Walking distance to the War Remnants Museum as well as the Independence Palace, the hip Quan 176 is a pleasure not to miss in Ho Chi Minh.
Restaurant Name: Quan 176, also known as Cửa Hàng Ăn Uống 176
Address: P. 6, 176 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Note: This is an independent restaurant review based on my experience.
After spending our morning at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, our next stop was the Independence Palace. Lucky for us, it was closed for lunch break, which forced us to take a break as well. We had noticed a garage style eatery on our way, so we back tracked and shyly entered the restaurant filled with locals. A smiley young man motioned us to the second last table where we clumsily wiggled our way into the chairs.
The Restaurant: I think hip is a great word for this place. It is a mix of traditional with a trendy upswing. Tiny wooden chairs and tables line the rough cement walls of the deep building. The menu is on a chalkboard hanging on the wall. The vibrantly loud chatter of patrons enjoying each others company and good food complete the mood.
The Service: Very Good. We ordered 2 thirst quenching, fresh squeezed lemon juices which arrived immediately, always with the wonderful smiles we so appreciate in Vietnam! With our servers helpful suggestions, we finally ordered the Chicken with mushrooms and the Black pepper Prawns.
The Food: Excellent! Unbeknownst to us, we had ordered a complete meal. First hot sour soups and 2 small salads arrived. The salad tasted fresh and delicious on this hot day, the soup was a nice appetizer – light enough not to fill us, tasty enough to animate our taste buds.
Very shortly after, Mr. Smiley arrived back with cast iron pans filled with hot, bubbling, steamy goodness. The chicken with mushrooms was like a stew; creamy chicken broth sauce with carrots and parsley and side of white rice to soak up the sauce. Unlike the name suggests, the black pepper prawns came with green pepper, and carrots in a thick broth with chunks of corn of the cob, topped with crispy croutons. It also had a complimentary side of rice. Both dishes were incredibly delicious.
The Cost (for 2 persons): 120.000 dong / €4.50 / USD$5.30 
Quán 176 Restaurant is within walking distance of the War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace. A delicious meal with great prices – I strongly recommend this location.
Get There:
Links of Possible Interest:
→ Ho Chi Minh, Saigon / Photos
…..⇒ Top 12 List of Things to See and Do
.….⇒ Stay: DDA Hotel
…..⇒ Eat: Ben Thanh Street Food Market
…..⇒ Eat: Pho Hai Thien
…..⇒ Eat / Bar: Rex Hotel Rooftop Garden
Location: Asia > Southeast Asia > Vietnam > South Vietnam > Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon > District 1 > Cửa Hàng Ăn Uống 176 > Quan 176
