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The Ultimate Coconut Braised Pork Delight on Phạm Văn Hai Street

Today, we're taking you on a culinary adventure to sample the delectable coconut-based 'pha lau' (a Vietnamese braised meat dish) offered by the renowned Chef Thu on Pam Van Hai Street, located in the heart of Tan Binh District. What sets this dish apart is its unique opaque white broth, a visually intriguing spectacle that tantalizes the senses.

Administrator

11 July, 2024

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Phá lấu, a well-loved Vietnamese dish, is easily accessible in Saigon. For those wandering the streets of Tan Binh district and feeling a grumble in their stomachs, a stop at ‘s coconut broth phá lấu stall on Pham Van Hai street is a must. The cloudy white broth, a signature of the stall, is a unique sight and a delicious treat, available only for a couple of hours each day.

1 Introducing ‘s Coconut Broth Phá Lấu Stall on Pham Van Hai Street

Introducing ‘s Coconut Broth Phá Lấu Stall on Pham Van Hai Street

Restaurant Quality: 4.8/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: 38/154 Pham Van Hai, Ward 3, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Price Range: 20,000 – 100,000 VND (~$0.85 – $4.28)

Phone Number: 0907556551

Facebook: None

Delivery: Available (Shopee Food)

Menu: Coconut Broth Phá Lấu (the only dish served)

Signature Dish: Coconut Broth Phá Lấu

Pros: Delicious and unique phá lấu, friendly owner, reasonable prices.

Cons: None noted

Tucked away in a small alley on Pham Van Hai Street, Co Thuc’s Phá Lấu stall has long been a familiar destination for Saigon street food enthusiasts. Famous for its distinctive flavor and unique cooking method, Co Thuc’s Phá Lấu has captivated diners from two generations, maintaining its simplicity on an old wooden pushcart – an unmistakable “brand signature.”

The first difference that sets Co Thuc’s Phá Lấu apart is its broth. Instead of the usual eye-catching reddish-orange color, the broth here boasts a natural cloudy white color derived from coconut milk, with a subtly fragrant and creamy aroma that’s hard to resist. This secret lies in the meticulous handling of the ingredients, ensuring cleanliness and completely eliminating the pungent odor typically associated with offal. As a result, diners can fully appreciate the delicate sweetness of the broth, blended with the rich, chewy, and crunchy texture of the pork offal.

With prices starting at just 20,000 VND per bowl, Co Thuc’s Phá Lấu offers a humble yet impressive culinary experience. Despite having only two tables and a few plastic chairs, the stall is always bustling with customers, sometimes even leaving some standing while they eat.

Co Thuc’s Phá Lấu Stall – A Familiar Destination for Saigon Street Food Enthusiasts

2 What Makes Co Thuc’s Coconut Broth Phá Lấu on Pham Van Hai Street So Enticing?

The Signature Cloudy White Broth

Co Nguyen Thi Doan Thuc’s phá lấu stall boasts a unique “colorless” flavor that’s hard to come by in the heart of Saigon. Inheriting her family’s secret recipe, Co Thuc has preserved the traditional way of cooking phá lấu, offering diners a taste of home.

Unlike the typical dark-colored phá lấu, Co Thuc’s version stands out with its elegant cloudy white color derived from fresh coconut milk. While simple in appearance, this dish captivates diners with its sweet and harmonious flavors. The broth is cooked from pure fresh coconut milk, blending perfectly with the richness of pork offal, the crunchy texture of sugarcane leaves, and the tangy taste of star fruit, creating a unique culinary symphony.

The key to this “colorless” phá lấu lies in the careful selection and preparation of ingredients. Co Thuc prioritizes using fresh ingredients daily, ensuring food safety and hygiene. Her secret of using cinnamon leaves to eliminate the pungent odor of the offal also contributes to the dish’s distinctive flavor.

The phá lấu here is typically enjoyed with hot steamed rice or French bread, depending on your preference. The stall also offers a specially crafted tangy tamarind dipping sauce to balance the flavors and enhance the dish’s heartiness.

The Signature Cloudy White Broth

Sold Out Within 2 Hours of Opening

The uniqueness of the flavors and the attention to detail in preparation have created a special appeal for Co Thuc’s phá lấu stall. Each day, within about 2 hours of opening, the entire pot of phá lấu is devoured by eager customers.

“I get up at 4 am to source the best ingredients and start cooking. Depending on the age of the cow, the cooking time varies; older cows take several hours, while younger ones are ready in about 45 minutes,” Co Thuc shared. “In the past, the price was just a few hundred VND, but it has increased over time. Selling phá lấu is not just a livelihood for me; it’s a passion and a way to preserve my family’s traditional flavors. Honestly, some people love it, while others don’t—I can’t please everyone. Taste is subjective. I focus on doing what I do best and letting the food speak for itself,” she added.

Sold Out Within 2 Hours of Opening

Co Thuc’s “colorless” phá lấu is a testament to the preservation of traditional flavors in the heart of modern Saigon. It not only offers a unique culinary experience but also serves as a bond that connects generations of families. Join us on this tasty journey!

Frequently asked questions

The restaurant’s name is ‘Quán Nhậu Xóm Wegner’ and it is located on Phạm Văn Hải Street, in the Thủ Đức District of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Their signature dish is a coconut-braised pork dish, a delicious and flavorful Vietnamese culinary delight. The pork is slow-cooked in a rich coconut sauce, resulting in tender, juicy meat.

Key ingredients include pork belly or pork shoulder, coconut water and flesh, fish sauce, shallots, garlic, chili, and a variety of spices and herbs like lemongrass and basil.

The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It is described as a ‘hidden gem’ with a simple and unassuming exterior, but a warm and friendly interior. The setting is perfect for a casual meal with friends or family, offering a true taste of Vietnamese hospitality.

The article suggests ordering the signature coconut-braised pork dish with a side of morning glory and rice. It also recommends trying their homemade fish sauce, which is said to be of the highest quality. Additionally, the restaurant offers a variety of other delicious dishes, so diners are encouraged to explore the menu and discover new favorites.