Cá Kho Tộ

4. Ca Kho To – Ca

ramelized Fish in Claypot

Why: Because it’s a classic dish that every Vietnamese family prepares and eats at home. Pick a fatty fish like ca hu, and spoon a generous amount of caramelized sauce atop the fish and rice. The sauce is so killer that I’d be quite content eating it with plain ‘ol white rice.

Where: Ngu Vien (40 Ky Dong Street, District 3) * CLOSED *
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5. Com Tam Bi Cha Thit Nuong Trung Opla – Broken Rice with Three Types of Pork and a Fried Egg

Why: Because it contains pork prepared three beautiful ways. My favorite is the bi—a mixture of pork skin and meat. The fried egg (trung opla) on top is a must!

Where: Com Tam Moc (85 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1), Com Tam Di Nam (253 Khanh Hoi Street, District 4)

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6. Cha Gio – Vietnamese Egg Rolls

Why: Because the blistered wrappers and porky innards are a dynamic duo. Plus, let’s not kid ourselves, everything tastes better deep-fried! Don’t forget to wrap ‘em in herbs and lettuce and dip ‘em in nuoc mam.

Where: Fried Food Stand (91 Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, District 1), Banh Xeo 46A (46A Dinh Cong Trang Street, District 1)
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