Hai Nam is something of a Ho Chi Minh City institution when it comes to banh cuon, steamed rice-flour crepes stuffed with pork, prawn and mushroom mix and topped with fried shallots beside a mound of finely-shredded fresh lettuce and bean sprouts. Served with a couple of chunky slices of Vietnamese pork sausage and a sweet dipping sauce that can be chili-fied to your taste. Hai Nam is a narrow, fan-cooled, indoor eatery, with all the cooking action taking place at the front door. Pause for a moment on the way in to watch a crepe being steamed, stuffed and plated with amazing speed and dexterity.

Barbara and Vu

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