Sumo bar delights with heavyweight sushi

Sumo bar delights with heavyweight sushi

only been in Ha Noi for a couple of weeks, but already he's found love. With its laid-back family feel, mountains of sumptuous sushi and stunning presentation, it's easy to see how Sumo Sushi stole his heart. And his stomach.

Old meets bold: Sumo Sushi Bar combines modern decor with traditional Japanese cooking. — VNS Photos

David Mann's

Nestled amid the chaos of Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, the Sumo Sushi Bar has everything you can expect from a modern Japanese restaurant, and more.

With a loyal clientele of locals and foreigners, Sumo Sushi came highly recommended on the list of things I "had to experience" in Ha Noi. I had barely been on Vietnamese soil a month before I began to crave good Japanese food, so when a friend invited me to go - I was pushing him out the door before he could finish the words "all you can eat".

Sumo Sushi Bar is part of a large family of popular restaurants based around the capital city. Yet to visit its famous brothers and sisters Kichi Kichi, Ashima and Sumo BBQ, I was told I could expect a "satisfying meal" and "good value".

At street view, Sumo Sushi immediately stands out in a modern, triple-storey complex. Whilst its not the easiest place to get to, there was plenty of signage and a generous supply of parking for the lunchtime rush.

Inside, we were greeted with nothing but the warmest of Japanese hospitality - more akin to a host family than a restaurant. A smiling host dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono led us to a table, while wait staff and chefs alike chorused in unison as they greeted us in Japanese.

Sumo Sushi is an intriguing mix of the old and the new. The modern decor of timber, exposed brick and graffiti, complement the traditional elements of Japanese cooking and hospitality. Chefs and hostesses dress in traditional Japanese costume and waiters practice traditional Japanese etiquette; making for an authentic dining experience.

We were led through the ground floor where patrons feasted on a range of 'cold foods' (fresh oysters, spicy tuna hand rolls and sashimi) and up a staircase to the first landing. As we'd arrived during peak lunch hour the second level was heaving with a crowd of business people, couples, families and tourists.

Shell shock: Lime is the perfect addition to the fresh oysters available in the restaurant's 'Sakura' and 'Kiku' buffet options.

Imported meats sizzled on hot plates, people were laughing and families watched as waiters grilled American chuck steak on a bed of white hot coals. Even though it was busy, the vibe was relaxed, unpretentious and fun.

Shortly after taking our seats, a security guard appeared at our table. Smiling, he reached into his pocket and produced the phone I'd absent mindedly left in the sleeve of my scooter. Many reading this review will know this is not how the "I left my phone in my scooter" anecdote typically ends. But this brings home an important point about Sumo Sushi Bar - they like taking care of their customers.

There are two main options for the 'all you can eat' menu. The slightly more modest Sakura Buffet will set you back VND359,000 and entitle you to everything on the menu except the barbeque. Never to shy away from a barbeque, we opted for the slightly more expensive Kiku Buffet (priced at VND399,000 pp) which included everything on the menu - and it's important to say, it isn't short.

Like all bonafide 'all you can eat' enthusiasts we chose to pace ourselves; tuna and sashimi to start, followed by freshly made sushi, hand-rolls, fresh oysters, miso and chicken salad with a tomato sesame sauce.

The sushi was made fresh to order and arrived faster than we could eat it. The salmon melted; the oysters garnished with lime, were silky and salty; and the salad was fresh.

Next, fried specialties including tempura, chicken karaage and croquettes appeared at our request. The star of this lineup though, was undoubtedly the 'Pork short plate with French beans'; a stunning combination of beans wrapped in sizzling bacon and dipped in a divine teriyaki sauce.

Meaty treat: American chuck steak sizzles over white hot coals as a waiter cooks each piece to perfection. — VNS Photos

However, coming here and not feasting on the buffet of fresh meats cooked before your eyes on a custom barbeque built into your table, is practically a capital offence.

Salivating, we watched as our dutiful waiter grilled each piece of 'American beef short rib' and 'Australian beef chuck roll' to perfection and as we sampled the smoky flavours of barbecued steak, balanced perfectly by a sweet sesame dipping sauce, it was clear this wouldn't be our last visit. And it wasn't.

Sinuses packed with meat, fish and beer, we were about to throw in the towel, relenting only for a modest serving of black sticky rice served with yoghurt - a perfect end to the meal.

By this point, we had eaten a mountain of food in under 45 minutes, which brings me to the downside - if there is one. Having too many choices at an 'all you can eat' venue often leads to a psychological condition I like to call "fear of the uneaten" and you'll probably end up ordering WAY too much food.

But, when in Rome... right?

Including drinks your meal can easily have you reaching for a VND500,000 note, but the quality and range of freshly made food you can eat for that price is worth it.

If price is really a factor, think about this - you probably won't need to eat for a few days afterwards. — VNS

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Sumo Sushi Bar

Address: 16 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Ba Dinh District, Ha Noi

Tel: 0437246865

Opening Hours: 11am-9.30pm

Comment: Modern buffet dishes serve up Japanese favourites

Even downpours can't dampen spirits on Red River boat tour

Even downpours can't dampen spirits on Red River boat tour

Red River cruise: Tourists enjoy posing for a group photo aboard the boat. The weekend tour takes tourists to the Bat Trang ceramic traditional village. Photo Kiribane

by Minh Huong

Though rain bucketed down last Saturday, the dry board and smiling faces of those joining the cruise made for a great start to our tour along the Hong (Red) River in Ha Noi.

Valentin Tino Rion, an intern from the German Embassy, joined myself and more than 20 others on the cruise.

The taxi driver who dropped at the cruise's dock had shaken his head in disbelief as I readied myself to jump through the tumultous downpour to board the ship. Why hadn't I chosen a better day, he asked. I told him I had done many tours but never when it was raining. No one could stop me from enjoying it.

The boat disembarked at 7.30am from the dock on Chuong Duong Do Street. We gathered comfortably around a table, laughing loudly as we joked about being trapped on a boat; past the point of no return.

Artistic freedom: A young woman paints her self-made pottery item. — Photos kiribane.squarespace.com

Red River is the second largest river in Viet Nam after the Mekong. Through the rain it looked gently but vast. The young guide told us that the river descends from Yunnan, a mountainous region in southern China and a hub for economic activity in the north of Viet Nam.

After an hour, we reached Bat Trang pottery village, 10km from the downtown. According to legend, pottery production began in the village under the Ly dynasty in the 16th century after pottery makers travelled by boat up the Red River to the former capital of Thang Long, and discovered clay to make pottery. People settled on the land and established a new village.

The rain faded as we entered the village. Modern buildings outnumbered authentic structures of ancient villages, but we enjoyed meandering through narrow streets and alleyways left intact.

Serious ceramics: A group of foreign tourists visit the ceramic market in Bat Trang Village. Visiting the traditional market is one of the major activities of the Red River boat tour. — VNA/VNS Photo Bui Tuong

We were welcomed into a house with unfinished pottery works; where they offered a self-made pottery service for tourists. This looked incredibly fun, but unfortunately we didn't have time.

We admired the many different types and designs of goods; including hanging dishes, vases, toy animals and replicas of statues made using sophisticated techniques and technology.

The local art and craft of pottery was astonishing and I admired the incredible talent of the village artists. Whilst I had intended to shop, I only bought a small cup with my favorite cartoon image.

After spending hours in the village, we returned to the cruise to enjoy lunch.

We were spoilt with chicken, squid, beef, rice and beer – all made for a delicious meal.

The rain clearing, the wind blowing gently through our hair, and with a fresh cup of strong coffee in our hands, we realised what a special day it had been, touring along the Red River. — VNS

Ninh Thuan to organise wine fest

Ninh Thuan to organise wine fest

A three-day International Grapes and Wine festival will be held in Phan Rang City in Ninh Thuan Province to promote the economic potential of the fruit as well as attract tourists.

Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the province, the festival will have more than 100 booths showcasing products made from grapes from Viet Nam as well as and France, Chile, Argentina, Australia, Hungary, Romania, and Germany.

The festival, expected to be held in April, will also feature an exhibition on grapes and wines, cuisine and kite-flying contests, and recreations of the acts of planting, harvesting, and producing wine and other grape products. — VNS

Long Bien Market receives acclaim

Long Bien Market receives acclaim

HA NOI (VNS) — Long Bien Market in the centre of Ha Noi has been named by travel website gobackpacking.com in top five most exciting markets in Southeast Asia.

This biggest central food distribution market in Ha Noi is described by the website as "alive and booming with customers, transportation and delivery vehicles everyday in the early morning hours".

According to the website, the market, which is located to the north of the capital's Old Quarter, impresses with the huge quantity of fresh produce, including giant piles of herbs, tonnes of vegetables and tropical fruit that cover the market and sprawl out onto the adjacent streets.

The Chatuchak Market in Bangkok tops the list and is described as one of the city's biggest attractions for both locals and tourists.

Gobackpacking.com was founded in 1998 by David Lee, a well-known travel blogger, and is a popular online guide to independent travel and one of the top 100,000 sites in the world. — VNS

Malaysia Week sets stage for year-long promotion

Malaysia Week sets stage for year-long promotion

The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board in Viet Nam will organise Malaysia Week 2013 in HCM City from September 12-22 as part of the run up to the nation's Visit Malaysia Year 2014 campaign.

Themed "Colours of Malaysia", the event will include an exhibition booth at the International Travel Expo 2013 (September 12-14) offering visitors tour packages and air tickets to Malaysia at attractive prices. They can also witness performances by Malaysian artists.

The tourism board has partnered once again with the New World Saigon Hotel to bring a taste of Malaysia to HCM City from September 12-22, which will include specialties like Nasi Lemak, Chicken Masak Merah, Mutton Curry and Melaka Chicken Rice Ball.

A Malaysia Tourism Day for the youth will be held at Galaxy Nguyen Du, the cinema complex, on September 15. — VNS

Vung Tau attracts hikers

Vung Tau attracts hikers

Apart from swimming, enjoying seafood, visiting pagodas, and conquering the towering statue of Jesus Christ in Vung Tau, visitors should also try hiking up Nho (Small) Mountain to admire the lighthouse as well as the panoramic view of the city and the ocean.

To reach the lighthouse, visitors can take a taxi to the foot of the mountain and walk up to the top where the white lighthouse is situated at a height of 170m

They can also rent a motorbike and reach the top in just 10 minutes.

The two-storey lighthouse was built in 1862 and renovated in 1913. It is 18m high and its light can be seen 30 miles away at sea.

The top offers a wonderful view of the sea, a lake, mountains in the distance, immense green trees and colourful buildings and houses in the town below. — VNS

Sumptuous Asian specialities delight by the sea

Sumptuous Asian specialities delight by the sea

A true taste of Asia: Cafe Sambal Restaurant serves authentic and delicious Malaysian and Chinese specialties.- Photos Courtesy of Petro House Hotel

Mouthwatering Malaysian and Chinese dishes, and a halal-compliant kitchen, are the jewels in the crown of Petro House Hotel's sensational Cafe Sambal. Vo Le Hong makes the scenic trip to Vung Tau to find out more. more.

After travelling an hour and a half by hydrofoil from bustling HCM City, it was a welcome change to reach Vung Tau, with its sea breezes, fresh air and spectacular attractions. This "Bay of Boats" is worth considering as a weekend getaway destination.

At my friend's invitation, I visited Petro House, a boutique business hotel located right in the heart of Vung Tau.

Irresistible: The restaurant's take on Nasi Lemak comes complete with flavours and spices straight from Malaysia.

Renovated last year, the hotel still retains the charm of the original colonial architecture, with columns and arch windows, offering spacious and modern guest rooms that deliver comfort, safety and internet connectivity.

Petro House is not only an ideal place to stay but also a perfect venue for business or social gatherings in a casual setting.

At the hotel, my friend introduced me to the restaurant's manager who offered us specialties prepared by a team of chefs from Malaysia.

Not to be missed: The beautiful Sambal roast duck is a particular highlight.

The hotel's Cafe Sambal restaurant serves authentic Malaysian and Chinese specialties. Catering to diners of different palates, the restaurant can satisfy varying dietary requirements, and the menu has something for everyone, including a halal-compliant kitchen.

Popular with diners are Malaysia's unique curries and China's noodles, barbeque and wok dishes.

It was interesting for us to compare a Nasi Goreng with Chinese wok-fried rice and Char Koay Teow with stir-fried seafood in egg broth with hor fun (soft noodles).

My favourite dish, however, was Sambal roast duck, which had beautifully glossy, crackling and crispy skin and a stunning mahogany colour. The meat was succulent and the smell unforgettable.

To serve, the chef brings the duck to the table and carves off the skin first. The thin and crisp skin is served on a thin pancake with cucumber and spring onion pieces, and topped with a special sauce.

The Sambal roast duck sounds similar to Peking duck but the taste is different with special flavours and spices from Malaysia.

Grilled greatness: A selection of fresh seafood, beef, sausages and satay offers a gloriously extravagant option.

Diners can ask the chef to cook the meat to their specifications in such dishes as wok-fried noodles, wok-fried rice and steamed roast-duck soup.

Another special experience was the Teh Tarik, a presentation of the art of tea pulling by the bartender. The longer the pulling, the more bubbly and flavoursome is the Teh Tarik.

At the hotel restaurant, you can start your day with a bowl of Sambal roast duck noodles at VND47,000++ (US$2,35++), and at lunch, diners can order a combo menu for VND178,000++ ($8,9) per set of five dishes, including Malaysian, Chinese, Western or Vietnamese combinations.

For those who prefer a more robust dinner, an extravagant BBQ buffet is an excellent option, featuring a mouthwatering selection of fresh seafood, beef, sausages, satay and mixed skewers on the grill.

At the carving station, there will be roast duck, roast chicken and char sieu chicken thighs.

In addition to these dishes, I sampled Petro House Hotel's other specialities, including Nasi Lenmak and Nasi Goreng Kampung, all of which made my stay unforgettable. - VNS

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Petro House Hotel restaurant

Add: 63 Tran Hung Dao Str., Ward 1, Vung Tau City.

Tel: +84 64 3852 014

Hours: 24/7

Comment: Authentic Malaysian & Chinese cuisine at reasonable prices.