A Taste of Hai Phong at Dì Lý
Looking for a late night bite that’s light and casual in the heart of District 1? Stop by Dì Lý – Bánh Đa Cua for some northern cuisine from the Hai Phong region. A flavor that’s not too heavy on the palate, yet still relying on the ingredients of seafood. It’s tucked away from the bustling streets and up the stairwell into its moderately sized dining room. It’s a great escape for some good wholesome food.
This was a quick bite to eat tonight. And since I did my research, when the server sat me down, I was ready to order. Within ten minutes, the food came out, a warm bowl of noodles with an appetizer. I said quick, not small. Throughout the meal I watched as other dinner parties were here sampling each other’s dishes. Something I couldn’t do since I was solo tonight. Oh how I would have loved to try out more of this style of food. Some were of course familiar Vietnamese dishes, but there were others I wanted to try. That of course means I’ll have to come back.
Dì Lý – Bánh Đa Cua
103 Đồng Khởi
Bến Nghé, Quận 1
Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
+84 8 3829 8249
www.banhdacuadily.com
Verdict: Pretty good introduction to Hai Phong food and refreshing break from the Southern style foods you may know so well.
For a little kick ask for some hot sauce. It’s got a sharp tang, a taste similar to tabasco, that can liven up things.
The fried spring rolls were a great addition to the meal. Wrap these crunchy rolls into the lettuce leaves with some of those fresh herbs, dip them in the nuoc mam, and I was a happy little eater. 65,000 VND
Brown noodles in a crab soup topped with greens and chả lụa , a type of Vietnamese sausage. It was a well balanced bowl of noodles and the dish to try here. 69,000 VND