Buzz
Former U.S. President recently visited a Vietnamese rice eatery, while the Canadian Prime Minister once sat at a sidewalk café for a chat.
Gastronomic Destinations that Welcomed Distinguished Guests in Saigon
Politicians from the United States, Canada, and Australia often opt for modest or traditional venues to indulge in cuisine when visiting Vietnam.
Brick Block Restaurant
On the evening of December 10, former U.S. President Obama and his spouse, during their visit to Ho Chi Minh City, unexpectedly dined at Brick Block Restaurant on Dang Tat Street, District 1. The place boasts a tranquil ambiance and a rustic Vietnamese interior style. The menu specializes in homeland dishes such as various salads, braised dishes, stir-fries, boiled, fried, hot pot, etc. Each dish is priced from 85,000 VND.
Apart from the Obama couple, many other renowned individuals have frequented this place, including the Hollywood actor duo Angelina Jolie – Brad Pitt and the American music group Backstreet Boys.
Vy Coffee
During the APEC summit visit to Vietnam on November 9, 2017, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strolled along Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, and stopped by Vy Coffee for a cup of coffee. Accompanying him was Mr. Nguyen Cong Hiep, a former staff member of the Canadian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
Situated in the city center, the beverage prices here are higher compared to sidewalk cafes with a similar style, starting from 30,000 VND. The cafe is favored by patrons for its phin-brewed coffee with a rich flavor and distinctive aroma from freshly ground beans.
After the aforementioned event, many people sought out this address to indulge in the diverse menu. The cafe is beloved by numerous customers due to its varied menu and all-day opening hours.
Tib Vegetarian Restaurant
In November 2006, U.S. President George W. Bush and his wife visited Ho Chi Minh City, sharing a meal with Australian Prime Minister John Howard and his spouse. Their stop was at a vegetarian cuisine restaurant on Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1, owned by the younger sister of the late musician Trinh Cong Son.
At this venue, Mr. Bush chose the flower crab dish, and the restaurant owner added young jackfruit salad, lotus seed soup in coconut, shrimp paste wrapped in leaves, and lotus seed sweet soup with longan to treat the guests. These dishes were later compiled into a menu named after President Bush and became popular among diners.
Tib Restaurant primarily serves vegetarian cuisine from Hue, featuring decor with imperial touches. The cozy space is suitable for gatherings and meetings. Prices range from 20,000 to 180,000 VND per dish. Opting for a menu similar to the President's, diners can expect to spend around 300,000 VND per person.
Pho 2000
In the year 2000, then-U.S. President Bill Clinton visited Vietnam and savored pho at an eatery near Ben Thanh Market. The restaurant was later renamed Pho 2000 in commemoration of the former head of the U.S. government's visit.
The restaurant offers various types of pho, including chicken pho, beef pho, red wine pho, seafood pho, all infused with the distinctive flavors of the Southern region. Due to its central city location, a bowl of pho here costs between 78,000 and 122,000 VND.
According to Spiritual Insights/ Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel Handbook Mytour
MytourDecember 17, 2019
