Buddha Chay

I absolutely enjoyed my late lunch at Buddha Chay. The staff were friendly and helpful, the café is beautiful and comfortable. The menu had a wide and wonderful selection and the food was absolutely delicious. A French diner next to me works in the neighborhood and eats there often. He said anything on the menu is delicious. He was right by me.

I read the story behind this restaurant - set up by a famous singer of Vietnam - who stayed single / unmarried for the rest of her life just to bring up 18 adopted orphans. This business is another source of her income. The food quality can be judged by different tongues but I like it a lot. Brought my non-vegan friends and they were all impressed. Maybe the other guests who commented before me was not having luck on that day :)

Well it sure wasn't what I expected. First of all, it's not actually vegan, if I recall. I think there are some instances of dairy and eggs on the menu, so make sure with your waiter or waitress.

Second, it's definitely not a budget place, as it's listed on Happy Cow. Probably about 80k/main.

And third, the food wasn't all that good. I had a jackfruit hotpot. Not a large portion. It was okay, but not very flavorful, and so salty I couldn't taste anything else. Had to pay extra for rice to go with it too. Even the napkins cost money!

I had jackfruit at Ah Di Da Phat, in the neighborhood that night. Twice as good and half the price, for more food. So what are you paying so much for here? Air conditioning, a security guard to open the door for you, and full-color printed spoon protectors. I was not impressed.