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India has always been a distant dream for me, reminiscent of impoverished villages depicted in movies like 'Slumdog Millionaire' or the strict customs portrayed in 'Child Bride' scenes. But now, you don't need to imagine; just pack your bags and take a stroll through an Indian enclave right in the heart of Saigon.
Embarking on a journey to uncover the distinctive cultural facets within Saigon.
Discovering the Hindu influences at the renowned Indian temple, a sacred landmark.
The majority of Indian people follow Hinduism, one of the oldest and third-largest organized religions globally. Hindu scriptures date back to around 1400 - 1500 BCE, making it one of the most diverse and intricate religions with millions of different deities.
On the exterior of the entrance to Tôn Thất Thiệp Street.
The Mariamma Temple (the goddess of harvest and health), also known as the Indian Lady Pagoda, situated in the heart of District 1, is a sacred destination with distinctive Indian architecture. This Saigon tourist spot was constructed in the early 20th century, as a significant Indian immigrant population settled in Saigon and continues to reside near the temple to this day.
Distinctive architecture exuding the essence of Hinduism.
The temple is not only frequented by Indian expatriates but also by Vietnamese locals who come to pray.
The architecture of the Indian Lady Pagoda is designed in a U-shape. The temple consists of the main shrine dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, flanked by two guardians, Maduraiveeran (on the left) and Pechiamman (on the right). Along the walls are statues of 18 deities with different poses symbolizing the 18 wishes of the people.
The Mariamma Temple features a beautifully designed corridor in a U-shaped frame.
Every day, numerous tourists and locals visit to explore and pray.
A place of prayer steeped in Indian culture.
Indian Lady Pagoda |
Vibrant Indian patterns add splendor to stunning Instagram-worthy photos.
Scrolling through social media, it seems everyone is heading to India, capturing picturesque moments in palaces. But fret not! No need to travel all the way to India to have a dazzling photo collection. You can have a plethora of stunning photos right here, ready to be posted throughout the month!
An ideal backdrop.
The staircase leading to the temple's rooftop is ready for some dazzling photoshoots!
Countless ways to live the fantasy.
Let's take flight!
A favorite check-in spot for many young people.
Rich Indian flavors right in Saigon.
On rainy days in Saigon, Indian cuisine becomes a unique highlight in my culinary journey. After some research with Google, I decided to visit Ganesh Restaurant (38 Hai Ba Trung, District 1), a distinctive Indian eatery. The restaurant features modern Western architecture accentuated by Indian-themed decor like tapestries, lanterns, and floral-patterned Indian wallpaper. From every corner, the aroma of various spices used for decoration fills the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Indian cuisine offers a unique flavor compared to most Vietnamese dishes. Ganesh Restaurant's flavors are authentically Indian, meaning they don't resemble the Indian dishes I've previously experienced that have been Westernized or Vietnamese-ized. While rich in spices, they are slightly milder compared to Saigon's cuisine.
Curry is always the top choice when dining at Indian restaurants. Next up is dishes like Josh Rogan. A famous curry dish from Western India made with lamb cooked in a visually appealing red sauce - a combination of Kashmiri chili (Mirchi Kashmiri) and extracts from the flowers of the saffron plant. The Naan bread at the restaurant is also delicious, a staple in every Indian meal. Naan bread is made from flour and dry yeast, hence it has a rather bland taste, so it is often served with cheese and curry.
The sauces here are also meticulously prepared with rich and spicy flavors. Contrary to many people's reviews, the grilled five-spice chicken left me somewhat disappointed, but on the other hand, the goat curry was excellent. Enjoying a glass of red wine, spreading curry sauce on bread..., accompanied by cheerful Indian music, dinner will be more fulfilling with family or friends.
Ganesh Restaurant |
Saigon is the only city in Vietnam with a unique blend of diverse and colorful cultures. You don't need to go far; every corner of Saigon holds many cultural values as the experiences I just shared. The last weekends of summer will be even more vibrant, and your shared photos will receive more likes with the vibrant Indian check-in suggestions in the heart of Saigon. Schedule it now!
Author: Mytour Intern Kiêm Nguyễn Lan Vy
