It has become quite obvious for me that it has been a long time since my first time to visit Banawe and tried Kao Chi because I had no idea that it is now replaced by Tra Vinh Australia.

I almost didn't recognize the place because of the total make over.


Tra Vinh feels very clean, spacious and bright.  I was amused by their Asian-conical-hat-shaped lamps.


I first wondered the sign said Tra Vinh Australia... only to find out that one of the partners is the owner of Tra Vinh Australia.  Tra Vinh is actually a name of a province in Vietnam.  

Food
I was fortunate to meet one of the owners Michael who oriented me with some of their dishes.  Michael explained that just like any other cuisine, Vietnamese Cuisine has different versions in each region.  Thus, I was very intrigued as this is my first time to try the interpretation of the Southern region of Vietnam. 

Entrees

♥ Prawn Pomelo Salad (240 php)

For starters, we had the Prawn Pomelo Salad.  This is the most bountiful Prawn Pomelo Salad I have ever encountered.  I could tell by the looks of the huge orange prawns that they are fresh.  Eat this by placing a piece of pawn and some pomelo bits on the crackers.

♥ Fresh Spring Roll Special (180 php)

The Fresh Spring Roll Special with prawn and pork is hands down the best one I've tried.  The key to this dish is its fresh and quality ingredients.  

♥ Combination Beef Noodle Soup (180 php -S / 230 php - Reg / 299 php Lrg.)

Never ever leave this place without trying their Combination Beef Noodle Soup.   You can see the meat partially raw and being cooked by the hot soup.  This gives you a sweet juicy beefy flavor upon indulging yourself with their tender beef slices.  I swear I couldn't help but close my eyes and savor the wonderful sensation.  Winner talaga!

Beverages   
They use authentic Vietnamese coffee beans for their Vietnamese Iced Coffee.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
If you love light tasting food like I do, then you will surely appreciate the wonderful balance of flavors that Tra Vinh Australia has to offer.  Everything for me was perfect!  Although it is distant from my home, I will surely bring the family here on my next visit. 

The family has never tried going out for Banh Mi before so I really insisted on including Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwich Eatery among our Pampanga City food stops.

Parking slot is limited to around three vehicles.  But, you can park along the street.

The interior is simple but it had an interesting appeal to it.

You can sense it is casual but very clean.

On top of each table are these two sauces.

Rolls

♥ Fresh Spring Rolls (120 php)

For starters, we had the Fresh Spring Rolls.  These are really good!  I'm convinced that this is one of the best we've had.  

Bahn Mi Saigon

♥ BBQ Pork (130 php)

The family is generally not a fan of submarine sandwiches but they really like the BBQ Pork.  The buns were soft and light.  The meat is flavorful enough to bring life to the sandwich.

♥ Chicken (120 php)

We also loved the Chicken.  The key factor is the chicken meat which is so soft and moist.

Specialties

Ca Phe Sua Da (85 php) and Milk Tea (85 php)

We had high expectations for the Ca Phe Sua Da which is the Vietnamese coffee.  But, it turned out to be too sweet for our preference.  We even liked the Milk Tea more which is also sweet.


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
The family still isn't into Banh Mi but Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwich Eatery was a pleasant first experience for us.

One Saturday evening, we were done shopping at Shangri-la Plaza so we were looking for something new to try at the new East Wing.   We admittedly wanted to try Spatzle Euro Market Cafe but due to the long waiting line, we decided to try Zao Vietnamese Bistro almost beside it.



Zao Vietnamese Bistro offers a very ambiance.  It was almost intimidating to those on the budget but upon glancing on the menu, the pricing is actually quite reasonable.


Food

Appetizers

♥ Fresh Rolls (215 php)

We really loved the Fresh Rolls.   One order was not enough!  It is rice wrapper with shrimp, pork, noodles, bean sprouts and greens served with yellow bean hoisin sauce. 

Soups

♥ Seafood Pho (275 php)

The Seafood Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup with shrimp, squid, fish balls and vegetables.  It was abundant in sea flavors.  The noodles also have a nice texture.

♥ Beef Pho (265 php)

The Beef Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup with flank beef steak.  The meat was savory and tender.  The soup is bold in meaty goodness.  Everyone loved this! 


Char-Grilled Noodle Bowls

♥ Zao Bowl (295 php)

My favorite for the night is the Zao Bowl.   I was served a bowl filled with spring rolls, char-grilled pork, chicken and beef chunks, bean sprouts, clear noodles, carrots and lettuce.  I was quite new to the concept so I asked the server on how to eat this.  I was told to pour the clear sweet and tangy sauce on it to enjoy.  I did as told.  I know it looks simple but this was surprisingly good!
 
Vegetables

Stir-Fried Vegetables (225 php)

The Stir-Fried Vegetables in oyster sauce reminded me of its Chinese counterpart.  The blend of flavors and crunchiness of the ingredients made this a great dish.

Water Spinach with Tofu (225 php)

The Water Spinach with Tofu is another new dish for me.  It had tofu with mushrooms, scallions and beans.  Mushroom lovers like me will enjoin this!

Desserts

♥ Espresso Gateau De Crepe (195 php)

The Espresso Gateau De Crepe is the most magical Vietnamese dessert I have ever had!  It is made of  20 layers of paper thin crepe filled with vietnamese coffee infused cream.  Words are not enough to try this so better order this for yourself!

Vietnamese Gourmet Hot Coffee

♥ Asian Cappuccino (125 php)

 The Asian Cappuccino is cappuccino with coconut.  My siblings who I consider are genuine coffee lovers are full of praise over this.

♥ Coconut Latte (135 php)

Like the Asian Cappuccino, the Coconut Latte which is vietnamese coffee milk infused coconut is also as magnificent.

Vietnamese Gourmet Cold Coffee

♥ Vietnamese Iced Coffee (135 php)

 The Vietnamese Iced Coffee is served with a  small metal french drip filter with sweet condense milk on the bottom. 

♥ Vietnamese Iced Coffee (135 php)

This are one of the rare moment when I was swooned by Vietnamese Iced Coffee.  

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We really enjoyed our Zao Vietnamese Bistro dining experience from appetizer to dessert and even their gourmet coffee.  I'm glad there is such an establishment that offers next level Vietnamese Dining experience in terms of service, variety and quality.  The price is very reasonable too.