PAMA Stew & Brew — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

When I moved to Làng Báo Chí, Thảo Điền, my landlord introduced me to a small, unassuming place called “Bò Kho Ông Bà Già”, located just two minutes away at 70 Trúc Đường. She ordered it via Grab the first time—I didn’t think much of it then. But one afternoon, as I wandered in search of a meal, the name resurfaced in my mind. I decided to stop by.

The eatery is modest—only seven tables—but consistently packed with a diverse clientele: Vietnamese locals, Korean families, and Western expats. The space is simple, undecorated, yet clean, cozy, and inviting. A self-serve condiment bar provides herbs, fresh chili, and dipping sauces—inviting diners to customize their experience.

Though the restaurant is officially open from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, it often sells out well before closing, sometimes as early as 1:00 or 2:00 PM. Arriving at peak lunch hours without a reservation might mean waiting up to an hour for a table. The aroma of simmering spices fills the air from several houses away—an irresistible draw.

Service is a bit slow, especially considering the food is already prepared. Expect to wait 15–20 minutes from placing your order to being served. But the wait is, in my experience, worth it. The flavor? Robust, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying. My only critique lies in the portion size, which feels modest — especially for Vietnamese standards. At 90,000 VND, it’s priced higher than the typical 40–45k you’d expect for "bò kho", so I had hoped for a more filling bowl. Honestly, I could have eaten two. That said, the quality is clear, and the owner is exceptionally attentive, speaks excellent English, and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

If you're looking to reconnect with authentic Saigon flavors, or simply want to understand what makes "bò kho" so unforgettable, this little spot in Thảo Điền is well...

I noticed this store when getting lost in district 2 (mainly because of the name of the store).

The first time I came here was a rainy day, for me, the atmosphere of this store really warmed me up that day, made me feel cozy and comfortable immediately.

For this first time, I tried the traditional Bò kho (beef stew) with hand-cut noodles. To be honest, I love the taste of the dish that day, it had the same vibe with the home-made beef stew, which is usually cooked by my mom and my aunties.

For the second time, I tried the special PaMa beef stew, with dried hand-cut noodles mixing with special sauce and separate beef stew bowl. I never try dried beef stew before, so I really impressed by the taste and how soft the beef was.

One notice: both the traditional and special version are spicy. Be sure to ask the store’s ladies about the spicy level.

The ladies in store were nice and friendly. They explained to me when the carrot was still in processing and whether I want to wait for it or not. (Not sure that these ladies are sisters or not but they really look alike)

The food was fast prepared (or maybe I came in the early morning). They also have a hand-written board about waiting time with each type of dish.

One last thing, the drinks menu was also good. I tried the latte for both times. They were good.

The price is a bit high for beef stew but considering the location and neighborhood, I think it is acceptable.

Next time I will try the...

I still remember meeting the owner, Quyên, her name sounds like Queen, but what really lingers with me is not just the name, it’s her passion. She radiates a genuine love for her craft, making sure every guest leaves not only full but also deeply satisfied. That spirit alone sets the tone for the entire dining experience.

Her bò kho (Vietnamese beef stew) is far from ordinary. She insists on using beef from young cows, supporting Vietnamese agriculture while keeping the flavors true to their roots. You can taste the care in every bite. The beef is stewed to that perfect point: not rushed, not overdone, just tender enough to hold together while letting the rich, aromatic spices seep all the way through.

Pair it with their hand-cut noodles and you’ll find harmony in every slurp, the silky strands soaking up the broth like they were made for each other. And then, there’s the lava egg (流心蛋) with its golden center spilling into the stew, elevating each mouthful with a richness that lingers on the palate.

For the price I paid, it honestly feels like I underpaid for the sheer love and dedication that Quyên pours into her cooking. This isn’t just food, it’s a bowl of comfort, passion, and pride in local ingredients. A rare gem that deserves every bit of...