The Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace, is a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City with significant historical importance. While it is not known for its food history, the city itself is famous for its vibrant street food culture and diverse culinary influences that include Chinese, Thai, French, and Indian flavors. During the Vietnam War, the Palace was the residence and working place of the President of South Vietnam and would have been the site of official state banquets and dinners that reflected the sophistication and diversity of Vietnamese cuisine.
1. Pho (non-veg): A Vietnamese staple, Pho is a noodle soup with a clear broth, rice noodles, herbs, and usually chicken or beef.
2. Banh Mi (non-veg/veg options): A Vietnamese sandwich that reflects French colonial influences, typically made with a baguette filled with a variety of ingredients including meats or tofu.
3. Goi Cuon (non-veg/veg options): Fresh spring rolls filled with greens, coriander, various combinations of minced pork, shrimp or tofu, and rice vermicelli, wrapped in rice paper.
4. Banh Xeo (non-veg/veg options): A crispy crepe bulging with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, plus the garnish of fresh herbs that are characteristic of most authentic Vietnamese dishes.
5. Hu Tieu (non-veg/veg options): A noodle soup with a clear and tasty broth, with various kinds of meats or seafood along with herbs.
6. Com Tam (non-veg): Broken rice often served with grilled pork (or ribs) and a fried egg.
7. Ca Kho To (non-veg): Caramelized fish in clay pot. The fish is cooked in a thick, sweet-and-salty sauce, and finished off with a sprinkling of green onions.
8. Bun Thit Nuong (non-veg): Grilled pork (often sliced thinly) over vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs.
9. Che (veg): A sweet dessert with different types comprising beans, fruit, tapioca beads, and coconut milk.
10. Banh Khot (non-veg): Small, round, rice flour pancakes, fried until crisp and traditionally topped with shrimp, mung beans, and spring onions.
Ngon Restaurant
Address: 160 Pasteur, Phường Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Famous Food: Pho, plus a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes with options for non-veg and veg.
Secret Garden Vietnamese Restaurant & Tea House
Address: 158Bis/ Alley, Phan Ke Binh, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Famous Food: Home-cooked Vietnamese dishes with a selection of veg and non-veg options.
Cuc Gach Quan
Address: 10 Dang Tat, Tan Dinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Famous Food: Traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a farm-to-table approach, offering non-veg and some veg dishes.
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