I have actually been to Ho Chi Minh City on business trip for more than half a dozen times since some three years ago, it is alway such a delightful place to visit. The Vietnamese people really does offer the very best of hospitality anywhere, and of course, the city offers some interesting food too.

clam with pork, bbq frog with skin, and bbq prawns

I managed to contact an old pal of mine, Trinh, for some drinks on Sunday night. The last I met this guy was back in August 2005 for some Banh Xeo, more than one and a half year ago. We rode to one of the nearby seafood and beer restaurant to catch up on old times.

The host ordered a plate of BBQ prawn, some interesting “grilled clam rolled with Pig’s omental fat”, and BBQ frog with skin. Of course, a few bottles of chilled Heineken to go along with these local delights.

The words mean “welcome” and “see you”.. or something like that

The food were certainly very good. The BBQ prawn was marinated with some pretty spicy seasoning, and packs a kick even if you don’t dip it into the traditional lime + salt + chili paste. The locals usually chew down everything, including the head and shell.

The grilled clam was an interesting dish that tasted kinda like bacon and clam meat, except in a bigger and juicier bite. It went very well with beer, and definitely one of the heart surgeon’s worst nightmares.

Thought I’ve had frogs before, this is the first time I’ve had it with skin intact. The texture is similar to fish skin, but tougher and slightly sticky. The aroma of the frog meat was very good as well. Fresh vegetable is featured in every dish, not very different from the Malay ulam. It is actually a very nice concept, you have some meat or seafood, then some vegetables to freshen up the tongue, repeat.

this place is just right next to Legend Hotel in District 1, HCMC

It was a very good supper, and nothing beats meeting old friends from far away places. I’m not exactly sure how much the food costs, but the pork with clam was about 55,000 VND, with another 10% tax. One ringgit equals to around 4,500 VND.

This particular restaurant is situated on
3C, Ton Duc Thang
District 1, HCMC
Vietnam

Tags:  BBQ,  beer,  clam-with-pork,  Eats,  frog,  hcmc,  ho-chi-minh-city,  legend-hotel,  supper,  Vietnam

Posted by KY | 6 Comments »

As someone who is born and raised in Penang, we often put Penang hawker food on top of the chart. However, when it comes to Roasted Pork or “Siew Yoke” (烧肉), this part of the country definitely gain the upper hand. See, even babe_kl knows how to make it herself.

Note: not to be confused with BBQ Pork or “Char Siew” (叉烧)

there is no branch, this is the only place you can get it

My buddy Terence happened to be in town yesterday and suggested we go to this roasted pork place near the defunct Pudu Jail. Having gotten bored of the food nearby KLCC, I naturally agreed.

The restaurant is situated at the junction of Jalan Nyonya and Lorong Baba, certainly an address that is easy to remember. It is a normal kopitiam set up, but with only the single stall serving roasted pork, bbq pork, and roasted chicken. They only cater for lunch crowd, starting at 12:30pm sharp and usually only lasts for a couple hours.

the siew yoke.. *droolsSsss*

We ordered two portions of roasted pork and a small plate of roasted chicken to go with the rice. Soup is available and self-served.

The meat is chopped in quite big chunks. I carefully took the first piece and put it in my mouth, and in a couple seconds, the crispy skin completely melted. This is sort of like the feeling you get chewing down the most tender piece of filet mignon. It was the best roasted pork I’ve ever had, even though I don’t always like to use the word best describing food. You just simply have to try it to believe.

the kopitiam is just a short walk from Berjaya Times Square

This place is definitely not cheap, one portion (一条) roasted pork is RM 12, and one of this mouth-watering meat will set you back RM 60. Our meal for two totaled slightly over RM 30. However, this stuff is just that good and I will for sure go there again and again.

Address:
30,Jalan Nyonya,
Off Jalan Pudu,
55100 Kuala Lumpur
GPS: 3.139231, 101.711308
Phone: 03-2145 2512

Tags:  BBQ,  melt-in-your-mouth,  pork,  roasted,  siew-yoke

Posted by KY | 20 Comments »