Cha Ca, Banh Xeo, Rau Mong and Nem Ran at NHA HANG NGON Restaurant Ho Chi Minh City

The late-night Pho experience we had moments after arrival in Ho Chi Minh really set the bar high for more Vietnamese food craving.Had a rather simple breakfast at the hotel so there wasn't enough space for a meal.Hours of walking though made us really hundgry and after a brief stay at the Central Post, we looked for the restaurant suggested by the manager of the hotel which was apparently near the area.Very handy.

With my food list ready, we entered NHA HANG NGON Restaurant.

Cha Ca at NHA HANG NGON Restaurant HCMC

We were kinda intimidated a little when we saw the place.It was different from what we expected.I mean, I was anticipating more of a sidewalk setup but this one is definitely classy.Al fresco setup (non-airconditioned) but the colonial style building which houses it tells us that it's no ordinary place.

WHAT WE ORDERED:
Since my friends were clueless as to what to order and I was the only one with the list, they granted me the liberty to order for them.I randomly pointed to the names written on my paper not really knowing what to expect.Other than those letters,I also had no idea at all what I was ordering.

And here's what turned out to be our orders.

CHA CA 
Price:135,000 Dong

chunks of fish seasoned with garlic, ginger, turmeric and dill on a hot pan tableside.

I thought it tasted oily at first compounded by the peanuts but it's really nice and flavorful.The fish is tender and tasty.This is after all one of the favorite dishes in Vietnam.And it's quite pricey for me given the small serving.Compared to other dishes at least.

Banh Xeo

Price:56,000 Dong
crispy crepe bulging with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, plus the garnish of fresh herbs that are characteristic of most authentic Vietnamese dishes.

Don't be intimidated by the size, most of it is the crepe.Only 25% of it has fillings. But it's nice.Doesn't feel greasy.Feels more of a snack.

Rau Mong

Price: 70,000 Dong

stir-fried and seasoned with slithers of potent garlic.

Nothing really very special to me on this one but you know it's healthy.Vegetable was nicely cooked. Very similar to our adobong kangkong.Except that they don't use soy sauce of course.

NEM RAN /  Cha Gio

Price: 58,000 Dong

Bite-sized crunchy spring rolls.Crispy shell with a soft veggie and meat filling.

This is my favorite.Comes with a sweet-chilli sauce which really compliments the vegetable and meat filling.Crunchy,tasty.Delicious!

We also ordered,

Cao lau   

(not pictured)

Price: 58,000 Dong

This pork noodle dish from Hoi An is a bit like the various cultures that visited the trading port at its prime. The thicker noodles are similar to Japanese udon, the crispy won-ton crackers and pork are a Chinese touch, while the broth and herbs are clearly Vietnamese.

Our total bill was 679,000 Vietnamese Dong
which is roughly 1,366 Philippine Peso.
Not bad!

The restaurant looks upscale but the food is really reasonable.If you compare it with less classy restaurants, the price difference is really small. I can recommend this restaurant highly.

___________________
Nha Hang Ngon Restaurant
is located at
138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam