The Best Noodles & Spring Rolls in HCMC

A foodie myself, I understand that everyone has their own preference when it comes to the best dish or the ones they like. For me, I stumble across one place that till this day I could taste the glorious flavors of this local place. To be fair, I was not sure this place was a local favorite or well-known place, but when I discovered it, it looked like any other local family restaurant.

It was after lunchtime and I've just arrived at my hostel. I wanted to grab something local around the area. There were loads of options for street food but I decided to try this particular spot. The storefront was nothing fancy, there were a couple of tables and the kitchen was an exposed one.

I went right in and settle myself down with an order. Luckily there was still an English menu for me to look at.

I order the most common dish with a side of fried spring rolls. I was given a plate of noodles without any soup and was instructed to fill it up myself with the bucket provided at each table. That's interesting! Luckily I took a couple of photos before chowing down.

OMG! Either I was starving or this was one of the best dishes I've had in Vietnam. While most of the meals I had were pretty good (minus that roadside porridge in Phong Nha, it is not something I would have again), this was AMAZING! The soup was not warm but it was perfect! Like how can the taste and texture of the noodles blend together so incredibly? I am a fast eater most of the time, this time I had to slow down and savor each bite and slurp.

While I was distracted with the main course, the spring rolls were cooling themselves down to the right temperature. I took a bite of it. WOW! The little meat fillings and thickness of the rolls surprised me. I never thought I would be so impressed by spring rolls. The amount of shredded vegetables inside was also the right amount. The balance between meat, pastry skin, and shredded vegetables was literally like Ying and Yang.

I know I'm describing it a bit too much, but really it was really that good. And I usually say everything is good, if something is really good, it means that it really impressed me. That's why being open and trying new things when traveling is a must for me. I may sometimes get mediocre or bad stuff, but when I hit the jackpot, it would be one of the most memorable experiences ever.

Before I left Vietnam, I made it a point to have another meal of this superb noodle and spring rolls. I even brought a couple of them back to Singapore to let my family try.

Must know...

What? Bún Thịt Nướng Kiều Bảo

Where? 139 Đề Thám, Phường Cô Giang, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

When? Daily, 11am - 9pm

How much? Food: ₫ 26,000 (Average) ; Drinks ₫ 10,000 (Average)