Must-Order Dishes at This Saigon Gem
Whenever I find myself at this restaurant, there are four dishes I simply can't resist:
Unforgettable Dishes
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Roasted Pigeon (250k VND)
The crispy skin, the firm texture, and the sweet meat – this is easily a top 3 roasted pigeon in Saigon. The other two places I rate highly are Sông đường Lê Hồng Phong and Tân Nhã đường Trần Tuấn Khải.
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"Xám Búi" Chicken (420k VND per half)
A classic Cantonese dish, sometimes called "3-cup chicken." The name comes from the signature marinade of rice wine, soy sauce, and sesame oil. The chicken is incredibly flavorful, perfectly balanced.
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Truffle Udon with Fresh Cod (890k VND per 150g)
A delightful fusion of Japanese and European flavors. The portion size is perfect as a starter or enjoyed with a fresh salad.
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Hue-Style Crab Hotpot
This is my go-to dish, almost every single time. Sometimes, even with just two people, we'll just order the hotpot. The crab is incredibly meaty (around 2 crabs per kg), served with a rich broth of ground crab, vegetables, and noodles. It's about 1.5 million VND, which is a bit pricey, but totally worth it!
Bê Vàng: A Saigon Institution
By now, some of you might have guessed that I'm talking about Bê Vàng restaurant, located at the corner of Nguyễn Văn Cừ and Lê Hồng Phong. This restaurant is a well-known establishment, particularly for those from the 70s and 80s generation. Originally located on Nguyễn Thông street, it started as a veal restaurant (hence the name "Bê Vàng," meaning "Golden Veal"). The owner, a Vietnamese expat from America, eventually transitioned the restaurant into a more upscale dining experience. The restaurant has moved locations a few times, to Sương Nguyệt Anh, then An Dương Vương, where it remains today.
Bê Vàng is a classic Saigon restaurant with many delicious, quality dishes, it's a truly "you get what you pay for" experience. After nearly 30 years in Saigon, it's definitely worth a try! The food here is something special.
Overall Rating
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Atmosphere: 8.5/10
Location & Contact
Bê Vàng Restaurant
261 - 263 An Dương Vương, Ward 3, District 5, Saigon (corner of Nguyễn Văn Cừ)
Hotline: 093 826 1263
Open from 10 AM to 10 PM
Average Spending: 800k - 1 million VND per person
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