We Americans are simple people. We strongly believe in basic rights for everyone, including the right to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. And the right to drink a glass of water with our food. Unfortunately, this prison camp doesn't follow the same principles. I actually got kicked out... FOR DRINKING WATER.
The conversation went as follows:
Prison Guard: "Uhh... excuse me. Sir. Please don't drink your water bottle in restaurant."
Me: "Okay, in that case I'll take a glass of tap water please."
PG: "You can buy water." *
Me: "No, I'm okay, I'd rather just drink my tap water then."
PG: "No."
Me: "So the only way I could drink anything in here is at $2 for .2 liters of tap water? Even though I just ordered food?"
PG: "Yes."
Me: "Did anyone tell you the war is over?"
*at $2 for a glass container the size of a thimble, probably filled with tap water anyway
Okay, so I didn't actually say the last part, but I was thinking it. I'm going to reminisce about this experience starting every story with "back when I was in 'Nam."
On the plus side, this wasn't that bad because their service was godawful overall. I'd eaten here 3 times before (back when they still allowed water) and each time I'd end up standing up and searching the restaurant for my waiter after 15 minutes of not seeing them. I wasn't trying to be rude, I was just honestly concerned they'd gotten lost or fallen down somewhere. It was like a meal / search party expedition.
But on the actual plus side, their food is delicious. The wonton soup was made with fresh vegetables and broth, the spring rolls are great, the crispy duck with curry sauce is as good as I've had anywhere, and their pho is perfect for the price. So I can't disregard it entirely, it is a great meal directly across from the wombats. I actually liked it better than that Monsieur Vuong place down the street which always has a line wrapped around the block.
Summary: If you want good Vietnamese food and are okay being treated like a POW with your waiters occasionally running off for an hour to go browse reddit, this is the place to go. I myself will wait until the management changes here. This city is FULL of Vietnamese restaurants, there's no reason to put up with this service just because it's 10 feet closer to the hostel.
**If you want good asian food without having to walk far, leave the hostel, turn right, then walk down the street a little - you'll pass a Korean Barbeque restaurant, a Ramen restaurant, and another Vietnamese place all within 2 blocks.** read more