SmartShanghai | Vietnamese is the new Black?

Vietnamese is the new Black?

By Hien Huynh, Jun 10th, 2007 | In Dining

For months now I've been in search of a Vietnamese restaurant to fulfil my cravings, especially since Mekong River closed down for renovation. Word on the street is that it is now open for business again, though. In the meantime my cravings for Vietnamese food have steadily increased, even with various venues with Vietnamese kitchens which recently opened like F.C.C. Unfortunately, I still have not been able to satisfy my appetite for a good bowl of Pho.

Finally I had cause to salivate, as my salvation seemed within reach. Upon hearing of Quan Vietnam, which recently opened its doors (sometime before Christmas, as there are still some Christmas decorations up), I had to drop everything to try it out.

Reaching the restaurant with eager anticipation for their Pho, I was quietly brimming with excitement as I entered to find an empty restaurant with an army of waitresses ready to serve.

Scanning the room for clues to see if this an authentic Vietnamese restaurant or just another business hoping to cash in on the recent Vietnam buzz, I found the place was tastefully decorated with the usual cultural display items and images matched together with simple lighting and furniture. I was a little let down as I could not see the bottles of chilli sauce, fresh chillies and other condiments that you normally find in restaurants in Vietnam or other cities which have become homes for Vietnamese migrants. The sauces and condiments placed on tables are a usually a telling sign that a place serves decent Pho. These, however, were no where to be found (yet in Shanghai) and as my excitement diminished, I tried to console myself with the fact that this establishment was intended as more of a dining restaurant rather than a noodle house.

Tagged: Pho