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2016-06-21
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Nha Trang is our go-to spot for affordable, yet authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Both times this year we visited, we were seated within five minutes by attentive employees (always a plus).We ordered the Cold Vermicelli Bowl with Hanoi Fish Cake ($65). The fish cakes were warm and crispy in the exterior, and seasoned to perfection. The vermicelli melded into the textures of the grated carrot, cucumber and radish, tossed in a fish sauce that brought everything together. A light, yet satisfying exper
We ordered the Cold Vermicelli Bowl with Hanoi Fish Cake [Bun Cha Ca - 河內魚餅撈檬] ($65). The fish cakes were warm and crispy in the exterior, and seasoned to perfection. The vermicelli melded into the textures of the grated carrot, cucumber and radish, tossed in a fish sauce that brought everything together. A light, yet satisfying experience.
However, the vermicelli was much overshadowed by the Pho with Combination of Beef Slices and Brisket [Pho Tai Nam - 河内生牛 + 爽腩粉] ($76). The broth is flavourful beyond belief, encapsulating a simultaneous sweetness and savouriness while tinged with just a hint of cilantro. The medium-rare beef slices were succulent, though as thin slices cook through rather quickly and must be consumed straight away for maximum appreciation. The brisket was similarly tender and juicy, though a little fatty in places. The noodles themselves were al dente and really absorbed the nuances of flavour in the broth. This dish leaves you warm and satisfied, without rendering your stomach uncomfortably full. If anything, the huge stem of herbs obscuring the dish when first served, which we didn't eat, was a little distracting and superfluous. Still, well worth a try!
Finally, we ordered the classic Saigon Baguette Sandwich [Banh Mi Saigon - 越南法式三文治] ($54). Boy, was this a dream, surpassing our wildest expectations of a sandwich. The baguette was toasty and crispy without the hardness you often get with restaurant sandwiches, and the filling were comfortingly warm - a pleasant surprise. The juicy salami and pork knuckle were brought together by a mild liver pate and just a tinge of mayonnaise, with a little cucumber, carrot and radish forming a bed between bread and meats. Truly one of the most delicious sandwiches either of us have eaten recently, with all components at same temperature (no cold cucumber!) and nothing falling out.
All in all, a satisfying dinner for two. The inside of Nha Trang is spacious, but not noisy even in the middle of the premises. The service is good, and we were warned in advance that the Banh Mi sandwich would take a little longer. While prices have inevitably risen in successive years, still an affordable choice while providing bang for the buck.
Saigon Baguette Sandwich
$54
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Pho with Combination of Beef Slices and Brisket
$76
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Cold Vermicelli Bowl with Fish Cakes
$65
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