Vietnamese beverages are some of the world's most interesting thirst quenchers. Not everyone will want to slurp down pureed mung bean with tapioca and coconut milk, or quaff a liquid blend of dried longan, seaweed and red plum. But the fresh lemonade is a sure-fire crowd pleaser. And the hot, filtered French coffee, dripped tableside over sweetened condensed milk, delivers a mind-altering, caffeine-sugar high so intense it could drive illegal drugs off the market.
On the one hand, Khai Hoan is nothing more than a cheap, reliable, storefront ethnic restaurant. On the other hand, cheap, reliable, storefront ethnic restaurants help make life in the Valley worth living.
Jade Palace:
Paper-wrapped chicken
$4.25
Singapore rice noodles
7.50
Steak Kew
11.95
Seafood in a Love Nest
11.95
Khai Hoan:
Banh uot thit nuong (#29)
$3.50
Com tam bi cha bo nuong (#63)
3.95
Lemongrass chicken (#75)
4.95
Coffee and condensed milk
1.50
