TLDR Summary: Experience a captivating street food hub nestled by Ho Thi Ky Street, ideal for a romantic date night. Indulge in diverse flavors from Vietnamese, Thai, and Cambodian cuisines, creating a gastronomic adventure. A perfect spot for food enthusiasts and couples alike.
Nestled alongside Ho Thi Ky Street, renowned for its century-old flower market, a captivating street food hub has blossomed, captivating locals and food enthusiasts alike. This vibrant alleyway, just a short drive from downtown in District 10, has evolved into a haven for Saigon’s foodies, offering an array of delectable treats beyond traditional Vietnamese street delicacies.
As the clock strikes midnight, the alleyway awakens, drawing a steady flow of visitors who eagerly navigate through bustling neighborhoods in search of a gastronomic adventure. Once known primarily for its bustling flower market, it has now transformed into a romantic haven, ideal for an unforgettable date night. Local vendors have set up charming food stalls, showcasing a tantalizing variety of flavors, from delightful Thai street food to irresistible South Korean-style delicacies.
While the alley has been a part of the community for generations, its recent surge in popularity and diverse culinary offerings is a delightful revelation. In recent years, travel bloggers and TikTokers have shared captivating videos of their experiences, enticing not only locals but also foreigners residing in or visiting the city.
Embark on a culinary odyssey with your date, where Vietnamese, Thai, and South Korean culinary traditions harmoniously converge. Indulge in the mouthwatering banh trang nuong, reminiscent of a pizza, with its crispy rice cracker base grilled over charcoal and topped with eggs, dried shrimp mayonnaise, and shallots. This captivating dish, priced at VND15,000-20,000 per serving, is sure to ignite a delightful conversation as you savor its unique flavors.
Phuong, the talented vendor, skillfully grills the rice paper on a charcoal fire, infusing it with a tantalizing aroma. On weekends, she can sell over 200 of these grilled rice papers, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. Although seating may be limited, the alley’s charming ambiance creates the perfect setting for an intimate picnic-style date, allowing you to relish the delicious treats while enjoying each other’s company.
Immerse yourselves in the mouthwatering delights available at this captivating alley. From ga nuong com lam, succulent grilled chicken with bamboo tube-rice, to savory beef offal and tantalizing grilled octopus, the alley offers a cornucopia of flavors to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Hung, a former mason turned snail stall owner, showcases his culinary prowess with dishes such as oc buou nhoi thit, apple snail stuffed with minced pork and wood-ear mushroom. Delight in the symphony of flavors as you sample this steamed masterpiece infused with lemongrass, green pepper, spicy chili, and accompanied by fresh greens and ginger fish sauce.
However, the alley’s allure extends beyond Vietnamese delights. Explore the vibrant world of Thai street food, savoring the refreshing green papaya salad, tangy chicken feet pickled with lemongrass and kumquat, Thai-style milk tea, Pad Thai, and succulent squid skewers. In addition, the Vietnamese-Cambodian community’s presence adds a unique touch, presenting Cambodian specialties with a Vietnamese twist. Indulge in the enticing flavors of dried fish, dried carabeef, num banh chok (Cambodian rice noodle soup), baked bananas, and the delightful Cambodian sweet soup.
Huynh, a remarkable 74-year-old stall owner, takes immense pride in preserving Cambodian culinary traditions. Her stall boasts a splendid array of authentic Cambodian delights, including che thot not (jaggery sweet soup), che hot me (tamarind seed sweet soup), che bi do chung (pumpkin sweet soup), che trung (egg sweet soup), and che thap cam (mixed sweet soup). Share a taste of Cambodia’s cultural heritage with your date, immersing yourselves in the rich tapestry of flavors lovingly crafted by Huynh.
Allow yourselves to be captivated by the vibrant ambiance, diverse flavors, and enchanting culinary wonders that this alleyway offers. Celebrate the harmonious fusion of Vietnamese, Thai, and Cambodian cuisines as you embark on an extraordinary date night experience. Let the alley’s enchanting atmosphere, delectable dishes, and shared exploration of flavors create lasting memories and a deeper connection between you and your date.
Prices may have changed from 2023. Bone Apple Teeth lol.