Bun Cha Hanoi ($2.50); cold rice vermicelli noodles, tender grilled pork patties over pickled daikon and carrots in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, fresh lettuce and herbs. I found this particular Bun Cha place one night when walking home from my public school job. I was lured in by the smell of grilling meat. I have since returned several times.
My landlord took my roommate and I out on a little motorbike adventure which took us to districts we didn’t know existed, worlds away from the craziness of district one. After driving down a long, dusty, country road we came to a large restaurant. He ordered tender roasted chicken, fresh herbs, and homemade rice wine. The chicken was lovely; the rice wine was pungent and thick, burning the throat as it went down.
Found this mystery dish (I don’t know the name of it) at a street vender near Ben Thanh Market; pork dumplings with herbs, crispy dried onions, green papaya and a sweet and spicy sauce ($1). One of my favorites.
I discovered a cute little Thai restaurant down a hidden alleyway near my language school. From my first visit, I’ve only ever been able to order one thing; the green mango salad with crispy catfish ($3.50). I’ve intended to try something new, but the desire to eat this salad always wins.
Classic Vietnamese noodle soup with chicken, scallions, herbs, bean sprouts ($2); garnished with lime and chili. This one is from a spot near my house; which serves a wide variety of traditional dishes plus delicious juices and smoothies.
Completely overwhelmed by the city, I escaped to the nearest coastal town-Vung Tau–where I paid $4.50 to spend the day at a nice resort with a swimming pool and private beach. I ordered the scallops for lunch ($5). Scallops, always served on a half shell, and often with peanuts, have become a favorite treat since I’ve come to Vietnam.
Thit bo nuong; or grilled beef with cold noodles, fresh herbs, cucumber, and peanuts ($2). Easily one of my favorite Vietnamese foods. This one is from a spot on my walk to work–and has become a fairly common breakfast for me.
Tra sua; Milk tea, this one with boba or bubbles. Tea mixed with sweet milk plus tapioca bubbles. My newest addiction–which I try to keep at a minimum. The neighborhood near my public school job has numerous bubble tea shops–proving I’m not the only one with an addiction.Bacon cheeseburger and fries. Every now and then, I can’t help myself…
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You may want to check out:
What I’ve been eating lately: Part one
Food and Place
You make me hungry after reading and seeing this! They all sound delicious! When you get back, you can make dinner for all your friends and family:)
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NumCity!
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thank you for posting this feast for the eyes – everything looks so delicious. I love all the fresh herbs in Vietnamese food.
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Can’t wait to try it all!!
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Great foodie!! My mouth is watering!! Enjoy!! Sue
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