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Have you ever savored grilled field crab that comes with a brick-laying morning or indulged in grilled dishes with nearly 40 different dipping sauces?
Saigon Travel: Prepare to salivate over these 3 exceptionally quirky grilling spots.
Grilled dishes are also among the specialties of Saigon. From pork, chicken, and beef to various seafood and vegetables, everything can be transformed into an incredibly enticing grilled dish.
However, with hundreds of grilling spots in Saigon, where should you find the ideal destination?
With the criteria of reasonable prices, exquisite dishes, and crucially fresh ingredients, quality seasoning, and unique expertise, here are 3 addresses you must keep in mind for this festive occasion.
Explore the vibrant culinary scene near Ben Thanh Market
Not long ago, a feature introduced the Street Food Market located behind Ben Thanh Market on Thu Khoa Huan Street. Today, it stands as the most visited street food hub in Saigon, attracting not only locals but also a significant number of international tourists.
With dozens of stalls, the grilling section here is always sizzling and considered the highlight. There are stalls specializing in beef wrapped in betel leaves, others focused on various seafood, a zone dedicated to skewers, and a stall selling giant chicken thighs at surprisingly affordable prices, enough to satisfy two people.
Each piece of chicken is grilled on a hot charcoal stove, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
The advantage of this culinary area lies in its ample, well-decorated seating spaces, offering a variety of grilled dishes. However, be aware that prices at some stalls may be slightly higher. So, take a stroll to find a place that suits your taste, instead of getting lost in the mesmerizing array of dishes and forgetting your way back.
Address: 26 Thu Khoa Huan, District 1.
Grilling with up to 40 dipping sauces
This is arguably the only grill spot like no other in Saigon. Why such confidence? Because every recipe and cooking method has been personally learned by the owner in the land of Thailand, under the guidance of a master chef. Upon returning to Saigon, she established a business, opening a grand Thai grill right on Hung Vuong Street in District 5.
Discover how the Thai-style grilling here is exceptional and enticing.
By now, many may have guessed the place. Truly, everything at this grill is extraordinary. From the way of eating, especially the unique service of having nearly 40 different dipping sauces. Enough to make you hold your breath, isn't it?
Upon finding a seat, the staff will bring out three large trays with dozens of small plates containing a variety of foods. The first tray includes dried items like scallops, fish balls, sausages, crab sticks, and various types of patties. The second tray is a 'forest' of seafood and meats such as white squid, beef wrapped in cheese, goat meat, deer meat, and more. The last tray consists of various vegetables, noodles, and mushrooms. Your task is to slowly pick and choose the dishes you like. This serving style might initially overwhelm and surprise you, but you'll get used to it over time.
After selecting the dishes that match your taste, a staff member will come to your table to serve and tell you about the origin of the grilled dishes here. Especially when indulging in the grill at this spot, you will also get a side of hotpot, so remember to grab some noodles or vermicelli to accompany your meal.
When it comes to the dipping sauce, you're in for a unique treat that you won't find anywhere else. According to the owner, this is a secret recipe learned from Thailand. The variety of spices used also originate from the Land of the Golden Pagoda. Each type brings a completely different flavor profile - some are tangy, some are spicy, some are salty, and more.
Currently, the restaurant offers an impressive selection of almost 40 different dipping sauces. Each sauce complements specific dishes perfectly. Enjoying beef? Opt for a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Seafood? Experience a hint of sweetness and acidity. Even when having hotpot, you can use these sauces to customize your broth, creating a unique hotpot with your preferred flavors. It's truly a culinary game-changer, isn't it?
The revelation about the hotpot broth here might surprise you - it's not made from bones or any type of meat. Instead, it's crafted from various roots and herbs. So, after indulging in spicy and hot grilled dishes, simply take a sip of the hotpot broth to cool down. It's incredibly sweet and aromatic, leaving a delightful taste in your mouth.
Address: 31A2 Hung Vuong, District 5.
Clay-grilled and Freshly Grilled Field Crab
Speaking of grilling, the clay-grilled dish has gained immense popularity in Saigon, gradually replacing traditional iron grills. The key advantage of this clay-grilling method is minimal smoke, no unpleasant odors, and evenly cooked, golden-brown meat. It's a culinary upgrade you won't want to miss.
If you're talking about clay-grilled dishes, Moc restaurant near Trung Son roundabout is a must-visit. Try their variety of clay-grilled meats, including pork, beef, goat udders, and snails. All marinated with a unique formula, boasting the rich flavors and style of the Central region, according to the owner.
Indeed, when the grilled meat pieces are served, dipping them in a bit of sweet and sour lime sauce is simply divine. Starting with tender and sweet marinated pork, infused with five-spice aroma, it's fragrant and incredibly flavorful. Whether it's octopus or beef, both are incredibly fresh. Grilled on clay tiles enhances the taste even more, avoiding any dry or burnt sensation.
But you'll only discover another specialty after tasting – grilled crab. Invited and introduced by the owner, we didn't hesitate to order a fresh crab grilled with salt and chili. This is a type of naturally raised field crab, not farm-raised, making it even more special. The freshness is undeniable, and more importantly, the crab meat is so firm that it's delicious without any additional dipping. For those who enjoy crab roe, dive right in. Although the crab may be small, the roe is abundant. You can use a spoon to scoop it all up and drizzle a bit of sweet and sour lime sauce for perfection.
Address: C19, 9A Street, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Binh Chanh District (Right across from Trung Son roundabout, opposite Him Lam Bridge).
As reported by Youth Intellect
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