Vietnam Wrap up, guide, help...the go to sources (lots of links!!)

     This post is a general hint list of great resources, places to now and where to check out while in the adventurous land of Vietnam!


     I went to three destinations total, spanning all throughout Vietnam (though there is a LOT more to see)! I started my adventures in Hanoi (the capital) then went South to Ho Chi Minh City, to Mui Ne and then routed back to Hanoi. 


Here are some helpful phrases that are worth knowing:


Hello~ Xin Chao (Jzin Chow)
Good morning~ Chao buoi sang
Good afternoon~ Chao buoi toi
Hi friend!~ Nay E! (Nay,ye!)
Good night~ Chuc ngu ngon 
Thank you~ Cam on (Caam oon)
No good/ too expensive~ Come phy


GREAT website: newhanoian.xemzi.com  Has classifides, restaurant reviews, events, things to do, etc...


GREAT travel agent: Lai, She is located just inside iProvecho. 
     Address: 18 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (about three blocks from Hoan Kiem lake)
     Phone #: 0912223996


HANOI:
Where to eat~
Vegan restuarants:
GREAT Vegan food at White Cloud! 
     I ate food from here three different times, and was pleased each time. The food is made with love, be patient. If you want food quickly, this is NOT the place. Put at least an hour aside. It is worth the wait and the place is super cute. 
     ~I highly recommend the spring rolls (of course), the banana flower salad, fried mung beans, and tofu cooked with tomato sauce!!
     Address: So 2 Ngo 12 Dang Thai Mai,HaNoi

                  No.2, alley 12, Dang Thai Mai street, Hanoi
     phone #: 04)-6258-1622/ 0912-143-647
     hours: Monday through Sunday 11am to 2 pm and 5pm to 9pm

Phat Truong Tho

     This is an all vegan place that offers a LOT of vegan meats, more quirky than yummy in all honesty. It is more than affordable and the interior is stunning, but that all it really has going for it. The best dish is the grapefruit salad, this is worth coming back for. But if you want to explore a vegan variety...I'd steer elsewhere. 

     Address: 184B Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi
     Directions: At the end of Xuan Dieu (West lake would be on your Left is you are walking   

                    towards it), across from the turn into Cong Doan Hotel
     phone #: 04-7307-8838

Vietnamese street food: Quan An Ngon

     This place means 'delicious food' and has an interesting concept, taking street food inside. You can dine family style next to loads of people, order lots of food on the cheap and be more than entertained by the busyness that is going on around you. NOT very vegan friendly, but you can find something (tofu, and specify for soy sauce!)

     Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

     Phone number: +84-4-3942-8162 

Western Food: iProvecho

     Daniel Hoyer is the head owner and chef behind the food here. It is not very vegan friendly, but the guacamole I had was lovely. Fresh, creamy, full of flavor...and served with fresh made tortilla chips. While your here, grab a drink, sit at their glass bar that opens over the streets, nom on some Mexican glory and who knows, book a tour somewhere! Defiantly worth checking out!

     Address: 18 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
                  It is about 3 blocks from Hoan Kiem lake.
     Phone #: 0912223996
     email: provechohanoi@gmail.com

INDIAN Food:

More affordable: Foodshop 45

     This place has a lovely interior and is great to go with friends while on the go to a bar or out on some nightly adventure. Lots of people came in and out, so it's more popular than I may give it credit for. The staff was very kind, but the food isn't amazing. It's affordable and with everything in Vietnam, you get what you pay for. This is more vegetarian friendly than it is vegan friendly. But I had an alright experience. 

     Address: 59 Truc Bach street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi 

     phone number: +84-4-3716-2959 

Quality: Namaste 

     This meal was beautiful, aesthetically, through taste and experience. The food was a bit more expensive, but well worth it. Gopi, the owner is very attentive and clearly has a passion for food. Everything is made to order, is fresh and able to be slightly manipulated. Not originally vegan items were made vegan after I let Gopi aware of my dietary restrictions. He helps you out too, not letting you over-order and giving great advice on what works well with what. 

     ~*I highly recommend the pakeezah, a coconut appetizer that is just so strange it works! And the Kapuli salad is DIVINE!!!

     Hours: Open 7 days. 11am-2:30pm (last order is at 2) and 6-10:30 pm (last order at 10)

     Address: 47 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

     Directions: East of the Northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake

     Phone #: 84-4-3935-2400 

     Website: www.namastehanoi.com 

  

WHERE TO GET YOUR DRINK ON:

~***Bia Hoi= BEER***~

Barbetta: A classy bar that's always got good people in it. You can sit on the roof and sip on some delicious cocktails while the moon shines overhead. The staff doesn't speak very much English but no worries, if you can read it, you'll be fine. The drinks are all creative and from all the ones I sampled (mojitos, to beachy drinks, to rums)~ you can't go wrong with anything. 

     ~Drinks are around 80,000-100,000 dong ($4-5) 

     Address: 34C Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Mao's Red Lounge: This place is dark, to the point where you have to feel around to figure out where to park it. But the drinks are cheap, it's FULL of people to talk to and meet. It is located in the Old Quarter, so if you'e aiming to meet fellow travelers, you're in luck. There are a LOT of drink options, so if you want the cheap bia hoi, or the frothy coconut milk cocktail~ this place has it. 

      ~IF you are all dressed up (why in Vietnam>!!) you will sweat loads...

     Address: 7 Te Hien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi

    Phone #:           +84-4-3926-3104 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            +84-4-3926-3104      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      end_of_the_skype_highlighting 

Half Man/Half Noodle: I'll be 100% honest, I don't remember very much about this bar. I remember loving the name. I was...a tad tipsy at this point (damn those fruity cocktails!!) but I do know that this is one of the only places that serves food rather late for the hungry kids! In Seoul, where you can a full course meal at any hour, no matter the point of inebriation, in a country where everyone sleeps around midnight (at the latest) those drunk munchies are left to munch. Drinks are affordable, but...honestly, it's the name isn't it!     

     Address: 62 Dao Duy Tu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoiend_of_the_skype_highlighting

     Phone #: +84-4-3926-1943 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            +84-4-3926-1943      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

WHAT TO DO/ CHECK OUT:

~Hoan Kiem Lake: a beautiful walk, peaceful, full of people watching, photo opportunities, and also legend has it an ancient turtle lives here!

~Check out the Old Quarter, there's a big backpacker's district here (travelers, LOADS of places to crash here!) shopping opportunities, comforting AND exotic foods!

~Shop around: eat the fruit, buy scarves, bikinis, and iPho tees!

~ Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: A place we were going to check out (another reason, man they keep popping up!) Apparently all the tribes and communities of Vietnam are represented here and it is more than interesting!!!

     address: D Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay, Hanoi

     phone #: +84-4-3836-0350 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ho Chi Minh City

     Ani and I only stayed one night and two days here. Even though we were there for a short time, we experienced all the main tourist points, here's my two cents^^*!~

WHERE TO EAT:

Vegan noms: Saigon Vegan

     A more than extensive menu offering lots of traditional Vietnamese fare, just without the flesh!>.<# Everything is more than affordable and like all places in Vietnam~ BE PATIENT. This place is affiliated with Loving Hut (murmur) and due to that, low prices and Vegan safety. 

     ~I recommend the bi cuon springroll, it's fresh and subtle. Also the Goi Nam Bao Rau Ram (mushroom with flagrant knotweed salad) is interesting and packed full of flavor!! And the coffee is BOMB!!!

     Address: 240 Bui Vien Street, District 1

     Phone #: +84-4-3837-2686

~* Bui Vien street is backpackers district, loads of places to crash, find cheap drinks, wander, and meet people*~

WHERE TO STAY:~

Hong Han Hotel: For only $25.00 a night you sleep in a clean big room, complimentary breakfast on a cute balcony, and a staff that speaks English! Ahn (brother) gave Ani and I a map along with easy directions of where to go and how to do it. Very relaxing area, located in the middle of bars, restaurants, stores and shops. We had a great experience here and if you're wanting a bargain, and a CLEAN place, stay here!!

     Address: 238 Bui Vien street, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam     
     telephone: (84-8)-38-361-927 

WHAT TO DO/ CHECK OUT:

~China Town: This is the biggest one in Asia (besides all of China!!) and is full of options and opportunity. Enjoy some Chinese fruits and snacks, or shop for vegan meats on the cheap. There are black cashews (roasted with the skin still on) and they're AMAZING! There are loads of things mirroring China, knock off bags, breaking toys, hammocks...worth to play around in! And a great people watching experience!!

~ War Remnants Museum: This is a MUST. It's upsetting and powerful and very informative. It provides a side to the war that Americans especially are unaware of. IT's heartbreaking...recommended to go after eating...you won't be hungry after. 

     Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
     Telephone number: 930-5587
     Open: 7:30-11:45 am and 1:30-5:15 pm
     ~~~*It is 15,000 dong to get in ($0.75).

~ Into Yoga and meditation? Check out the YMC: Yoga and Meditation Center. Classes are nearly two hours long and come in at 200,000dong ($10.00!!!) The instructors speak English, along with the desk staff. It's a bit hidden away but it is walking distance from the War Remnants Museum!!

     Address: 335/31 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 4, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

     Phone number: (08)-3929-1707

     e-mail: info@ymcvn.com

     website: www.ymcvietnam.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MUI NE

     Ani and I stayed here for only a couple days and were in paradise. There is so much to see, explore, eat- pure brilliance. A MUST go for anyone if you're in Vietnam. 

WHERE TO EAT:

Vietnamese noms: 

Vietnam Family Resturaunt: The spring rolls here are amazing, and the drinks are fresh and refreshing. The food is affordable, healthy, and quality. The family that owns this place is very kind and accommodating and understand English. The owner speaks the best. They have two dogs that are just too cute to handle! 

     ~get the spring rolls and the mango vodka!!!

     *located on Nguyen Ding Chieu Street near Mai Am Guesthouse. 

WHERE TO STAY: (and eat at!!)

Mai Am Guesthouse: Hands down the BEST hotel experience I've ever had. The family running this joint are beyond accommodating and so genuinely kind. I've never been more relaxed and "at home" in any other place. The food they serve here is great, the coffee wonderful, the location superb! You're RIGHT on the beach, so you wake up to a breeze, the sea air wafting around you and the sun shining smiles! The rooms are large and clean and the rooms are $25.00 a night. Bikes and motorbikes are available upon rent. The location is great also, lots of restaurants and bars around, along with tourist shops and the Fairy stream is nearby. 

    ~~Eat their springrolls, a vermicelli noodle nest wrap instead of the flat noodle! The coffee is strong and sweet!!

     Address: 148 Nyguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Ham Tiem Ward, Phan Thiet City, Binh     

                Thuan Provine, Vietnam

     Phone number:             (+84)-062-3847062 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (+84)-062-3847062      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      
     email: guesthousemaiam@gmail.com

WHAT TO DO/ CHECK OUT:

~ Rent a motorbike!!! and EXPLORE!

~The White Sand Dunes: Impeccable, breathtaking, straight up spiritual. Seeing such beauty with your own eyes can't compare to anything also, no effects, movies, pictures. This place is magical. Miles upon miles of stretched out sand dunes, high hills, and a direct connection to the soul. PLEASE PLEASE go here!!

~Fairy Stream:(pictures part 2) This is a beautiful stream full of stunning views and giddy glory. It stretches for a long time, and is hidden behind some dingy neighborhoods. The water looks murky but it's only because of the runoff sand and clay. You're in a canyon, surrounded by red and white sands, thick clays, and tropical plants. I took so many pictures because everywhere I turned, my eyes were astounded, and in that my heart nearly stopped! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SOMETHING I WISH I DID, AND YOU MUST DO!!

~*Ha Long Bay: sadly a typhoon hit while our overnight plan was supposed to happen. I just have to go back again. ^^*!~

WRAP UP/ POINTERS:

*You can get your Visa On Arrival...I used this VietnamVisaPro, all together (stamp and service fee is $35.00)

*bring a LOT of tank tops, this will soak up the sweat...and you'll be sweating

!*Ladies, ditch the make-up...not worth it

*When wandering or shopping, remember to SMILE...it goes a LONG way

*Remember that your freedom does not travel with you!

*Enjoy and be open to what life brings you!

*Drink a lot LOT of coffee and 

*Eat all the fruit

The New Hanoian 

Tripadvisor Vietnam

VEGANS/ VEG-HEADS~ Vietnam is do-able!!! GO GO GO!!!

Hanoi: White Cloud- The Final Meal

     The final meal, the last noms of Vietnam to be had would happen at where else but where it all began...heya White Cloud!
     On my first day in Vietnam, I was introduced to this secret spot, and on a tired journey of return, we turned to White Cloud. The restaraunt is a gem, the owner is beautiful and the food is loved. I have read other reviews where others complain of how slow the food is, or how long they have to wait~ that is one of the biggest beauties of this place. You grow excited for what's to come, food takes time to prepare. This is a reality we must understand. It is comforting to know that they are taking time with what they are giving me. And, it's worth the wait!
     Ani and I set ourselves up for a feast, ordering whatever our hearts, stomachs, and eyes desired~ hell we're on vacation and this jazz is great. What do you think we started with?!

Nem ran~ spring rolls (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We ordered our favorites, the com gao lut and dau phu ca chua (brown rice with lotus seeds and black soy beans and tofu cooked in tomato sauce) and the quay dau xanh tam vung chien (fried mung bean batter with sesame). Everything was fresh, warm, full of flavor...just awesome!
     And because I fell in love with it the first time, I got a nom hoa chuoi (banana flower salad). And...it was delicious!

nom hoa chuoi~banana flower salad (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We tried something new too! The Cha dua is described as being a pineapple pie and I was curious! In my head I was thinking of sliced pineapples with layers of coconut cream and sugared lime (sounds good though eh!), we ended up getting this...

Cha dua~ pineapple pie (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Plump generous chunks of pineapple in a thin sesame and flour batter and served with a spiced pepper sauce. The pineapple lost it's bitterness but the sweetness soaked well into the batter. The sesame seeds made the individual 'cakes' prettier but didn't make much of an effect on taste. This was good, not great...and we were full!

One hell of a feast though!!
     After this meal...the airport was waiting, and my heart was falling...

Hanoi: Phat Truong Tho

     Right near West Lake, and Ani's place there seems to be a surplus of vegan restaurants! While driving around one day I spotted a brightly colored spot at the end of Xuan Dieu. The place is called Phat Truong Tho and according to the New Hanoian, it's not that bad.

the entrance of Phat Truong Tho (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The parking is confusing here, there's a small driveway and garage on the right side of the restaurant...walk there!
     When we entered we were seated in the back room where a smiling monk greeted us while eating a table full of colorful veggies. Matching the veggies was a vivacious room of crimson red, sunny yellows, and apricot oranges. A large golden Buddha was at the end of the room, inside of an impressive shrine. Being in all that color, you can't help but smile a bit wider.

Beautiful Ani and Buddha (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The menu was decent in size, offering the classics, noodles, rice dishes, etc...but some interesting offers included snails, shrimp, and frog~all vegan, so no worries!
     We were both hungry and tired and ordered spring rolls to start (ahh yea!)

spring rolls (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The springrolls were filled with a lot of greens, smashed tofu, and some julienned root veggies. They were served with slices of spicy hot peppers and a peanut sauce. Not great, not bad...just okay.
     The salad I ordered was a grapefruit and shredded mango one. It was delicious! Chunks of sweet sour tangy grapefruit topped with julienned mangoes, mint leaves, and dried hot peppers and in a sweet lime and rice vinegar dressing. The chewy peppers, slightly grainy mint leaves, hardy sweet mangoes, and plump juicy grapefruit mixed together so well. It was a refreshing and delectable salad.
          ~I desperately miss grapefruit...I long for it.

grapefruit and mango salad (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     One entree we got was the classic tofu in tomato sauce. This dish, wasn't impressive. It was missing a lot...greens and veggies. It was pre-fried and re-marinated tofu cubes in a slightly oily sweet tomato sauce. The tofu just tasted like- sponge. The sauce would have worked if there were some carrots or onions (give it a natural versus artificial sweetness) and some more color. We didn't finish this, it was just...missing.

Tofu in tomato sauce (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I forgot what I originally ordered but I guess it was out so I went with a quirky sounding dish that had 'snails' in it. It was a curried inspired stew but really what came out was something similar to dwenjjang jigae (된장찌개). The soup base was soybean paste, and it had that same spongy tofu in it (points lost). The greens in the soup were rather bitter, like raw bitter melon, but the "redeeming" points are only on the strangeness of some of the ingredients. The snail was beyond odd, looked like vegan clam and tasted like nothing, the texture was... squeaky. There was something starchy int he sop I couldn't figure out, it was soft, slightly sweet, and smooth~ banana! I am not a fan of bananas but in a soup, it's not too bad. This dish though also wasn't nearly finished, not very impressed.

'snail' soup (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The menu boasts of a lot of interesting potential options but in the end...not that awesome. It wasn't very pricey, I think all together we spent around 120,000-150,000 dong ($6.00-7.25).

The best part of Phat Truong Tho are it's decorations and artwork inside, the smiling ski-ball hat wearing monk and the grapefruit and mango salad , other than that...not worth it. (unless you're nomming on that salad!)

Address: 184B Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Directions: At the end of Xuan Dieu (West lake would be on your Left is you are walking towards it), across from the turn into Cong Doan Hotel
phone: 04-7307-8838

Hanoi: Weasel Coffee

     I've dropped a line about it a couple times already and can't explain how awesome the coffee is in Vietnam. Strong, full flavored, but not acidic...so it doesn't hurt. It's sweet, flavorful, and...just moan! The coffee alone is worth tripping over to Vietnam. Phil and Laura have raved about it, there are posts littering the net and books alike about how spectacular the coffee is here...so naturally, I followed the scent and scene of coffee beans.
     Most of my money, a high percentage of it goes towards coffee here in Seoul, but now...since Vietnam I've spent nothing on coffee. It seems utterly disrespectful and a full fledged waste cosh and energy to purchase coffee in Seoul. Watered down, acidic, low quality beans...yech.
     Wandering the Old Quarter, Ani was more than patient and kind enough to swirl the crisscrossed roads to locate these one "Weasel coffee" joint. When we found it...my eyes popper out- Roger Rabbit style.

loads of Weasel coffee! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Weasel coffee are coffee beans that have literally been picked out of weasel poo. Apparently weasels have a fondness for coffee beans and started crunching on bean farms. The weasels, or civets, eat coffee berries and the proteolytic enzymes in their stomachs seep into the beans, making the beans less bitter. Someone had the brilliant idea to collect the pooey beans and sell it to the coffee curious. It is supposed to be the most expensive coffee of the world.
     In the shop I went to, the owners allowed me a taste of this special stuff and...I was surprised. I expected something that tasted like...well poo. Instead, I got a warm, woody sweet drink that gave me a little buzz and made me want to close my eyes and really enjoy this tiny cup.

my sample! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Result, I bought a bag of their "best stuff"~ for about 280,000 dong, $24.00 for a tiny bag. Worth it yes..am I saving it for a super special occasion, yes.

I want to go back and buy too much more...So Vietnam venturers, find this poopy coffee, and realize that 'shit aint that bad.'

Hanoi: Shopping and Galavanting in the Old Quarter

     The Old Quarter in Hanoi is a pretty busy and bustling place, tightly adjoined stores nuzzle into one another selling things from knock off sandals, stamps, fruits and veggies...it's a market, a bar central area, a cafe zone- tourist kazaa. Even though full of visitors, there's a lot to see here, that's worth wandering through. Ani and I did hours of walking, shopping, coffee drinking, kicking it through this area...here's some photo porn:


Nick Lachey...he's back (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The signs reminded me of my time in Changchun, celebrates copy and pasted onto billboards or signs, shamelessly 'promoting' hair styles, to watches, to douches. I haven't heard of any 98degrees stuff going down since the late 90's...good to see Nick Lachey still has it going on for hair shops.      I love the produce section of any store, but mostly of markets. I liek the yelling, the haggling, the ordering and sloppy shifting of veggies. It's dirty, stressful, and...I like the rush. At least, that's what I'm used to, and think of when it comes to markets...Vietnam, chill produce sales. Was it strange I felt...calm?


veggies!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

donuts (DON'T BUY= unsanitary and poor quality) photo taken by VeganBeats

     In the folds of these markets are eateries, and even though this gets me all sad to see anything crammed in a tank, for those foodies out there- if you're going to consume animals, try to be as local as possible.

clams (?) photo taken by VeganBeats

crabs...)O: (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I have to admit, we all know the vegan deal is staying, just about the only lifestyle I'll commit whole-heartedly to, but local, local is so important. I realize, recognize, and accept that vegan is something I have chosen, and not everyone is going to do my lifestyle...hell if I'd do theirs- I try to push for local. Kepp it fresh and community based if you want to put these living things in your body.

Fresher~> less distance traveled (by theory)~> (hopefully) less harmful to your body + it's better for your neighbors, community, and family. 

beautiful fish (photo taken by VeganBeats)

riding ma bike (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I miss fruit....fresh, voluptuous, juicy, sexy, tropical- exotic fruits. Korea, I love you, but the apples, melons, pears, nectarines- I got these in the states. Show me something different, tease my taste-buds will ya?!!

jackfruit (photo taken by VeganBeats)

dragon fruit and rambutan...chillen, no big (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I HIGHLY recommend getting  a passion-fruit. Wrinkly and not very pretty on the outside, get a knife, grab a spoon, slice this baby into two and spoon some of that tart sweet juicy goodness.

do your tongue a flavor, have a passion-fruit (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     So these beautiful fruits, the cows, birds, homeless animals )O:~ nom on these...in an ideal next life- I'll be one of these (I vote free rolling cow or flock away bird) kicking it in Vietnam~~~
                "Ah, thanks for the dragon fruit, oh mangosteen and passion-fruit; don't mind if I do..."

Hanoi: White Cloud...take out

     The days were full of rain in Hanoi, and our bodies were tired. After so much vitamin D and visual stimulation, our bodies were tired. One night we stayed in and went for our staple~ White Cloud! They do take out!! The tv was looking REAL nice and as the rain poured around us, wine glasses and tea in hand, we enjoyed GLEE, trashy American tv (The Bachelor yech but I must watch the next episode!!) and pajamas!
     The dishes we went for of course were the classic fried mung bean, more spring rolls and some new dishes. We started off with the Num du du (green papaya salad), a classic and popular 'salad' dish of Vietnam and Thailand.

Nom du du (Green papaya salad) photo taken by VeganBeats

      The nom du du cost 40,000 dong ($2.00) and was flavorful but I think the whole 'take out' aspect took away from the freshness. I've never been super into papaya, it's too sweet and starchy but I really enjoyed the chopped carrots and mint. The sauce/marinade was a mixture of brown rice vinegar, lime juice, some cane juice, and a little bit of pepper. It balanced very well together, but...papaya is just not for me.
     We also went with a new tofu dish, the Dau phu va dua xao miso (tofu cooked with pineapple and miso). The dish was a bit lackluster in flavor, the tofu a tad over-cooked (so it was a bit spongy) but the pineapples were good. The miso wasn't very strong either. The dish cost 45,000 dong ($2.25).The dau phu sot ca chua (tofu with tomato sauce) is much better. But It's always good to try things.

from bottom left and counter clockwise: tofu with pineapple and miso, spring roll,  and fried mung bean (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The meal would have tasted much better if fresh, but that's a given when you do take-out. But it was super nice and wonderful to kick it chill style, be girls, talk with loads of parts...and watch some crummy American crap.

Crap...but to entertaining...(reminds me that I'm in fact brighter that most bulbs....phew)

Mui Ne: Mai Am noms

     Just pumping up Mai Am one more time, Ani and I decided one day to check out the noms our little home served up. The first day we had some pretty simple staples, but we were curious if the greatness of this place also had great noms.
     Being in Vietnam and both loving spring rolls, we went with an order of their vegetarian spring rolls.

vegetarian (vegan) spring rolls at Mai Am (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     These were... magnificent. The wrap was made with layered vermicelli noodles as opposed to the flat rice paper, this created a intricate crunch! The filling was stuffed FULL of veggies, no noodles! There were slivers of carrots, shitake mushrooms, sprouts, steamed lotus roots, and tofu. The rolls were packed and wrapped tightly, full of veggie goodness, and comforting textures. (I love me some crunch!) The sauce was the only disappointment, it tasted like it was straight from a bottle. If these came with the sauce from Vietnam Family restaurant...no competition!
     For main entrees I got the steamed lotus roots and 'soya cheese.'  I was curious about just how Vietnam would do soy cheese and, I was picturing the American-ruined veggies lathered in a thick creamy cheese sauce (because we can't enjoy greens without cheesy sauces right-phbbbbt) What I got didn't look like my head image at all!

steamed lotus roots with soya cheese (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     This dish was simple, steamed with a little garlic and chili pepper. I was searching for that cheese and found that it was stuffed into the stems! The 'cheese' was pureed tofu, garlic salt, and I think capsasum. It was a light but sturdy dish, I felt energized and my vitamin levels felt pumped up!
     Ani went with the vegetable noodle fry-I think (ahhh I can't find my notes!!!!) and what she got was...depressing. Again, the ramen noodles (whaaa) and some veggies thrown in. Being in the country of Pho, you'd think that the 'noodle' dishes would be full of hidden taste-bud orgasms...but this dish lacked general inspiration.

vegetable noodle fry (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We of course shared dishes, and thank god for those spring rolls...heavenly.

~~~how can we sneak the sauce....... 

again...why did I never let myself have these before?

Mui Ne: Vietnam Family Restaurant

     Our stay in Mui Ne offered lots of good noms, particularly spring rolls. Vietnam is famous for their spring rolls, fresh or fried, you can buy these fresh at side vendors in popular areas (saw loads of them in Ho Chi Minh city.)
     One of our regular go to's, (Schwammy's home!!) is a place called "Vietnam Family Restaurant." It's located a couple hundred yards away from Mai Am, right on Nguyen Ding Chieu Street. The place is owned and run by a family, the father being the head guy but his daughters are always there.
     It was the first place where we had drinks and an impromptu dinner. Our first night in Mui Ne we wandered and fell upon this cheesy romantic lit place and slightly drunk ordered a plate of their fried vegan spring rolls and...well this order happened almost every night.

vegan spring rolls and heavenly sauce (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     My flash makes these looks severly oily but, trust me they arne't oily. They are pan fried and filled generously with cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, tofu, and crushed lotus seeds. Everything blends very well together, a soft heated texture and crispy skin, but it's the sauce that makes this roll really roll.
     It's a spicy and tangy sauce with powdered peanut in it. Not tasting racked with msg or very salty, there is a sweetened tang to it, that also heats the mouth a bit. This with the mixture of vegetables created a savory explosion of crunchy crispy skin, marinated in a heated sweet array of veggies.
     On other days Ani and I did visit this place for a meal meal. Spring rolls were always around but, one day we decided to try some of their other menu options. I went with a tofu and tomato sauce, which was very satisfying. A generous position was provided chalk full of veggies. Soft tofu was served on a bed of shredded carrots and cucumbers along with steamed cabbage and morning glory. There were chunks of fresh sweet tomato and these ingredients came together to make an almost cirtusy sweet sauce that brought out a lot of natural flavors. It was saucy, and not high in oil at all, I would even go as far as saying this dish was nearly fat free. There was some oil or fat content from the tofu, but...this dish was great. If I was in Mui Ne again...kick over some of this....and more spring rolls ^^*!~

tomato sauce tofu (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Ani went with the pineapple fried noodles, and it sounded interesting and how can you go wrong with pineapple? (wait...don't answer). This dish was beautifully plated, and looked very nice but...what it had in looks it lost in personality. The noodles were ramen noodles (points lost) but there were alot of shredded carrots, greens, sweet pinapple, and radish (points points points) but no flavor (annnnnd FAIL.) Pineapples and veggies were picked out...but more or less, untouched. )O:

Pineapple fried noodles (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I also got a fresh coconut, seeing all these coconut trees just chilling, my eyes, I mean belly was wanting this. And for only 15,000 dong ($0.75) hell...do it! They literally grabbed a young coconut off of a tree, cut out the top and stuck in a straw. The juice was refreshing and full or health jazz, feeling energized! The meat was great too, though no spoon was offered to help get that out...I found a way!

my fresh coconut (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Because we came often enough and struck up some positive vibes with everyone here, we started getting dragon-fruit when we were planning on leaving.
     "It looks like cookie dough ice-cream" Ani once said to me. It's like a crossbreed between a cactus and a kiwi, bright pink with green tendrils and a soft white pulp similar to kiwi's texture. This fruit is delicious, subtle in flavor, not too sweet or too strong in any sense but refreshing and delightful. Grab a spoon and scoop it out!

dragon fruit!!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     This place is located on the main strip of hotels in Mui Ne, if you see Schwammy and a brown spotter pooch kicking it alongside her, make sure to stop in and get some spring rolls!!

Nguyen Ding Chieu Street<~~~check Vietnam Family Restuarant

On to Mui Ne: Taking the Train!!

      Our next destination was the luxurious beaches and  sand dunes of Mui Ne! Phil and Laura have brought this gem of a place up and I'd be lying if I wasn't positively giddy about hitting up this spot! Ani and I were going to get there via train, I haven't taken any train trains since Boston so...childlike giddy about that also.
     Since we just wrapped up some dark times at the War Remnants Museum, and a tough Yoga routine, we managed to work up an appetite but...lacking on any decent time. We went to a kiosk like shop, got ripped opp and got the quirky candies.

blueberry ice-cream oreos! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

      Oreos a vegan, weird eh! I haven't had these children size cream cookies for years but my eyes saw this flavor and instant purchase. It was tangy and offered up a unique flavor, blueberry extract was legit. Ani and I were wishing it was a double-stuffed. >.<#
     The other purchases were on traditional Vietnamese candy, pressed cane sugar syrup and loads of seeds and nuts. Sweet, packed full of protein and loads of crunchy textures. My type of energy source!

banana sweetened nut and sesame seed snack, tamarind nutty snack, and peanuts molded in syrup (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The banana and tamarind snacks were like super sweetened Lara bars, but offering a more natural salty pairing. The tamarind one was much better, not as sweet and a smoother texture. I can't believe how little tamarind I've had in my life. I'm still a bit scared of it...resembling poop and all >.<$
     The train was pure chaos. People screaming and yelling at one another across the carts, no one following seat numbers, throwing parcels and boxes from one side to another. People were in a constant state of confusion and my anxiety levels were roller-coasting. I just wanted to sit...be quiet and breathe.

     By the time seating was arranged, the air condition was on FULL blast, Ani and I only packed resort clothes. I had a lace cover but...sad attempts of warmth! Trains are one or the other, no air conditioning at all or full blasting teeth chattering.
     As nervous and aggravated as I was initially, as soon as we were seated I did the usual people watching scheme. This train was stock full of families, travelling with luggage and groceries and meals! Everyone was still hollering, but there was a lot I found myself to be able to resonate with.
     When I was younger, traveling with family was a scurried high stress event. Clutching onto far too many bags and heavily taped boxes, moving legs like the road runner to the trains and buses, Korean being spat in a stressed hiss- and this would last until we were all seated. Similar to the plane scene in "Home Alone' except...so many more bags and hand grappling.
     Topping off this train ride was a continuing video tape of Vietnamese tv shows mirroring "American Idol" and "America's Got Talent"-

Fabulous~

Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon): Saigon Vegan

     Up early in the morning, just before the heat caught up to the heavy air, Ani and I took a ride to Hanoi's airport for our flight with jetstar for our flight to Ho Chi Minh city. We were only planning to stay for one night and then head via train to Mui Ne!
     Saigon for some reason has always struck me as an exotic and famous location, a destination that everyone must go to. Maybe through films, twin references, or general word of mouth...Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city) was in the stars.
     Jetstar is a very inexpensive air line that takes you essentially anywhere for more than decent prices...but you get what you pay for. Not the most comfortable of seats (though we lucked out with the roomy exit seats) and minimal service. Our several hour long flight was absent of water, tea, and coffee. Similar tot he China town buses going in between New York and Boston, it helps you get to where you want to go on a budget.
    Once we landed we wandered over to the backpackers district and went hostel to hostel, hotel to vacant rooms looking at spaces, bargaining prices...trying to find something decent, inexpensive and above all clean. I think we looked at maybe eight places before we settled on Hong Han Hotel, clean inside and a roomy space for $20 a night. Breakfast wa included and Ahn (brother) had great English and people skills, he honestly sealed the deal.
     The room had two comfy beds, air conditioning, cable tv, a fridge, clean bathroom, and a viranda/balcony where breakfast was going to be served. There was also free internet and skype access along with a super helpful staff. Tired and hungy...sold.

Address: 238 Bui Vien street, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
telephone: (84-8)-38-361-927 /39-203-336

our room! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     If you are planning on kicking it in Ho Chi Minh City, I HIGHLY recommend staying at Hong Han!!
     Bonus, next door was Saigon Vegan, a loving hut chain...working up an apetite (didn't eat since dinner the night before) we treated ourselves to a cruelty-free feast!

     We started with some ice-coffees while browsing the massive menu! This street was chalk full of vegan eateries but this place seemed to have the most options. My heart was set of some Vegan Pho...niente )O:

     We were the only people in this place, and it was cute, and definately different from Seoul Loving Huts. Open, a bit dusty and you went up a frail spiral staircase to eat on a blacony overlooking Bui Vien street.
     We started with two different spring rolls, one being the Bi Cuon (fresh with peel, tofu, and thyme) and the other being the Goi Cuon (fresh with mushrooms and vermicelli) each were 6,000 dong ($0.30) per piece. We bother enjoyed the Bi Cuon more (scallion poking out). It tasted fresher and the vegetables were distinctive. The tofu was creamy and blended very well with the vegetables, a simple honest roll!

The Bì cuốn (fresh with peel, tofu, and thyme) and the Gỏi cuốn (closer to you) photo taken by VeganBeats

     We also ordered the Com Chien Hat Sen, which is a fried rice with lotus seeds (50,000 dong= $2.50). The dish has a lot of rice (not so much my alley) but I loved the hidden chunks of shitakes, pressed tofu, peas (man I love my peas), and the generous portion of lotus seeds. This was my second time having lotus seeds and they're similar to chestnuts  smaller, smoother, and nutty. And I have to say, the tomatoes were so sweetly fresh!!

Com Chien Hat Sen, fried rice with lotus seeds (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     A random picking was the Goi Nam Bao Ngu Rau Ram, a mushroom with flagrant knotweed salad (40,000dong= $2.00). We both had no idea what the hell knotweed might be and my parts were all too curious. The salad was hidden underneath layers of rice cake crackers and had lots of vegan ham in it. I'm not into the fake meat deal, frankly it creeps me out, but the knotweeds were plentiful and measured up quite well in the spiced red-vinegar sauce. ...

Goi Nam Bao Ngu Rau Ram, a mushroom with flagrant knotweed salad (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     A little over a year ago, while in China I got into the spirit of hunting down veggies I've never seen or tasted before and tried playing around with them. One of these veggies was a wrinkled up warty green guy resembling a sick zucchini, bitter melon. I could never figure out what exactly I should do with it, I tried steaming, frying, even got desperate enough to batter it up and fry it...fail fail fail. I saw the Canh Kho Qua (bitter melon soup) and it was done. For only 35,000 dong ($1.55) I would be able (idealistically) get to crack the bitter melon code.
     It was served sliced thinly in a simple broth of water, soy sauce, and black pepper. A few mushrooms and softened creamed tofu were thrown in but it was very straight forward. Bitter melon sticks true to it's name, it's bitter and a bit starchy and directed for those that like a mixture of bitter and sour. I liked it, but I doubt I'll go running to buy more bitter melon.

Canh Kho Qua (bitter melon soup) photo taken by VeganBeats

 Nam Bao Ngu Sa Ot, fried mushrooms with chili and lemongrass (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Saigon Vegan is good, and inexpensive, so high high points. It is part of the Loving Hut chain so I'm already a bit off put by it, but overall, it was good and is great to eat at with friends. Loads of dishes, options, and a wide spread of preferences (steamed veggies, fried rolls, noodles, rice, soups, etc.)

But the coffee....ooo that coffee^^*!~

Address: 240 Bui Vien Street District 1
Phone number: 383-726-86