Bánh Canh Cua Út Thảo — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

This restaurant had been on my Ho Chi Minh food list for a while, and we finally got the chance to try it. The highlight for us was definitely the tapioca noodles — soft, chewy, and perfectly complemented by the rich, thick soup base. That part did not disappoint.

However, all four of us agreed that the fish cake was a major letdown. It simply didn’t taste fresh or enjoyable, which was surprising given how popular the place seems to be. On top of that, the prices felt a bit high for what we got.

The service also left much to be desired. Staff weren’t very attentive, and they placed jelly and fish crackers on the table without asking — be aware that you’ll be charged if you eat them, even though they appear complimentary. You can reject it, of you don't want.

We were also looking forward to trying their signature crab dish, but to our surprise, the staff told us there were no crabs available. It’s odd for a restaurant to be out of its best-selling dish.

Overall, an okay experience — worth trying for the noodles, but definitely some room for...

Instagram: iamcynditravel If you're looking for a delicious and refreshing meal in Vietnam, I recommend checking out this Crab Noodle soup restaurant. We ordered three different dishes, all of which featured the restaurant's signature crab soup noodle. The original version was a standout, with a strong and flavorful broth that was both refreshing and satisfying.

The pork hock crab soup noodle, however, was a bit disappointing. The pork hock itself had very little meat and was mostly composed of layers of fat. As a result, we opted not to eat it. On the other hand, the freshwater shrimp version was a standout dish. The prawns were large and cooked to perfection, and their delicate flavor complemented the bold flavors of...

Ordered 2 bowls: The fresh shrimp & the crab claws (regular version)

There were no crab claws at all in my bowl! I didn't even want to take picture of my bowl as it was not what it shown in the menu pic and it costs 159.000dong! My hubby's one at least got a fresh shrimp, which costs 129.000 dong is much better in value!

On top of that,

20% surcharge during New Year (I would say 10% would be acceptable). The surcharge was only advised after you put in your order (nothing on the menu or signage), which personally I don't think it is an acceptable behaviour unless it is advised prior to the order or there's a signage outside. I guess being a tourist, that's how the locals ripe people off!

Not a...