The Classic Vietnamese Roadside Eatery

We got to know these places intimately over the months. Serving Pho (noodle soup) to Com Bin Dan (rice and stuff) and everything in between. You are never too far from one on the road. We certainly visited more than most people.

Just look our for signs like this

While they are all unique, with their own quirks and excenticities. They do have some common features.

The seating

Almost always plastic.

Ranging from stools like this

To seating like this.

Always in Vietnamese sizing. So rather small.

The Baccy Bong

No eatery is complete without one. They must have a serious nicotine habit to hit these bongs all day.

Usually in use.

The Vietnamese cane the baccy bong

On The Table

There is always some tea floating around.

Usually a some strange flavour that is different in every place. Almost as if they pick up whatever leaves they can find nearby. I was rarely a fan.

Usually a good array of condiments. With soy and sweet chilli taking the place of salt and peper.

Tissues, chopsticks and spoons, jars of chilli paste and picked things and of course the toothpicks.

There is generally a bin per table. Usually full of detrious from previous eaters. This is a good sign you are in for a decent meal.

Not at this place.

Booze

These places are always well stocked.

Beers

And of course rice wine

Which if you are unlucky or lucky (depends how you see it) you will usually be plied with by a local group of Vietnamese.

They are ruthless day drinkers and you wouldn’t think they class rice wine as alcohol the way they knock it back with every meal. Yes that includes breakfast.

We have seen teachers, maintenance workers pretty much everyone drinking the stuff during their lunch break. And not just a shot, usually a bottle full.

The Locals

These roadside eateries usually come with an interesting local encounter. Whether it is rowdy locals offering you alcohol, or an interested family who want to look at the white people.

They usually want a picture and possibly your facebook.

It’s always friendly. Always fun.

The Food

Pho is the favourite dish. A Vietnamese goto. For breakfast, lunch and dinner. While undoubtedly delicious we did get a little tired of this dish towards the end.

Very filling though

These pit stops have been synomonous with our time in Vietnam. Paticularly in the north.

Look out for the ones full of locals. The food tends to be better and encounters more interesting.

Nothing says Vietnam to me more than the inside of one of these eaterys!