Buzz
Just a humble roadside cart, yet it attracts a bustling crowd every evening thanks to its affordable prices and rich flavors. This spot in Saigon is always packed with eager customers, making it a must-visit.
Situated on Nguyen Du Street in District 1, adjacent to Notre-Dame Cathedral, this unnamed crab soup stall has earned the nickname 'church crab soup.' Despite having only a cart and a few plastic stools—no tables—the fame of this place extends beyond this area to the entire city. The crab soup is available from early afternoon until evening, reaching its peak popularity during the twilight hours when young people start going out.
Not only does it attract the younger crowd, but it also has its fair share of office workers in dress shoes and suits, and even some celebrities who are regulars. It's not a place for leisurely dining and conversation, though. Due to the limited seating, customers come and go quickly, requiring diners to stand up as soon as they finish. Around 5 – 6 pm, when there are not enough seats to sit, people have to stand beside their parked bikes, holding bowls and eating 'guerrilla-style.'
The crab soup at this stall may not be extraordinary, but it ensures a delightful and reasonably priced experience, loaded with tender meat. When the bowl of soup arrives, it may not look particularly special at first glance, but a quick stir with a spoon reveals a surprising array of accompanying ingredients. In addition to beaten eggs, chicken meat, and quail eggs, there are also century eggs, crab sausage, and crab roe.
Each serving, if you opt for eggs, comes with half a century egg. Choosing crab sausage or crab roe as toppings will get you a quarter of an egg. The distinct aroma of century eggs may be strong, but once you develop a taste for it, you'll find it addictively delicious. Century eggs pair exceptionally well with various porridge and soup dishes, adding a rich depth of flavor.
The crab sausage and crab roe here are both of exceptional quality and taste. The crab sausage boasts firm and thick meat, providing a satisfying chew that's sweet with every bite, overwhelming the palate with richness. The crab roe, despite using the frozen variety available in supermarkets, impresses with its unique flavor when paired with the soup. A large bowl of crab soup is priced between 15,000 to 25,000 VND, depending on the chosen accompaniments.
In addition to the crab soup, there's also dried beef salad at the stall. Made from shredded green papaya, it offers a delightful crispness, paired with a sweet and savory sauce. While not overly outstanding, it's a tasty and non-cloying snack. A plate of dried beef salad is priced at 15,000 VND.
Thriving for 20 years amidst the bustling modern city center, this humble soup stall continues to exert its unique charm, enticing diners to return. Customers come back for the delectable and fragrant broth, coupled with the affordable prices and the amiable, modest demeanor of the seller. It's challenging to pinpoint the exact reasons, but one thing is certain: in the evening, a bowl of soup with a base of century eggs perks up spirits, and enjoying at least two bowls seems like the only way to satisfy cravings.
Photo: ST
Source: Trí Thức Trẻ
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourJuly 21, 2014
