The family business is everywhere in Vietnam! Easy to see many houses, either on a big street or in a small alley, turning to business premises! It could be either a tiny coffee house or simply breakfast stall, but it's a huge benefit when the owners never worry about the rent!
"Grandma" is the same! It's the name of a simple family restaurant in a big house, located in one of the most prestigious areas in Saigon, district 3! Many rumors about that house, about the people living there. It's probably true because of its very good location, unbelievable huge area (nearly 2000 m2, right in the center of district 3!) and the stories about the ups and downs of that family are always a hot topic among us - curious customers!
Despite the efforts to keep the house, the"Grandma" finally gave up, the family business is closing down, all will be moving out in the next few weeks, as the house was already sold for millions US dollars!
We were there last week, it could be our last dinner at "Grandma" or "Quán Bà Ngoại" (literally means an eatery of Grandma on Mother side!") so we decided to order only the signature dishes. The best from their menu probably is the grilled pork ribs! Tender, very well marinated, juicy, very tasty! Strange that they serve grilled ribs not with rice but sticky rice!
Another signature dish from this simple place is "kho quẹt"! It's a kind of special traditional dip made from our glamorous fish sauce, mixed with sugar, pork rind (tóp mỡ) and a lot of black pepper! It will be braised in the clay pot until the mixture gets the dark brown color and thickened! Very very tasty!
Kho quẹt is originated from the Southern countryside, was considered as a food for the poor but nowadays it's easy to find it in many popular class Viet restaurants in Saigon.
Depends on the recipe, the dried shrimp may be added, the amount of sugar can be adjusted but the pepper should be enough as it's the second most important after the fish sauce!
Pepper flavor, fish sauce flavor is blended in harmony, creating an irresistible sauce that none of us could say NO, when it's served with boiled veggies or esp. with scorched rice (cơm cháy)! Heavenly good!
Bà Ngoại is probably closing down soon, the family won't open it again at the new location, but it seems they try to keep the business by accepting the order & delivery service only, esp. for roasted ribs!
Call them at 08 39304814 to order if you want to try their signature dish! 60.000 VND per stick of ribs! One hour in advance is required!
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