Tucked away at the intersection of Nguyen Trai and Chau Van Liem streets in District 5, Dan Ich restaurant has become a familiar destination for countless diners in Saigon, especially during the Tet holiday season. Boasting a traditional flavor profile that has endured for over 40 years, Dan Ich captivates patrons with its unique preparation methods and delectable dishes, particularly the renowned Hoa-style Cu Lao hot pot. Join us as we explore this culinary gem in the following article!
1 Introduction to Dan Ich Fish Hot Pot Restaurant on Chau Van Liem Street, District 5
Introduction to Dan Ich Fish Hot Pot Restaurant on Chau Van Liem Street, District 5
Restaurant Quality: 4.1/5 (Rated by Google)
Address: 99 Chau Van Liem, Ward 14, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Usually crowded at 7:00 PM)
Price Range: Approximately 90,000 – 500,000 VND
Phone Number: 02838565240
Website: None
Facebook: None
Delivery: Available (Shopee Food)
Menu: Fried rice, fish hot pot, roasted pigeon, tofu ky with shrimp, stir-fried pig brain with sour mustard greens, mushroom stuffed with shrimp, duck feet with sour mustard greens, roasted duck eggs, stir-fried pig kidneys with ginger and scallions, stir-fried cabbage with chicken, onion and shrimp with fermented bean curd,…
Signature Dish: Cu Lao fish hot pot
Pros: Well-known restaurant with a long history, diverse menu, fresh ingredients, and strong flavors typical of Hoa cuisine
Cons: Parking fee is charged, dishes may be a bit oily, and may not suit all palates
Nestled at the intersection of Nguyen Trai and Chau Van Liem streets in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Dan Ich Hot Pot Restaurant has long been a beloved destination for Saigon’s food enthusiasts. The restaurant is renowned for its fish hot pot, a dish that embodies the essence of traditional flavors, captivating diners with its delicate and refined ingredients.
For over four decades, Dan Ich has maintained its status as a “serene corner” in the bustling city of Saigon. Mention this hot pot establishment to locals, and they will undoubtedly express their familiarity, even considering it a favorite gathering spot for family meals and delicious cuisine.
Dan Ich captivates diners with its subtle and hearty Hoa-style fish hot pot
Starting as a modest family-run eatery, Dan Ich gradually made its mark with its subtle and hearty Hoa-style fish hot pot. The restaurant’s reputation spread, attracting diners from all over the city.
To accommodate the growing demand, Dan Ich has expanded to include two additional houses and three floors, creating a spacious and comfortable dining environment for its patrons.
Dan Ich not only entices diners with its delectable hot pot but also with its attentive service and reasonable prices.
Dan Ich captivates diners not only with its delicious hot pot but also with its attentive service and reasonable prices.
2 What Makes Dan Ich Fish Hot Pot Restaurant on Chau Van Liem Street So Enticing?
Indulge in Dan Ich’s “Super-Sized” Hot Pot
When visiting Dan Ich, most patrons opt for the hot pot—the signature dish that has made the restaurant famous. The hot pot is available in three sizes with corresponding price options, and we chose the largest size for our group of four. The hot pot that was presented to us was impressively large and generously topped with an array of ingredients.
The hot pot featured a variety of fresh seafood: large, crunchy shrimp; white squid soaked in ash for a unique texture; and carefully prepared meats, including firm, fresh fish fillets and offal like heart, tripe, and liver, devoid of any unpleasant odors. Additionally, the hot pot was accompanied by an assortment of vegetables: fish head, straw mushrooms, pork rind, steamed buns, sour mustard greens, and napa cabbage, to name a few.
To complete the meal, there were also rice noodles, Fujian-style fresh noodles, edible aster (a type of chrysanthemum), and fried dough sticks for dipping. The broth, simmered from pork bones, had a subtle sweetness without being overly rich.
The restaurant’s attention to detail was evident in the arrangement of ingredients according to their cooking times, with longer-cooking items placed at the bottom and quicker-cooking ones on top. The presence of sour mustard greens and napa cabbage in the broth helped to cleanse the palate.
Diners at Dan Ich typically enjoy the various toppings first, then add noodles or fried dough sticks to the pot, dipping them in a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili sauce to suit their taste preferences.
Indulge in Dan Ich’s “Super-Sized” Hot Pot
A Rare Cu Lao Hot Pot Experience in Saigon
About a year or two ago, Dan Ich Fish Hot Pot sparked a frenzy on social media as young foodies flocked to sample this age-old dish. Images of the abundant hot pot spread like wildfire, leaving viewers salivating.
The unique appeal of Dan Ich’s hot pot lies in its presentation in a Cu Lao pot, a style that has been preserved over the years and involves cooking the hot pot over charcoal, imparting an indescribable flavor. This style of hot pot is typically reserved for special occasions or restaurants with a distinct culinary vision.
A Rare Cu Lao Hot Pot Experience in Saigon
A Timeless Traditional Flavor
The ingredients used in Dan Ich’s hot pot are characteristic of Hoa cuisine, resulting in a distinct flavor profile. A complete assortment of toppings includes shrimp, squid soaked in ash, fish balls, fish stomach, dumplings, fish bladder, and fish cakes, all neatly arranged in the pot before being submerged in a clear broth made from fish bones.
Once everything is in place, the vendor boils the hot pot over a massive charcoal stove and places hot coals in the chimney to maintain the ideal temperature during dining. While some diners may find the broth a bit bland, the restaurant adheres to the traditional cooking method to preserve the pure, delicate flavors of the ingredients.
A Timeless Traditional Flavor
In addition to the hot pot, which comes in three sizes, Dan Ich also offers a variety of other traditional Hoa dishes such as crispy shrimp balls, mushroom stuffed with shrimp, Chinese cabbage stir-fried with oyster sauce, Yangzhou fried rice, and salted fish fried rice, catering to diverse palates.
Dan Ich Fish Hot Pot Restaurant offers a range of traditional Hoa dishes
Dan Ich Fish Hot Pot Restaurant is an ideal destination for those seeking delicious, traditional dishes served in a cozy atmosphere. Come and experience the unique flavors for yourself!
