SLIDE SHOW: In San Jose, a Taste of Saigon
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Photo by Katie Robbins
Thiên Long draws in large crowds of families with its expansive menu that features dishes from around Vietnam.
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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Photo by Katie Robbins
Thiên Long's bún chà cá lã vá»ng , a traditionally northern dish featuring lightly fried morsels of catfish, topped with copious amounts of dill and sizzling onions.
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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Photo by Katie Robbins
Kim's Sandwiches offers a variety of classic versions of the Vietnamese sandwich on crispy, crusty baguettes as well as various other treats, including custardy desserts, fresh rolls, and pastries.
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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Photo by Katie Robbins
Inside Kim's.
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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Photo by Katie Robbins
A bánh mi from Kim's.
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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Photo by Katie Robbins
Mì quảng ga --tender, moist steamed chicken and yellow egg noodles, served in a tiny pool of broth and topped with peanuts, bean sprouts, hot peppers, mint, and a tangle of tentacle-like banana flower.
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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Photo by Katie Robbins
This Central Vietnamese restaurant goes by two names: Nhà Hà ng PhỠGà Và ng and Bún Bò Huế Dông Ba.
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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Photo by Katie Robbins
The Story Super Market sells a range of East and South East Asian products, from shrimp paste to galanga powder to fresh durian.
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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Photo by Katie Robbins
Dông Ph'u'ong Tofu offers a dazzling array of soy-based dishes.
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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Photo by Katie Robbins
In the center of a larger shopping center at the corner of Story and McLaughlin is the monolithic Grand Century Mall.
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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 Photo by Katie Robbins | Bánh khá»t --these lightly fried rice pancakes are crispy on their bottoms while maintaining a sweet doughy softness in their cupped centers, where a tiny shrimp is placed. |
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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Photo by Katie Robbins
In Grand Century Mall's food court, Thuáºn Phát serves up excellent, bánh bao --mildly sweet, puffy steamed buns stuffed with ground pork, sausage, and egg.
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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 Photo by Katie Robbins | In Grand Century Mall's food court, visit Bánh Khá»t Vung Tau for its signature dish, bánh khá»t . |
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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 Photo by Katie Robbins | O-Mai International Snacks sells delicacies ranging from dried abalone to five-spiced plum to deer jerky. |
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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Photo by Katie Robbins
A branch of local bánh mi chain, Lee's Sandwiches.
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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 Photo by Katie Robbins | Privately funded banners welcome shoppers to "Little Saigon." |
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in
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Photo by Katie Robbins
Near San Jose State, Nhà Tôi offers excellent versions of Northern Vietnamese specialties.
Katie Robbins samples Vietnamese soup, sandwiches, and more in