The flavor of vermicelli noodles at Ganh Ben Thanh market is 40 years old

1 Nearly half a century journey of Ganh noodle shop in Ben Thanh market

Address: 163 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, City. Ho Chi Minh

Opening hours: From 7am to 7pm.

Reference price: about 60,000 VND/bowl, side dishes and cold towels are charged separately.

Note: The restaurant space is quite small, tables and chairs are low but clean, with air conditioning. Motorbike parking fee is 5,000 VND.

From the years of traveling selling vermicelli noodles along the East gate of Ben Thanh market, Ms. Mai Thi Lien, owner of Ganh noodle shop in Ben Thanh market, has witnessed the constant changes of the family-owned restaurant. Starting from just a small vermicelli stall, the restaurant has gone through many stages of transformation: from Phan Boi Chau, an address familiar to many Saigon tourists, to now a spacious space at 163 Le Thanh Ton.

2 Instructions on how to get to enjoy the famous vermicelli noodle dish

According to travel experience, from Notre Dame Cathedral you can move to Ganh noodle shop in Ben Thanh market in the direction of Dong Khoi street, at the intersection with Le Thanh Ton, turn right onto Le Thanh Ton street. Go straight 500 meters and you will see the restaurant on the left.

3 Ganh noodle shop in Ben Thanh market is famous near and far

3.1 The vermicelli noodle shop has “come to life” on the ground

Since moving to a new address at the end of 2021 – early 2022, Ganh noodle shop in Ben Thanh market has taken on a new, more spacious and modern look. The space is spacious, clean, equipped with air conditioning, creating a comfortable feeling for diners even on hot Saigon days. Ms. Lien expressed her joy that even though she changed places, old customers still remember the taste of coming, and new customers still visit often. Furthermore, thanks to the new, more spacious and airy space, the restaurant is always crowded. However, the rental price in the central area of ​​Ho Chi Minh City is quite high, calculated in dollars instead of Vietnamese currency. This partly explains the shop’s high prices.

3.2 Special features that attract customers at Ganh noodle shop in Ben Thanh market

Even though it has been transformed through many stages, the flavor of vermicelli noodles at Ganh Ben Thanh market vermicelli noodle shop still retains its appeal. Each bowl of vermicelli noodles costs about 60,000 VND, does not use meat but has an unforgettable rich quality. Diners can choose to sit on the ground floor or upstairs as they wish, with many comfortably arranged tables and chairs.

Unlike other places, the vermicelli dish here does not add sausage or pork sausage to reduce costs. Ms. Lien affirmed that each ingredient in the bowl of vermicelli is carefully selected by the chef, keeping the recipe passed down from her mother without any changes. That’s probably the reason why customers are still willing to pay higher prices than the average price to enjoy unique flavors that can’t be found anywhere else. Not only does it have a unique flavor, her bowl of vermicelli noodles is also highly appreciated for its quality and cleanliness.

3.3 Continuous engagement and innovation

Few people know that the famous noodle soup dish in Ben Thanh market today is the result of the joint efforts of 6 sisters in Mrs. Mai Thi Lien’s family. As the eldest sister, Mrs. Lien and her siblings preserved and developed the vermicelli noodle recipe passed down from her grandmother. When she was young, she followed her mother to help sell noodles. When she grew up, all six of them worked together and supported each other to maintain the restaurant through many ups and downs.

Confiding about her 45-year journey, Ms. Lien emotionally shared the story of her life’s connection with the family dish since she was 8 years old. She said: “I grew up with my mother’s vermicelli basket, the name ‘bun rieu carry’ is a reminder of the days of traveling around the market selling. Through each stage, from coal stove, gas stove to electric stove, I always strive to bring the best experience to diners.”

The COVID-19 epidemic has left behind great losses, as Ms. Lien lost a younger sibling. Currently, only 5 sisters continue to continue the family business, with the support of their children and grandchildren and a staff of more than a dozen people. She shared that coordination among family members is an important part of helping the shop maintain smooth operations. Each person will be responsible for one step, and have coordinated very well for many years. Even though there are many customers, Ganh noodle soup restaurant in Ben Thanh market still serves quickly, not making anyone wait long.

This noodle shop is also everything that belongs to her family. Bun rieu dish has fed the whole family for many years thanks to the love of many diners. She also plans to continue doing this job until she no longer has the strength to do so.

3.4 The convergence of artists and overseas Vietnamese

The restaurant is not only a stopover for domestic and foreign diners, but also a familiar place for many famous artists and overseas Vietnamese. It is the long-standing association and clean, familiar space that has helped Ganh noodle shop become a special symbol in the Ben Thanh market area. With the combination of tradition and modernity, the restaurant not only “grows up” but also maintains its position in the hearts of diners who love the unique flavor of bun rieu in the heart of Saigon.

In the memory of an overseas Vietnamese diner, this bun rieu restaurant is not only a place to eat but also a part of precious memories. He confided that when he was young, his mother often took him to eat a small vermicelli shop near Ben Thanh market. Later, when he settled in Australia, he stopped by this restaurant every time he returned to Vietnam. Because bun rieu Ganh Ben Thanh market has become a part of childhood memories.

4 Unique, heirloom flavor

The difference of Ben Thanh market vermicelli noodles compared to other restaurants lies in the cooking recipe. Not using snails, crab bricks or pork trotters, the vermicelli bowl here only includes firm crab meat rolls, soft and chewy pieces of blood, hot tofu, tomatoes and small vermicelli noodles. The broth is clear and has a natural yellow color instead of the typical red color of tomatoes.

The accompanying vegetables are also meticulously prepared by the restaurant, including shaved banana ears, bean sprouts, water spinach and coriander, with impressive freshness. Spices are also a highlight of Ganh noodle shop in Ben Thanh market with tamarind juice instead of lemon, with a separate plate of spices including fish sauce, chili and typical tamarind juice. If you come here, Vietnamtravelio recommends that you try side dishes such as crab rolls, tofu, blood, all prepared according to family recipes.

Notably, the restaurant does not serve online, so diners who want to enjoy must visit in person. Especially at lunchtime, there are so many customers that you often have to wait to get a seat.

Noodle shop Ganh Ben Thanh Market not only brings a favorite Saigon specialty dish, but also a story about the persistent journey of preserving heirloom flavors right in the heart of the city. With the perfect blend of stable quality and rustic service style, this place continues to conquer the taste buds of diners near and far. If you are looking for a bold culinary experience, this is definitely a destination not to be missed.