B O  N E  P H U O N G  A N H

signature dish: bo ne or bo kho | 37k or 32k vnd // $1.60 or $1.40 usd

There aren’t many Vietnamese foods that remind us of a western breakfast. When someone mentioned Bo Ne and described it as “Vietnamese Steak & Eggs” we were sold. We’d seen Bo Ne listed on a menu outside one of the local spots so we decided to stop and give it a try, 3 months later and we’ve probably eaten here more than any other restaurant in the area.

The owner is a sweet woman named Khi Ma. She’s been living here in Da Nang for 53 years, and runs the shop with her husband, and their adorable friendly kitties. Just pull up a stool at one of her metal tables under an umbrella, or retreat inside away from the sun.

WHAT TO ORDER

Khi Ma has a few options, but we tend to stick to her specialties Bo Ne or Bo Kho.

Bo Ne announces it’s arrival to your table as the thinly sliced sizzling steak and sunny side up egg are served bubbling on a cow shaped stoneware plate. Soak up all the extra juices with the mini baguette, Banh Mi, that comes alongside or stuff it all inside and eat it like a sandwich.

Bo Kho is a Vietnamese beef stew served in a small metal dish with a banh mi on the side. Dig in and you’ll find savory chunks of tender beef, potatoes, carrots and onions with an egg on the bottom all cooked up in the satisfying broth.

There’s no wrong way to eat this dish, get creative. I typically cut the bread lengthwise like a sandwich and stuff the provided lettuce, sliced cucumbers and tomatoes inside. Next I spoon in a chunk of beef, and give the sandwich a dunk before taking a huge bite. A smile will cross your face as you wipe the juices from your thankful chin.

HOW TO GET THERE

“Bo Ne Phuong Anh” is listed in google, so it’s not hard to find. You’ll find her on Hoang Ke Viem at the western end close to the catholic church. It will be on your left side across from Sen Apartment. Look for the metal tables and stools set up under the umbrella. They are open in the morning and usually close by 2PM.

2020 Update: They have a new location! You'll find them around the corner from their old location under the same name 👍

B I C H  B A N H  C A N H

signature dish: banh canh bot loc | 30k - 40k vnd // $1.30 - 1.40 usd

It seems like Vietnam has hundreds of noodle varieties. Just when you think you’ve had them all you discover another one and wonder how it’s taken you this long to try it. We’ve ordered Banh Canh at a few different places in the area, but we’ve never found another one that makes it as good as Bich Banh Canh.

Banh Canh is a thick circular noodle (think very wide spaghetti), with a chewier texture than your standard Bun noodle. This is the kind of restaurant where ordering is hardly necessary. Like many restaurants in Vietnam, they have a specialty dish that they serve to every customer, with slight variations based on personal preference. Just walk in and take your seat.

L A N  A N H  P H O  H A N O I

signature dish: pho ga | 30k vnd //  $1.30 usd

There are literally hundreds of Pho restaurants in Da Nang. Each one is a little different. This place serves Northern style pho with a simply delicious broth and tender wide noodles, topped with green onion. Add your own toppings of chili sauce, pickled garlic, fish sauce, lemon, and basil. 

“ T H E  N O O D L E  L A D Y ”

QUAN PHO HANOI

signature dish: mi quang bo | 30k VND // $1.30 USD

Our first 2 weeks in Da Nang (back in May 2017) were pretty rough, in the culture shock department. If it hadn’t been for,”the Noodle Lady,” I’m not sure we would have stayed the full month, let alone come back. We’d been having a very difficult time finding a local Vietnamese restaurant that felt authentic. We’d eaten at a few places, but none of them were the kind of place we wanted to go back to.

Finally one night while walking Nguyen Van Thoai we were warmly greeted and welcomed by the Noodle Lady. Her noodles changed our lives that night, and after a few more visits we were sold on Da Nang as a whole. That night was a turning point for us, and by the end of our initial month here we were already making plans for our return.

**BONUS**

T A M ‘ S   P U B

signature dish: tam’s famous veggie burger | 80k vnd // $3.50 usd

This one isn’t under $3, but we couldn’t write a post about our favorite local restaurants without including Tam. Lunch at Tam’s is an educational experience. You’ll instantly notice the way the place is decorated meticulously with photographs of Da Nang during the war. There’s a lot to take in in here, so start with the menu and stare at the walls once the tough decisions have been made. If you’re lucky, Tam will join you at your table. Every picture on the wall has its own story and she can make each one come to life, we could sit and listen all day.

WHAT TO ORDER

Tam’s Pub is famous for her magic burgers (amazing vegetarian burgers too), though you can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu. She is very particular about the quality of the meat and ingredients she uses. She sources her meat herself and grows some of her own vegetables in her garden. Be sure to bring your appetite because her portion sizes are large.

HOW TO GET THERE

Tam’s Pub and Surf Shack is located on An Thuong 5.

2020 Update: We were sad to learn that Tam's pub is under new management and Tam is nowhere to be seen. All of the military memorabilia has been removed.