Home Food & Receipts Unveiling Ho Chi Minh City’s Only Michelin-Selected Sticky Rice Stall

Food & Receipts

Unveiling Ho Chi Minh City’s Only Michelin-Selected Sticky Rice Stall

15 September, 2024

When it comes to Ho Chi Minh City, towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and a bustling pace of life often come to mind. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, there still exist humble eateries that preserve long-standing traditional flavors. For food enthusiasts, one unmissable destination is Xoi Ga Number One – the only rice dish venue in the city to be recognized by the prestigious Michelin guide, earning a spot in the Michelin Selected list.

1 Introducing Xoi Ga Number One – Nguyen Trung Truc

Introducing Xoi Ga Number One – a humble eatery on Nguyen Trung Truc Street

Restaurant Quality: 4.2/5 ( Rated by Google)

Address: 15 Nguyen Trung Truc, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Price Range: 20,000 – 40,000 VND (~ $0.85 – $1.70)

Opening Hours: 06:30 – 20:30 daily (usually crowded at 11:00)

Phone Number: 0908265767

Facebook: Xoi Ga Number One

Delivery: Available (Shopee Food)

Menu: Chicken rice, corn rice, fried rice with chicken gizzards and quail eggs, rice with chicken and quail eggs, rice with chicken sausage, gac fruit rice, etc.

Signature Dish: Fried rice with chicken gizzards and quail eggs

Pros: Long-standing restaurant, quick service, flavorful and delicious food

Cons: Staff attitude could use improvement at times

Xoi Ga Number One retains a simple and unassuming exterior on Nguyen Trung Truc Street, District 1

Located on Nguyen Trung Truc Street in District 1, Xoi Ga Number One exudes a humble and rustic charm amidst the glitz and glamour of Saigon. Despite being over 20 years old, the restaurant has preserved its traditional flavors and maintained its unique rice cooking techniques, passed down through three generations.

The owner, Ms. Le Thi Thinh, is a woman with a gentle smile and a strong passion for cooking. According to Ms. Thinh, the secret to the distinct flavor of Xoi Ga Number One lies in the careful selection of ingredients, especially the rice and chicken. The rice is sourced from renowned rural areas, ensuring its aromatic softness, while the chicken is always fresh and prepared using a secret family recipe.

What impresses diners the most about Xoi Ga Number One is the affordable pricing considering the quality of the food. For just 20,000 VND (~ $0.85), you can enjoy a delicious portion of corn rice, or splurge on a more filling option like chicken and quail eggs or chicken drumsticks for 40,000 VND (~ $1.70). These dishes offer a tasty and hearty experience that is hard to resist.

Amidst the myriad of rice restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, Xoi Ga Number One stands out as a “hidden gem,” attracting diners with its mouthwatering flavors and reasonable prices. As the only rice dish venue recognized by the Michelin guide in the city, it boasts superior quality and irresistible appeal.

Xoi Ga Number One – A hidden gem that captivates diners with its delicious flavors and affordable prices.

2 What Makes Xoi Ga Number One – Nguyen Trung Truc So Enticing?

Preserving Family Recipes and Maternal Love

Xoi Ga Number One is not only renowned for its delectable cuisine but also for its heartwarming story of maternal love and filial piety. Through the years of hardship, what began as a small rice cart has now become a well-known restaurant, preserving family recipes and the love of a mother for her children.

Ms. Le Thi Thinh’s journey into the rice-selling business started with her mother, Mrs. Do Thi Tinh. After migrating from Northern Vietnam to the South, Mrs. Tinh chose to sell rice to support her four children. The rice cart became synonymous with Ms. Thinh’s childhood, symbolizing the hardships and sacrifices of a devoted mother.

In 1973, after getting married, Ms. Thinh decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps and continue selling rice. Prior to this, she had explored other career paths without much success. Her mother’s words, “Selling rice may not make you rich, but it will provide enough for your daily meals,” inspired her to pursue this traditional trade.

Over time, Ms. Thinh’s rice cart gained popularity. Seeing their mother’s struggles, her children joined forces to help out. With their unity and dedication, the small rice cart evolved into the established and cozy Xoi Ga Number One restaurant it is today.

The name “Number One” not only makes the restaurant memorable and easy to recall but also signifies Ms. Thinh’s aspiration to offer the best-quality rice dishes. Additionally, it serves as a constant reminder of her mother, who remains the number one figure in her and her children’s hearts.

Xoi Ga Number One preserves family recipes and the loving legacy of a mother’s dedication.

The Only Rice Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City’s Michelin Selected List

Xoi Ga Number One has gained fame as the only rice restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City to be included in the Michelin Selected list, attracting a diverse range of diners, especially foreign tourists. This unassuming restaurant in the heart of District 1 offers a unique blend of local flavors and simplicity.

According to Ms. Thinh, the key to cooking delicious rice lies in choosing the right rice grains and mastering the cooking technique. The rice used at Xoi Ga Number One is carefully selected, ensuring each grain is plump, shiny, and of the highest quality. After rinsing the rice, Ms. Thinh soaks it in warm water for about 30 minutes to allow the grains to absorb moisture evenly. The cooking water is simmered with chicken bones, imparting a delicate and savory flavor to the rice. The rice is then cooked over a charcoal stove with a gentle flame, ensuring each grain cooks evenly and retains its softness without becoming mushy.

The secret to the restaurant’s success lies in its delicious flavors.

Xoi Ga Number One boasts a varied menu with numerous rice options, including chicken rice, chicken drumstick rice, chicken gizzard rice, corn rice, mung bean rice, and more. Each variety has its own distinct flavor and allure.

The aspect that leaves the most lasting impression on diners is the exceptional taste of the rice dishes. The rice is soft and fluffy, with each grain cooked to perfection, complemented by the sweetness of the broth and the savory flavors of chicken, gizzards, mung beans, and other ingredients. Every bite is a harmonious blend of flavors, creating an irresistible culinary experience.

Xoi Ga Number One does not offer a spacious dining area; instead, customers usually dine at the small tables on the sidewalk or opt for takeout. Despite the simplicity of the setup, the restaurant exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.

The only rice restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City to be recognized by the Michelin guide.

Xoi Ga Number One is a must-visit culinary destination for those who appreciate the simplicity of rice dishes and yearn to discover the hidden gems of Saigon’s vibrant food scene. Pay them a visit and embark on a flavorful journey!

Frequently asked questions

Com Ni is a street food stall located in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 10, Vietnam. It is the only street food vendor in the city to be selected by the Michelin Guide in 2022 for its signature sticky rice dish.

Street food culture is vibrant in Ho Chi Minh City, with a variety of options available. Running a street food stall comes with challenges such as limited space, intense competition, and the need to maintain food quality and hygiene standards.

Com Ni’s sticky rice is known for its unique flavor and texture. It is made with a special type of rice grown in the Mekong Delta, cooked with a blend of spices, and served with a variety of toppings and sides, including fried shallots, shredded chicken, and a special fish sauce.

In addition to their signature sticky rice, Com Ni offers a range of traditional Vietnamese dishes and drinks, including spring rolls, banana flower salad, Vietnamese coffee, and fresh fruit juices.

The pandemic significantly impacted street food vendors in Ho Chi Minh City, including Com Ni. They adapted by offering delivery services and adhering to strict hygiene protocols. Com Ni also utilized social media to promote their business and connect with customers online.