Food & Receipts

The Alley’s Beef Wrapped in Piper Sarmentosum Leaves, with a Railway View, Attracts Diners Despite High Prices of Up to 80,000 VND per Set.

For every portion priced at 80,000 VND, the beloved 'Na' - a quaint grill bar nestled in the alleys of Hoang Van Thu Street - continues to allure patrons with its delectable grilled beef wrapped in piper sarmentosum leaves.

Administrator

4 July, 2024

Grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves with mo chai fat is a popular dish in Vietnam. A modest restaurant serving this delicacy, aptly named “Bo La Lot Mo Chai Duong Ray – Na,” is nestled in an alley off Hoang Van Thu Street in the Phu Nhuan district. Despite its humble setting and prices averaging 80,000 VND per set meal, this eatery is always bustling with customers. Join us as we explore this hidden gem and uncover what makes it so special.

1. Introducing Bo La Lot Mo Chai Duong Ray – Na, Hoang Van Thu

Grilled Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves with Mo Chai Fat

Restaurant Quality: 4.4/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Train Tracks Alley, 129/12b Hoang Van Thu Street, Ward 8, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening Hours: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Price Range: Around 80,000 VND per set

Phone Number: 0907970453 – 0931579576

Facebook: Bo La Lot Mo Chai Duong Ray (Vietnamese for Grilled Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves with Mo Chai Fat)

Delivery: Available via Grab Food and Gojek

Menu Highlights: Beef wrapped in betel leaves, beef with mo chai fat, beef dipped in vinegar, grilled beef skewers, and “cha dum” (a type of sausage)

Signature Dishes: Beef wrapped in betel leaves with mo chai fat and “cha dum” (approximately 80,000 VND)

Pros: Delicious food, clean and cozy atmosphere, quick and enthusiastic service

Cons: Limited seating capacity

Affectionately known as “Na,” this modest eatery specializes in grilled beef dishes and is tucked away on Hoang Van Thu Street in the Phu Nhuan district.

Bo La Lot Mo Chai Duong Ray – Na exudes a homely vibe and is a favorite among locals. While the dining area is limited in size, with only a few tables available, the establishment is immaculately clean and inviting. Most patrons opt to take their orders to go.

The menu features a variety of beef dishes, including beef wrapped in betel leaves, beef with mo chai fat, beef dipped in vinegar, grilled beef skewers, and “cha dum,” all priced at a reasonable 80,000 VND per serving. It’s important to note that “cha dum” is only available on Saturdays and Sundays.

Their signature dish, grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves with mo chai fat, is a true delight. Prepared with fresh ingredients and marinated to perfection, the beef is grilled over charcoal, resulting in a mouthwatering aroma and tender texture. The combination of juicy beef, creamy mo chai fat, and fragrant betel leaves is simply irresistible, making it a popular choice despite the slightly higher price tag compared to similar establishments.

Bo La Lot Mo Chai Duong Ray – Na, a Cozy Eatery on Hoang Van Thu Street

2. What Sets Bo La Lot Mo Chai Duong Ray – Na, Hoang Van Thu Apart?

Generational Recipes

The recently opened Bo La Lot Mo Chai Duong Ray – Na is owned by Ms. Nam Phuong, aged 65, whose family has a long history in the culinary world. Her parents worked at a well-known beef restaurant in Saigon, established before 1975, on the old Nguyen Minh Chieu Street (now known as Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street in Phu Nhuan).

In 2010, Ms. Phuong decided to carry on her family’s legacy by opening her own beef restaurant, utilizing the recipes passed down from her parents. For nearly 15 years, the restaurant has been a source of income and a way to honor her family’s culinary traditions. Even after relocating from Nguyen Van Troi Street to its current address, the restaurant continues to attract a loyal customer base.

“I’m teaching my children the family trade,” Ms. Phuong added. “I hope that when I’m no longer able to work, they can take over and continue the legacy. It’s important for them to have a skill to fall back on and support themselves.”

Generational Recipes: A Family Legacy

Premium Ingredients, Premium Price

Bo La Lot Mo Chai Duong Ray – Na offers a range of beef dishes, including beef wrapped in betel leaves, beef with mo chai fat, beef dipped in vinegar, grilled beef skewers, and “cha dum,” all priced at 80,000 VND per serving. “Cha dum” is a weekend specialty, available only on Saturdays and Sundays. Additionally, the restaurant offers beef porridge and “kim tien” by pre-order only.

Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by the enticing aroma of grilled beef. Their generous portions include 400-500g of beef wrapped in betel leaves or beef with mo chai fat, along with fresh herbs, pickles, and rice paper for wrapping. You can choose between two dipping sauces: “mam nem” (a fermented shrimp paste) or a sweet and spicy fish sauce.

Premium Ingredients, Premium Price: A Satisfying Indulgence

Cozy Ambiance with a Unique Train Track View

Bo La Lot Mo Chai Duong Ray – Na stands out for its tranquil atmosphere and unique view of the train tracks. The small dining area, located indoors rather than on the sidewalk, creates an intimate and welcoming vibe. The beef grill is strategically placed at the entrance, allowing diners to witness the cooking process and savor the mouthwatering aromas.

This restaurant is the perfect spot to unwind in the late afternoon, enjoying delicious grilled beef while watching the sunset over the train tracks—a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience.

A Cozy Ambiance with a Unique Train Track View

In conclusion, while Bo La Lot Mo Chai Duong Ray – Na may not boast a spacious dining area and its prices are slightly higher than average, it remains a popular choice among locals. Don’t let the modest setting fool you—this restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience. So, why not give it a try and judge for yourself?

Frequently asked questions

The restaurant is called ‘The Alley’. Its unique selling point is its signature dish of beef wrapped in piper sarmentosum leaves, served with a stunning view of the railway tracks.

The prices are considered high, with the beef dish costing up to 80,000 VND per set.

The restaurant has a cozy and rustic ambiance with a unique decor. It features an open kitchen, wooden furniture, and a beautiful garden filled with piper sarmentosum plants.

The restaurant is open daily, from 9 AM to 9 PM.

The Alley is located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam, at 16 Hang Buom Street. It is situated near Hoan Kiem Lake and is easily accessible by taxi or Grab bike.