Cơm Tấm - Bún bò Huế (Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh)

The cab driver was not familar and we was very helpful in trying to help us find the location. We stumbled upon a stall named Cơm Tấm - Bún Bò Huế along the road and thought that this had to be the shop as there were no other such shops nearby. 

In addition, this shop was like my friend described. No frills, no air conditioners, basic furnishing, only the locals knew of the place and that the staff would not understand English. 

This stall was similar to our Economy Rice (Cai Fan) stalls in Singapore. Where the dishes are cooked in advance and customers order what they want.

Since we had eaten lunch only half an hour ago, we showed the staff what our friend had written for us and indicated using sign language that we were sharing it. 

We ordered the Cơm Tấm Sườn Bì  Chả (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork Chop), Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt Chay (Bitter Gourd stuffed with Minced Meat Soup) and Trứng (Fried Egg). 

We were both most impressed with the Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt Chay (Bitter Gourd stuffed with Minced Meat Soup). The bitter gourd sliced into half was cooked till it was so soft. The minced meat was nicely seasoned and the soup was surprisingly tasty and light. I have not tried this before and would love to have this again! 

Trứng (Fried Egg) topped with spring onions. Ordinary and on the oily end. 

This was the Cơm Tấm Sườn Bì Chả (Broken Rice with Grilled Pork Chop). 

The Sườn Bì Chả (Grilled Pork Chop) was average. The pork was well marinated and tasty, however it was a tad too hard for my liking.

It was only when we got back to our hotel and sent the photo of the shop to my friend, then did we realised that we went to the wrong shop! The right one should be the Com tam Nguyen Van Cu at 165 Nguyễn Văn Cừ. Well at least we managed to try the Canh Khổ Qua Nhồi Thịt Chay (Bitter Gourd stuffed with Minced Meat Soup). =D