Cơm Chay – Great Saigon Vegetarian Food

It was the 1st day of the month. It was the 10th day of the month.

(I know, how Dickens!)

Actually, it was really both.

It just depends upon which calendar your god uses to schedule special events. Or at least in which country you are about to have lunch.

Let me explain.

On my iPhone, it seemed to be the 10th day of April. But, in fact, in this Buddhist-oriented, vegetarian neighborhood restaurant, it was, more importantly, the 1st day of the month. The lunar month. Actually, I’m not sure which lunar month it was, but let me get back to you on that.

In any case, being the first day of any month, all good practicing Buddhists, and many others in Vietnam, flood to the local cơm chay (vegetarian) restaurants for a don’t-eat-it-if-it-has-a-face meal.

Hai suggested that we join them this month on the first (actually, the 10th). Di nhien! (of course), I agreed. I love good vegetarian food.

Hai selected Pháp Hoa, a crowded eatery very near Saigon’s Phạm Ngũ Lão backpacker tourist center. Interestingly, the small restaurant was overflowing, but only with locals (including me :-)).

“Point and Eat” works best here

Pushing our way past the yummy-looking food display, I really couldn’t clearly identify any food item. But, it all looked tempting and I wanted to try everything. As I often do, I asked Hai to make our selection. And, as he often does, he readily agreed and ordered an excessive amount.

What was I to do, but try to eat everything he ordered

Let the Vege feast begin!

It’s impossible to fully describe the amazing variety of tangy, sweet, spicy, salty, sharp flavors and chewy, smooth, spongy textures that had been masterfully engineered from various fruits, veges, tofus, roots, spices and seaweeds. But, I’ll let these photos speak for me and add – Go Eat Here, on any day of the month. You won’t be disappointed.