Food for SEOUL

Food for Seoul
By Aly Abaquin

If you are celebrating any occasion whether it’s your own birthday, anniversary and or some special night out with friends in the city. You might want to consider going KOREAN. Yes in Vietnam it is starting to have more International cuisines and its fun to taste the culinary traditions of Korea once in a while.

If you can still remember the Korean TV drama Daejanggeum (Jewel In the Palace) in which a girl over comes social disadvantages to become, first a royal cook and then later as the physician to the king. The primetime show, Jang-Geum (Lee Young-Ae) relishes her culinary expertise amongst peers and then but using exotic aromatic spices made her dishes stand out from the crowd.

This had captured and aroused curiosity in Korean Food culture in Asia and the rest of the world. Here in HCMC Vietnam. Ms. Won of the Myung Dong noodle Shabu shabu would gladly welcome you to her newly opened restaurant that serves and cooks authentic Korean dishes that captured not only Korean nationals but also the local Vietnamese and other foreigners in satisfying their appetites.

If you have a great hunger for Korea’s age old culinary tradition let this restaurant satisfy your quest and curiosity. As they say food is the soul of a country it reflects its history values and taste. And in Myung Dong Noodle Shabu Shabu, it is truly food for Seoul.

Just like Jang-Geum, Ms. Won take special pride on freshly prepared noodles, dumplings and aromatic, organic ingredients to prepare a feast for you and your friends. There secret recipes run from generation to generation and this restaurant wants us to partake and be part of their Korean family.

The dining experience is therapeutic and soothing when you sip your organic Soya drink amidst a modern clean line Zen like ambience.

The interior colors of red & white represents Korea’s omnipresent Super Spicy Reddish condiment that is KIMCHI. It is considered the ultimate wellness food and a basic staple for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

A MUST TRY :

The Myong Dong Kal Gook Soo Mi Myung Dong soup .The Fresh home made noodles from their factory are done everyday and is the main ingredient in this concoction of ground pork with emerald green onion leaks floating in a slow simmered intensely tasty soup.

There signature Myung Dong Special dumplings craftily wrapped ground pork and vegetables are so good that you must have second rounds.

The Korean BBQ is another tasty dish grilled thinly sliced spare ribs makes us say YUMMY twice. Tender & juicy slices are mouth wateringly the best we have ever tasted and is reasonably priced.

Of course do not forget the Shabu Shabu: Beef fillet with assorted vegetables in hot pot.
A crowd favorite Good for four. The generous servings of beef, sprigs, onion leaks and mushrooms will boast of a deep robust aroma after hours of gentle cooking in low heat.

Korean gastronomy has arrived stimulating and exciting Saigonites for a hearty yet healthy culinary adventure. Food for the soul indeed.

Myung Dong Noodle Shabu Shabu
261 Hai Ba Trung, Dist 3 HCMC.
T +84-8 3820-4085
F +84-8 3820-4084

Passion for sweets : Panier Bakery

Passion for sweets: Panier Bakery
By Aly Abaquin

It’s been a passion of mine to discover up and coming new food bites in HCMC.
Whether it’s new food concoction, drinks, trends in food biz or be it a newly opened restaurant that delights its patron with its uniqueness.

And the new discovery leads me to the path of sweetness. This bakery should be in your itinerary if ever you pass by 149 Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, Ward 5 Dist 3, HCMC.

To satisfy your craving for Sweets. PANIER BAKERY would do the fix.

Reminiscing at Martha's Vineyard...... me in Black dog shirt.

THE FEEL : This Bakery reminds me of those bakeshops in the Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, The blue and white colors matching the seaside appeal of cape cods breezy morning and seagulls flying in mid-air as the morning mist just starting to mellow down in that early September morning I vividly remember. As I was sipping a cup of coffee with muffins & reading a book while friends are all in the bay window viewing the sea.

THE PRICE : Their passion for sweets shown in their round chocolate cakes for only 210,000 vnd or $12 dollars and the little one from 11,000- 35,000 vnd or .60 cents- $2 dollars a piece the small bite ones comes to you for only cents.

Not bad for quality cakes with a reasonable priced in this side of the town.
It is not commercialize cakes of any kind for its serving a new sweet sensation and soon to be discovered by the ex-pat crowds as alternative to other mass produce cakes in the city.

This quaint Blue & White colored bakery just recently open its doorsteps about four months ago and is doing brisk business. Baked by the Pastry Chef extraordinaire Calderazzo Lorenzo a French men.

If your passionate for sweets that are low in Calories and are good for diabetes. Then its worth dropping by this bakery to enthrall you of its freshly baked goodies.
As they always say in Food network always make room for dessert.

A time to remember

A time to remember
By Aly Abaquin

When you think of the historical past you’ll be remembering the spectacular man made constructions and natural things in the world. Right???
A various list of the wonders of the world have been compiled from the natural wonders, to ancient wonders and the modern wonders.

You might be wondering where I am heading with all this thinking of the past.. hence the title a Time to remember well that is exactly what this restaurant drawn its inspiration from.

The 7 wonders of the world representing perfection and plenty of the by gone era are monumentally replicated in the sprawling grounds all 4,000 sqm meter of it.

The 7 wonders of the world namely : The Great Wall of china, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, AngKor Wat, Pyramids of Giza, India’s Taj Mahal, Terra Cotta Warriors and added the Ha long bay legend.

And obviously the choice to name the restaurant: 7 Wonder World Restaurant. And don’t forget the café word to complete the title.
It is near china town and located in Dist 6 at the back of METRO cash & carry the mega supermarket now in HCMC. The location is far really really far from the tourist crowds in HCMC. And going here you need a map. As you well know your eater outer foodie junkie knows how to read maps and took the public transportation to the test.

THE WAY : Make sure to go there on a Sunday so that the bus are not that full and easy commute. Take the BLUE BUS No. 01 from the BUS station opposite the famous BEN THAN MARKET then this bus stops directly in front of another landmark of china town in Dist 5 CHOLON market. Half way there. As Confucius says : Patience is a virtue…. So from Cholon market take the Xe Om bike to Dist 6 only few kilometers and presto at the back of the METRO mega supermarket you arrived in your destination in full no missing body parts I hope due to the streets are being built and diggings are a plenty this side of town.
Transpo expense:. 3,000 vnd Bus ride + Xe Om 20,000 vnd. around $1.2 dollar ONLY ONE WAY so total $ 2.4 dollars…..take note…..
If you will take the TAXI … Just imagine the traffic and since the place from Dist 1 to Dist 6 is quite far I tell you’ll be paying 200,000 vnd roughly $11 and this is only one way so total $22 dollars two way not a good thing if your stingy.

Upon arrival your tourist foodie took the pics for POSEperity…hahahah coz this might be the first and last time I’ll be here. So photo ops galore.

When you dine in the pavilions of the The Great wall of china I ordered of course What else !!!! Go CHINESE.!!! Well the establishment is know for their Vietnamese & Chinese cuisine. Okey all the way to china town just to sample the dumplings, siomai, fried noodle and the staple of honey cured pork with Chinese fried rice.

Did I mention the dumplings are from 23,000 vnd to 25,000 vnd $1- $2 and the main courses are 50,000 vnd to 90,000 vnd... $2-$5. They also have the Crabs & sea foods wok style.
Well folks I miss the Chinese take outs… but this one are the authentic ones… in fairness they’ re good.

Was this all worth it….. the food is good… but the travel and the fascinating road adventure I just wish they got this one in Dist 3 or 10 perhaps more nearer to the tourist.
That said my Sunday adventure as I return to Dist 1 with mask on hand. Is indeed a time to remember.

7 Ky Quang

Located at the back of METRO Dist 6.

So 12 Duong 26 P11 Dist6, HCMC

tel no. 37551 577

www.7kyquang.com

Affordable Tokyo deli

By Aly Abaquin
Once I remember my visit to OSAKA for two days ,due to a stop over from my flight from New York going back to the Philippines....... thats way back when they over sold tickets for this flight and the airline reps was saying if you sell your ticket back to them they are willing to accomodate us in the airport hotel free food included so that this flight won't be over loaded.
So without batting an eyelash. I doing the unimaginable..... why with free accommodation to the airport hotel and they’ll book your flight thru Thai airlines anyways ...so fear not ... right???? The adventurous me wishhhhpering ( wishful thinking & wisper conflex words) to myself.
So what I did. I sold my seat/ ticket and since this is a window of opportunity to see breath and have a glimpse of OSAKA JAPAN with matching free stay in their airport hotel. I made plans to board the train and wonder in the tech savvy Japanese and found the sushi stand…. Boy living in Japan for two days was so excitingly different and expensiveat that...... but my love for sushi and the bento boxes made my gastronomical experience more memorable in that evening in OSAKA.

Now in HCMC there is this TOKYO DELI that sells this delectable bento boxes in 70-90,000 vnd . $3-4 dollars . The artistically crafted by hand sushi, sashimi and California maki’s enliven the plate with color. While you mix your green paste wasabi with my personal favorite KIKOMAN soy sauce.

You can’t wait to taste the fresh tuna, shrimps and what have you. As you get to pick which to eat first as your chopsticks clicking with vigor and happily talking Japanese.

Tokyo deli in Le than thon did not disappoint it’s really value for money and great tasting too.

Try the green tea ice cream too....It is okey to say YUM???

TOKYO DELI sushi

240 Le Thanh Ton St., Dist 1, HCMC

Tel No. 5404 -2244

Le Enchantuer : Mien Dong Thao Café

By: Aly Abaquin
Cafes in Vietnam are one of the kind. There are cafes playing loud music upon entry you feel there to drown you of there Disco feel music, Strobes lights, or the tiny firefly lights / flicker lights the thing we see on Christmas and New Years are a decorating must haves.

With Large LCD TV screens are staples that features football matches from Europe or Hollywood blockbusters while others harbor on the KAOROKE with matching bands on the side and lets you loose control for you to sing MY WAY or YESTERDAY or our “ANAK” - A Filipino Song popularized by Freddy Aguilar now an ASIAN Staple SONG which was Translated in every dialect worldwide.. including a Vietnamese version as per request from person singing .
Then afterwards that Soulful rendition they’ll give you a rose as appreciating your bravery for taking that time to damaged our ear drums. While beer and coffee mix together with nuts and bun (noodle soups) are always a favorite.


However if you like me are looking for quieter place to just talk and offer an indoor / outdoor feel of ENGLISH MANOR in a far far away land.. dream like feeling with Water and River stones where French music is at reasonable level in which one can just stay relax with friends over a Café sua Da or Tra. And you feel like your transported in UK.
Then you must go to this hidden treasure of a café house. Mien Dong Thao Café.
HIDDENLY Located at 221A Nguyễn Trọng Tuyển P.8 , Q. Phú Nhuận , TP. Hồ Chí Minh
Tel no: (84-8) 38451357 - (84-8) 62782208 Hours : 7:00 - 23:00

THE WAY : It so out of the way that no taxi can maneuver thru its little nook and streets. Better take a local so that you can get there or "Xe Om" A motor cycle taxi is a must.
But again make sure the local Vietnamese know where it is. If not you’ll be lost in the labyrinth of small streets and alley ways.

Its right beside the Train Tracks in Phu Nhuan District. Again I repeat yes its beside a TRAIN TRACK. …..Whatt???? Yes FRODDO it is true. What I did is I took a cab then I made him drop me off in the middle of the railroad in Nguyen Van Troi… Again you’ll Holler…. middle of a Train Track????….. Again Yes I am adventurous!!!! The taxi driver must be saying to me this crazy tourist.. Hahahahahaha..
So to continue in the middle of the main street where the Railroad tracks intersects the road (NGUYEN VAN TROI) you must turn on your right (Coming from Dist 1) walk one kilometer . Do this is the morning I suggest not in the night time to be safe then a few minutes you’ll reach your destination and presto welcome to the Middle earth./ English country side of Mien Dong Thao Café.

THE FEEL : LE ENCHANTUER: Inspired by the woodlands atmosphere of the English Manor in which your creative self will reside in a few hours and spent time amongst the trees there, listening, watching, waiting, for the Nymphs, Fairies and Froddo to appear.

Think of the English Manor House / Lord of the Rings/ Middle earth theme. Where the lords and the lady’s of the Lemurian abbey abode. . Wow the owners took painstakingly making this Manor stone house appear enchanting. Hence, the title….
Imagine for a moment that you are stretched out on a couch of rattan sofas, with a comfortable group of friends who are brought together by their love of the written word and their love of their own voices. Yeah ….People who sit together on numerous occasions for the simple pleasure of talking about anything that comes to mind.
All the while sipping Café Sua da and nibbling Tiramisu cake is offered and platters of food are passed around to quench other forms of hunger and thirst.
THE FOOD: Practically average but the cakes are sumptuously with quality.
THE PRICE: Reasonable and not pricey. 32,000 vnd – 55,000 Vnd ( $2-$3 dollars)
Overall a good hang out for friends looking for a quieter alternative of this bustling HCMC…good thing I have the book Lord of the rings to past my time reading. WinK!!

FIERCE FACTOR: Nestle fitnesse Challenge

FIERCE FACTOR: Nestle fitnesse challenge

By Aly Abaquin

Fierce Factor!!!
Yes indeed it is not your typical Fear Factor reality show in AXN.
This one is a 14 days routine of exercise and shall we say portion control
to help you jumpstart your weight management. So you loose weight and be fit as the same time rewarded by a FIERCE wardrobe fit for a KING & QUEEN.
“Take your two weeks ticket for a FAB figure and the ULTIMATE wardrobe.
I only take 14 days to show off your shape .”
The new ads campaigns from NESTLE Philippines sizzles you to have the shape you want. It helps you design your own healthy body weight. By loosing 2 pounds a day and this challenges everyone to be healthy.

For more information link this: http://www.fitnesse-14days.com/user/register/

Hence, its not for the faint-hearted or shall we say consult a doctor first before joining this ultimate FIERCE CHALLLANGE by Nestle fitnesse…better Safe & Healthy than sorry.

FOOD BITES: PIZZA + BEER

Yeah ALL ! A call out for all beer drinkers. Come to VASCO's this Tuesday and get any large pizza and a pitcher of Tiger for 149,000 ( $8) . Upgrade that Tiger to a pitcher of Warsteiner for only 30,000( $2) more.
Because you might want more than one pitcher, they 're also offering later pitchers of Tiger for 90,000 ( $5) and Warsteiner for just 20,000( $1.5) more. CHEERS!!!

Pho Mien Ga: Chicken soup for the soul

Pho Mien Ga: Chicken Soup for the Soul
By Aly Abaquin

I remember the book by Jack Canfield of Chicken soup for the soul a book that touches on inspiration and hope in these difficult times.
The inspirational stories in the book remind us that each day holds something to be thankful for, whether it is having the sun shine or having food in the table.
That Storms, calamities, health scares, illness, job woes , financial insecurities and family worries test us all. But there is always a silver lining.

And that silver lining lives breathes in this soup the Pho Mien Ga. Located at 14/5 Bis Ky Dong, P9 Q3 TP, HCMC is the place to get your inspirational comfort food of the chicken soup kind.

As the place is jam packed by regulars from all walks of life.

The smell of the broth of the native chicken stock boiling to perfection welcomes you as you enter to a market like place of an eatery. While the coriander fresh herbs, pepper, lemon leaves, chili, spring onion and dried shallots are being prepared by the cook in stalls where chopping is endless. The translucent noodles being soaked in the soup makes this irresistibly slurppingly delicious comfort food being served to you as a wonderous surprise once tasted.

This reminds me of the soup that your mother gives you when you have a cold or feeling a little off indeed a Ratatouille MOMEMTS as I slurp each spoonful of this soup that made me smile and forget your woes…. As many a patron are also doing the same as chopsticks and silver stainless steel spoon was rattling away like rhythmic rapping seems music to your ears.

Pho mien Ga: The simple pleasures of a simple broth chicken soup helps us to be optimistic strengthening our faith for the new year to come. Recession or no recession life has to continue as the translucent noodle give us hope for long life and the herbs for a greener tomorrow.

FOOD BITES : What's brewing, cooking or sizzling newsbits around HCMC

MANGORIENTICA :LATINVIET Fusion

FOOD BITES :

Equatorial Hotel HCMC will run the "Mangorientica" event at Orientica Seafood Restaurant & Bar has invited Guest chef Duc, MangoMango.

Coming all the way from Texas, Latin America, Japan, New Zealand, Europe, and Australia before setlling back to Vietnam.

The unique event from 27 November to December 6, appropriately named “Mangorientica”, will reflect the blend of two of the countries’ most innovative kitchens, will have a full range of culinary highlights, entertainment and fun, including two wine dinners featuring the best of LatinoVientamese fusion cuisine together with fine wines from South America.

LATIN VIET FUSION is a must see and our taste buds are ready for anything fusion.. OLE ANDALEHHH!!

Friends & Food at Lac Thai

Friends & Food at Lac Thai

By Aly abaquin

Its the day in a week that you get together with friends and to take time off and meet at dinner. Listening to their weeks escapades or just working situation or just simply getting to chill out with some gossip or chit chat for that matter.

A chef friend of mine recommended we do visit this Thai resto tucked away in an alley way. Lac Thai Restuarant located in 72/1 Mac Thi Buo. Dist 1, HCMC

As the doorway of old wood greets you & welcome you admist the facade of hunter green color warms you up for an intimate brick house coziness, old feel and fairly dim lighted ambiance.

The attraction was you feel welcome and makes our stay more comfortable. Chef Rina recommended the place so that our talk with friends be more relax and not hurried up like in some establishments. So she ordered her favorites for us to taste and as we are getting restlest to begin our mouthful misdaventures.

Mixing food and friends in a great way to enjoy an evening dinner that are full of surprises.

As the Mango Salad was presented, tasting it was intersperse with free smiles and laughter as the "Yum Plaa Dook Foo" or the crispy deep fried fluffly cat fish with shredded green mango salad was Crisply and interestingly tingly but was so good we three opted to saved some

as we await for the Phad Thai: the Thai noodle with eggs and shrimps and for the Century eggs with fried basil was all so sumptuously good.

As we started to spill out words and then sentences of our weeks adventures around Saigon we have different stories to tell but all good one mind you and even humurous at that, as we shed our inhibitions and be able to embrace a entirely new culture that we three had gotten ourselves to embrace.

My experience in saigon are all beautiful memories of the food cuisines with backdrops of historic landmarks (see the blogs) that you get to know closer as you near your second year. As for my friend who was in its 7th month while the other was a little bit 4 years so we called him a veteran. All tell thier own versions of Saigon the sights and sounds of this magically enchanted city that we are now inhabitants. Legally mind you as we have contract working papers.

We all agreed that we are now Saigonites as we fulfill our dreams and ride the tide of the emerging dragon. To cap off the beautiful chit chatty night we ordered the vanilla & coconut fried ice cream while the other tasted the water chest melon sweet soup.

Then we continue the night away wallowing with pleasant stories as we sip and inch our way

to our own desserts. By the way the whole dinner was all for only 483,000 VND roughly $27 dollars for 3 pax. Good food, Cheap eats with friends we all agreed that this will be a watering hole for us and bring in more friends.

365 FOODIE CALENDAR

The new 365 days foodie calendar for 2010.
Yes Julia you've mastered the art of cooking french now lets start you
cooking your hearts desire everyday and be able to master the
vietnamese cuisine.....

Cham Charm mixes friends art history with Champagne & oysters

Cham Charm: Mixes friends art history with Champagne & Oysters.
By Aly Abaquin

Cham Charm is an innovative historical ,luxurious palatial landmark that exudes the beauty & traditions of the Champa Culture. Strategically located in the plush dist 7 at 02 Phan Van Chuong st., Phu My Hung . HCMC.


In 650 AD. The Hindu kingdom of Champa flourished along the coast of southern & central Vietnam at My Son near Danang, A Cham King named Prakasadharma dedicated a brick temple to Shiva. At the center of the temple he placed a lingam, mounted on a pedestal decorated with scenes from the lives of ascetics

.
The building façade evokes the pedestal of the ascetics as you enter its magnificent grand staircase. A well lighted entry way of paved stones with water flowing from antique large jars greets you upon entering the grand kingdoms of the king of Champa.“ Prakasadharma.”
The step like structures evokes a riser on the stairway to the pedestal shown dancers performing with scarves. And inches to either side of the stairs ascetics display their customs and traditions while others play with different musical instruments.

As I stood beneath it, the wonderfully carved figures around its façade are glorious rendition of the by gone era and by doing so is like a museum of artifacts and sculptural works that are impressive in creating an ambiance with historic meaning.

And by standing in this lot. This restaurant commands attention from a far.

One of the more eclectic world culinary traditions, Vietnamese with champa culture makes the food a feast for all the senses.

Reaping the benefits of geography, Vietnam has adopted culinary influences from diverse neighbors. The blend of Malay, Indian, Chinese and Bornean cooking techniques, ingredients and spices give traditional Vietnamese food a Pan-Asian feel so I think but wait this is Thursday night with friends.

So your foodie eater outer was treated to a delightful Oyster bar & Champagne that every Thursday, one can partake: 6 different kinds of imported oysters, 6 kinds of champagne, 6 kinds of cheese, 6 kinds of sauce,6 kinds of salt & 6 kinds of lemon. Only at Cham Charm.

Your Choice of the Rockefeller oyster, Deep fried oyster with devil sauce, Oyster croquettes served with India Salsa , Pan fried oyster with champagne sauce top with caviar & salmon roe, Angels on horseback or the Oyster “Panang”.
The best among them is of course the Rockefeller oyster. I like mine in butter sauce over Australian rock salt. I go for the classic raw deal with Dela Finca corta blanca Champange. Hmmp makes it easy to talk, nibble and laugh with friends around.

Your choices of the champagne are : Listel, Pol Reing, Dela Firca Carta Blanca,Opera, Hardy’s goes well with the kind of oysters you want to savour.

There 6 kinds of oysters:Fine de Claire, Belon , Portuguese, Sydney Rock and the Pacific They are delectable creatures from the deep that makes this light hearted talk/moments with friends easy conversation as you exchanges your grueling day experiences through a drink of champagne.

The complex oysters challenges those seeking a new dining adventure to experiment with new spice and flavor combinations. Some items are bound to be unfamiliar, but fear not: The staff at Cham Charm loves nothing more than talking about the oysters and helping diners make selections they will enjoy.

A seemingly 6 of kind means that you are sure to start out on the right note. Next time, I plan to make a meal out of small plates. If you hate having to choose, get a platter of mixed appetizers then share. Remember this is a chic establishment meant to retain good old friends intact amidst a historically relevant history of the champa era.

In addition to delicious food and friendly service. The seats are comfortable and there is room enough for all your friends.

Locals and travelers from near and far agree that Cham Charm is something special. Better yet try it yourself. See you again thrusday night. This is going to be a bit of a habit.
Cheers to oyster & champagne nights!!!