On me: T Shirt Zoe Karssen, Shorts Zara, Hat local purchase, Espadrilles Chanel, Bag Chanel Boy, Glasses Maison Martin Margiela, Jewellery Vintage Cartier, What Women Want & Miansai
Nothing beats street food! The local flavours gives you the best sense of a place...although I didn't go full street food feast this time 'round (I was a bit unsure if my stomach could take it after a massive night out), the closest I got was the 'banh mi' (photo 1) from a cart sitting half inside a random shop; the first time I had to employ the 'close enough is good enough' philosophy. This Vietnamese style sub is meat filled with a dash of fresh cucumber, coriander, pickled carrots and the best part... thick pork pate was spread all over like butter (all food groups covered in one baguette). If you ever want to have your first taste of street food in Ho Chi Minh, I do recommend easing your stomach into it with the banh mi (and try the mixed ham one first before moving onto bigger and better things like grilled pork, bbq pork, marinated pork belly and grilled chicken). The one we were recommended to go to, is on 'Nguyen Hue' (street), next to a bookstore called Fahasa (District 1, opposite the Duxton Hotel). Sorry, I can't give you the name, I don't think they have one(even the local who recommended this one used the bookstore as a point of reference - that's when we knew we were onto something good) and it's not on any travel reviews either.
Ngon Restaurant (photos 5 - 8): it's the best place to sample classic Vietnamese dishes anytime time of the day. At first sight it appeared very touristy, however, when I saw just as many locals coming here during their lunch break - I knew it was a winner (in case you were wondering, yes, I came here everyday I was in Ho Chi Minh). It's set in a old but well-aired colonial building, with seatings on the courtyard and cute little food stations all around (photo 8) preparing different signature dishes. I have to say, my favourite dish was the papaya salad (photo 7), but I do highly recommend the crispy pancake as well. It's a yellow coloured crepe with fillings of bean sprouts, prawns and herbs, then drowned in Vietnamese styled vinegar (I think the vinegar is the key to Vietnamese dishes). The skin on the summer rolls were a little hard...but that wasn't enough to deter me. As I'm not a dessert person, I didn't have any so I can't make a recommendation. In place of dessert, I had iced coffee which just hit the spot. It's traditional Vietnamese drip coffee with condense milk and a heap of ice - it may not sound appealing, but trust me, it's quite addictive.
Xu Restaurant Lounge (photo 9): We didn't get a chance to do the cocktail lounge, but went straight for the degustation menu (ground level boasts the funky cocktail lounge with a DJ and the whole shabang, level 2 is a proper restaurant). The menu is modern Vietnamese, and you can choose from a la carte or degustation. We, of course went for the degustation paired with wine. Although, we went there on our last night and suffering from food overload, the food was still amazing and a must do.
Oh, if you ever go, you need to ask for the 'special rice cubes in dry ice' (it's not on the menu) - little tiny cubes of puffed glutinous rice, dipped in dry ice; the waiter then gives this to you in your hands, tells your to juggle it between both your hands pop it straight into your mouth. Bite into it and see the smoke come out of your face haha (make sure you have your video camera handy, it's quite a spectacle). Be warned, the flavour of the cubes are durian (the extremely smelly yellow mushy fruit with a spiky husk) - but lucky for me, it was quite subtle (yes, I'm a durian virgin 'till now) and the novelty of the ice distracted me long enough for me eat it then realise what the flavour was.
Renaissance Riverside Hotel (photos 10 - 11)
Location : It's conveniently located in District 1, with a good view of the Saigon River. It's walking distance to all the main buildings, bars and clubs.
Rooms: The room are well lit (although, lighting is not great for doing your makeup) clean and spacious. Tip: best lighting for doing makeup in the room is to use the mirror at the entrance / hallway.
Amenities: Cafe / restaurant at ground level; if you have lounge access, I recommend coming here for breakfast rather than the lounge (you can even have made to order pho for breakfast - note: apparently for breakky, you are not supposed to have all the herbs with the noodle); there is also a small gift shop near the check in desk, 'Diva Silk'. You can actually have tailoring done here. I got some trousers made and a pair of shorts (will show you next time). I would recommend you have one item made first, then, once you are happy with it, have the rest of your wishlist made. It takes about 2 - 3 days, including fittings (they will always promise you one day, but day one is really the fitting only). Tip: even though your measurements are taken, tailors (across the board) will try and scringe on fabric, so make sure you emphasise that you want a generous fit. When you try on your items, take your time, walk around in it, sit down in it, and, if you have a shirt made, even try hugging yourself (you will definitely look weird, but trust me, there's nothing more unattractive than seam seepage).
Till next time, xOxo
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