Buzz
The eatery run by Sister Sakinah's family is located near Ben Thanh Market, serving Vietnamese dishes tailored to suit Muslim preferences.
Halal Pho Spot Captivates International Visitors Amidst Saigon's Bustle
Nguyen An Ninh Street, situated opposite the West entrance of Ben Thanh Market, in the central district 1, is famously known as the mini Muslim enclave of Saigon. The approximately 100-meter-long street connects Phan Chu Trinh Street with Truong Dinh Street. Many tourists from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei often share the name Saigon Halal Street when referring to this vibrant Muslim quarter.
Present on this street for over 6 years, Sister Sakinah's family-owned establishment specializes in serving Halal cuisine. Sister Na, 28 years old and the younger sister of the owner, shared that the restaurant has changed locations several times in the past.
Sister Na's family, followers of the Islamic faith from the Champa community, used to reside in Chau Doc. 'Since opening the eatery, the whole family relocated to Saigon for living,' reminisced Sister Na.
Sister Na reveals that all dishes in the eatery are cooked by the Cham people. 'Our restaurant primarily serves the distinctive dishes of Vietnamese cuisine, such as pho, rice, and hủ tiếu, but prepared to cater to the taste of the Muslim community,' she said.
According to the owner, pho is the first dish on the menu and doesn't differ much from the usual. The pho noodles are thin and long, not too large. The broth is clear with a sweet taste. The beef is just tender enough. Those who prefer rare meat can request it.
In addition to beef pho, you can also request chicken pho. Inside the pho bowl, there are plenty of fried shallots and green onions. The restaurant also serves additional cilantro, basil, lime, and chili for those who desire.
The owner mentioned that all the restaurants here are labeled 'Halal,' implying that the food is permissible for Muslims. The main ingredients used in the restaurant are beef, chicken, and seafood.
Travelers to this address are primarily Muslims. Additionally, there are Vietnamese people who love to explore the cuisine for a unique experience.
Sister Huong (a visitor from Hanoi), who visited the eatery while exploring Ben Thanh Market for the first time, expressed that the food is delicious. 'I tried the Muslim pho because it seemed unusual. At first glance, the dish looks quite similar to the original version but not like the usual pho bowl,' Sister Huong said.
Indonesian traveler, Sinnangga Angga, remarked that the dishes here suit his taste well. 'It's fortunate to have many Halal eateries in the city center. The variety of dishes here is remarkable,' Angga said.
This place is open from 6 am to around 11 pm. The parking lot is located in front of the restaurant. The space is a bit small but clean and tidy, with customers sitting on high tables and chairs.
According to Di Vy/Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourNovember 11, 2018
