe banana and star fruit would need to be added onto the rice paper. After that roll it up and the dip it into the sauce.

Chả giò hải sản (Seafood Fried Spring Roll) 43,000 VND (S$2.60) per piece

This Chả giò hải sản (Seafood Fried Spring Roll) 43,000 VND (S$2.60) per piece was delicious! The seafood was wrapped with beancurd and rice paper before being deep fried. Despite it being deep fried, the rolls were not oily at all! The exterior was dry and crispy while the interior was full of sauce and chunks of lobster and crab meat. Superb!.

Tôm sú chiên giòn rang muối tiêu (Deep Fried Prawns With Salt and Pepper) 205,000 VND (S$12.30)

Next, we ordered the Tôm sú chiên giòn rang muối tiêu (Deep Fried Prawns With Salt and Pepper) 205,000 VND (S$12.30). Vietnamese restaurant seems to like to cook their prawns with salt and pepper.

The outer shells of the prawns were deep fried till they were so crispy that some of us ate the whole thing without bothering to deshell the prawns so as to enjoy the combination of the salt and pepper. These prawns were so fresh. The shells could easily be deshell and its meat were firm and sweet. Shiok!

Cua rang me (Crab with Tamarind Sauce) 55,000 VND (S$3.30) per 100 gram

As my friend had stayed in Singapore for many years, she knew what we could find in Singapore. Hence, she decided to order something different; the Cua rang me (Crab with Tamarind Sauce) 55,000 VND (S$3.30) per 100 gram. The Crab with Tamarind Sauce, one of the restaurant signature dish was unique. It had a combination of sweet and tangy flavour. Again, the seafood here was very fresh! The crab meat could be easily deshell and were meaty. Very appeitisng and delicious! In fact, fingers licking good!

Miến xào cua (Glass Noodles Sauteed with Crab Meat) 147,000 VND (S$8.80)

As we were still hungry, we ordered another dish; Miến xào cua (Glass Noodles Sauteed with Crab Meat) 147,000 VND (S$8.80). This was another of their signature dish. The glass noodles had absorbed the seafood flavour and the addition of lettuce and onions gave a crunchy dimension to this dish.

Ngoc Suong Marina reminds me of Jumbo, Long Beach and No Signboard Seafood in Singapore. The dishes here were quite well executed and enjoyable. If you like seafood cooked in Vietnamese style, this would be a place to go to. However, do take note that this is a upmarket restaurant and that prices would be more expensive than those on the streets. Coming from Singapore, I thought that for the quality and taste of the food, the price was justifiable / value for money.

Do note, that the charges at second level are more expensive. And that if you want to sit at the first level, it would not be easy to catch the attention of any service staff. 

Ngọc Sương Sài Gòn (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

172 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, 

Phường 6, Quận 3, Tp.

Hồ Chí Minh

Tel: +84 (08) 3930 2379

Website

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Twelve Cupcakes: Free Limited Edition Red Velvet Cupcakes (9 Aug 2014)

Source: Twelve Cupcakes

Twelve Cupcakes: Free Limited Edition Red Velvet Cupcakes (9 Aug 2014)

- Valid till 9 Aug 2014 from 12pm onwards
- Limited to first 49 redemption per outlet
- Only for August babies. Photo ID with Date of Birth is to be presented at point of redemption
- Valid for 1 Red Velvet Cupcake in a single packaging per redemption
- Valid at all outlets except Golden Shoe Carpark and 308 Lavendar Street