Located opposite the East gate of Ben Thanh market, District 1, Aunt Huong's porridge and noodle soup restaurant is one of the favorite dining places of many Saigon people because of its delicious flavor that has not changed over time.
The noodle shop is over 50 years old. Although it is just a small street stall, the shop has a full range of late night dishes to help customers feel warm such as porridge, noodles, hu tieu and most famously, noodle soup.
The white, round noodles are blanched in boiling water, topped with toppings such as intestines, gizzards, lungs, throat or chicken, ribs... then poured in the broth, add some onions and pepper to enhance the aroma and you can enjoy.
As a "regular customer" of the restaurant, Hari Won did not hesitate to affirm that this is the best noodle soup restaurant she has ever eaten at, after trying it in many places.
"This is Hari's favorite noodle shop. The broth here is extremely sweet and rich, different from other places I've eaten," she said.
Not only that, MC Tran Thanh also gave many compliments to the restaurant because the food is fresh and seasoned to suit the taste of Saigon people.
The noodle soup at Aunt Huong's restaurant is made in a completely traditional way, without the fuss and many unique ingredients like other noodle soup restaurants. The broth is simmered from bones and chicken meat, so it has a characteristic light yellow color that is very beautiful.
The owner of the restaurant confirmed that for decades he has only been selling according to a family recipe, so he does not use many spices that are harmful to health.
All the internal organs such as intestines, gizzards, stomachs of pigs... are stewed in a special pot that the owner calls "gourd pot". With a wide bottom and a rounded top, this pot helps the food to be stewed and also helps to retain heat well. This is also one of the special secrets that makes the dishes at Aunt Huong's restaurant delicious.
When eating, diners will feel the chewy, firm chicken meat, the pork intestines are processed properly so they are not smelly, soft and extremely delicious. In addition, the sweet and sour fish sauce also contributes to making the dish more flavorful and suitable.
Aunt Huong's noodle soup and porridge shop is only open in the evening, from 7pm to 3am, so it is very suitable for workers who come home late at night or those who like to eat late at night. The shop has a variety of noodle soups such as noodle soup with offal, chicken noodle soup, rib noodle soup... however, there is no noodle soup with pig's feet.
In addition to banh canh, Aunt Huong's restaurant is also famous for its congee with toppings such as bean sprouts, pig intestines, tongue, heart, pig ears, blood, and fried sausage. This dish is popular because it is easy to eat, warms the stomach, and is still full of nutrients.
The price of noodles, rice noodles, and porridge at the restaurant is 50,000 VND/bowl. If customers want to eat anything else, they will have to pay separately. This is considered a suitable price for students and ordinary workers.
The restaurant is located at the intersection of Le Loi and Phan Boi Chau streets, right across from the East gate of Ben Thanh market. According to MC Tran Thanh, the fastest way to get here is to go on Le Thanh Ton street, then Phan Boi Chau street, go to the end of the street, and you will reach the intersection. The restaurant opens right on the sidewalk, with diners sitting around plastic tables right on the spacious sidewalk.