The Lunch Lady (Nguyen Thi Thanh) image

The Lunch Lady (Nguyen Thi Thanh)

Restaurant Vietnamese restaurant

😠 SCAM ALERT! Please beware when you do come and try this place. The lunch lady and staff is very friendly but they are very sneaky. They will bring over a bunch of side dishes and set them on you table even if you didn't order it. You'll notice that none of the locals will have these dishes brought t... People often mention soup, good, noodles, rolls, spring, bowl, dishes, side, Bourdain, Lunch,


Address

Lô C1 Chung Cư 1A1B, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Đa Kao, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Contact

+84 933 887 922

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

3.80 (938 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Thursday: 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Friday: (International Women's Day), 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: soup (25) good (21) noodles (17) rolls (15) spring (14) bowl (14) dishes (12) side (11) Bourdain (11) Lunch (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Shirly S. 4 years ago on Google
    SCAM ALERT! Please beware when you do come and try this place. The lunch lady and staff is very friendly but they are very sneaky. They will bring over a bunch of side dishes and set them on you table even if you didn't order it. You'll notice that none of the locals will have these dishes brought to them. They will take their time making your noodles so you will start eating the sides as you wait. That's where the scam takes place. Without knowing, you eat the sides and then they over bill you. We are a party of 3. Right when we sat down we ordered 3 soups( which they charge more than the locals claiming a larger portion for westerners). She brings over 6 spring rolls, 5 summer rolls, and 5 pieces os shrimp pancakes (keep in mind its per piece you consume). Took forever for the noodles to arrive so we ate most of the stuff. When we were done and tried to pay she asked us for 460k and we were startled. The bowl of noodles were 40k each and she claimed that each side dish was 100k each! After much back and forth arguing, a local jumped in and translated why she was charging us for that insane price that's when we pulled out our picture proof! She claimed we had eaten 10 pieces of each dish. We ended up paying 270k for all we ate and she was fine with it. Like I said please beware when you do visit the place. The noodles were good and we enjoyed it until the end. Just not the scam part.
    24 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ange R. 5 years ago on Google
    DO NOT go there. I decided to go without looking at the reviews, to make my own opinion about the place... And I now feel sorry I didn't. It's a SCAM, there's no other word. I knew the minute they put food we didn't order on the table that we would pay a crazy amount of money, but not 150k each!! The spring rolls were dry, the nems and soup were not tasty at all. The seafood is stored outside, in the crazy heat. The lunch lady came to our table, gave us her book and the price, that's it, just assuming we would buy it. Overall, it's a big disappointment and clearly, a rip off.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Diana M. 1 month ago on Google • 317 reviews New
    As a fan of Anthony Bourdain, I had to visit the Lunch Lady. Everyday is a different soup. I had Bun Bo Hue. So good!! If you want to experience eating outside on a hot humid day while sitting on a tiny plastic chair, this spot is for you! You will get the full Vietnam experience. It was busy which is a good sign! Delicious soup. Also got some fried shrimp and coconut to drink. Yummy!

  • 5/5 Adeline R. 1 year ago on Google
    Was here on a Friday trying what I assume is the Bun Bo Hue (beef soup noodles). It’s quite an experience, not just the fact that I’m trying something that if not for Mr Bourdain might have remained solely a local go-to, but it was also a good spot to watch the neighbourhood locals going about their daily activities. Granted, it may not have been the most hygienic, but you do get to see a different side of Vietnam and the reality of life for many of its own. The noodles I had was wonderful. The broth was a complex mix, its sweetness goes down the sides of your tongue into the back of your throat and that savoury taste is carried on top of that. Loved the wonderfully seasoned pork paste slice (I left that for last), beef (brisket, I guess?) was tender enough, beef balls was firmer in bite than the pork slice. The noodles were just nice. I finished every bit of it. The noodles costed me VND60K, maaaybe it was foreigner pricing, either that or she didn’t update her price signage. But really, I honestly didn’t care, as MYR12 to me was a good price for great food. Perhaps the displayed pricing was for the everyday working Viet patronising her store. Anyhow, satisfaction rating 10/10. :D
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tri V. 1 year ago on Google
    Popular places to have lunch in Lunch Lady. Daily open from 10.30am to 3pm (from Monday to Saturday, Sunday off). The menu changes daily such as Bun Thai, Bun Rieu, Curried Chicken, Bun Thit Nuong, Bun Bo Hue, Banh Canh Cua… On Tuesday I have a big bowl of Bun Rieu. The food is fresh and tasty with extremely reasonable price. Quick service with nice and helpful seller… high recommend to try ones!!!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adam B. 5 months ago on Google • 59 reviews
    If you're a fan of Anthony Bourdain like me, you should come here. The lunch lady will happily meet you, take a photo and sign and sell her cookbook to you. The food is also really good and much more diverse than other places. I also went to her Lunch Lady spot in Vancouver, Canada recently where there is a mural of her and Tony. Some of the native reviews I've seen point out that they're overcharging tourists. Well I paid 200k for the Pho, sides, tea and a signed cook book. Which I was pretty happy about, its a business, she's making money where she can. If you only want to pay 50k for a bowl of Pho go to one of the little side streets. Some people have mentioned the attitude, well actually if you approach her or ask one of her workers she will happily meet you. But remember you're in a foreign country and there's not much English here. Like any job I'm sure it's not all smiles all day, maybe she's hoping to retire soon. It's a good spot, you'll likely meet other tourists, the food is good and for us its still pretty damn cheap even if it is 100k-200k for a meal and a drink. Enjoy the ride.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ka Ling (. 1 year ago on Google
    Don’t expect fancy seatings and service here. It is really just a roadside spot you come to get delicious food and go. My husband found this gem from online videos/blogs. I was honestly sceptical when we reached here - all I saw were some roadside tents, with little stalls and ladies cooking in portable stoves. We got two bowls of seafood soup noodles - very generous and served quickly. Apparently different dishes are served on different days. The ladies were friendly and smiling at us, even though they didn’t speak much English. The soup was really umami, like a prawn broth, and I loved the quail eggs and noodles in there. There was also like meat patties, prawns as well. I did see some rats running around in the back cabinets of the drink stall nearby, but the food was delicious enough I ignored the horror.. Definitely unique and I haven’t seen or had this anywhere else in Vietnam. Also very cheap! I think we paid around 30,000-40,000VND per person!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Jonathan N. 1 month ago on Google • 65 reviews New
    I had to visit this place because of the late and great icon - AB. Maybe because it has been a while since the first time AB visited but when I went in Jan 2024, very disappointed. The soup was not hot. The staff gives foreigners/tourists extra dishes without us ordering (springrolls and fritters). He does not give those to locals. We told the person we did not want them. They charge for them as well. I'm glad we (me and my wife) got to see the Lunch Lady stall and finally eat there. However, we will probably not go again. There are a TON of other shops in HCMC that are excellent in both taste and value. Oh well, one check off my bucket list of places to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ruel Del V. 2 months ago on Google • 85 reviews New
    If you are an Anthony Bourdain fan, then it's a must eat place. If you are not, then it's so-so eatery. They offer a different dish every day. When we went there, it was chicken leg soup wity noodles. We were not able to meet the owner. They said she was in Vancouver and was opening a branch there. Now that's what I call "SUCCESS"! PRO TIP : There is a different dish everyday. Google up to know what they are so that you can choose the best day for your visit.

  • 4/5 wai m. 5 years ago on Google
    before you sit down just know the rules, I read a lot of bad comments about the way they do business here, yes they bring food at your table without asking but it's a common thing in Vietnam to me... you only pay for what you eat if you don't want just don't eat it, they won't charge you for that, as simple as that! the food was nice, we payed 200.000 vnd for our food it's roughly 8,5 usd (and still people complain about the price ?) the lunch lady was a bit grumpy but overall it was worth the experience
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lemuel John H. 6 months ago on Google
    The food at this place was undeniably good, though it is quite pricey. I particularly enjoyed the rich flavor of their Bun bo Hue soup. Ordering can be a bit challenging as the staff primarily communicate in Vietnamese and don't speak English. However, both the staff and the Lunch Lady are more than willing to assist you, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to dine here, especially since it was featured by Anthony Bourdain. It's a memory I'll cherish. Additionally, this restaurant is conveniently located near the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens, as well as the History Museum of HCMC, making it an excellent addition to your itinerary. On a side note, it's worth mentioning that they serve a different soup each day.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Justin W. 2 months ago on Google • 16 reviews New
    Saw this featured on Anthony Bourdain's show, had to try it. ⁣ ⁣ The premise is, you show up and you get a bowl of the day, chef's choice using the ingredients she has.⁣ ⁣ The lookout person sees me, gestures to come in and 1 bowl? - Yes please!⁣ ⁣ Broth is slightly sweet, savory and very slightly sour. I wish the broth came out piping hot but still tasty. Orange (Creamsicle colored) noodles, crab or Lobster claw, 1 shrimp (it didn't have that ideal "snappiness" to it) beef slices, 1 quail egg, little brick of tofu, maybe beef ball but in a tube-like form. Also came with these fried, puffy bread which you dunk in the broth. More food kept coming, typical fried spring rolls but also freshly fried shrimp pancakes, nice & crunchy. 140,000 VND = $5.76⁣ Everyone was nice, friendly and helpful.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marvin L. 1 year ago on Google
    The Bun Thai served on Mondays was so good. The fried spring roll on the side was a cherry on the cake. Wonderful combo. I actually prefer this dish over pho anytime. The beef was cooked to medium rare and the prawns were so juicy.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J. T. 1 year ago on Google
    We came here on a Monday (Bun Thai). Absolutely worth the trip. Ignore all the negative reviewers that don't appreciate her cooking. This is real vietnamese street food without the linen service.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Trinh T. 1 year ago on Google
    Came on a Friday for the Bun Bo Hue. It was decent but service was bad. The lunch lady was just sitting on the side while her workers were doing everything. The worker did not say one word to us, not even a hi or bye. We ordered and she just brought us the food. We saw her talking to a group that came after us. That group was American or European and she even tried to sell the cooking book to them. The bun bo hue was good but nothing amazing and the service left a bad impression.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 D C. 5 years ago on Google
    It is pretty nice place to enjoy Vietnamese street food. They are serving different menu per everyday. The food is tasty and the price is reasonable. The owner, Ms. Thanh is selling cooking book and it is easy to understand how to make it. The book is written by English & Vietnamese languages together. This restaurant is a street restaurant but you can find lots of different things. The owner is very proud of her dishes. Highly recommend.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Oscar C. 3 years ago on Google
    We were really excited to try the Lunch Lady so we rushed there to beat the crowd, we were lucky we were the only ones there. We had Banh Can Cua fish broth with pork, shrimp, crab, mushrooms, fishcake and thick noodles, one of her top 3 dishes and it was great. Be sure to order some Quay to soak in the broth. We paid 60k (around $2.50 US) for each bowl. There are a lot of other places to eat in the alley leading to her spot, save some room to try other local dishes.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Arne J. 5 months ago on Google • 20 reviews
    As other people already said they will (try to) upsell you and I think we were overcharged as well. They will place things like spring rolls and prawn fritters in front of you without you ordering. These will be charged extra. We had 2 bowls of crab udon noodle soups and 4 little spring rolls for 160k which felt like too much. That said, the bowl was big with lots of meat and I enjoyed it. You can probably eat better and cheaper in other places, but I don't regret going.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Linda V. 1 month ago on Google • 36 reviews New
    Everyday is a different menu item. We had Hu tieu beef balls or ribs as the special and it was delicious. Noodles are al dente and the meats were amazing. The soup was tasty, but it was a little salty. It’s a nice spot to check out. We ordered 4 bowls of noodles and it was 200k. If you’re given a plate of spring rolls or sides, only eat it if you’re willing to pay per piece.

  • 5/5 Loreen C. 4 months ago on Google • 29 reviews
    I visited Lunch Lady on a Thursday and they were serving bun mam which is my favourite soup dish. Although the reviews make this place seem overhyped, I definitely think it’s still worth a visit because the soup is just so delicious. They did give us two side dishes at the start but I knew from the reviews here that they would charge us after so I told the workers I didn’t want them. Overall, it was delicious. One large bowl was about 3.50$ Canadian.

  • 5/5 Law M. 1 year ago on Google
    Really good. Came here many times before. The Great and late Anthony Bourdain made this spot famous. Lots of foreigners here trying it out. It's amazing. Came on a Friday and it was good. I wouldn't say it's the best but it's still good. Sin E we in the south, the noodle soup here is more sweet than what you would get in the north. Still highly recommend this place. I want to come back on a Saturday to try her Banh canh. Sounds amazing
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Henry 4 years ago on Google
    My AirBnB is around the corner from the Lunch Lady, and the place is legit. They do place side dishes (2 spring rolls, 2 egg rolls, and a fried batter item) with the meal, but you decline them if you want. I had the side dishes and bowl of the noodles, and my meal cost 120,000 dong, so about $5.30 ... it is pricey by street food standards, but the food is well worth it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kathleen 1 year ago on Google
    22 Oct 2022: Crab Udon Soup!!! Super good, best meal I had so far in HCM.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Nam H. N. 1 year ago on Google
    Tuesday. Oct 25 2022 Rice noddle or vermicelli clear noddle in chicken broth and bamboo! Too much vermicelli and thus ....it was not cooked! It sucks up all the broth n It had to be sent back! THE SECOND coming was better! Had to visit because A. B. did a feature of this place ....One special soup n noddle a day!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 mugphish 1 year ago on Google
    Adding a review to add balance to all the others in recent times. I’ve just had lunch there(Weds) and didn’t get the unwanted extras, they wasn’t even on offer. Vermicelli was al dente, broth had a real depth and a generous amount of meat and prawns. I did notice that a local lass paid 40k(£1.40) and I was charged 60k(£2.10) Just over £2 a dish, for a place that was popularised by Bourdain, is acceptable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 monica w. 1 year ago on Google
    Seriously a recommended place to eat. Her food is amazingly delicious 🤤. She served different menu everyday.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ana Cristina B. 1 month ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    AMAZING FOOD! Everything was absolutely delicious! The menu changes everyday, so you have a chance to come back again everyday to have something different. ;) Also, the lady sells a recipe book for 100k (price of 02/2024), and signs for you! I bought it and it was really sweet of her!

  • 2/5 Dominiq 1 month ago on Google • 13 reviews New
    Came here to try the ‘hype’ and I can say that it’s overhyped. They give you a plate of fried spring rolls, or fried something else, which weren’t very good at all. I ate 1 out of 3 spring rolls that were served. At the end, you are charged 30k for it, so bear in mind before you start eating what you didn’t order. The soup itself is nothing special. A bit on the sweet side as many dishes here are. Gave this place a 2-star just because I’m feeling generous.

  • 1/5 Jennifer L. 1 year ago on Google
    I’m Vietnamese American and they still tried to rip me off cause I’m a “foreigner”. I ordered a dac biet with my friend and they didn’t include 4 other meat toppings. When we questioned them they said cause we’re foreigners and most foreigners don’t eat the pork blood, the pork hock, the tendon etc so it normally goes to waste. We still ended paying the price for dac biet bowls. I come here every time I’m back in Saigon but this will be the last time. There are better tasting places, they got too hyped up cause of Bourdain many years ago and it got to their head. Anywho skip this place it’s not as good as when it first opened.

  • 3/5 Aaron C. 5 years ago on Google
    Made famous by Anthony Bourdain.. and most of the hype is justified. Heartwarming, tasty noodles.. but the fried spring rolls were very disappointing.. would I go there again? Maybe.. as the Lunch Lady has a different dish everyday of the week..

  • 4/5 Yiting 6 years ago on Google
    Street food stall that serves pho with tasty broth. They will serve spring rolls and prawn fritter as appetizers without you ordering. You may return if you don't want any. You will have to pay for it if you eat those dishes. We tried the pho with chicken. It came with thigh and drumstick and the soup was tasty, tho a little oily.

  • 4/5 MG L. 1 year ago on Google
    Reminiscing Anthony Bourdain - sometimes you just want to know what he was experiencing… and it’s kinda comforting to check it off. 60k VND for a bowl of crab noodle soup. Definitely above average compared to what I get back in SG. Though this is probably going to be a typical representation of what you will find generally in HCM.

  • 5/5 El 1 year ago on Google
    Tasty crab soup at a reasonable price. Staff is able to understand English and serves you really well. Food is tasty and well made. Worth a visit

  • 5/5 Frederique De S. 6 months ago on Google
    Nice local place to enjoy Vietnamese food One day, one dish, no menu Price are more affordable Friday Bun Bo Hue with tea is 60 000 VND per person

  • 5/5 Simon H. 5 months ago on Google
    ABSOLUTE bucket list place to visit in Saigon. The great Anthony Bourdain ate here and put this place on the culinary map. Don't hesitate, just go there!

  • 4/5 A F. 3 months ago on Google New
    had the saturday crab noodle soup--broth was excellent, and different than most other pho offerings i have tried. big portion-- for the record, they will default to the larger bowl as a tourist, and they do serve a smaller portion to locals--contrary to what others have said, it isn't actually a scam. if you want the smaller bowl, i guess you have to ask for it. i was fine paying the extra 10-20k vnd for the larger portion. yes, like a lot of other hustles in the city, if you don't ask for it, you can't assume because it is put in front of you that it is free of charge. so unless you feel like eating fritters or spring rolls, don't. just know that you will pay for the items that you choose to eat. we showed up at about 11:20am, and had lots of seating available--10 mins later, it was packed. is it life changing soup? no, but it was worthwhile trying at a premium to other good bowls in saigon. do it for the 'gram. . .

  • 4/5 Taylor N. 1 year ago on Google
    We weren’t greeted on arrival and waited for a while to be helped. We where asked if we wanted two of the bun rieu and that’s what we got. We didn’t get to select a size. Otherwise the food was pretty good.

  • 5/5 Dovile A. 9 months ago on Google
    Must visit The Lunch Lady if traveling to Saigon. The place is known for their different soups day to day that are full of flavour and variety of ingredients.

  • 5/5 Zelda W. 9 months ago on Google
    Went on Saturday and had the crab noodle soup. Different from the usual banh canh cua as I think the soup had a dash of cornstarch to it. My 2nd time there and now I just want to complete the other items on the menu.

  • 5/5 Noah P. 1 year ago on Google
    Only went the one time so can't comment on the rotating menu - it was absolutely delicious on the day we went. A touch more expensive than other places in the area but still great value for money - I think we spent about D80k per bowl for the special (most expensive option). Don't go in expecting any sort of fancy service.

  • 5/5 Nancy J. 11 months ago on Google
    Go here, full experience of Viet dining and the best Bun Bo Hue…on Fridays. A different soup is served on each day. No pho here. The special was 60,000d per person $3.53 CAD.

  • 5/5 Je S. 11 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Amazing! I had the bun Thai soup and it was awesome! Actually had 2 bowls since it was so good! My mouth is watering as I am heading there tomorrow morning to get her crab udon soup! I also had the seafood fried spring rolls and they were good as well! Lunch lady was friendly and even took picture with us. For what she charges and the quality of amazing bowl of noodles is a must when in Saigon!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call +84 933 887 922 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Healthy options
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Vietnamese restaurants nearby

Ngon Restaurant image
1
Ngon Restaurant
Vietnamese restaurant
👍 I've been there 2 times. The First time Everything was perfect! The second time, I was not satisfied For food and service, Perhaps because it was later and the service was tired and not very patient. Also while I was eating they started to clean the tables near mine, with detergents with a very stro...
$$ $$
4.40 (15.4K reviews)
Bui Vien Walking Street image
2
Bui Vien Walking Street
Tourist attraction
😠 It's a street full of pubs. That's about it. Blaring musics. Girls dancing on stage. Tourist. Not recommended. Too noisy. But what really put me off is the people... There can be up to 5 persons grabbing my arms my bags to lead me to their pubs. I have to constantly struggle to keep their hands off...
$$ $$
4.30 (15K reviews)
Pizza 4P’s Lê Thánh Tôn image
3
Pizza 4P’s Lê Thánh Tôn
Pizza restaurant
👍👍 Always love coming to this location. I love handmade cheeze here. Staff is friendly and caring and our favourite pizza brings comfort and great memories every time. A unique pizza experience indeed!
$$ $$
4.80 (10.6K reviews)
Pizza 4P's Hai Ba Trung image
4
Pizza 4P's Hai Ba Trung
Pizza restaurant
👍 Salmon salad is good. Crab pasta is always up to my expectation. However today the pizza is cold.
$$ $$
4.90 (10.5K reviews)
Pizza 4P's Ben Thanh image
5
Pizza 4P's Ben Thanh
Pizza restaurant
😠 They have tried the best to serve the best their chef can cook the Margarita Pizza, however either they do not know how to make pizza or making fool out of customers. Because of too much water in base sauce, its not properly cooked. Also the extra toppings which supposed to be baked with pizza, wer...
$$ $$
4.80 (9.5K reviews)
Last updated:
()