I've always wanted to try Annam Noodle Bar but their pioneer branch is located in Eastwood City.  That makes it inconvenient to visit when you're coming from the South side like me.  So, I was so thrilled to be invited to the opening of their second branch at the Newport Mall Resorts World Manila.

Annam Noodle Bar also known as NamNam Noodle Bar in Singapore offers fresh and quality food almost without MSG (95%).


I arrived just in time for the ribbon cutting.

Soon, everyone was allowed to enter.  The diner gives off a casual feel with a mixture of modern and traditional Vietnamese influence.


Beside the bar, they have this section where you can watch as chefs prepare your Banh Mi and buns.

They also sell some food products like noodles and sauces.

Food
Now let's get on with their food offerings...

Small Plates

♥ Banh Bao Buns (250 php)

The Banh Bao Buns is a must try!  The soft and succulent caramelized pork belly perfectly matches the hard boiled egg and scallions.

 

Pomelo Salad (280 php)

To balance the savoriness of the meat dishes and to refresh your palette, the sweet and sour flavors of the Pomelo Salad is an excellent choice.


Hanoi Pho

♥ Pho Australian Beef Steak Slices (340 php)

Of course, ordering some pho is on top of your list when dining at Annam.  The classic Pho Australian Beef Steak Slices is superb! 

♥ Pho Australian Beef Steak Slices & Beef Balls (350 php)

If you like more variety, there's also the Pho Australian Beef Steak Slices & Beef Balls as well as other variants.


Other Noodles

Bun Cha Hanoi (360 php)

 Aside from pho, they also have other noodle dishes such as the Bun Cha Hanoi.  It has 2 kinds of pork and a prawn roll, veggies, noodles and a sweet, tangy and savory sauce.

Fragrant Rice

Crispy Fried Tumeric Chicken (340 php)

The Crispy Fried Tumeric Chicken was an odd twist for me.  What I liked about this meal is the fragrant rice itself.

Twice Cooked Australian Beef Brisket (390 php)

I also failed to appreciate the Twice Cooked Australian Beef Brisket because the beef was a bit tough and dry.

Bahn Mi

♥ Chili- Lemongrass  Chicken, Fried Egg and Pork Floss (250 php)

What I cannot get over at Annam is their Banh Mi.  The Chili- Lemongrass Chicken, Fried Egg and Pork Floss is a huge hit among us.  The texture of the buns is superb.  The chicken is so soft and juicy.  And, I loved that they don't scrimp on liver pate which brings a superb savoy and umami flavor to the sandwich overall.


Viet Desserts

Trio of Crispy Netted Rolls (200 php)

We enjoyed the Trio of Crispy Netted Rolls as a meal ender.  We are used to our local turon filled with banana and jackfruit, but their version has jackfruit, cassava and sweet potato.  I just wished there's more coconut sauce.

Pineapple-Jackfruit Cocktail (200 php)

The Pineapple-Jackfruit Cocktail is another first for me.  I suggest you order this for sharing.  The sweet and citrus flavors is quite comforting.


Beverages

♥ Lychee-Lime Sparkling (180 php)

You can't go wrong with any of their Beverages.  All of them are visually appeal and so delicious too!  I hope to try their coffee on my next visit.  (Yes! Since Annam is now closer to home, I can keep coming back Pho more!

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.