A Saigon stalwart, the duck vermicelli stall thrives after 60 years

The duck vermicelli dish at Ban Co Market may come at a higher price than usual but is definitely worth a try for its uniquely delicious flavor.

A Saigon stalwart, the duck vermicelli stall remains bustling after 60 years

The duck vermicelli stall in Ban Co Market (District 3, Saigon

) is quite elusive but still draws a crowd as it's rare to find a dish this delicious.

A bowl of duck vermicelli or noodles here costs 50,000 dong, higher than the typical street food fare which usually ranges around 40,000 dong or less per bowl.

Ms. Trang, the owner, shares that her family has been selling this dish since her mother's time, a Chinese woman married to a Chinese man, yet cooking northern-style duck vermicelli and noodles without sugar, just a hint of MSG. The broth is clear and sweet from the bones as she cooks over a dozen ducks each day. Perhaps the Ban Co area sees many migrants from the North settling here, hence this duck vermicelli and noodles dish caters precisely to their tastes?

The vermicelli served here is the resilient type from the North, soaked in broth for extended periods without losing its firmness, exceptionally delicious. However, the duck dipping sauce offers a Southern flavor, featuring minced garlic, chili, and finely chopped ginger, tangy and leaning towards sweeter notes. The accompanying vegetables include cabbage, banana flower, and common aromatic herbs found in the Southern region.

The duck meat is boiled to tender perfection without any toughness, cut into sizable chunks rather than thinly sliced as in other establishments. Many customers here prefer to enjoy a bowl of vermicelli or noodles separately, while the duck meat and bamboo shoots are served on a separate plate for easier consumption and to avoid overheating. During the fresh bamboo shoot season, Ms. Trang adds them to the vermicelli pot, avoiding the use of dried or pickled bamboo shoots. Otherwise, only duck vermicelli is served.

Despite its small size with only a few tables and sporadic customers, over a dozen ducks are typically sold out from 6 am until around 11-12 pm. Despite being located within the market, the establishment maintains remarkable cleanliness.

Ms. Trang's duck vermicelli stall is located within her private residence in Ban Co Market, nestled among clothing stalls rather than within the food section. From the main entrance of the market on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street (District 3, Saigon), a straight walk of several dozen meters will lead you to the stall.

According to Thao Moc/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour

MytourMay 9, 2019