April 2004
Vietnamese Please
Three of Munich's best from Southeast Asia
VINH'S
Leonrodstrasse 27
Tel. (089) 123 89 25
Open Tues.–Fri. 11:30 am–2:30 pm
and 5:30 pm–11:30 pm;
Sat.–Sun. 5:30 pm–11:30 pm
“Never judge a book by its cover,” goes the adage, and if ever that advice should be heeded, it is at the moment that you approach Vinh’s. This small Vietnamese restaurant may be housed in a gray concrete eyesore of a building just off the Mittlerer Ring near Rotkreuzplatz, but these less appealing elements are forgotten the moment you step through the door. The clean, bright interior is tastefully decorated in subtle tones and the honey-hued wooden banquet along one wall adds a comforting glow to the dining room. Tables are set with traditional blue and white ceramic bowls and plates, and long bamboo holders cradle carved wooden chopsticks. Within moments, a menu is delivered to your table. The selection is extensive but, thanks to the detailed descriptions of each dish, not in the least intimidating to those unfamiliar with this Asian cuisine. Additionally, the wait staff will answer questions about the food, albeit sometimes with a rather brisk efficiency. Start with the plump, crispy spring rolls (€ 3.50), fingerfood that you wrap in the accompanying lettuce leaves and dip into a sweet spicy sauce. Sui Mai (€ 4), steamed dumplings filled with meat, vegetables and shrimp, is another popular appetizer. Rice and noodles figure prominently in Vietnamese cooking and are well represented on Vinh’s menu; a long list of house specialties completes the mouth-watering selection. And fresh herbs, such as coriander, basil and mint, have a starring role at Vinh’s; dishes like tofu or beef wrapped in crisp translucent greens and garnished with a tangled heap of herbs (€ 10/11.50) should not be missed. Desserts consist primarily of fruit dishes, such as luscious fried banana and fried pineapple (€ 2–3.50), rounding off one’s evening at Vinh’s.
Food **** Service *** Atmosphere ***
HA LONG
Goethestrasse 68
Tel. (089) 530 93 21
Open Mon.–Fri. 11:30 am–3 pm
and 5:30 pm–midnight;
Sat.–Sun. 5:30 pm–midnight
Ha Long, a comfortable, subterranean restaurant near Goetheplatz, cooks up a fine, consistently good selection of Vietnamese dishes. Some top choices from the menu include crisp, whole trout in a pungent ginger sauce (€ 14), grilled beef with peanuts and rice noodles (€ 15.50) and, occasionally appearing as a special item, lobster with garlic, shallot, lemongrass and coriander (€ 17.80). If you are looking to add a little spice to your life consider ordering the piquant beef with vegetables (€ 12.30) or the fiery tofu and mixed vegetable curry (€ 11.30)—but be warned: these dishes are hot. At the other end of the heat spectrum are the egg noodles with tofu, chicken or beef (€ 12.30). The velvety richness of egg and the refreshing crunch of bean sprouts create a satisfying combination despite an overwhelming amount of nearly raw onions. Unlike their Western counterparts, many Asian cuisines give little thought to dessert, so it’s hardly surprising to find just a handful of sweets on the menu. Ha Long dresses up the standard fried banana in vanilla ice cream, crushed peanuts and flaming rum (€ 5); for something more unique try the bananas stewed in coconut milk (€ 4.50).
Food *** Service ** Atmosphere **
TO KHANH
Belgradstrasse 71
(corner of Belgrad and
Karl-Theodor-Strasse)
Tel. (089) 32 66 76 04
Open daily 11:30 am–2:30 pm and
5:30 pm–11:30 pm;
Sat. 5:30 pm–11:30 pm
Munich’s latest Vietnamese restaurant To Khanh, which opened in December 2003, is perhaps not in a premier location, but for aficionados of Asian food, worth searching out. Daily lunch specials include a choice of soup or rather standard, fried spring rolls with chili sauce and a drink (€ 4.90–€ 7). For lunch, try either the M6 chicken with lemongrass, onions and peppers in a spicy sauce or the M9 chicken with vegetables in a hot curry with coconut milk (both € 6). The “Big Soups” bring big smiles, especially number 141, the Bo Kho, a steaming rice noodle soup with simmered sliced beef, bean sprouts and fresh herbs and lemon juice (€ 10). Number 91, crispy tuna with sweet chili sauce (€ 11), is Mrs. To’s (the owner’s) current favorite, so fish fans take note! Curry lovers should try number 80, chicken with curry, lemongrass and coconut milk and the unusual addition of garlic and potatoes (€ 10). The kitchen caters to individual tastes so if you don’t find what you’re looking for or you wish to have a certain ingredient or sauce, just ask. All menu items are available as take-away dishes and priced 10 percent less. If you plan your visit on a weekend be sure to check out the more traditional Vietnamese specials that aren’t offered during the week!
Food *** Service *** Atmosphere **
