Ararat Restaurant & Messo Lounge: A Taste of Armenia, Georgia, and Russia in Saigon
Ararat Restaurant & Messo Lounge: A Taste of Armenia, Georgia & Beyond!
Discover Authentic Flavors in Thao Dien!
Ready for a culinary adventure? Head to Ararat Restaurant & Messo Lounge in Thao Dien!
Address: 2B Đường 12, Thảo Điền
Open Daily: 11 AM – 11 PM Intrigued? Check out their menu and the restaurant's story here: https://araratrestaurant.carrd.co/ This unique spot boasts a delightful fusion of Armenian, Georgian, Russian, and Mediterranean cuisines. The menu features some familiar dishes reminiscent of CCCP Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm and Au Parc Hàn Thuyên, promising a delightful experience. To be transparent, my knowledge of this geographical area is limited beyond what I've read and a past relationship with a Russian ex-girlfriend who grew up near Georgia. I'm eager to hear from you – share your insights and expertise in the comments! During my visit with a friend, we sampled a few enticing dishes:
- Borscht (149,000 VND): A generous serving (two bowls!) of this classic beet soup, packed with tender braised beef, the tangy sweetness of pickled cabbage, and a dollop of sour cream. Personally, I would have loved an even stronger dill and sour cream presence! I feel CCCP Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm version is better.
- Olivier Salad (149,000 VND): Also known as Russian Salad. Ararat's version included peas, carrots, potatoes, diced hard-boiled egg whites, chicken breast, and pickles, all bound together with rich mayonnaise. Apparently, this is the "fancy" version – in Eastern Europe/Central Asia, it's often made with sausage instead of chicken breast. It's a solid, classic rendition.
- Khinkali (79,000 VND/piece): These Georgian dumplings are available boiled or fried. One is plenty to share! Filled with a savory mixture of beef and lamb, the seasoning was perfect. My friend's family advises against eating the top knot of the dumpling, as the dough can be thick and undercooked there. I don't believe anywhere else in Saigon has this delicacy.
- Khachapuri Adjarian (239,000 VND/piece): Sharing this cheesy bread boat is highly recommended! The crust resembles pizza dough, topped with cheese, a raw egg yolk, and a pat of butter. While still hot, mix the cheese, egg yolk, and butter for an explosion of flavor, with fantastic cheese pulls – absolutely yummy!
- Tarragon Soft Drink (55,000 VND/glass): A very distinctive beverage with a unique flavor that's hard to describe. Perhaps a niche version of Xá xị Chương Dương (Sarsi)?
Our total bill for two came to around 750,000 VND. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive! #saigondiningguide #saigondining_quan2 #saigondining_montay
