Ho Chi Minh City - The Lunch Lady

When I travel, I don’t put too much priority on food itself. As long as my stomach is satisfied, I’m OK with it. That’s why there is barely any photos of foods I had for the first two days.

However, things about to change as this post is dedicated to one famous hawker stall brought to fame by celebrity chef, Anthony Bourdain, of No Reservation, and her name is Nguyen Thi Thanh, widely known by her moniker, the Lunch Lady. How the story goes? Well, Anthony Bourdain was in Vietnam scouting for good food for his TV show and he was introduced to the Lunch Lady and the rest is history, as the saying goes. The Lunch Lady’s life will never be the same.

The unassuming stall turns out to be national delight

Without the help of Anthony Bourdain, the Lunch Lady definitely will not reach a global audience like what she’s experiencing now. Located at a secluded junction less frequent by tourists, her regular customers are mostly locals and nearby workers. Now, add in Anthony Bourdain’s fans to her list of satisfied customers.

The Lunch Lady, with her big, welcoming smile

There is no fixed menu for the Lunch Lady but rather a unique setting where she’ll serve different noodle soup everyday. It was Thursday when I went for lunch at the Lunch Lady and on every Thursday, she serves Bun Mam.

Bun Mam, what a delicacy...

Freshly made spring roll to accompany the main course...

I can’t guarantee whether hers is the best in Ho Chi Minh City as it is the first and only time I had tasted it. But I can definitely vouch for the fact that it is one of the best meals I had in Vietnam. In fact, writing this entry makes me drooling for this national treasure, with its thick and bowl licking broth, juicy eggplant, shrimp, and pork slices.

That's how bowl-licking it is...

There is not much regret or missed opportunities in my 1-week Vietnam trip but I definitely wish I had gone to the Lunch Lady more frequently to try out its other today’s specials. Total spending for the meal: VND 40,000 (about RM 6.30).

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Sharing is caring. A word of advice and a piece of information.

According to some websites, the Lunch Lady’s daily specialties are of the following:

Mondays: Bun Thai

Tuesdays: on rotating basis between pho bo, pho ga, bun moc, banh canh, and mi Quang

Wednesdays: on rotating basis between mi ga tiem, bun ca ri and bun thit nuong cha gio

Thursdays: Bun Mam

Fridays: bun bo Hue

Saturdays: banh canh

Sundays: hu tieu nam vang

The stall is located at 23 Hoong Sa St., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I would strongly suggest you to take either a scooter or a cyclo to take you there instead of walking which was what I did. Unless you enjoys walking, the 30 minutes plus walkathon is not that advisable. 

Friday's Newsflash - Win Free Trip to Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Want to win a free trip to the exotic Komodo National Park, Indonesia, with all expenses paid? Well, all you have to do is just go to the official Indonesia Tourism page and answer the simple questions and you are all set to exploring the wild side of Indonesia.

This is what you'll see at the Komodo National Park

In order to participate this online contest, you must first register using your Facebook account as well as liking the Indonesia Tourism and Travel Facebook page and follow @indtravel at Twitter. Then, with the helps of the 'hints', you have to answer five questions and each correct answer will award you five points. You have only five questions per day.

To increase the chances of winning the free trip, you can also invite your friends to join the contest and you will receive one point for each successful participation. Contest starts from 18 October 2012 until 18 November 2012. The five people with the highest scores will get a free 3D/2N trip to the Komodo National Park Indonesia, inclusive of the air flight, accommodation and meal.

For more information, go to the official website here.

Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Saigon Bar

It has always been my intention to go to one of the many rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and with so many selections to choose from, you are bound to leave some amazing gems untouched, waiting to be explored in the next visit. Such is my case with so few nights set in the city.

I had been doing my researches months before my trip and I came across a number of widely-acclaimed rooftop bars in the city. Each of these eateries/bars in downtown Saigon offers different experience and city views and this makes choosing a lot harder. However tough it may be, I managed to make my decision and after my 2 hours city tour, I went to the ninth floor of the Caravelle Hotel to have a refreshing sip at Saigon Saigon Bar.

Caravelle Hotel at the background

Saigon Saigon Bar welcomes you...

A little bit of history about the hotel thanks to the great tool known as the Internet. Opened for the public for the first time on Christmas Eve in 1959, Caravelle Hotel had become the center of communication during Vietnam War where embassies as well as communication stations made their bases there to report back to their home countries of the status of the war. Back then, with its 10-storey, it was the tallest building in Saigon. While the glory is no longer there what with the skyscrapers gracing the skyline, Caravelle Hotel  still packs quite a sight.

The sun was still up shining brightly when I was at the bar

As for the bar itself, it is its charm that set Saigon Saigon Bar from the rest of the rooftop bars in the city. With its mere nine floors up, you are away from the hustle and bustle but your view of the city is still far from miniscule, giving off the feeling that you are still part of the crowd. Sitting by the balcony overlooking the scooters reigning the streets, with the sun setting right at the background, nothing can end the day more perfectly than this. 

Sitting idly while watching the crowds go by...

As the sun goes down...

...the sky's palette is transforming beautifully

During my visit to the bar, there were barely a crowd which is an oddity but this makes it even better for you get to choose the table with the best view, or at least, second best. Maybe it was still early, maybe it was the weekday. For whatever reasons it may be, I was happy to have the whole place by myself.

Wonderful reviews are said about the cocktails in Saigon Saigon Bar but being a cheapskate, I opted for the cheaper but refreshing La Rue to cool down the heat of the day. As I watched the sun bidding farewell, I thought, what a wonderful way to end my first day (officially, second). 

Complimentary snacks accompanied my La Rue

My last stop for the day? Ben Thanh night market.

Bidding you a good day

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Sharing is caring. A word of advice and a piece of information.

Saigon Saigon Bar is located at the ninth floor of Caravelle Hotel. Famous for its delicious cocktails, drinks in the bar are rather pricey, though, bear in mind that you are paying for a beautiful view of the city as well as the relaxing atmosphere.

Ho Chi Minh City - City Tour in a Motorcycle

On my first day (technically, second, but screw technicality) in the city, I had already visited many famous landmarks of the city that by the time I came out of the War Remnants Museum, it was just late afternoon, around 4 pm. With no plan in my mind other than to go to a rooftop bar for a sunset drink, I was back to the Independence Palace where the next two hours were spent touring around Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), thanks to Vins, my motorcyclist tour guide. 

Vins, like many Vietnamese, travels in his trusty motorcycle and uses his transport as a source of income by working as a local guide. Our chance encounter happened earlier in the day when I visited the Independence Palace. He asked if I'm interested to tour around the city with him but since the day was still young and I wanted to explore around by feet, I declined the offer. However, when I was back later that day, he was still there and remembered me. So, I took his offer and off we went cruising around downtown Saigon.

So, here are some of the highlights I was brought to:

1) Saigon River

Saigon River is not in my top priority of places to see in HCMC but thanks to Vins, I managed to catch a glimpse of the majestic river. After seeing it, I made plan to catch the sunrise from the river the following day but sadly, I failed to wake up in time for it. More to come...

Saigon River

It is quite scenic along the river

Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum

Every city has its own tale to tell and for Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), it always revolves around years of war it went through. Everywhere you go, chances are you will see some leftovers of war in your surroundings. The military aircraft and tank in the Independence Palace. The French architectural influences availably seen in the old buildings, for example, the Ben Thanh market, Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office, caused by years under the conquer of France. The War Remnants Museum with its exhibitions of the aftermaths due to Vietnam War.

War Remnants Museum

Everyone knows the terrors of wars but there is nothing as effective in showcasing it better than the War Remnants Museum for the museum serves as a constant reminder of the brutal horror the Vietnamese went through over the past few decades. This museum is indeed the best place to learn about Vietnam War and how their lives were changed due to the war.

However, you should be warned that most of the exhibitions here are not meant for the weak of hearts. Do not be fooled by its modern structure or the military vehicles on display within its walled court to think that it is just another museum cashing in on the country's horrific history.

Some of the machineries employed during Vietnam War

Photos of demonstrations against Vietnam War held around the world

Inside the building, exhibitions ranging from heart-wrenching photos of wasted lives and suffering victims to deformed children due to the chemical bombs released onto the country during the war to weaponries used by the militants will both invoke sadness and fury. Sadness to see such unnecessary sacrificial of lives and anger over the manipulative and greedy politicians that allowed such crimes to happen in the first place.

Gas masks used by soldiers to protect themselves from toxic exposures

Innocent lives shattered due to Agent Orange used in the war

Many lives were sacrificed, all because of human greed for control

War is nothing but a tool of oppression of human right

Yet, not all of the exhibitions are sombre for some offers promises of a better tomorrow and glimpses of hope. That  the humanity spirit will triumph in the end for even with the dark past, Vietnam is still able to overcome it and moves towards a brighter future. Its people are still friendly and kind when they are not expected to be anything but grim and bitter. This, in itself, a victory of life.

Vietnamese cities rebuild itself after the war, better and stronger, just like its peoples

*TO BE CONTINUED*

Sharing is caring. A word of advice and a piece of information.

War Remnants Museum opens from 7.30 am to 5.00 pm with lunch break at 12.00 pm till 1.30 pm. The entrance fee is VND 15,000 per person. Be warned though that there are many photos of deformed children and deaths at the exhibitions. It might not be suitable for pregnant women and those of weaker hearts.

Friday’s Newsflash – Air Asia’s ‘Fly for Free’ Contest

Great news for those of us who like to win free flights for Air Asia is organizing one with Visa. All you need is just to make a purchase of any Air Asia (AK, FD, QZ, PQ) and Air Asia X (D7) flights with Visa credit cards or debit cards and you stand a chance of being one of the 50 weekly winners of Air Asia E-gift vouchers worth RM 500.00. It is that simple.

In order to participate in the contest, you have to make a purchase on any Air Asia flights using Visa cards. The said purchases have to be made in Malaysia through the Malaysian IP address. Then, if you are eligible, you will receive a 3-question survey within 10 working days and the first 50 persons to reply that questionnaires will win the E-gift vouchers.

There will be a total of 11 weeks the contest will be running and you may win more than once. However, you are only allowed to win once per week. The contest started on 30 September 2012 and ends at 23:59 (GMT+8), 16 December 2012. For more information, you can go to the contest page here.

RM 500.00 is quite a lot and will initiate people to buy air tickets and try their lucks, be it near or far. Sure, it is a marketing ploy but since when every movement from Air Asia isn’t?

I bid all of you out there, good luck!

Penang - China House, Beach Street

Back in the month of August 2012, I took the advantage of the Merdeka holiday to have a one day road trip to the island of Penang with few of my hometown friends. I can never get enough of George Town, the hip and happening state capital of the Pearl of Oriental, even after spending 3 years of my university life there.

China House, Beach Street

This time around, the main objective of this road trip is to hunt down those beautifully painted mural arts along the streets of Penang commissioned by the state government for the George Town Festival 2012. However, the first stop was not for the feast of the eyes but rather to please the callings of our stomachs. Actually, it works both ways since the foods are aesthetically appealing and fulfilling.

Today's special at China House

China House is becoming quite a regular staple whenever there is a road trip to Penang. Maybe it’s because of the companions for the journey but somehow, this hip café is slowly turning into the place-to-be for brunch or lunch for us. Located along Beach Street (Lebuh Pantai), China House used to be the Kopi Cine at the corner of the Stewart Lane but due to the expansion, it has been relocated to the present spot. And it is for the better for the new place is more spacious and can accommodate a larger crowd as well. Plus, it is easier to find compared to the previous lot.

The array of cakes welcoming you in

One of the main attractions, to me, is its laid back atmosphere and inviting interior decorations. I just love how the management team of China House retains the original structure of the heritage building and renovates it with retro decorations. 

China House's interior

This is one way that I just like when it comes to preserving historical buildings. Rather than leaving it in a dilapidated states like many old shop houses in the Old Town district of Ipoh, old Chinese shop houses in the UNESCO enclave are given a new lease of life in a form of chic cafes and boutique hotels. 

Old world charm at China House

Of course, it goes without saying that its foods are delicious as well. Main courses are as followed: