By Jenny Hammond (Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2007-05-18 08:59

This fusion, however, was not only apparent in the patrons and the cutlery as some of the dishes were very reminiscent of Yunnan cuisine, something understandable as the southern Chinese province borders Vietnam.

The name "Quan Viet Nam" also references the border location.

In addition, the restaurant added a little sugar to its dishes to satisfy the Shanghainese palate.

"They have to be adapted as even in Vietnam, the food from the north and the south is so different. It is always at the discretion of the chef."

With a troupe of specially-trained waitresses, Li said "it is important that they learn about the food and each dish. This way they know how to serve it and can describe it."

The restaurant prides itself on its signature dish "pho," a spicy broth with beef and noodles. "This is a famous dish in South Vietnam, originating in Ho Chi Min City. You can choose two ingredients in rare steak, cooked flank, beef ball, tendon or tripe, or choose a combination of all," Li said.

Pho can be consumed at any time of the day, something convenient as the restaurant is open from 11am to 3am.

"It is believed by the Vietnamese to be a very healthy dish and is used to cure ailments such as the common cold or fever," Li added.

Traditionally, a cup of freshly-brewed coffee with sweetened condensed milk, either hot or with ice, is served in a portable percolator after a hot bowl of pho. The waitresses are on hand to offer assistance if the iced option is preferred.

With Yunnan, Thai and Sichuan restaurants now prominent on the local dining scene, Quan Viet Nam is another notch on Shanghai's cosmopolitan belt and a welcome addition to the other Asian specialties.

Best of all, it is good value for a new and tasty experience.

Quan Viet Nam Restaurant
Address: 790-1 Dingxi Road
Tel: 021-61169330

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