Buzz
Chinese cuisine has become familiar to Saigonese for quite some time now. Sometimes, the rich flavors and delicate intricacies of the dishes make everyone forget their way home. Chinese restaurants are almost everywhere, but the best and most diverse options are still found in Districts 5, 6, and 11. Many suggest that for an authentic experience, one should dine at small, local eateries. But in the vast expanse of Saigon, where does one find the true essence of Chinese cuisine? Check out our top 5 recommendations below!
Explore the Delights of Taiwanese Cuisine at RaoHe
Experience Breakfast at 259 Hong Bang
The iconic breakfast joint in Cho Lon is a must-visit for anyone in the area. Nestled at the corner of Hong Bang and Trieu Quang Phuc, the unassuming facade belies the bustling activity within. Every morning, it's a hive of activity with people coming and going, and every inch of space filled with parked vehicles. Despite the crowds, they make the most of the spacious front yard for additional seating.
Further reading: Top 6 Restaurants with Stunning Views in Saigon
The eatery is teeming with customers indulging in breakfast delights in the morning.
Accompanying a friend, I ordered a serving of dim sum, some steamed meatballs in broth, some dry meatballs for starters, along with a hearty bowl of braised beef to satisfy my hunger. The dim sum boasted a thin, delicate outer layer with a rich filling of meat and shrimp, perfectly satisfying. The steamed meatballs, served in a bowl of broth, were generously portioned and could easily fill one person up.
Dim sum with thin pastry and thick filling, along with savory steamed meatballs.
The braised beef stew boasts a rich broth, tender meat, and a hint of sweetness. While not the signature dish of the eatery, their various noodle dishes are also delicious. Complimentary hot tea is provided, but you can opt for other refreshing beverages as well.
Flavorful braised beef stew paired with dry meatballs.
KowLoon Dimsum - Cuu Long Restaurant
For loyal Dimsum enthusiasts, Cuu Long Restaurant is a name not to be overlooked. Despite its small space, the restaurant feels quite airy even when crowded. From the exterior to the interior, it's adorned with patterns and images of Hong Kong, creating a cozy atmosphere for gatherings with friends or family reunions.
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Many people wait outside the restaurant to secure a table.
Before heading to the restaurant, remember to make a reservation, or else you might end up waiting for quite a while. The menu offers a variety of dishes, but the highlights and popular choices remain the dim sum selections, such as shrimp dumplings, crabstick meatballs, chicken feet in black bean sauce, egg tart, and pork bun with meatballs...
The menu at Cuu Long Restaurant is written in two languages, on thick and elegant paper.
The shrimp dumplings are exceptionally delicious, with thin, crispy skins and thick, succulent shrimp fillings. Each bite offers a delightful crunch. The pork bun with meatball is equally delightful, featuring a rich filling encased in a soft bun. You can complement your meal with chrysanthemum tea or milk tea, both offering satisfying flavors.
The plump and appetizing Dimsum dishes are a feast for the eyes.
Cuu Long Restaurant has been a long-standing favorite in Cho Lon, and for Saigonese food enthusiasts, if you're looking to savor some Hong Kong delicacies, Cuu Long Restaurant won't disappoint.
An Duyen Cholon Rice & Water
The restaurant exudes a very Chinese, very Hong Kong style, yet the affection it carries is very much reminiscent of Cho Lon. The owner, a millennial of Teochew descent, grew up with meals from Cho Lon, so stepping into the restaurant, one can feel the deep emotional connection here.
The front of the restaurant features a prominent yellow paint job.
The restaurant is a small house nestled on Tran Dien Street, exuding nostalgia from the outside with various antiques. The interior space is adorned with the typical Chinese colors of gold, green, and red, which are ubiquitous wherever Chinese people gather.
A corner of the staircase adorned with antiques evokes nostalgia.
The restaurant's menu is extremely diverse with over 100 dishes from various culinary regions such as Guangdong, Teochew, Fujian, Hakka, and Hainan. I visited in the morning and ordered the Hainanese breakfast with Kaya Toast, slow-cooked peach kernel egg, and peach tea. For an authentic Hainanese breakfast experience, it's best paired with traditional coffee. The toast is crispy, with a sweet and creamy kaya spread. You can also dip the toast in the egg custard for an extra rich flavor, creating a unique taste sensation.
Kaya Toast and slow-cooked peach kernel egg are fragrant and flavorful.
Malatang Big Uncle
Malatang is a spicy hot pot or spicy soup originating from Sichuan Province. Just hearing the word 'spicy', you can imagine how hot this dish is, right?
The price list of ingredients is displayed in the restaurant with cute illustrations.
While the dish may seem simple, all the essence lies in the mala sauce, Sichuan pepper, and chili powder. Originally, this dish was only served with vegetables and ginger to warm the stomach on rainy days. Later on, it became widely popular and upgraded with various toppings such as fried fish balls, seafood, beef, pork... and a variety of different vegetables.
There are over 40 types of toppings and vegetables at the topping counter.
There are relatively few places in Saigon that sell authentic Malatang, but after some searching, I finally found Big Uncle offering the exact flavor I like. Having a bowl of spicy hot pot during the rainy season is truly satisfying. At the restaurant, you can freely choose your favorite meats, noodles, and vegetables. There are over 40 types of toppings available, including some unique ones like land lobsters, Chinese noodles, abalones... The price will depend on the toppings you choose, so you'll have to do some quick mental calculations.
Various toppings and vegetables chosen before being cooked in the kitchen.
When enjoying Malatang, you'll dip it in the rich and creamy peanut sauce, which is simply heavenly. The tingling sensation on your tongue combined with the sweet and savory broth makes your heart flutter. Besides spicy Malatang, the restaurant also serves delicious spicy stir-fried noodles.
Close-up of a bowl of Malatang with a full array of mouth-watering toppings.
RaoHe - Taiwanese Cuisine
RaoHe - Taiwanese Cuisine is located in the culinary paradise of Go Vap. The name RaoHe reflects its design style and arrangement of stalls resembling the most famous night market in Taiwan. Stepping into the restaurant, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the spaciousness and the abundance of tables and chairs arranged on both sides like a street food alley.
The entrance to RaoHe is adorned with traditional tiled roofs.
The menu offers a variety of dishes from northern Taiwan, with the standout being the BBQ bun with soft buns and flavorful meat filling.
BBQ buns and seaweed salad
Additionally, we ordered several other dishes such as taro seaweed salad, vinegar dumplings, mala hot pot, and milk tea. The flavors were quite satisfactory, and each portion was just enough for two people.
Sweet, savory, and spicy mala hot pot served with beef and meatballs.
Overall, if you're looking for a place to enjoy Taiwanese cuisine with a variety of playful and satisfying dishes, RaoHe is worth a visit.
In summary, there are countless Chinese restaurants in Saigon, and if you're unsure where to enjoy this culinary scene, why not try the five places mentioned above. Hopefully, after experiencing them, the unique flavors of these dishes will leave a lasting impression on you.
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