Best of Vietnamese Food

I have come to develop a deep love for Vietnamese food and a certain affection for their culture. Vietnam is always a city that I want to visit and why not begin this journey in Ho Chi Minh.

To be honest, I was really looking forward to having an authentic great bowl of pho, but not until the 3^rd place we went to at Quynh and we finally felt satisfied. Here in the US, we are blessed to have some really good yummy pho that spoils us.

Another place that I wanted to visit was Lunch Lady, however, since they don’t have a wide variety and it’s a bit far from Hotel Nikko, we decided to go to Banh Xeo 46A (both were once raved by Anthony Bourdain) and let me tell you, that didn’t disappointed, not at all. With 3 of us, we ordered:

• Monster sized Vietnamese freshwater blue prawn that filled with loads of shrimp head butter
• Hot and crispy fried Vietnamese spring rolls
• Fresh made Banh Xeo from the production line (sizzling pancake)
• Tasty grilled Muoi Xiem (sugar cane prawn)
• Rich and flavorful fish sauce chicken wings

And we killed it! Everything made fresh and it was definitely the best meal we had in HCM and that didn’t break the bank at all. Anthony Bourdain made this place famous and I’m glad it’s upheld it’s reputation.

Lots of people said you should go visit the Coffee Apartment. While it seems to be a tourist attraction, I would pass and instead, you should check out the Cong Caphe (Café) for the refreshing coconut milk coffee slush – its much unique and quench the thirst.

If you are looking for great breakfast choice and nothing too heavy, we headed over to Banh Cuon Hai Nam for Banh Cuon and that was an awesome choice. This is essentially rice flour roll filled with tasty pork and wood ear mushroom, and topped with fried shallots. We were staying at Hotel Nikko and its in walking distance. I can get banh cuon in the state, but nothing like freshly made in front of you. And that fried spring rolls are the best I have had. Belly was happy!

Lots of people said you should also hit up Banh Mi Huynh Hoa.  This place is literally recommended by all foodie bloggers, I like how generous they are with their fillings, but I can live without it.

Another must try is the Banh Canh Cua, it’s this thick umami-rich Vietnamese crab noodle soup. This crab noodle soup is very popular in Vietnam. The noodles are hand made with tapioca starch – they look a lot like udon.

Prepare to gain a few pounds from your trip to HCM! But all so worth it.