I had just started writing this post when the next morning I heard about the passing of Anthony Bourdain. I had watched all his episodes of “Parts Unknown” and had made a check list of places I wanted to go to after watching certain episodes. The Lunch Lady in one of his episodes about Vietnam. I knew I had to visit this place the next time I went to Vietnam.

This place is located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City at Đa Kao; opens 11am til 3:30 pm every day.

Her specialty is making traditional noodle soups, a different one each day of the week:

Sunday: Hủ tiếu Nam Vang
Monday: Bún Thái
Tuesday: Miến gà, bún mọc, Mì Quảng
Wednesday: Mì gà tiềm, curry, Bún Thịt Nướng
Thursday: Bún mắm
Friday: Bún bò Huế
Saturday: Bánh Canh Cua

I came by with my husband and cousins on a Monday and had Bún Thái (Thai noodle soup). When we got there, we were served eggrolls right away. If you didn’t want the eggrolls, you would have to tell the waitress to take it back. Well, as for me, I almost never turn away food!  The egg rolls were pretty good and I enjoyed the spicy dipping sauce it came with. The noodle soup came out shortly after, with the optional fried shrimp cake (yes, please). The broth was nicely flavored with herbs and a touch of tamarind. For one bowl of noodle soup, the cost is 40,000VNĐ (almost $2).  I’ve heard that prices might change depending if you’re a foreigner or not. So just beware of any upcharge and remember to say no if you do not want all the extra food that comes with the meal.

I happily finished everything and left with a satisfied belly. Due to my constraint on time, I only had Monday to try the Lunch Lady. I will have to come back next time to try the Bun Bo Hue.