EDDIE’S NEW YORK DINER 71 Thao Dien Rd, District 2, HCMC www.facebook.com/EddiesSaigon
Diane Squires samples the fare at the newest kid in District 2’s food scene – Eddie’s New York diner. Photos by Jonny Edbrooke.
A who’s who of 50s icons watch over us as we settle into our booth in the latest foodie hangout in District 2. There’s Marilyn, James Dean and Marlon Brando, Louis Armstrong, Lucille Ball and Audrey Hepburn. The US diner feeling hits the moment you walk through the doors of Eddie’s New York Diner. There’s the long counter, the bar stools and the milkshake maker just visible over the top of the counter, but there’s also the ceiling’s rounded edges, a nod to the history of US diners, which started out in discarded train carriages. The menu is an interesting mix of deli and diner fare, with French fries and burgers, (of course) as well as sandwiches, bagels, French toast, eggs, soups and salads. Let’s start with the burgers,
because this is, after all, what you expect in a 1950s style diner. Just one mouthful of the Classic Diner Burger (VND159,000) and I feel like I’ve been transported to Al’s Diner on the set of Happy Days. I’m sure this is what burgers must have tasted like in the 50s – wholesome, healthy, and pure. Not to be outdone by the food the drinks menu is equally impressive, with shakes in a myriad of flavours, including peanut butter and chocolate, cheesecake, and traditional chocolate. We tried the peanut butter and chocolate (VND119,000), because, well, we just couldn’t resist the sound of it. Admittedly we were worried it might be too sweet. It wasn’t, it was a smooth, delicate shake with just a hint of peanut butter. Everything in this diner is
made from scratch, down to the apple sauce, and all produce, apart from the US beef used in the burgers and the Australian steak served on the breakfast menu, is sourced from as close to the restaurant as possible. We expected burgers and milkshakes; this is a diner after all, but there is so much more to Eddie’s menu. The Potato Latkes with homemade apple sauce (VND129,000) are served as an appetizer, but are good enough, and large enough, to order for a main. The Corned Beef Hash Skillet (VND199,000), with minced corned beef, home fried potatoes, peppers and onions and topped with two eggs, was the standout dish. Next we tried the Thinly Shaved Rare Roast Beef (VND199,000), served with
homemade horseradish on the side and on sourdough bread. The sandwich was full of beef and it’s worth lathering the horseradish on – both are delicious. The Matzo Ball Soup (VND79,000), a traditional Jewish dish, which consists of bread dumpling, served in a smooth broth, was an unusual, yet tasty option for those wanting something a little lighter. We rounded off our meal with a delicious freshly-baked cinnamon bun (VND49,000), topped with a sour cream and butter icing that adds a subtle sweetness to the bun. Oh, and they haven’t forgotten the little ones. There’s a kids menu that comes complete with colouring activities and puzzles. Prices start from VND129,000. AsiaLIFE HCMC 37
