The Best Restaurants in Tan Dinh, District 1, HCMC

Welcome back, folks!

I've been a bit sick the last couple weeks with a persistent cold, and now a possible ear infection, so I've been a little languid and haven't gotten much writing done. But the time has come to try and finish up my food and cafe overviews of Tan Dinh ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Assorted Steamed Rice Cakes at Bep Hue

Saigon is a city of (as of now) 13 million people, and is, no surprise, a never-ending font of amazing food and restaurants of all kinds. Tan Dinh is a densely populated place and there's a lot of foot traffic, which leads to a pretty excellent variety of neighborhood eateries. 

You've seen my list of awesome cafes in Tan Dinh, drooled over the ward's many excellent vegetarian restaurants, and now it's time to focus on some of my favorite proper non-veg-exclusive restaurants in the ward (although, as usual, many of them offer some vegan options).

Click through for everything from Hue specialties to grilled octopus to Chinese noodles and more...

Bếp Huế

89 Thạch Thị Thanh, Tân Định, Quận 1

Cao Lau Hoi An at Bep Hue

Hen Xao at Bep Hue

First up is perhaps my most visited, because it's literally just feet from my house and is my go-to (Cao Lau Hoi An, naturally) when I can't make up my mind about what I want. Bep Hue serves up excellent central Vietnam specialties, from bun bo Hue to stir-fried baby clams to a warm fig salad (it's awesome) and the aforementioned Cao Lau (which is normally a dish you can only get in Hoi An, because of the special lye water used to make the noodles. No, I don't know how they make these very special noodles in Saigon, either, I only know they satisfy a very specific craving). Everything on the menu is bursting with color, textures, and tastes, and it's all delicious.

Cuc Gach Quan

10 Đặng Tất, Tân Định, Quận 1

Stir Fried Pumpkin Flowers at Cuc Gach Quan

Stir-Fried Pork and Onions at Cuc Gach Quan

Grilled Chicken at Cuc Gach Quan

Lots has been written about Cuc Gach - it's a pretty famous restaurant, popular with locals and tourists alike, and even Obama has eaten here in the past couple years. There's a good reason. If you're looking for a traditional spread of Vietnamese food countryside-style, and you're looking to shell out some cash for a special night or to impress a guest, Cuc Gach Quan is a delightful choice. It's nestled on a quiet side street and tastefully decorated in the time-honored countryside style. The food is uniformly excellent, especially the pork and chicken dishes.

Bạch Tuộc Nướng

478/2A Hai Bà Trưng, Tân Định, Quận 1

Grilled Octopus at Bach Tuoc Nuong

Grilled Scallops at Bach Tuoc Nuong

This place does exactly four dishes, and does them EXQUISITELY - The two best are hands-down the grilled octopus and skewers of grilled scallops, but they also have some squid. The octopus is insanely fresh, and although you might have to wait a bit for it to come out, it's worth the wait. Belly up to a table and prepare to eat the heck out of it all. The grilled scallops are also excellent and come 8 to a skewer. Both dishes are fresh, tender, and flavorful. 

Ngư Ký Mì Gia

371 Hai Bà Trưng, Phường 8, Quận 3

Mi Kho Ga Quay at Ngu Ky Mi Gia

Pork Meatball (Xiu Mai) at Ngu Ky Mi Gia

This understated Chinese noodle shop is ~technically~ in District 3, but it's functionally in the neighborhood and is my favorite local stop for egg noodles. I always get mine dry (broth on the side) and the dishes are top-notch. The xiu mai meatballs are also great, and enormous. While prices are a tad high, it's the cleanest Chinese noodle shop in the area and therefore gets regular visits from me.

Banh Xeo 46A

46A Đinh Công Tráng, Tân Định, Quận 1

Banh Xeo at Banh Xeo 46A

Fried Chicken with Fish Sauce at Banh Xeo 46A

Another place famous among locals and tourists alike, Banh Xeo 46A is a fantastic place to eat your favorite Vietnamese crepes. They also make some mean fish sauce-covered fried chicken wings, if that's your jam. The banh xeo is crispy, hot, and completely stuffed with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and all the rest. Everyone should eat here at least once.

Runners Up...

There are other great options, of course. Here are my recommendations:

• Frog rice porridge at Chao Ech Singapore Tan Dinh, 
• Noodle bowls at Hủ Tíu Nam Vang Thành Đạt
• Bun bo Hue at Quán Mạ Ơi
• Burgers and pub food at The Colour
• Roll-your-own platters at Nhà Hàng Hoàng Ty
• Bo kho at Lúa Mạch

All of these satisfy different cravings and are all great choices depending on what you're looking for. However, I wanted to just focus on a few of my favorites, instead of making a full directory. 

For review, here's a rundown of all my food posts for this ward, for handy reference:

• The best vegan food in Tan Dinh
• The best cafes in Tan Dinh
• The best restaurants in Tan Dinh
• The best street foods in Tan Dinh

As usual, thank you for reading today, and happy eating!

Anything great in the ward that I've overlooked? Please let me know!