Saigon Bowl Dong Khanh

If you have ever driven down Federal Blvd at Alameda you've seen the large arch at the entrance of the Far East Center  which looks like a strip mall of exotic stores filled with the excitement and promise of good authentic food. A visit to the Saigon Bowl Dong Khanh can soon pop that romantic bubble with the smell of bleach like cleaning products, the sounds of skinamax muzak and the bland taste of faded dreams inside the noodle bowls.

Now this restaurant has been in this spot for as long as I can remember and has helped me through countless hangovers during the long winter months of holiday parties but it does not quite take you back to Vietnam like the surrounding area would lead you to believe.

Ordering the Bun Tom Thit Cha Gio bowl (#56) you find a healthy bowl of rice noodles with shrimp, pork and egg rolls along with the traditional vegetables to which make this dish a classic.  What you don't get are exotic fresh flavors that you would expect from a classic like this. The noodle bowl lacked flavors and the taste primarily came from the meat and broth. Gone are the hints of mint, spices and vegetables that are visually there but don't show up on the palette. Another disappointment is when you list grilled shrimp as your first ingredient on the menu, I expect to find more than two shrimps in my bowl.

Overall you will find the bowls here somewhat pleasing but not a walk on the wild side.