HO CHI MINH CITY | Arriving in Ho Chi Minh city after a long flight, I was in need of a feed. It was close to midnight by the time I checked into my hotel, so I decided to hit up late night spot Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Thành Đạt.
Their speciality is hu tieu nam vang. Nam Vang is the Khmer name for Phnom Penh, and the dish is a Chinese/Khmer one that originated in that city. There are several variations of the soup, and it’s very popular in Southern Vietnam, where it’s evolved slightly to satisfy local tastes.
When I approached Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Thành Đạt from the street, and saw that it was busy with locals having a feed and staff sorting and pulling apart fresh herbs at the front, I knew I was in for a good feed. Suddenly, I didn’t feel quite so tired any more.
At its core, you’re looking at a light and fragrant pork bone broth, filled with thin, translucent rice noodles, sliced pork, sliced pork liver, poached prawns, sautéed por mince, fried garlic and caramelised shallots. To the side, fresh sliced chillies, Chinese celery, Chinese chives, lettuce, and bean sprouts.
I knew none of this when I walked towards the front of Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Thành Đạt. The woman handling the cash looked at me, said “soup”, and pointed to a number of pictures on the wall. I pointed to one that took my fancy, and was gestured to take a seat inside.
Barely a moment passed before two plates filled with the fresh herbs and chillies appeared in front of me. Not long after, an appetising bowl of soup was placed on the table. Turns out I’d ordered the classic version, with some crushed peanuts, calamansi, and two soft boiled quail eggs. It was outstanding. Complex, light, punchy flavours – exactly what I needed at that moment.
Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang Thành Đạt
34 Cô Bắc
District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Telephone: +84 973 691 733
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: n/a
Open
Mon – Sun: 6:00am to 4:00am