Dongyuan Chicken Rice／Com Ga Dong Nguyen
Owner Hua Tan Vinh emphasizes traditional values while also developing new business models
Yuji Araashima, the representative of Star Kitchen, which manufactures and sells confectionery and souvenirs for convenience stores, introduces a restaurant that he really wanted to visit and introduce to his family and friends. This issue features a tasting report from his visit to Dongyuan Chicken Rice, a Chinese restaurant in District 7 of Ho Chi Minh City.
Reporter: Araashima Yuya
The founder and CEO of Star Kitchen. In 2013, he started a cooking class business in Vietnam. Currently, he operates a confectionery and souvenir business. In the future, he plans to become a politician and an actor. His motto in life is “living sexy.”
Website: www.starkitchen-vietnam-gift.com
The taste of an established business that celebrates its 80th anniversary
Authentic Chinese cuisine that anyone can enjoy easily
The homemade sauces that can be customized to your preferred taste make choosing them enjoyable and broaden your options for how to prepare them.
Founded in 1945, this restaurant, which was started by the mother’s great-grandmother from Hainan Province in China, has been passing down its delicious recipes for seven generations. Currently, it has a store in the 7th Ward and is known for its commitment to preserving the original flavors while offering nothing other than what the family thinks is delicious to their customers. They are also dedicated to bringing traditional flavors to more people. The cuisine focuses on simple flavors that are made with the ingredients they have. In addition, the chicken is raised for longer periods of time (usually three months), resulting in chicken that is large and elastic, and the feed used is corn. The characteristic feature is that the chicken becomes yellow due to the use of corn. The interior of the restaurant is characterized by a refreshing and clean atmosphere with a blue color scheme. It is equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable environment even on hot days. Moreover, the speed of serving meals is fast, making it popular for individuals who want to finish their meal in a short time. The restaurant is located in a quiet area with many other restaurants and residential areas where many Japanese people live. Therefore, it is considered a location that is easy for local people to use on a daily basis while still providing a strong sense of traditional flavors.
The interior features wood accents here and there, creating a sense of the old-fashioned warmth. The shop name is also written in cursive on the right side.
The store is on the 3rd floor, so even if you visit with a group, you can easily find enough space. We recommend making a reservation if you plan to visit in a large group.
Dongyuan Chicken Rice
Dong Nguyen Boiled Chicken with Rice
100,000 VND
When you change the ingredients halfway through, it’s twice as delicious.
The boiled chicken has a simple flavor characterized by a mild, clear taste. It has a crispy texture and firm bite. When paired with the special onion ginger sauce, the flavor intensifies even further. The chicken broth is also thoroughly absorbed into the rice served on the plate. There are multiple sauces available, adding to the fun of changing the flavors. Once you try it, you won’t be able to forget it.
Crystal Chikuwa Noodles
Crystal Char-siu Dry Noodles
98,000 VND
Sweet Chinese-style pork cutlet for Honoka
When you take a closer look at the char siu, you can see that it is made up of four layers: collagen, moisture, meat, fat, and a special sweet sauce. It is softer than it looks, making it easy for even children to eat. It has a moderate amount of fat, resulting in a luxurious texture that packs a punch of flavor. The balance of sweetness and gravy is perfect, allowing the flavors to fully unfold in your mouth.
Pork neck soup with creton and nasturtium
Pork Shank, Watercress, and Jujube Soup
55,000 VND
A flavor perfect for a leisurely meal
The soup has been simmered for two hours, ensuring that the stock has a rich flavor and all the flavors of the ingredients are fully present. The first taste is rich with savory flavor, while the final taste is enriched with the fruity flavor of persimmon. This authentic dish is perfect for a bite between meals and is also ideal as a side dish to accompany a meal.
Mapo tofu rice
Mapo tofu with rice
80,000 VND
A mellow flavor that suits Japanese people
Despite its thick and rich flavor, it doesn’t disappoint in terms of appearance; you’ll definitely want to add more rice to your plate. The spiciness is a bit spicy, but it’s not too strong, so even people who are not fans of spicy food can enjoy it. When it’s served, it’s served on the table with a loud roaring sound, so you can also enjoy it visually.
Address: 53 Ha Huy Tap, Quan 7, HCMC
Phone: 1800-8383
Open: 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
FB: Com Ga Dong Nguyen
