Stinky crab noodle soup or Gia Lai bamboo crab noodle soup is a unique dish of Gia Lai province that is honestly not easy to enjoy for many people. However, once you’ve tried it, you’ll surely be hooked!
Tucked away in a small alley on D5 Street in Binh Thanh District, “Mam Mam Gia Lai” is a gem for those seeking authentic Gia Lai cuisine, especially the infamous stinky crab noodle soup. Join us as we explore this hidden food spot!
1 Introducing “Mam Mam Gia Lai” Restaurant
Introducing “Mam Mam Gia Lai” Restaurant
Restaurant Quality: 4.1/5 (Rated by Google)
Address: 57/3 D5 Street, Ward 25, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Usually crowded between 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Price Range: 15,000 – 80,000 VND (~US$0.60 – $3.30)
Phone Number: 0985103006
Facebook Page: Mam Mam Gia Lai
Delivery: Available (Shopee Food, Loship)
Menu Highlights: Stinky crab noodle soup, bamboo crab noodle soup, grilled pork noodle soup, fish noodle soup, dry pho, mini savory pancakes, and rice rolls.
Signature Dish: Stinky crab noodle soup (25,000 VND or ~US$1)
Pros: Delicious and flavorful dishes, diverse menu, cozy and nostalgic ambiance.
Cons: Prices are slightly higher, and service could be more professional.
Mam Mam Gia Lai specializes in Gia Lai’s local delicacies.
Mam Mam Gia Lai is located on D5 Street, Ward 25, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. The restaurant specializes in dishes from Gia Lai province, with their star attractions being stinky crab noodle soup, bamboo crab noodle soup, and grilled pork noodle soup. In addition, Mam Mam Gia Lai also offers other Gia Lai specialties such as steamed rice cakes, wet rice paper rolls, and rice noodles.
Many diners who have tried their cuisine claim that the restaurant’s rendition of Gia Lai specialties, especially the stinky crab noodle soup, is authentic and true to its roots. The restaurant has adjusted the flavors to cater to a wider audience, so if you’re curious about this unique dish, give it a try! You might just find your new favorite.
Tucked away in a small alley, the restaurant has a cozy and airy space, offering both dine-in and takeaway options.
The pricing at Mam Mam Gia Lai is quite reasonable, with dishes ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 VND (~US$0.80 – $2.50).
Reasonable pricing at Mam Mam Gia Lai, ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 VND per dish.
2 What Makes “Mam Mam Gia Lai” So Enticing?
Stinky Crab Noodle Soup: A Test of Patience and Palate
Stinky crab noodle soup is not for the faint-hearted or picky eaters.
A bowl of this notorious dish consists of a small portion of noodles, a few slices of bamboo shoots, and a modest amount of broth, topped with fried shallots, pork cracklings, and crispy pork skin.
The distinct black broth is a result of blending crab fish sauce, fried shallots, and roasted peanuts, creating an indescribable and robust flavor.
The crab fish sauce is made by cleaning and grinding freshwater crabs, filtering the juice, and fermenting it overnight. This process results in a pungent aroma that divides opinions—some find it off-putting, while others relish in its intense flavor contribution to the dish.
Stinky crab noodle soup: A test of patience and palate.
Those who are unfamiliar with this dish often try to tone down the aroma by adding lime, chili, and herbs, but the crab fish sauce always prevails. It permeates every strand of noodle and bamboo shoot, engaging both the sense of taste and smell. It’s a dish that you’ll either love or hate, with no in-between.
The crab fish sauce permeates every element of the dish.
A Variety of Alternatives for the Less Adventurous
For those who are not quite ready to take on the stinky crab noodle soup, fear not! Mam Mam Gia Lai offers a range of other Gia Lai specialties with a twist.
Their menu includes dishes such as bamboo crab noodle soup, rice paper rolls, dry pho, mini savory pancakes, and rice noodles, all prepared with a unique Western Highlands flair.
The bamboo crab noodle soup features noodles made from wheat flour, resulting in a chewy and satisfying texture. The mini savory pancakes come with quail eggs and a crispy crust, served with a distinctive fermented fish and pickled chili dip. However, the true star of the menu is their rice paper rolls, which are actually grilled pork rolls with a peanut sauce dip—a delightful surprise!
A variety of alternatives for those who are less adventurous.
If you’re a connoisseur of Gia Lai cuisine, don’t miss out on Mam Mam Gia Lai. It’s sure to offer you a delightful culinary experience.
