There are a few excellent restaurants located on the Saigon River but ‘Ngon’ (meaning delicious) Vietnamese Restaurant in Thao Dien Village, would have to be one of those. Diners enter into a beautifully presented tropical garden of palm trees, exotic shrubs and winding pathways which carry them through the large vestibule into the dining area. Traditionally furnished with heavy wooden chairs and tables laid with white table cloths, silver cutlery and crystal glasses it is a sophisticated venue. Surrounding the main room is a verandah arranged for diners who prefer a more intimate setting with square tables able to accommodate two. From there you step into a magical park of water features, lawn and more foliage which stretches all the way down to the river.
Our table was set on a small jetty above the water and we were able to contemplate the passing river traffic and the night sky which was frequently shattered with flashes of lightening. The setting had such a romantic ambience we almost forgot we were there to eat. However, our dedicated and thoroughly professional waiter, Vui, bought us back to reality.
The dinner menu covers three pages and provides a wide selection of Vietnamese delicacies, specialising in fish dishes. For an appetizer we settled on Minced Shrimps grilled on Sugar Cane with fresh herbs (VD80,000) and a Roasted Beef and Papaya Salad (VD160,000). These dishes were attractively presented and deliciously fresh and we savoured each and every mouthful appreciating the traditional Vietnamese aromas and flavours with just the right amount of chilli incorporated into the food.
The wines available by the glass are extremely limited but fortunately there was on offer a good Australian Chardonnay which made for an excellent accompaniment to the steamed Tiger Prawns with coconut which were our choice of main course (VD180,000). The prawns were sweet and succulent although the only coconut apparent was the shell they were hanging over when served.
We did not get as far as desserts being beaten before then but a glance at the menu showed the customary mix of fresh fruit and ice cream with the addition of flambed bananas ( desserts cost between VD45,000 and VD90,000).
An extremely enjoyable meal in a venue secreted away from the world but within 20 minutes of the City.
Ngon Vietnamese Restaurant
Thao Dien Village, 195 Nguyen Van Huong Street,
Thao Dien Ward, District 2
Telephone 08 3744 6457