The Travel Chica

Live Simple. Consume Less. Experience More.

Eating My Way Through BA Part 7: My Vietnamese Adventure

By

Traveling in Latin America has made me realize that I have yet to explore many cuisines from around the world.

Even though there are plenty of excellent ethnic restaurants in the US, including my hometown of Columbus, Ohio, it never seemed important to me to explore these different flavors and styles of cooking.

That has all changed for me.

I want to taste everything this world has to offer.

(Well, maybe not everything.  Some of those crazy travel food shows make me squeamish.)

When I was invited to experience Vietnamese cuisine at Green Bamboo in swanky Palermo Hollywood, I jumped at the opportunity.

I have never been to Vietnam nor am I very familiar with the cuisine, so I cannot speak to authenticity, but I can speak to the deliciousness of the food and atmosphere of the restaurant.

Green Bamboo:  The Vibe

They have gone all out with the décor.

Lots of red.  Lots of lanterns and candles.

A low-lit, intimate setting.

The large bar is great for sampling one of their many cocktails or for solo dining.

There are two dining areas, one with cushions on the floor, providing a more casual setting, and a section of regular tables and chairs.

Green Bamboo: The Cuisine

From reading the menu, I learned that the cuisine is all about a balanced mix of 5 flavors:  salty, sweet, bitter, spicy, and acidic.

Sounds good to me.

As I said before, I know very little about this style of food, and I was dining on my own.  The menu is quite large, and many of the dishes are meant to be shared.

What is a solo diner in a foreign restaurant in a foreign country to do?

I asked the chef to prepare me small portions of anything on the menu.

Because of this approach, I cannot tell you what each item is.  If you know Vietnamese food, you can probably guess (go for it in the comments).

Pho Ga (Hanoi Chicken Soup)

This is the one dish I can name because I was told that it is rarely ordered at the restaurant (people favor the curries and the entradas for sharing), but is one of the best, most authentic dishes on the menu.

It came with a fish sauce and other small bowls of other things to add to the soup. It was sort of like I contributed to making it.

Absolutely delicious.

Chocolate Volcano Cake

Yes, I had options of choosing traditional Vietnamese desserts, but when I saw the chocolate volcano cake on the menu, I had to have it.

I HAD to have it.

And I nearly licked the plate.

The Verdict

Great food, great drinks, great vibe, and great service.

I would pick Green Bamboo again for a dinner with friends, sharing lots of dishes in this slightly exotic setting.  I would try a curry next time, and I would order that chocolate lava cake again.  Green Bamboo is located in Palermo Hollywood at Costa Rica 5802.

What do you think about Vietnamese cuisine?  Do you know the names of the dishes I tried?

 

 

Living in or visiting Buenos Aires?

Check out my previous posts in the Eating My Way Through BA series for tips on excellent dining experiences.

Comments

  7. I just Argentina so much and for me, it is my dream holiday together with my husband.. I just think if I can have it next year..
    DynnaLou recently posted..Panic Away Reviews

  10. You really have an awesome experience in Vietnam most especially eating various cuisine that the place offered. The various foods look so great to eat. For sure, those foods are so delicious and delectable to eat. When I traveled to other places, I wouldn’t forget to try eating various cuisine.
    Daniela Foster recently posted..Triactol

Shares