The Lunch Lady (Nguyen Thi Thanh)
Featured in No Reservations — the famous Saigon street vendor who serves a different noodle soup each day
Opening Hours
Why worth it
- Made internationally famous after Anthony Bourdain featured her stall before his 2009 show aired
- Serves a different rotating dish each day of the week rather than a fixed menu
- Tucked down an alley off Hoang Sa street, with an informal courtyard full of scooters, locals and the occasional dog
- Reviews are mixed post-fame — some find it now overpriced and touristy, others say the food still holds up
Payment methods
Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card, Mobile Payment
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Latest Google Reviews
I went there excited because of AB, but i did read the reviews before and was a bit wary. Unfortunately, the longer we stayed there the more dissatisfied we got. The area is very nice and relaxed and the portions were generous. They served us the spring rolls and the drinks which were fine. We had a bun moc as it was Tuesday. There was a lot of chicken meat but the broth had a weird fishy aftertaste. I couldn't finish my bowl. In the end we paid 245 vnd in total (2 drinks, 2 bowls and spring rolls we didn't ask for) for two people and i think we both had way better soups in VN and way cheaper.
The Lunch Lady is 100% worth the hype. I love how the menu changes daily, so every visit feels like a surprise instead of the same old bowl. The broth is rich, bold, and super layered — you can tell it’s been simmered with care, not rushed. My bowl came loaded with ingredients, and everything worked together surprisingly well. It’s hearty, comforting, and slightly spicy in the best way. Add a squeeze of lime, a bit of chili, some fresh greens on the side — game changer. Portions are generous, flavors are big, and it’s the kind of meal that leaves you full and happy. Definitely one of those places where you eat in silence for the first few minutes because it’s just that good. If you’re into Vietnamese food and want something authentic but still exciting, this spot is a must-try. I’d happily come back again and again.
Pretty disappointed with them today. I got the usual sat dish “ banh canh cua” and side they sold me some cha gio, probably 5-6pc small ones. Total damage is 150k. Somehow felt it’s wrongly priced, and there ain’t people eating there today. just see the photos itself. Not going to comment much since it cannot be undone. But I definitely wouldn’t go back again unless I’m with my local friends from now on.
This place is down the street from my friends apartment. Each day they serve a different soup. Came here on Saturday and had the bahn canh. Their tapioca noodles were red and the soup had such a great flavor. It’s the noodle soup of my dreams.
The Lunch Lady serves a rotating daily noodle soup special that comes with Anthony Bourdain's tick of approval. I loved it here from the outdoor setting to the small tables and chairs to the minimal English spoken - I mean what else is there to say other than one special of the day and whether you want it small (half size), medium (regular size) or large (extra meat size)? Serving bánh canh cua only on Saturdays, this rich soup with its thick Udon-like gooey noodles and generous amounts of crab meat tasted as good as it looked. There is so much going on in this bowl that it’s an explosion of both colour and taste and an absolute must eat! But be warned - snacks and sides will be put on your table, it's not free - but at 40,000-60,000 dong for a bowl depending on size, don't overthink that eating a shrimp cake or adding Vietnamese donuts will break the bank!
Reviews from Google