Category: Restaurant Reviews

Independent reviews of restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and eateries from around the world. Use the search function or the Home Navigation menu to find your country and city of choice.

Quan An Mien Trung Night Market Restaurant Review

Rip Off? – Ding Cau Night Market, Phu Quoc, Vietnam. So many choices for food!

Note:  This is an independent restaurant review based on my experience.

Restaurant Name: Quan An Mien Trung – Quán Ăn Miền Trung
Address: Dinh Cau Night Market, Võ Thị Sáu, Khu 1, tt. Dương Đông, Tp. Phú Quốc, tỉnh Kiên Giang, Vietnam

For more info about Phu Quoc and the top things to do click the link.
Find out where we stayed ⇒ Guest House.

Of course, when in Asia you must visit the local night market.  The problem was, reviews really rip this market to pieces.  Words like rip off, tourist trap, expensive and more flood the internet.  We decided to check it out and see if it was as bad as they say.  Well we found it an ok way to spend an evening and really not any better or worse than many Asian night markets.  Also, it gave us the opportunity to eat at Quan An Mien Trung and following is my independent review.

After walking the market twice to see the offerings and prices, we settled on Quan An Mien Trung Restaurant.  The very friendly owner is from Da Nang, speaks English a little and understands a lot!

He explained to us, as with most of the restaurants, seafood is sold by the kilogram, both live & frozen.  This is very important to know before complaining about prices or ordering blind.  The good restaurants will be honest about the freshness and whether it is farmed or not farmed.

We picked out some tiger prawns with a side of steamed white rice and another dish of chicken fried rice.  Phu Quoc fish sauce, lime chili sauce and black pepper sauce accompanied it as dips.

The huge tiger prawns were barbecued to perfection and tasted exceptionally good when dipped into the spicy lime chili sauce!  The simple local produced fish sauce makes everything taste good as does the incredible fresh black pepper sauce.  Seriously, huge difference between supermarket black pepper and Phu Quoc black pepper!  Try it and tell me what you think.

Breakdown:
– 7 Tiger Prawns with white rice: 250.000 dong / €9.35 / USD$11.00
– Chicken fried rice: 90.000 dong / €3.35 / USD$4.00
– fresh Cane juice: 15.000 dong / €0.55 / USD$0.65
– 2 Saigon beer: 36.000 dong / €1.35 / USD$1.60
– Coconut cookie type dessert: 0 / €0 / USD$0
Total Cost for 2 people: 391.000 dong / €14.65 / USD$17.20

The owner chatted amiably with us while we waited for our meal as well as later when he proudly brought out the treats.  He was super friendly, had lots of information tips and a great sense of humour. We will definitely be visiting this gem again!

Note:  Yes, slightly more expensive than some Vietnamese restaurants, but way cheaper than at home! Think Fresh!

Links of Possible Interest:
→ Phu Quoc Island / Photos
…..⇒ Extreme Budget Tips – $10/day Phu Quoc
.….⇒ Stay: Gia Thanh Guest House
…..⇒ Eat: AceroLa Bar and Restaurant
…..⇒ Eat: Bia Ruou Restaurant & Micro brewery
…..⇒ Eat: Bun Cha Ha Noi / Bún Chả Hà Nội
…..⇒ Eat / Bar: Langchia Hostel & Bar
…..⇒ Eat: Quan Oc Binh Dan Restaurant
…..⇒ Eat: Quan Ra Koi / Quán Ra Khơi
…..⇒ Eat / Bar: Rory’s Beach Bar
…..⇒ Eat: Thu Phuong Restaurant

Location:  Asia  >  Southeast Asia  >  Vietnam  > tỉnh Kiên Giang >  Phu Quoc  >  Duong Dong  >  Dinh Cau Night Market > Quan An Mien Trung > Quán Ăn Miền Trung

Bun Cha Ha Noi Restaurant Review

Located on the Vietnamese island Phu Quoc, Restaurant Bun Cha Ha Noi is creating a national favourite dish Bun Cha.

Note:  This is an independent restaurant review based on my experience.

Restaurant Name: Bun Cha Ha Noi – Bún Chả Hà Nội
Address: 113 Trần Hưng Đạo, Khu phố 7, Dương Tơ, Tp. Phú Quốc, tỉnh Kiên Giang 92000, Vietnam

For more info about Phu Quoc and the top things to do click the link.
Find out where we stayed ⇒ Guest House.

Our days on the island of Phu Quoc, a beautiful island belonging to Vietnam, were spent on a moped exploring the 574 km² of treasures it has to offer.  Some days found us over the lunch time in the town of Duong Dong, and when that happened, we went to the fabulous restaurant Bun Cha Ha Noi. This quickly became our favourite lunch go to when it was open!

The menu is always the same, so all you do is sit down and wait for it to appear.  Iced Tea arrives the second you sit down.  Then, an order of Chả giò (nem rán) arrives; minced pork wrapped in spring rolls and fried until crispy and golden.

A big plate of white vermicelli noodles as well as a plate of herbs and greens are placed on the table followed by a big bowl of moderately sour grilled pork and fish sauce broth filled with pork meat pieces and having an slight sweet taste.  This combination leaves an incredible delicious taste explosion in your mouth.

Although the art of Bún Chả varies from place to place, at this restaurant it is best described as a grilled pork & *vermicelli noodle soup with Chất Viên(minced pork balls) and Chả lá Lốt (minced Pork wrapped in betel leaves).

*Rice noodles and a basket of basil, mint, cilantro and perilla are put on the table so you can add as many noodles and herbs as you like – I like lots of herbs!

Everybody working here are super friendly, full of smiles and trying to understand!  Such warm people only enhance the fab experience!

It is amazing and cheap with a total of 100.000 dong for two people!!!  That includes:  Lemonade, Spring Rolls and Bun Cha.

Total Cost for 2 persons: 100.000 dong / €3.70 / USD$4.40

Simple restaurant, delicious food, great price!  Do not miss out on the experience to taste traditional Vietnamese food.

Links of Possible Interest:
→ Phu Quoc Island / Photos
…..⇒ Extreme Budget Tips – $10/day Phu Quoc
.….⇒ Stay: Gia Thanh Guest House
…..⇒ Eat: AceroLa Bar and Restaurant
…..⇒ Eat: Bia Ruou Restaurant & Micro brewery
…..⇒ Eat / Bar: Langchia Hostel & Bar
…..⇒ Eat: Quan An Mien Trung (at the night Market)
…..⇒ Eat: Quan Oc Binh Dan Restaurant
…..⇒ Eat: Quan Ra Koi / Quán Ra Khơi
…..⇒ Eat / Bar: Rory’s Beach Bar
…..⇒ Eat: Thu Phuong Restaurant

Location:  Asia  >  Southeast Asia  >  Vietnam  > tỉnh Kiên Giang >  Phu Quoc  >  Duong Dong  >  Bun Cha Ha Noi / Bún Chả Hà Nội

 

Thu Phuong Restaurant Review

Tourist feeling, Vietnamese hospitality, Fresh Food – Duong Dong, Phu Quoc – Thu Phuong

Note:  This is an independent restaurant review based on my experience.

Restaurant Name: Thu Phuong
Address: 88, Trần Hưng Đạo, tt. Dương Đông, tỉnh Kiên Giang, Vietnam

For more info about Phu Quoc and the top things to do click the link.
Find out where we stayed ⇒ Guest House.

Walking around the main town Duong Dong on the island of Phu Quoc, we saw a cute little restaurant with a blue porch.  The fresh catch of the day was displayed on ice – when it is gone, there is no more! The overpowering sign, too big for the little place, displayed in bright red letters the restaurant name, Thu Phuong.

Although there was no more space on the porch area, or in spite of, we entered the busy restaurant and sat at the only remaining table.  We were immediately greeted by a lady with a huge, contagious smile; she took our drink order and disappeared leaving the menus behind.

When our drinks arrived, we were asked what we would like to eat.  As I was once again craving Asian carbs, I ordered the mì xao gà which is yellow noodles with chicken and vegetables.  Promising we would share with each other, my husband ordered barbecued Tiger Shrimp and a starter of chả giò tôm or better known as Shrimp Spring Rolls.  Our server / owner pulled him out of his chair and scurried him over to the iced seafood, telling him “you pick”.

The spring rolls arrived first (not an easy feat in many restaurants world wide!) with a side dipping sauce similar to sweet chili thai.  The hand made rolls were crispy, crunchy and delicious.  Although they tasted like more, our next course was begging to leave space!

The huge shrimp were barbecued in a garlic chili butter, giving just the right amount of spice, similar to monster firecracker shrimps.  The noodles were a very good accompaniment to the shrimp, but most certainly could be a fine stand alone price worthy meal as well.

A plate of watermelon from the house, no charge, nice touch!,  finished our delicious feast.  Following our meal and goodbyes, a romantic walk along the beach helped with digestion!

Meal Total:  386.000 dong / €14.34 / USD$17.00

Breakdown: 
–  2 Saigon Red Beer – 36.000 dong / €1.34 / USD$1.60
That is 18.000 dong for 1 beer! / €0.67 / USD$0.79 each
– coke light – 20,000 dong / €0.74 / USD$0.88
– Spring rolls – 50.000 / €1.90 / USD$2.20
– Noodles – 80.000 / €3.00 / USD$3.50
– Shrimp – 200.000 / €7.45 / USD$8.80
– Watermelon – 0 / €0 / USD$0

On another night, we found ourselves visiting this delight of a restaurant once more.  As delicious and friendly as the first time we had:
– Cà ri gà, a curried chicken, with lemongrass, veggies & rice for 95.000 dong / €3.55 / USD$4.20
–  Spicy BBQ Prawns with rice – 150.000 dong / €5.60 / USD$6.60
– Beer – 25.000 / €0.93 / USD$1.10
– Ginger Tea – 25.000 / €0.93 / USD$1.10
– Finishing with free watermelon
Total: 295.000 dong / €10.96 / USD$12.99

Links of possible interest:
→ Phu Quoc Island / Photos
…..⇒ Extreme Budget Tips – $10/day Phu Quoc
.….⇒ Stay: Gia Thanh Guest House
…..⇒ Eat: AceroLa Bar and Restaurant
…..⇒ Eat: Bia Ruou Restaurant & Micro brewery
…..⇒ Eat: Bun Cha Ha Noi / Bún Chả Hà Nội
…..⇒ Eat / Bar: Langchia Hostel & Bar
…..⇒ Eat: Quan An Mien Trung (at the night Market)
…..⇒ Eat: Quan Oc Binh Dan Restaurant
…..⇒ Eat: Quan Ra Koi / Quán Ra Khơi
…..⇒ Eat / Bar: Rory’s Beach Bar

Location:  Asia  >  Southeast Asia  >  Vietnam  > tỉnh Kiên Giang >  Phu Quoc  >  Duong Dong  >  Thu Phuong Restaurant

 

AceroLa Bar and Restaurant Review

On the Island of Phu Quoc, Vietnam the charming local restaurant AceroLa can be found. This is my review.

Note:  This is an independent restaurant review based on my experience.

Restaurant Name:  AceroLa Bar and Restaurant
Address:  Gia Thanh Phu Quoc Guest House, 6, 91 Trần Hưng Đạo, tt. Dương Đông, Tp. Phú Quốc, tỉnh Kiên Giang, Vietnam

We stayed at the Guest House Gia Thanh while on the island.  On the motel premises is the restaurant AceroLa which is owned and operated by the same family.  It is conveniently located an approximate 5 minute walk from the main road of Duong Dong or 10 minutes from the beach.  Parking is available.

For more info about Phu Quoc and the top things to do click the link.
For my independent review of Gia Thanh Guest House, click the link.

We ate breakfast every morning in the restaurant.  The prices were fair and it allowed us a relaxing way to start the day.  They had a nice variety of offerings including the traditional American style breakfast in addition to the typical Vietnamese soups.

Presentation / plating was always appetising to the eye and served with a big smile.  The food always tasted fresh, hot and delicious.  Really, I do not give out praise easily, but this place is wonderful.  The iced coffees were the perfect cooling java jolt and a great accompaniment to the meal.

Due to the fact that we were literally on the run every day trying to see as much as possible, it was not until the last day of our stay that we had a lunch at Acerola Bar and Restaurant.  It was then that we realised what we had missed out on.

We ordered Sautéed chicken with bell pepper with cashew for 75.000 dong / €2.80 / USD$3.30, Tamarind Spicy Shrimp for 85.000 dong / €3.20 / USD$3.75 and 2 passion fruit Mojitos for 35.000 dong / €1.30 / USD$1.55 each.

The food was delectably delicious!  Each morsel was a taste explosion in the mouth!  This guy knows how to cook and obviously enjoys doing it.

After adding 2 more Mojitos?, our bill came to a total of 300.000 dong / €11.18 / USD$13.20.

Links of Possible Interest:
→ Phu Quoc Island / Photos
…..⇒ Extreme Budget Tips – $10/day Phu Quoc
.….⇒ Stay: Gia Thanh Guest House
…..⇒ Eat: Bia Ruou Restaurant & Micro brewery
…..⇒ Eat: Bun Cha Ha Noi / Bún Chả Hà Nội
…..⇒ Eat / Bar: Langchia Hostel & Bar
…..⇒ Eat: Quan An Mien Trung (at the night Market)
…..⇒ Eat: Quan Oc Binh Dan Restaurant
…..⇒ Eat: Quan Ra Koi / Quán Ra Khơi
…..⇒ Eat / Bar: Rory’s Beach Bar
…..⇒ Eat: Thu Phuong Restaurant

Location:  Asia  >  Southeast Asia  >  Vietnam  >  Phu Quoc  >  Duong Dong  >  Gia Thanh Guest House > Acerola Bar and Restaurant

Restaurant Konoba Papalina – Split, Croatia – Review

In Kaštel Novi, Kastela a charming outlying district of Split, sits a traditional Croatian restaurant – Konoba Papalina – my review.

Located right on the Bay of Kastela, in the town of Kaštel Novi is a restaurant called Papalina Konoba.  It has an old pub feel and is frequented by locals sharing beers, stories and homemade local dishes of traditional Croatian dishes and seafood.  We found the place while visiting Split, Croatia.

After finding a conveniently close parking spot, we went for a walk on the Dalmatian Coast waterfront, hoping to work up a bit of an appetite while enjoying the gorgeous views, the smell of the sea and a beautiful sunset.

Huge smiles greeted us as we entered the restaurant patio area.  When we asked if our dog, Fritz, was allowed, they looked confused and then smiled big again and replied Why Not?!

We sat at a corner table and ordered a beer and a radler, which is a refreshing, lighter, beer and lemon mix.  Our drinks arrived immediately along with 2 menus in English.

Of course, if you have been reading our previous blogs, it will come as no real surprise that we ordered 2 mixed grill plates with coleslaw.

The food was good and the portion sizes were fair.  The coleslaw was fresh, crunchy and very good.  Unfortunately the bbq meat did not leave as much of an impression as we hoped for.  Although it tasted fine, it lacked that intense spicy, smokey bbq flavour which Croatia is so famous for and we have come to love.

Note I did not say it was great, although the service was fantastic! Perhaps the biggest disappointment was the feeling it was overpriced for the quality – Croatia style in the summer.

Cost: 208 kuna / €28 – 2 drinks, 2 meals

Would I recommend it? Sure, the service was excellent, the food was good – and when combined with a romantic waterfront walk on the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, it is perfection! ?

Location:
Address: Ul. Svetag Petra od Klobucca 2, Kastel Novi, Kastela 21216, Croatia
Phone Number: +385 91 508 6345

If you arrive by cruise ship, it is about a 30 minute scenic coastal drive from the Split Cruise Port to Kastel Novi, Kastela – do something nobody else is doing!  See the sights and enjoy a wonderful traditional meal.

Location: Europe  >  Croatia  >  Dalmatia  >  Split-Dalmatia County  >  Kastela  >  Kastel Novi

Restaurant Review:  Konoba Papalina > Dog Friendly Restaurant