FoodVietnam

Dining and Local Food Options around Phat Diem Cathedral, Ninh Binh

1. What are the most popular local dishes around Phat Diem Cathedral?

Some of the most popular local dishes around Phat Diem Cathedral include:

1. Banh trang phoi suong: A type of rice paper that is sun-dried on bamboo rods, then grilled to give it a smoky flavor. It can be eaten plain or used as a wrap for various fillings.
2. Nem ran: Deep-fried spring rolls usually stuffed with ground pork, mushrooms, and vegetables.
3. Pho: A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth and served with meat slices, bean sprouts, herbs, and condiments.
4. Banh cuon: Thin steamed rice sheets filled with minced pork and mushrooms, often eaten for breakfast.
5. Com chay: A vegetarian dish consisting of rice cooked in a clay pot with various vegetables and tofu.
6. Banh goi: Fried dumplings filled with minced pork and vegetables.
7. Bun thit nuong: Grilled pork served over vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs and fish sauce-based dressing.

2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available at restaurants near the cathedral?

Yes, most restaurants near the cathedral offer vegetarian or vegan options. Here are a few examples:

– Cafe auszeit: This restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as falafel wraps, lentil soup, and quinoa salad.
– Anatolia Grill: This Turkish restaurant has several vegetarian options on their menu, including grilled vegetable skewers and stuffed eggplant.
– Mas Amor por Favor: A popular Mexican restaurant with many vegetarian and vegan options, from tacos filled with beans and vegetables to chilaquiles topped with avocado and tofu.
– Tianfuziusair Vegetarische Kuche: This Chinese restaurant specializes in vegetarian cuisine and has a wide range of dishes to choose from, including tofu dumplings, vegetable stir-fry, and mock meat dishes.

3. Is there any parking available near the cathedral?
Yes, there are several parking options near the cathedral. Some suggestions include:

– Cathedral Parking: Located right next to the cathedral, this parking garage offers convenient access to the cathedral and surrounding area.
– Parkhaus am Börsenplatz: This parking garage is within a 5-minute walk of the cathedral and offers reasonable rates for both short-term and long-term parking.
– Public street parking: There are also metered street parking spaces available in the surrounding streets. However, these can be limited and may have time restrictions.

3. Is street food safe to eat in this area?


Without knowing the specific location, it is difficult to answer this question definitively. However, generally speaking, street food can be safe to eat if proper precautions are taken. Make sure to choose a vendor whose food looks and smells fresh, and avoid raw or undercooked meats. Also, make sure to only eat food that is cooked in front of you and served hot. If possible, look for vendors with long lines of locals as that can indicate the food is popular and likely safe to eat. It is also recommended to bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands before eating.

4. Are there any specialty dishes that are unique to Ninh Binh?

There are a few specialty dishes in Ninh Binh that are unique to the region, including:

– Com chay: This dish features rice cooked in bamboo tubes, giving it a smoky flavor and unique presentation.
– Chao luon: A type of congee (rice porridge) made with eel, herbs, and spices. This is a popular breakfast dish in Ninh Binh.
– Yen Mac fermented pork roll: A type of sausage made from fermented pork and served with vegetables and herbs.
– Nhech sua kho: A dish of dried pig brain and fried rice crackers, often served as a street food snack.

Overall, the cuisine of Ninh Binh is known for its use of local ingredients such as river fish, shrimp, eel, snails, and various herbs and vegetables grown in the nearby mountains.

5. Are there any restaurants with a nice view of the cathedral?


Yes, there are a couple of restaurants in the area that offer a view of the cathedral. Some popular options include Les Néréides Brasserie, which has a rooftop terrace overlooking the cathedral, La Maison Kammerzell, which boasts a panoramic view from its outdoor dining area, and Au Pont Corbeau, which has a charming courtyard with a view of the cathedral’s spires.

6. Is it common for restaurants to have English menus available?


It depends on the location of the restaurant. In areas that are popular among international tourists or have a large English-speaking population, it is common for restaurants to offer English menus. However, in more remote or traditional areas, English menus may not be available and the staff may not speak English. It is always helpful to do some research before visiting a restaurant to see if they offer English menus or if there are any online reviews that mention language accommodations.

7. Can you recommend any outdoor dining options for a nice evening atmosphere?


1. Rooftop at The Standard, High Line: This trendy rooftop bar and restaurant offers spectacular views of the city along with great food and drinks.

2. The Boathouse in Central Park: Located right on the edge of a beautiful lake in Central Park, this outdoor dining spot offers a relaxing atmosphere and delicious American cuisine.

3. Brooklyn Barge: Situated on a floating barge with stunning waterfront views, this casual restaurant serves up innovative dishes and refreshing cocktails.

4. La Birreria at Eataly: Located on the rooftop of the popular Italian marketplace, this outdoor beer garden offers stunning views of the Flatiron Building and serves delicious pizza and beer.

5. Grand Banks: For a unique dining experience, head to Grand Banks – an oyster bar set on a historic wooden schooner docked on the Hudson River.

6. Loeb Boathouse in Central Park: This iconic restaurant nestled in Central Park offers lakeside dining with a romantic atmosphere and gourmet American cuisine.

7. Haven Rooftop: Located atop the Sanctuary Hotel, this outdoor eatery boasts panoramic views of Midtown Manhattan while serving up Mediterranean-inspired fare.

8. Fornino at Pier 6: Set in Brooklyn Bridge Park, this casual pizzeria offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline along with their wood-fired pizzas.

9. The River Café: Situated right under the Brooklyn Bridge, this upscale restaurant offers unparalleled views of Lower Manhattan and delicious New American cuisine.

10. Lolo’s Seafood Shack: This fun Caribbean-style seafood shack has a vibrant outdoor seating area perfect for enjoying some tropical cocktails and tasty seafood dishes.

8. Which restaurants offer the best seafood dishes in Ninh Binh?


1. Hoang Hai Restaurant
2. Thien Truong Restaurant
3. Vissai Garden Restaurant
4. VN Seafood Restaurant
5. Gia Anh Seafood Restaurant
6. International Buffet – Ninh Binh Legend Hotel
7. Viet Nhat Seafood Restaurant
8. Nem Ninh Hai Seafood – Mon Chay

9. Where can I find authentic Vietnamese Pho in this area?


1. Pho 95 – Located at 6129 FM78, San Antonio, TX, this restaurant serves traditional pho dishes made with high-quality ingredients.

2. Pho Hien Vuong – This family-owned restaurant is located at 9200 Broadway St Ste 103, San Antonio, TX and offers a variety of pho options including rare beef and tripe.

3. Pho Cong Ly – Known for their flavorful broth and generous portion sizes, this restaurant can be found at 300 W Bitters Rd Ste 1908, San Antonio, TX.

4. Pho Viet Huong – Located at 2235 NW Military Hwy #101B, Castle Hills, TX, this restaurant has been satisfying diners with its authentic Vietnamese pho for over two decades.

5. Phoguyen Express – Serving up authentic pho in a casual setting, this restaurant is located at 7914 Culebra Rd #111b, San Antonio, TX.

6. VN Bistro & Bakery – Along with delicious banh mi sandwiches and other Vietnamese dishes, this restaurant also serves up steaming bowls of phno located at 9910 San Pedro Ave Suite #205 Dallas Downs Ii Building style=’mso-bidi-font-style

7. Kimura Ramen & Izakaya – Though they specialize in ramen dishes, Kimura also offers a tasty vegetarian pho option at their location in downtown San Antonio (152 E Pecan St Ste 102).

8. Saigon Express Restaurant & Bakery – This cozy eatery located at 1626 McCullough Ave offers an extensive menu of Vietnamese cuisine including several variations of pho to choose from.

9. The Noodle Tree- Located at 2105 Broadway St Ste H this modern Vietnamese fusion spot serves up both traditional and unique takes on the classic dish.

10. Are there any food markets or night markets near the cathedral to try local dishes and snacks?

Yes, there are several markets located near the cathedral where visitors can try local dishes and snacks. These include the Mercat de la Boqueria, Mercat Santa Caterina, and Mercat de Sant Antoni. These markets offer a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and traditional Catalan dishes for visitors to sample. There are also several street food vendors and tapas bars located around the cathedral where visitors can try local specialties such as pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), patatas bravas (spicy fried potatoes), and churros con chocolate (fried dough sticks with hot chocolate). Additionally, during certain times of the year, there may be night markets set up near the cathedral offering a variety of local foods and drinks.

11. Are there any hidden gem restaurants that only locals know about?

– It’s hard to pinpoint specific restaurants as hidden gems, as it often depends on individual taste. However, exploring different neighborhoods and asking for recommendations from locals is a great way to find lesser-known, but excellent, eateries. Some suggestions could include:

1. Samba Kitchen: This Brazilian restaurant in East Harlem serves up delicious and authentic dishes like feijoada and picanha.

2. Thai Son: This small, family-run Vietnamese restaurant in Chinatown has amazing pho and other noodle dishes.

3. Bunna Cafe: Located in Bushwick, this vegan Ethiopian restaurant offers flavorful and hearty dishes like injera bread and stews.

4. The Commodore: A dive bar in Williamsburg with surprisingly great Southern-style food, including their famous fried chicken sandwich.

5. La Vara: A Spanish tapas spot in Cobble Hill featuring bold flavors and unique ingredients.

Ultimately, the best way to discover hidden gem restaurants is to venture off the beaten path and try out new places recommended by locals or fellow foodies.

12. What is the average price range for meals at restaurants near Phat Diem Cathedral?


The average price range for meals at restaurants near Phat Diem Cathedral is between $5 and $15 per person. However, prices may vary depending on the type of restaurant and the specific dishes ordered. Some restaurants may have higher or lower prices outside of this range. It is recommended to check the menu or ask for prices before ordering to get a better idea of the cost.

14. Is it safe to drink tap water or should I stick to bottled water while eating out?

Generally, it is safe to drink tap water in most developed countries. However, if you are unsure about the quality of tap water in a specific location, it may be wise to stick to bottled water while eating out. It is also important to note that some restaurants may offer filtered or purified tap water as an alternative. Ultimately, the decision to drink tap or bottled water should depend on your personal comfort level and the recommendations of local health authorities.

15. Do any restaurants cater to specific dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or halal options?


Yes, many restaurants cater to specific dietary restrictions such as gluten-free or halal options. It is always a good idea to check with the restaurant beforehand or communicate your dietary needs to the staff when placing an order. Some restaurants may also have dedicated menus or special dishes for these dietary restrictions.

16. What is the best time of day to visit a local restaurant for lunch or dinner?


It depends on personal preference. Generally, lunchtime (around 12pm-2pm) and dinnertime (around 6pm-8pm) are the busiest times at restaurants, so if you prefer a quieter dining experience, it might be better to visit outside of these peak hours. Additionally, some restaurants may have special deals or discounts during certain times of the day, so it’s worth checking with the restaurant beforehand.

17. How far are the nearest grocery stores from Phat Diem Cathedral if I want to buy my own food?


The nearest grocery stores to Phat Diem Cathedral are located in the town of Kim Son, approximately 2 miles away. This would take around 10-15 minutes by car or motorcycle. Alternatively, there may be smaller convenience stores or street vendors selling food closer to the cathedral.

18. Can you suggest any must-try dishes for first-time visitors to Vietnam?


For first-time visitors to Vietnam, here are some must-try dishes:

1. Pho: a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup served with various meats (usually beef or chicken) and fragrant herbs.

2. Banh Mi: a Vietnamese sandwich made with a French-inspired baguette filled with meat, pickled vegetables, and sauces.

3. Cha Ca: grilled fish marinated in turmeric and fish sauce, served with vermicelli noodles and herbs.

4. Bun Cha: grilled pork patties served over rice noodles with a dipping sauce and fresh herbs.

5. Goi Cuon: also known as fresh spring rolls, these are made with rice paper wraps filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and herbs.

6. Com Tam: broken rice served with grilled meat (often pork), pickled vegetables, and a fried egg on top.

7. Banh Xeo: crispy rice crepes filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and mung beans.

8. Ca Kho To: claypot fish cooked in caramel sauce and spices for a sweet and savory flavor.

9. Bun Bo Hue: a spicy beef noodle soup that originated in the city of Hue.

10. Che: a variety of Vietnamese sweet soups made from different ingredients such as beans, tapioca pearls, fruits, coconut milk, among others.

19. Do cafes and coffee shops around the cathedral serve traditional Vietnamese coffee?


Yes, most cafes and coffee shops in Vietnam will serve traditional Vietnamese coffee, which is typically prepared using a small metal filter that sits atop a cup and slowly drips hot water through finely ground coffee beans. Some popular places to try this type of coffee around the cathedral include Cong Caphe, Trung Nguyen Legend Cafe, and Phuc Long Coffee & Tea Express.

20 20) Is it customary to tip at restaurants in Ninh Binh, and if so, how much is appropriate?


Yes, it is customary to tip at restaurants in Ninh Binh, although it is not as common as in western countries. The amount you should tip can vary depending on the service provided. In general, a 5-10% tip for good service is considered appropriate.