Travel

Indulge in Alleyway Tofu Pudding: A Sweet Taste of Childhood in District 3

Have you ever embarked on a quest through the bustling streets of Saigon in search of nostalgic street food delights, specifically the elusive tofu dessert? If so, your taste buds are in for a treat! Tucked away in the quaint alleyway of 284 Le Van Sy Street, District 3, lies the hidden gem of a tofu stall helmed by the talented Miss Hiep.

Administrator

11 July, 2024

The humble tofu dessert, or ‘tau hu nuoc duong’, has become a beloved childhood treat for generations of Vietnamese. In the bustling city of Saigon, do you ever long for the nostalgic taste of a warm bowl of tau hu? Try the tau hu sold by Co Hiep in the alley at 284 Le Van Sy Street, District 3, and you’ll be delighted by the soft tofu, sweet ginger syrup, chewy pearls, and creamy coconut milk.

1 Introducing Co Hiep’s Tau Hu Stall in the Alley of 284 Le Van Sy Street, District 3

Introducing Co Hiep’s Tau Hu Stall in the Alley of 284 Le Van Sy Street, District 3

Restaurant Quality: 4.4/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 284/15 Le Van Sy, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Usually crowded at 6:00 PM)

Price Range: VND 10,000 – 15,000

Phone Number: None

Website: None

Facebook: None

Delivery: Available (Shopee Food)

Menu: Tau Hu with Ginger Syrup and Tapioca Pearls

Signature Dish: Tau Hu with Ginger Syrup and Tapioca Pearls

Pros: Long-established stall, delicious food, affordable prices, friendly owner, delivery available

Cons: Street-side dining with limited seating

Tucked away in the alley of 284 Le Van Sy Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Co Hiep’s modest tau hu stall has become a familiar destination for countless Saigonese over the past 30 years.

With just a steaming pot of tau hu, a pot of syrupy ginger sauce, and a few dozen simple plastic chairs, Co Hiep’s stall has captivated patrons with its unpretentious yet irresistible charm.

Starting at 7:00 AM, Co Hiep begins preparing for the new day’s sales. This seemingly ordinary dish holds a magical appeal. The pristine white tofu, silky smooth in texture, blends perfectly with the subtle sweetness of the ginger syrup, complemented by the richness of coconut milk and the chewiness of tapioca pearls, creating a harmonious culinary symphony.

Even on the hottest days, Co Hiep’s warm tau hu remains a top choice for many. More than just a dessert, it embodies the essence of simplicity and elegance in the heart of glamorous Saigon, evoking childhood memories for generations.

Co Hiep’s warm tau hu is a top choice even on hot days.

2 What Makes Co Hiep’s Tau Hu Stall So Enticing to Customers?

A Humble, Refreshing Dessert

After trying numerous tau hu places, I confidently recommend this spot as an ideal destination for those who appreciate subtle sweetness and delicate flavors. The unique feature of this stall is its use of ginger syrup made from malt sugar, resulting in a refined sweetness that isn’t overpowering like regular sugar. Combined with the creamy richness of coconut milk, the sweetness becomes even more balanced and refined.

Additionally, the soft and chewy texture of the tofu and tapioca pearls adds to the dish’s allure. All ingredients are carefully prepared by the owner, from sourcing to cooking, ensuring food safety and hygiene. Witnessing her tireless dedication, from selling during the day to tirelessly preparing ingredients for the next day, I deeply admire her passion and commitment to this traditional dessert.

A humble, refreshing dessert

Affordable Prices for Years

Since her early days as a street vendor, Co Hiep has been devoted to this warm tau hu dessert. Starting at VND 1,000 per bowl, the price has gradually increased over time to VND 2,000, 3,000, 5,000, and 8,000, eventually settling at VND 10,000, which has remained unchanged for years. “I’ve been selling it for VND 10,000 for years now. Many people ask me why I don’t raise the price when ingredient costs go up, but to be honest, when I see these kids, I just can’t bring myself to do it,” Co Hiep confides.

For just VND 10,000, you get a generous serving of tau hu, complete with ginger syrup, coconut milk, and tapioca pearls. When served, the dessert is presented in a ceramic bowl placed inside a metal bowl to keep it warm. Despite the constant crowd, Co Hiep always takes the time to inquire about her customers’ preferences and serve them attentively.

Affordable prices for years

A Legacy of Delicious Tau Hu Passed Down Through Three Generations

Co Hiep inherited the art of making tau hu from her mother and grandmother, continuing the tradition since she was 26 years old. While tau hu may seem simple, it is a laborious and time-consuming process.

The craft of making tau hu demands precision and attention to detail, especially during the soybean grinding stage. Co Hiep typically soaks the soybeans from 9:00 PM, wakes up at 2:00 AM to grind and cook them, and has the final product ready by 6:00 AM, starting sales at 7:00 AM.

To ensure the best quality, Co Hiep selects premium soybeans sourced from her hometown in Quang Ngai. Each day, she uses approximately 20kg of soybeans to make two large pots of tau hu. The coconut milk and ginger syrup are also homemade, and the tapioca pearls are made by her family.

The distinctive feature of Co Hiep’s tau hu is her use of malt syrup, which is more expensive than regular sugar but imparts a delicate sweetness without being overwhelming. This subtle sweetness enhances the overall dining experience.

A legacy of delicious tau hu passed down through three generations

Each bowl of tau hu is carefully crafted by Co Hiep, layering soft tofu with warm malt syrup infused with ginger, topped with creamy coconut milk and chewy tapioca pearls. It’s a comforting and irresistible afternoon treat. Don’t miss out on this delightful dessert at Co Hiep’s tau hu stall in the alley of 284 Le Van Sy Street!

Frequently asked questions

Alleyway Tofu Pudding is a traditional Vietnamese dessert, a type of tofu pudding made with soy milk, sugar, and a secret blend of ingredients. It’s a beloved treat, especially for those who grew up in District 3 of Ho Chi Minh City. You can find this delicious pudding at a small, unassuming stall on a quiet alleyway near the intersection of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Vo Thi Sau streets.

This tofu pudding has a rich history and is a taste of childhood for many. The secret lies in the unique blend of ingredients and the careful preparation by the stall owner, who has been making this dessert for over two decades. It has a silky smooth texture and a perfectly balanced sweet taste, with a hint of nostalgia in every bite.

The best way to enjoy this tofu pudding is to have it fresh. Many patrons like to add a sprinkle of ginger syrup or a dash of ground ginger on top for a subtle spicy kick. It’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed as a quick snack or as a comforting treat after a meal.

The stall is open from early morning until late afternoon, but it’s best to go early as the tofu pudding often sells out before the day is over. It’s a cash-only establishment, so come prepared with Vietnamese Dong. The portion sizes are generous, and the prices are very reasonable, making it a must-try for both locals and visitors alike.