AN NAM (CAUSEWAY BAY)

HK$300 per person

4/F, Lee Garden One, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong TEL: +852 2787 3922

www.annam.com.hk

An Nam is a welcome change from the establishments serving bland banh mi and watered-down pho that we’ve become accustomed to in Hong Kong. With its rather snazzy setting as backdrop, the restaurant offers a solid menu of Vietnamese classics, spanning regional dishes and traditional staples such as bun cha (chargrilled pork); it is remarkably extensive and caters to both fish and meat eaters. A delicate steamed rice flan in Hue style and punchy fresh rice paper rolls filled with soft shell crab and green mango are a tasty opening to the meal. An Nam’s signature king prawns, served underneath a rich base of fish sauce and young coconut juice, are supple and luscious. More satisfaction comes with a Hanoi-style turmeric fish fillet, presented in a sizzling hot pot with roasted peanuts, shrimp paste, dill, lime and spring onion. Accompanied by vermicelli, it is oh-so slurpworthy. Service is unobtrusive but attentive—our water glasses were never empty—and a decent drink menu offers an array of libations to complement the meal.