Saigon's Historic 132-Year-Old Crab Noodle Soup Spot

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Saigon's Historic 132-Year-Old Crab Noodle Soup Spot

Bà Năm's cozy spot outside Tôn Thất Đạm Condo in District 1 captivates diners with the bold flavors of its signature dish.

Saigon's Historic 132-Year-Old Crab Noodle Soup Spot

Just opened five years ago, Bà Năm's establishment has already garnered a loyal customer base. People often affectionately refer to the skillful owner as Aunt Năm.

This address has gained popularity due to its rich and aromatic seafood broth, accompanied by plentiful side dishes. According to the owner, the restaurant sources daily fresh shrimp and crab from a trusted supplier. The preparation begins late at night to ensure an early morning opening.

Located in front of the condominium, the eatery sets up a couple of tables and chairs for customers. The kitchen is also placed nearby. A glass cabinet above displays large, shell-free shrimp, a bowl of crab meat, and fish, tempting anyone passing by.

Upon arrival, patrons at the eatery secure their seats before placing orders. The establishment exclusively offers the banh canh dish. You can customize your order, choosing options like crab banh canh, fish banh canh, or the complete bowl. Subsequently, a steaming bowl of banh canh, with an alluring red hue, is served in front of you.

However, this is only if you manage to get a seat, as the place tends to get busy around 7 to 7:30. Arriving late means you might have to wait or face limited choices.

A complete meal includes crab meat, a prawn, tendons, and some fish cake pieces. The broth is not as thick as usual and cools quickly. The banh canh noodles are translucent white, soft, and not chewy. The price per serving goes up to 60,000 VND, but the place still attracts many customers every morning.

Ms. Thanh Ngoc from District 3, Saigon, a regular customer, shared that the flavors here immediately captured her on the first try. 'I often come here to dine with my family. Occasionally, the crab might not be very fresh, but overall, Aunt Nam's seasoning is just right,' remarked Ms. Ngoc.

The owner, originally from the Mekong Delta, imparts a slightly sweet taste to the crab banh canh, catering to the Southern palate. However, visitors from the North may not necessarily find it to their liking.

'I don't usually enjoy sweet flavors, but I really appreciate the broth's taste in this place. Despite waiting for nearly 20 minutes to eat, I still feel delighted,' shared Ms. Thuy Dung from Tan Binh, Saigon.

The eatery operates exclusively in the morning, and if you arrive around 8:30, there won't be anything left to eat. Situated alongside a frequently trafficked road, the place experiences constant vehicular activity. Customers arriving by bike can conveniently park in the nearby lot.

According to Di Vy/Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour

MytourNovember 16, 2018

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bà Năm's crab noodle soup stand out among other eateries in Saigon?

Bà Năm's crab noodle soup stands out due to its rich and aromatic seafood broth, made from daily fresh shrimp and crab. The restaurant’s unique seasoning and the option to customize your banh canh dish attract many diners, establishing a loyal customer base despite the establishment being relatively new.

Why do customers need to arrive early at Bà Năm's restaurant for a good dining experience?

Customers need to arrive early at Bà Năm's restaurant to secure a seat and ensure they can enjoy a full selection of dishes. The eatery tends to get busy between 7 and 7:30 AM, and arriving late may result in limited choices or no food left, as it operates exclusively in the morning.

How does the flavor profile of Bà Năm's crab banh canh cater to different regional tastes?

Bà Năm's crab banh canh caters to Southern tastes with a slightly sweet flavor, reflecting the owner's Mekong Delta roots. While local patrons appreciate this unique taste, visitors from the North might find it less appealing, as they generally prefer less sweetness in their dishes.

What dining options are available at Bà Năm's restaurant for customers looking for crab noodle soup?

At Bà Năm's restaurant, customers can choose from several dining options, including crab banh canh, fish banh canh, or a complete bowl that includes a combination of crab meat, shrimp, tendons, and fish cakes. This variety allows diners to customize their meal according to their preferences.