Restaurants

Khoai Café fits perfectly into Topsfield Parade, a street full of charming shops and chic restaurants. A green interior, plastic foliage and a large mirror wall give this busy place a relaxing atmosphere. The food is fresh and luscious. Canh cai be xanh (choi sum soup with a delicate clear broth containing little pieces of tofu) was a refreshing treat. Goi xoai xanh, shredded unripe mango drenched in a sweet and sour dressing, was just as light; the fruit’s citrous flavour, the aromatic mint and coriander, and the crunchy nuts and fried onions made a harmonious mixture. Our friendly waitress recommended two mouth-watering main dishes. Plump, succulent prawns, still in their shell but bursting open, had been speckled with crushed peanuts and were served with strips of unripe mango and rice vermicelli. Tender hanoi grilled fish (cha ca) arrived still sizzling in a cast-iron dish; it came with the delectable accompaniment of chopped fresh dill. Lovely service, lovely location and most importantly great, fresh food.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008