OYO 838 Thao Nguyen Hotel & Apartment

This two-storey oasis away from the bustling main strip features al fresco seating in a lush green setting. Scan the QR code to learn more about the menu and Vietnamese food in general. Phố nam is a must-try with noodles in a clear beef bone broth loaded with flavours. Order the thập cẩm version to try all beef cuts. Bánh xèo miền tây is another popular choice with crispy pancakes and a generous filling. Cheerful, friendly front-of-house team.

People flock here for its famous duck porridge. A local duck breed from Cẩm Nam Island, rice, mung beans and coix seeds are slowly simmered in duck broth for a creamy, hearty meal. Poached duck and duck salad are also available.

This stall sells all things duck. Duck porridge is made with rice and mung beans in a duck broth. Poached duck boasts firm, flavourful meat. When tossed with green mango, green banana, fig and herbs, it makes a refreshing salad.

Following its relocation, the restaurant now occupies three floors, offering a more spacious and comfortable setting. The exotic Indian-inspired design adds character, while the kitchen remains true to authentic traditional flavours. An experienced Indian chef helms the kitchen and his extensive menu features iconic dishes from the north to the south of his homeland. Kick off your meal with a refreshing papadam dipped in mint chutney. Then try the saag ghosh, a lamb and spinach curry from Northern India, even better with garlic naan to mop up the creamy sauce.

Rang is the Hindi word for colour and splashes of colour adorn the room, including colourful curries in white, yellow, green and red. The owner-chefs are two brothers, born in India and raised in Australia. They received formal training in Western culinary arts and champion a nouvelle cuisine with international influences. Start with chicken tikka, tailed by dal tadka yellow curry with roti or naan. Rice lovers should try their biryani.

Bánh Xèo 76 has a charcoal grill at the entrance for grilling pork. The menu includes classic Vietnamese dishes such as pancakes, corn rolls and noodles with grilled pork. Made from fresh corn and bursting with flavour, the homemade corn rolls are encased in a thin, crispy golden skin.

This bustling, casual spot is open 24/7 – come for rice dishes during the day and seafood at night. Most of the shellfish is sourced locally and the owner ensures the quality is top-notch. Take your pick from the live fish tank and specify how you want it cooked. The grilled shrimp has impressive smoky aromas and simple seasoning that allows the natural umami to shine through. The appetisers, such as quail eggs and poached peanuts, are perfectly made.