Buzz
For a while now, when the name 'Hai Lua' is mentioned, people often immediately associate it with things 'countryside' infused with a touch of rustic simplicity, almost like a provincial journey.
However, this pure, rustic, and simple flavor has become a rare gem in the urban landscape, where modernity, luxury, and influences from the West, China, Europe, and Asia abound.
And when these traditional dishes, crafted with passion and the culinary expertise of skilled chefs who truly love their craft, become the anthem of suburban charm, they truly become a folk song attracting no less attention than any gourmet delicacy anywhere.
What comes to your mind when you hear the name Hai Lua Cho Lon? Perhaps those who pass through District 5, at the Nguyen Trai - Tan Da intersection, are drawn by the enticing aroma of grilled duck and suckling pig drifting in the air like an inviting call to indulge. Turning around, you'll find Mr. Hai Lua roasting suckling pig at the outdoor kitchen next to the restaurant.
Mr. Hai Lua in Cho Lon, located at the intersection of Nguyen Trai and Tan Da, captivates passersby with the irresistible scent of grilled duck and suckling pig.
Hai Lua is renowned for its spit-roasted suckling pig and delicious Mekong Delta-style grilled duck, attracting many patrons to gather and enjoy the tranquil evening atmosphere. The location, with its spacious outdoor area surrounded by lush foliage, provides a serene escape amidst the hustle and bustle of the intersection. Enjoying the ambiance while savoring unique appetizers is truly delightful.
Mekong Delta-style grilled duck, favored during the floating season from July to November, features ducks freely roaming the fields of Long Khanh and Sa Dec, resulting in firm, lean meat. Proper marination and skillful grilling create an aroma-rich experience with sweet, non-greasy meat beneath the crispy skin.
The spit-roasted suckling pig by Mr. HAI LUA boasts crispy skin, fragrant aroma, sweet and tender meat. The pig is roasted in the oven, and the skin remains crispy and rich, reminiscent of the rustic charm of straw-roofed homes. Alongside, there's the Salt and Chili Grilled Wild Duck. The familiar call of 'less fat, more meat, and a crispy finish' rings true for the unique Vịt Cỏ Nướng Muối Ớt. Though diners expect less, each plate reveals a tantalizing display of taut, glistening honey-toned skin, and dipping it in the house's special sauce completes the enchantment for patrons.
The spit-roasted suckling pig features crispy skin, tender, and intensely sweet meat.
The Salt and Chili Grilled Wild Duck shines with its crunchy skin infused with spices and a subtle hint of fire, presenting a delightful low-fat and sweet taste.
The wild duck, marinated with rich spices, is expertly grilled over fragrant charcoal, retaining a tantalizing aroma without overwhelming grease. The thin, crispy skin is at its finest when enjoyed hot. While every restaurant has its unique method for roasting wild ducks, none quite match the popularity and flavor found here.
Besides the delightful 'on-land' dishes, Hai Lua offers a variety of 'river and water' specialties to treat its patrons. Highly praised selections include the 3-Way Grilled Catfish (crafted as a salad, grilled, and hotpot) made right at the table, grilled river prawns with a side of salt and chili dip, and grilled elephant trunk snails, thinly sliced and paired with a refreshing lime-infused salt dip – a unique and mouthwatering combination not found in every seafood eatery.
Indulge in the savory delights of the land
Explore the distinctive 'river and water' specialties of the southern region to treat the guests.
The creatively named River Hotpot not only sounds unique but also complements the taste perfectly.
If the succulent roasted duck or the plate of suckling pig isn't enough to make your gathering with friends cozier, don't hesitate to order a hotpot. Whether it's seafood hotpot, beef hotpot, or snakehead fish hotpot, it's the perfect fit for a casual gathering of four.
The slow wafting of evening smoke makes you feel like you're not sitting in the city center but returning to an old village. Just catching a whiff is enough to evoke a sense of nostalgia. Sometimes, people treat you not because the place is renowned for gourmet delights, but simply because of the comfortable space they want to share with each other.
The relaxed ambiance is perfect for a leisurely get-together with friends.
On a dull Saigon afternoon, if you find yourself passing through District 5 without a resting spot or planning to invite friends for a drink, why not give Hai Lua at the intersection of Nguyen Trai and Tan Da a try to savor the two signature dishes of the place.
The average cost per person ranges from 200k to 230k, considered 'not overly expensive' yet 'worth every bite,' truly an experience that will make you want to come back for more. Why not embark on your own culinary adventure and share your impressions.
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Review by: thodiaq5
