Saffron yellow walls, lacquered wood, paper lanterns…. The beauty of Hôi An (named after a Vietnamese city) is far superior to any of the other Asian restaurants on Avenue d’Ivry. So what’s on the menu? Family cooking prepared by the Truongs, who kept us feeling full the night we went with some very fresh summer rolls filled with chopped beef, carrot, mango and mint, served with a smooth peanut sauce; authentic loc lac, described as one of the “best in the capital,” it lived up to its reputation quite nicely – marinated grilled beef served with a tomatoey rice, julienned green mango, roasted pineapple and a fried egg; before a silky three-color dessert (homemade vermicelli noodles made with water chestnut flour and pandan leaf, red bean jam and condensed coconut milk) like you’d get in Hanoi. And what’s more, the northern specialties are not to be outdone (pho, bun cha…).// M.R.
FEELING THIRSTY? Saigon beer (€4.70 for 330 ml), an irresistible Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk (€4.50), jasmine leaf tea (€3)… And even a red Graves hanging around somewhere (€21.80 a bottle), if you absolutely need wine.
PRICE: Menus €12.90 (weekday lunch), €16.90 and €19.90.
