1 Kim Thao balut is famous in Thao Dien
– Address: 104 Xuan Thuy, District 2, City. HCM
– Opening hours: 15:00 – 23:00
– Reference price: 12,000 VND/egg
In the heart of Thao Dien, a place famous for luxury restaurants and villa cafes, Kim Thao balut brings a rustic but extremely special flavor, attracting many diners to enjoy. Not simply a popular snack shop, Kim Thao also has more than 12 years of business experience, becoming one of the oldest and most famous addresses selling balut in Saigon.
Kim Thao balut attracts many diners to visit. Photo: Tan Sang Le
Although located in an expensive area like Thao Dien, the restaurant still maintains its simplicity with a spacious and rustic space, with both a yard and sidewalk area, ready to serve up to 100 guests at the same time.
Kim Thao is located in the luxurious space of Thao Dien. Photo: Thuy Nguyen
Kim Thao Balut not only impresses with its space but also with the unique flavor of boiled balut according to a family recipe. Each egg is boiled to perfection, giving it a rich, sweet taste without being dry or chewy.
The flavor of balut here is what attracts diners to visit Kim Thao. Photo: Myle Le
In addition to duck eggs, the menu also has a few familiar snacks such as peanuts and popcorn, simple but enough to satisfy the most demanding diners.
According to travel experience, the ideal time to visit the restaurant is in the evening. However, this is also the time when you may have to wait for about 10 minutes or more because the restaurant is usually very crowded.
Have you tried the feeling of eating balut without having to stand and wait? Photo: aFamily
Currently, the price of a Kim Thao balut is 12,000 VND. Although the price is somewhat higher than the average, the quality and flavor of the eggs will definitely satisfy you right from the first bite.
Guests coming here are especially impressed with the interesting and friendly service. Instead of asking for the number of eggs, the staff only needs to know the number of people in the group, then by default each person will be served 2 eggs. If you want more food, you can absolutely ask for it later.
Each guest is limited to 2 eggs. If you want more, you can order later. Photo: Hoang Viet Travel
It is this simplicity, food quality and unique service style that makes Kim Thao balut an unforgettable destination for diners when visiting the “rich” area of ​​Thao Dien.
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2The history of the birth of the most famous balut restaurant in the West
Kim Thao Balut was opened by Ms. Kim Tinh, a native of Dong Nai, where her family has a long tradition of selecting and processing balut. Inheriting the family secret from her parents, Ms. Tinh decided to follow in the family business by bringing this rustic dish to Thao Dien area.
According to Ms. Tinh, the restaurant’s name is a combination of the words “Kim” in her name and “Thao” in the Thao Dien area, creating the name Balut Kim Thao, which has been with Saigon diners for more than 12 years.
Kim Thao restaurant has been selling balut for more than 12 years. Photo: aFamily
In the first days of opening the restaurant, work did not go as smoothly as she expected. Xuan Thuy Street at that time was still deserted, far from the center, so very few customers knew about the restaurant. Every day, Ms. Tinh only sells a few dozen eggs, so her family also faces many difficulties.
However, not discouraged, she quickly thought of creative ways to attract customers. One of the most unique initiatives is the free passenger pick-up service by car, at a time when technology taxis and motorbike taxis were not yet popular. This has made many curious people come to the shop, creating widespread attention and helping the shop gradually become more famous.
Thanks to the family secret, the flavor of balut here is quite special. Photo: Mytour
Not stopping there, when the number of customers increased and many people expressed interest in learning to drive, Ms. Tinh’s husband began to provide free driving lessons for customers coming to the shop. This is a new and bold step, making Kim Thao balut different, not only because of its unique flavor but also thanks to the unique experiences that the shop brings.
After more than 12 years of development, Kim Thao balut shop has become one of the most famous balut shops in Saigon. Ms. Kim Tinh shared that it is the combination of food quality and special services that has made the restaurant’s name. This is a testament to her family’s creativity, perseverance and constant efforts throughout the business process.
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3 Attractive features of Kim Thao Balut Duck Seed District 2
3.1 Egg quality, 10 eggs are the same as 1
Kim Thao balut is not only famous for its rustic dish but also for its unique characteristics, attracting a large number of diners to enjoy every day. One of the first factors that create appeal is egg quality.
Each egg here is carefully selected, ensuring freshness and uniform size. According to many gourmets, “out of 10 eggs, all 10 eggs will have the gizzard as one”, the eggs are neither too young nor too old, have a naturally sweet taste, and are fatty without being greasy. In particular, Ms. Kim Tinh, the owner of the restaurant, also applies the family secret of boiling eggs, helping the eggs to be just cooked, maintaining their softness, and the delicate, unforgettable flavor.
Kim Thao duck seeds are considered to be 10 eggs of equal quality. Photo: Cafebiz
3.2 Attractive egg flavor
Not only eggs, the way of serving and enjoying at Kim Thao restaurant also brings an interesting experience for you. Guests will be served signature “jackfruit seed” bowls, accompanied by fresh green laksa leaves, fish sauce mixed with chili, and rich salt and pepper lemon. Sipping some water from an egg before eating is always a moment that many people love when the light egg water blends with the aroma of vegetables and spices, creating an unforgettable flavor.
The secret also lies in the bowl of ground salt and pepper combined with the special chili sauce. Photo: Mai Thao
In particular, the dipping sauce at Kim Thao Balut is a secret that cannot be found anywhere else, with ground salt and pepper combined with a special chili sauce made by the restaurant itself. The sour, spicy, and salty flavor of the dipping sauce not only enhances the delicious taste of the eggs but also makes many people remember them forever.
The menu only has duck eggs, roasted peanuts and sugarcane juice, but it has a strange appeal. Photo: Edogawa Conan Edo
3.3 Meticulous in each step
In addition, the restaurant also pays great attention to every small detail to ensure customer satisfaction. Each side dish such as Vietnamese coriander, lemon, and chili is carefully cared for, from selection to presentation, creating a perfect whole.
In particular, when it just opens, the restaurant will immediately become crowded when countless customers come to eat. Even though it only sells simple boiled duck eggs, Kim Thao duck eggs still makes customers come back again and again thanks to the careful care from the food to the service.
It is the consistency in quality and friendly service style, especially the way to create unique flavors that has helped the restaurant become an unmissable destination for many people.
Kim Thao Balut is not only a place to enjoy rustic dishes but also a place to experience the uniqueness and dedication in each egg dish. With uniform quality, family secrets and a simple space in the bustling Thao Dien area, this is a place you cannot miss when you want to explore Saigon cuisine. Please follow Vietnamtravelio Travel Guide to know more destinations to enjoy unique cuisine.
