Buzz
When it comes to late-night dining in Saigon, the options are abundant. However, if you're a fan of banh canh, you must know about the pig knuckle noodle soup place nestled in a narrow alley on Le Quang Dinh street.
A renowned pig knuckle noodle soup spot with over 30 years of history, consistently lively with customers in Saigon.
For those who enjoy late-night dining in Saigon, you're likely familiar with the pig knuckle noodle soup spot in a narrow alley off Le Quang Dinh. Positioned amidst the bustling intersection of two crowded streets in Binh Thanh district, with narrow sidewalks, the eatery consistently draws a crowd daily, starting around 7 PM, as diners eagerly anticipate savoring the delightful banh canh dish.
This pig knuckle noodle soup establishment boasts a rich history of over 30 years. As many eateries close or prepare to pack up around 10 PM, here, you'll still find people patiently waiting for a seat. Upon arrival, the owner's son typically organizes parking nearby before signaling for another staff member to guide guests to their tables. Saigon by night, yet the atmosphere in this spot is always lively, filled with the sound of orders being called, service carefully coordinated for each table, and staff directing guests to their seats.
The banh canh counter snugly positioned against the wall near the narrow entrance, and although the space inside is quite compact, the ambiance is always vibrant – filled with the sight of people ladling food and pouring broth into bowls before carrying them to each table.
The basic components of the banh canh bowl here always include pieces of white radish, blood cake, square-cut pork skin, along with a few slices of lean meat. Additional choices, depending on the customer's preference, may include bones, ribs, tendons, trotters, and more. The broth is cooked with various white radishes for a sweet, naturally refreshing taste, a constant feature in every customer's bowl, unlike many places where it's hit or miss.
A bowl of banh canh consists of the basic components: blood cake, sliced lean meat, pork skin, and white radish, paired with a choice of meat such as ribs, trotters, tendons, bones, and more, according to the customer's selection.
Despite being a common dish, the meticulous selection of ingredients for banh canh sets this place apart with a unique charm. A bowl of banh canh is generous with various types of toppings, and the main meat portion is cooked just right – neither too tough nor too tender.
The dipping sauce is another highlight of the eatery. The fish sauce is prepared with sugar, resulting in a rich and flavorful dipping sauce, sprinkled with a bit of pepper for fragrance. Dipping a piece of soft and hot meat into this savory, aromatic sauce creates an unforgettable taste sensation in the mouth.
Despite being a late-night spot, the price of banh canh here is quite affordable, averaging around 30,000 VND per hearty bowl. In addition to banh canh, the menu also includes hu tieu, noodles, and nui at similar prices. Accompanying options range from pork skin rolls, flan cake, to agar-agar jelly. Although the menu may not be overly diverse, it provides enough choices, even for a large group dining together.
According to the owner's words, the banh canh establishment has been open for precisely 32 years – matching the age of his second daughter. Currently, she is the main seller along with her mother. The eatery operates from 7 PM every day until just before midnight, closing on the 1st and full-moon days of each month.
The meats are expertly cooked to perfection, boasting a vibrant color as they are consistently freshly served.
Address: Alley 169 Le Quang Dinh
As reported by Afamily
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourApril 5, 2018
