1 Introducing the famous Phan Dang Luu cake shop in a small alley
Address: No. 116/2/3 Phan Dang Luu Street, Ward 3, Phu Nhuan District.
Opening hours: From 2:00 p.m. every day
Hidden in a small alley on Phan Dang Luu Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Dang Luu Banh Duc restaurant has become a local culinary icon for more than 40 years. Even though it is not located on a main street, the restaurant still attracts many people from all over because of its unique delicious flavor and simplicity in preparation. Not simply a dish, Banh Duc here is also associated with the childhood memories of many Saigon people.
The special thing that makes Phan Dang Luu Banh Duc stand out among countless other restaurants is the way it preserves traditional flavors through each generation. No need for loud advertising or tricks to attract customers, the shop is always crowded, especially during peak hours. This simplicity and familiarity is the reason why Banh Duc here always holds a special place in the hearts of those who enjoy it.
2 Instructions for moving here
Although the shop is located in a small alley, finding Phan Dang Luu cake shop is not too difficult. Below are some ways from the Vietnamtravelio travel guide so you can easily get to this location:
Traveling by motorbike: If traveling from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, you just need to go along Phan Dang Luu street towards Phu Nhuan intersection. The specific address of the shop is 116/2/3 Phan Dang Luu, Ward 3, Phu Nhuan District. From here, you turn into a small alley and walk about 50 meters to see the restaurant. Note, if you go by car, find a parking space outside the alley because the space in the alley is quite narrow.
Travel by public transport: For those who do not want to drive themselves, the bus is the most convenient option. Bus routes passing through Phan Dang Luu street such as routes 3, 55 or 104 all have stops near the restaurant. After getting off the bus, you only need to walk about 5-10 minutes to get there.
3 Enjoy the uniqueness of Banh Duc in Phan Dang Luu alley
3.1 Space of Phan Dang Luu cake shop
One of the unique features that Vietnamtravelio cannot help but mention about Phan Dang Luu cake shop is the extremely simple space, imbued with tradition. The shop has no elaborate signs, just a small corner with a few sets of plastic tables and chairs, but it exudes warmth and closeness. The restaurant space is quite small but always clean and tidy, creating a comfortable feeling for you.
The special thing is that you can sit and enjoy hot Banh Duc while chatting with people around you. The bustling, close atmosphere of the restaurant makes everyone who comes here feel like they have returned to their childhood days. What are you waiting for? Grab your backpack and enjoy it right away!
3.2 Enjoy Banh Duc with a unique flavor in Saigon
Phan Dang Luu Banh Duc is prepared according to a family recipe, retaining its characteristics over many years. The cake is made from rice flour, kneaded carefully to get a soft, supple texture. When eating, the cake is cut into bite-sized pieces, placed in a bowl and covered with a layer of stir-fried minced meat with wood ear mushrooms.
The special highlight lies in the fish sauce. The fish sauce served with Banh Duc here is prepared to taste, neither too salty nor too sweet, helping to balance the flavor of the dish. Each piece of Banh Duc melts in your mouth, blending the fatty taste of the cake, the rich taste of the meat filling and the aromatic taste of fish sauce. Besides, if you want to try other dishes, the restaurant also has side dishes such as papaya salad, spring rolls and cheese yogurt, bringing a more diverse and richer experience.
3.3 The interesting things about banh duc shop owner Phan Dang Luu
Banh Duc restaurant owner Phan Dang Luu is an indispensable part of the culinary experience journey here. Many people shared that they were attracted by the unique service style of the shop owner. Although somewhat cold and rarely smiling, she is very dedicated and thoughtful with each meal.
It is this very unique “chic” that creates an interesting feature that many people will always remember. For some first-time visitors to the restaurant, this style may be a bit surprising, but for those who are familiar with it, it is an indispensable part of the restaurant. Thanks to the owner’s dedication and meticulousness, each portion of Banh Duc is perfectly prepared and ensures the traditional flavor is retained.