TRAVELLIVE MAGAZINE Travellive 03-2016 | Page 16

HANOI A TASTE OF MOC CHAU If you have ever visited Moc Chau plateau (Son La) and been mesmerized by its charming beauty, you'll know that it's hard to forget the unique flavors of the cuisine here. Moc Chau Veal, one of these specialties, is the inspiration of Wink Restaurant. The secret that makes the veal dishes here different from others is the natural sweetness of the Dutch veal blended with exotic local spices and greens such as mac khen extract oil, doi seeds, clausena indica, honey grass, bo khai, and more. More than 40 finely prepared dishes will take you on a journey through various culinary styles from Asian - Western grilled veal, northwest barbecue, and traditional barbecue, to steamed veal, stews, semi-steamed veal with lime, etc. (WINK RESTAURANT - MOC CHAU VEAL *40 Nguyen Sieu, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi *Tel: 04 3266 8610) HCMC BARS PUBS &RESTAURANTS SI RESTAURANT AUTHENTIC AND SCRUMPTIOUS VIETNAMESE DISHES HANOI EXPLORE THE FRENCH CULINARY ART M ichelin-star chef, Alain Dutournier, has chosen La Table du Chef to introduce his haute cuisine for the first time outside of France. Together with the talented Vietnamese resident chef, Nguyen Van Son, the duo represents highest standard of excellence in French cuisine with a touch of Vietnamese flavor. Gastronomes will have a chance to discover an exceptional menu selection with foie gras from Landes, truffles from Perigord, sea salt from Guerande, duck from South Western France, langoustine from France, Sapa honey, and Phu Quoc pepper... just to name a few. With a 70 seat capacity that can be arranged into 5 dining sections, La Table du Chef offers a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city of Hanoi where guests will enjoy exquisite food carefully paired with the most refined selection of wines. (LA TABLE DU CHEF *3rd floor, Press Club Building, 12 Ly Dao Thanh, Hanoi *Hotline: 0904 067 686) HCMC BANH NAM - MODERN VIETNAMESE BREAD The restaurant is named Banh Nam to honor the five basic flavors in Vietnamese culinary culture: sour, spicy, bitter, salty, and sweet. Most ingredients for the sandwiches 16 TRAVELLIVE such as the pork bologna and bacon are homemade. Moreover, what makes Banh Nam's patees special are the traditional spices and herbs no longer used in industrially produced patees. Banh Nam's restaurants are open 24 hours and offers 5 types of Vietnamese sandwiches, 5 kinds of fast food, 5 desserts, and an array of drinks. Diners can enjoy their favorites at any time. For pract ical purposes, all restaurants are small takeaway ones. (BANH NAM *151A Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Ward 17, Binh Thanh Dist., HCMC *Website: www.banhnam.vn) Situated on a quiet road in the bustling city center, Si Restaurant attracts diners with its artistic atmosphere full of pictures, antiques, porcelains, and ceramics. Each item is a story about a different historical period and culture. You can try items from the restaurant's seasonal menu in a stylish and compact interior that will surprise you every time you visit. Every detail from the color of the cups, the vases on tables, and ceiling lamps to the way they select each glass for your meal is done meticulously. Si Restaurant is an ideal place for those who love traditional Vietnamese cuisine fused with contemporary styles. On these sunny days of March, why don't you taste the veggie rolls, farcies along with the prawn stuffed pumpkins and a cup of homemade yogurt? (SI RESTAURANT *7A Ngo Van Nam, Dist. 1, HCMC *Tel: 08 3829 6066 *Website: www. si-restaurant.vn)