An An Vietnamese Street Kitchen @ Pasarbella Suntec City

Visited the new Pasarbella at Suntec City a few weeks ago, and this particular stall at one corner caught my eyes. Perhaps it's the yellow hue and the lit signage - An An, with the symbolic Red Star in between. What an eye catching and graphic design for a Vietnamese concept.  It was to my surprise when I found out that this is the latest concept from Madam Saigon. Back when Vietnamese cuisine was considered pretty novel more than a decade ago, Madam Saigon has already established its name at Liang Seah Street. They gave me my first taste of Vietnamese cuisine too.

The profile of Liang Seah Street has changed over the years (not in a pretty way, sadly), and they have decided to make Millenia Walk their second home. The owner definitely has a strong business acumen. Knowing that the market is ever changing and getting more challenging, one got to evolve and craft new concepts to stay afloat of the competition. An An was hence born, a Vietnamese concept with a hip factor, to draw the younger crowd with improved recipes.

Mango Salad 3.8/5

Mango Salad ($6.50). One of my favourite appetiser, I have this almost everyday whenever I visit Thailand. I find this Vietnamese style of Mango Salad much more refreshing, without the use of the Thai sauces. However, I would appreciate if the portion could be much bigger.

Prawn Rolls 3/5 and Fried Spring Rolls 2.8/5

Prawn Rolls ( $7.50 for 2) and Fried Spring Rolls ($6.50 for 2). Please don't mistaken the lettuce and carrots as simply part of the plating. I was told that the Vietnamese way to eat the fried spring rolls is to eat it wrapped with the lettuce. That reminds me of how my dad used to wrap his favourite ngoh hiang. The crisp and sharpness of the lettuce cuts away the greasiness. The carrots are pickled in house, hence please try to finish all up if you can. I prefer the prawn rolls though, which is more refreshing. The fried version is kinda skinny and dry.

Special Beef Pho 3.5/5

Moving on to their mains, their Special Beef Pho ($9.90) is hearty, with slices of beef and beef balls.  Though the beef balls ain't made in house, they were produced using An An's recipe. The broth is light, comforting and not too sweet. Before you start tucking in, don't forget that squeeze of lime!

Vermicelli with Chicken 4/5

What I want to find more exceptional from An An, is their Vermicelli with Chicken ($9.90). The chicken has a nicely charred skin, flavoured with lemon grass. Loaded with pickled carrots, lettuce and cucumber, this makes a real good summer salad. The fried shallots crisp, an essential condiment of Vietnam, together with their home roasted peanuts add another dimension to this dish. As 'clean' as it may look, it's packed with textures and flavours. I would definitely be back to try the beef version.

A trip to Vietnam and you will find that the food tastes different from what we have gotten here. Afterall our taste buds are raised differently, hence tweaks to the original recipes is necessary.  Luckily, their Head Chef is one stubborn guy who will go all out to make sure that the essence must not be lost. Honest food, this is what you will get from An An.

Photograph and written by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.



An An Vietnamese Street Kitchen
Pasarbella Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard
(North Wing)
#01-455
Singapore 038983
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Comtam Vietnam @ Kitchener Road

Used to be in Geylang, Comtam Vietnam has recently moved into their new premises at Kitchener Road near City Square Mall. In conjunction with the new location, it has also expanded its menu offering other Asian cuisines besides Vietnamese to cater for the different customer profile in the area.

Handmade Spring Rolls 3/5

Dinner started with some healthy bites in the Handmade Spring Rolls ($4.20 for 2pc). Like the fact that it is thoughtfully sliced into half for easy consumption. Make sure to dip the spring roll with the accompanying sauce to enjoy it.

Green Mango Salad with Cashews & Prawns 4/5

Next to whet up the appetite, I had the Green Mango Salad with Cashews and Prawns ($10.90). This comes with a nice kick of the signature seasonings of sweet, salty and spicy in Thai cuisine on top of the crunchy shredded green mango.

Sliced Beef Noodle Soup 2.8/5

A staple in Vietnamese cuisine is the Sliced Beef Noodle Soup ($7.50). It is a flavourful bowl of noodle but far from being the best. The rice noodle was too thick, sort of the type used in Chinese hawker noodle stall. In addition, the broth tasted overly sweet lacking a body and robustness in it.

Dry Rice Vermicelli with BBQ Pork 3/5

Another noodle dish I tried is the Dry Rice Vermicelli with BBQ Pork ($6.90). The rice vermicelli was smooth and comes with a nice bite. It was quite a pleasant dish except for the lackluster BBQ Pork.

Claypot Lemongrass Chicken 4/5

The next dish I tried is the Claypot Lemongrass Chicken ($11.90). The lemongrass aroma permeated the air as the dish was served. The tender chicken was nicely coated and infused with the marination, making them delectably good.

Chef-made sauce Spare Ribs 3.5/5

The Chef-made sauce Spare Ribs ($15.90) comes with a sweet coating concoction which should include some orange peels in it. Both adult and children will enjoy the special sauce made by the chef. However if the meat can be more tender than that will be better.

Overall Comtam Vietnam offers an extensive menu with some comfort food. I understand it is a commercial decision to expand the menu but I still think that they should focus on one cuisine and make it great rather than master of none.


Comtam Vietnam 
159/161 Kitchener Road
Singapore 208530
Tel: +65 81882131
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comtam.vietnam
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 4am
Sun: 12pm - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit I. Cut across City Square Mall to the exit to Kitchener Road. Cross the traffic junction and turn left onto Kitchener Road. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

SEN Restaurant and Bar @ Geylang Road

After the discovery of Saigon Vietnamese Delicacy at Geyland Road, I met up with Chenyze and Bee Bee to check out another Vietnamese restaurant just across the road in SEN Restaurant and Bar. Chenyze has been telling me about this place and I was looking forward to find more from her recommendation.

Grilled Shrimp Surimi 4/5

We started off with the Grilled Shrimp Surimi ($7.90). Hailing from Hue region, the grilled shrimp surimi is wrapped around a sugarcane stick. A yummy starter to kick start the lunch. One can actually suck on the sugarcane stick to cleanse the palate.

Grilled Pork Rice Vermicelli Dry 4/5

For Vietnamese noodle dish, patrons usually go for the Pho but Vietnamese dry rice vermicelli is also quite popular too. The Grilled Pork Rice Vermicelli Dry ($12.90) comes with a mixture of fried spring rolls, fresh vegetables, grilled pork with rice vermicelli. To eat, pour the sauce and mix well to enjoy the smooth and silky rice vermicelli in a mix of sweet, sour and spicy.

Special Mixed Beef Noodle 4.2/5

A must try at SEN restaurant is their Special Mixed Beef Noodle ($14.90). Served with rice noodle in a robust beef broth and brewed with the finest Vietnamese spices. The Pho Bo is served with tender sliced beef, beef balls, beef brisket and a side garnish of Asian basil, long parsley, bean sprouts, lime, chilli sauce and black bean sauce. The noodle was smooth and silky, the broth was robust and tasty, it was a great bowl of pho that is both comforting and hearty.

Vietnamese Sandwiches 3/5

Vietnamese Sandwich or Banh Mi is another staple Vietnamese cuisine. Three different types of banh mi are served here. Chicken ($7.90), Mixed Ham ($7.90) and BBQ Pork ($8.20). The French influenced baguette sandwich is completed with fries and salad which is quite an substantial meal. While I applauded the flavourful and well marinated bbq pork, the baguette was a let down for me. It was hopefully for something that is more toasty and filled with more salads.

Tofu Pasted Duck Soup 4/5

The Tofu Pasted Duck Soup ($12.90) caught my attention as it is something unique. A family recipe inherited by the chef from her grandfather, this is a rare dish even in Vietnam. The duck was cooked to a nice tender soft. The soup with homemade tofu paste served with silky rice vermicelli has a complex flavour that is somewhat rich, sweet and comes with hint of sourness that is very delectable.

Overall I have enjoyed the food at SEN restaurant. The restaurant is pretty hard to be spotted from the outside due to its dark exterior. However once you step inside, a warm and pretty interior welcomes. SEN restaurant also has pretty decent lunch set offer at $14.90 that comes with 2 courses and a drink.


SEN Restaurant and Bar
704 Geylang Road
Singapore 389620
Tel: +65 68415653
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SenBarRestaurant
Website: http://www.sen.com.sg
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk towards the junction of Paya Lebar Road and Geylang Road. Cross the road at the junction and turn right onto Geylang Road Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

So Pho @ JEM

I got to know about So Pho when it opened an outlet at Nex Shopping Mall. I did know that they have another outlet at JEM in the West until my recent visit. The Vietnamese restaurant occupies quite a big space at the basement of JEM. The spacious place with its causal ambience and affordable pricing will be a welcome choice for shoppers at JEM.

Mixed Appertiser 4/5

The Mixed Appertiser ($10.80) consists of prawn cake, summer roll and fried spring roll. A good starter to whet up the appetite allowing one to try a bit of everything. I am not quite a fan of summer roll or Vietnamese roll because I usually find them too bland for my liking. However the execution of the Vietnamese roll here was quite good and flavourful.

Vietnamese Drip Coffee with Condense Milk 4/5

I got myself a cup of Vietnamese Drip Coffee with Condense Milk ($3.80) for my daily needed caffeine dosage. The coffee is on the sweet side due to the condense milk, you can request to have just black coffee too.

Cha Ca La Vong 3.5/5

Apparently this is quite a famous Hanoi street food known as Cha Ca La Vong ($10.80). It is fish fillet with lemongrass and dill served in a hotplate with rice vermicelli. I am not too sure how to eat this. I just take a bit of everything and ate them together like a wrap. It was nice but missing the wow factor for me. Saying that, this is the first time I am introduced to this Vietnamese dish.

Ga Bam Xuc Banh Da 3.8/5

Another interesting dish I tried is the Sesame Rice Crackers served with Basil Leaves Chicken ($10.80). To enjoy the dish, cracked a piece of the rice cracker and topped with some minced chicken. I felt that the rice cracker and minced chicken somewhat did not complement each other to make it a complete dish.

Pho Dac Biet 4.5/5

The Mixed Vietnamese Pho ($9.80) at So Pho is definitely one of the better ones I had in Singapore. The soup scented with cinnamon star anise, ginger and spices is robust and rich. The noodle is also silky smooth. Together with the slice beef, brisket and beef balls, the bowl of noodle soup is packed with beautiful flavours. This is one dish I will order again.

Overall I think So Pho offers pretty good Vietnamese food at wallet friendly prices. What is interesting in So Pho is that they have other interesting items in the menu that is not commonly offer at other Vietnamese eateries. Vietnamese cuisine is not just about their spring rolls and pho but beyond that.


So Pho
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#B1-08
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 63390938
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes [Map]

NamNam Noodle Bar @ Wheelock Place

Following the opening of NamNam Noodle Bar at the basement of Raffles City Shopping Centre on 15 October 2012, the casual restaurant spin off from the Les Amis Group's Annam Vietnamese Cuisine opened its 2nd outlet at the basement of Wheelock Place in November 2012. The casual Vietnamese noodle bar features 11 bowls of Vietnamese noodles lifted from the streets of different regions in Vietnam. Apart from noodles, NamNam Noodle Bar serves the French inspired baguettes also known as Banh Mi.

Lime Soda 3.8/5

Upon settling down we ordered our beverages. We had the Lime Soda ($3) which was served in a nostalgic metal mug.

Pho Wagyu Beef Slices 4/5

Since this is a Vietnamese noodle bar, we have to try their Pho. Currently there are 5 different bowls of Pho available in their menu. I odered the Pho Wagyu Beer Slices ($16.90) which is the most expensive in the menu. Came with slices of beautiful Wagyu beef that was cooked by the delicious broth. The intense broth was boiled for at least 24 hours. The rice noodle was also firm and smooth. My girlfriend felt that the soup was a bit sour but I liked the soury from the lime and the fish sauce.

Mouse Tail Noodle Soup 4/5

I was not aware that Vietnamese has mouse tail noodle in their cuisine. The noodle is similar to our chinese Mee Tai Mak and I always thought only the Chinese eats that. The Mouse Tail Noodle Soup ($9.90) apparently Vietnamese breakfast or supper staple. The bowl of mouse tail noodle soup came with fish balls and slices of pig leg meat. The soup was not as intense compared to the Pho soup. It was lighter and has a hint of garlic taste.

Fried Prawn & Pork Roll 4/5

The Fried Prawn & Pork Roll ($4.90) was deep fried to a nice crisp with a nice balanced of flavours in the filling.

Caramelised 5 Spice Pork Belly, Pork Pate Banh Mi 3.8/5

My first Banh Mi was actually in Melbourne and I fell in love with it. I was looking forward to have it in Singapore but none has excited my palate. The Caramelised 5 Spice Pork Belly, Pork Mate Banh Mi ($5.90) at NamNam Noodle Bar came close but the baguette was not as crisp and the proportion of the fluffy part is too much.

Vanilla Pudding, Palm Sugar Caramel 3.5/5

I will call this the Vietnamese creme burlee, the Vanilla Pudding, Palm Sugar Caramel ($3.90). The dessert was extremely sweet and definitely one for the sweet tooth.

Chilled 3 Colour Dessert 4/5

The Chilled 3 Colour Dessert ($3.90) once again resembles another dessert, Red Ruby. A simple but yet flavourfully balanced dessert with chestnut, chendol, mung beans and corns.

The gentle on the the wallet Vietnamese bistro serves affordable Vietnamese street food with no service charge with all prices included GST. NamNam Noodle Bar also has great dining deals on weekdays. The Good Morning Vietnamnam Breakfast Set ($5.90) includes a Banh Mi and a drink while the 3 course Lunch Set ($9.90) includes a choice of chicken/beef Pho, 2 southern rolls and a drink.


NamNam Noodle Bar
Wheelock Place
501 Orchard Road
#B2-02
Singapore 238880
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/namnamnoodlebar/
Website: http://namnamnoodlebar.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. NamNam Noodle Bar is located at the end of the walkway beside the escalator at the basement of Wheelock Place. Journey time about 5 minutes.

Pho 99 Vietnamese Delights @ Amoy Street

Pho 99 is a little Vietnamese restaurant tucked at the corner of Amoy Street just opposite Amoy Street Food Centre. Pho 99 serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine and you can also find Trung Nguyen Vietnamese drip coffee here.

The hot and steamy Pho with sliced beef and meatballs were as good as what I had in Vietnam. It also came with a side  plate of basil, sawtooth like herb, lime and chopped chilli which you can add to your likings.

Pho with Sliced Beef and Meatballs 4.2/5

Bun Thit Nuong is a simple and popular noodle dish in Vietnam. It consists of cold rice vermicelli mixed with fresh vegetables and topped with grilled/bbq pork chop. It is served in Nuoc Cham sauce a type of Vietnamese dipping sauce made mainly from fish sauce. My first impression of the noodle dish is Vietnamese rice roll unwrapped version. It tasted pretty good with the different textures. It is light, low fat, healthy and cool.

Bun Thit Nuong 4/5

To get here, alight at Tanjong Pagar and walk about 10 minutes to Amoy Street.



Pho 99 Vietnamese Delights
57/58 Amoy Street
Telok Ayer Conservation Area
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10am - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 8pm

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Melbourne Trip November 2010

I was back in Melbourne for 2 weeks in November. The office has moved to Chinatown area and there are a lot of good food there. One of the unforgettable food experience during this trip was the Vietnamese Beef Pho I ate at Mekong Restaurant at 241 Swanston Street.

The restaurant is quite popular and it was very crowded. I was surprised to find such good authentic Pho in Melbourne. It was as good as the Pho 2000 which I had in Ho Chi Minh City. The bean sprouts and basil was served separately from the bowl of beef Pho. You squeeze the lemon over the bean sprouts and basil, add the portion of your likings into the hot steamy soup and eat together with the Pho.

Lemon, Bean Sprouts and Basil

Beef Pho 4.5/5